Manchester’s most outstanding tapas

Considered a leader of UK Spanish cuisine, La Bandera offers exquisite tapas in the centre of Manchester. It specialises in Canarian cuisine, making it a unique type of tapas style to the UK. Also, expect to have wonderful Spanish wines, cocktails and lots of sangria available to drink along with your food. For the tapas, we recommend getting the tasting menu to enjoy eight courses, embarking on a journey through the tastes and colours of the Canary Islands and the cuisine there. The classic Spanish potato omelette and the Spanish ratatouille are great options to start off your tapas journey. Expect the traditional dishes of patatas bravas, Spanish chicken wings and chorizo in red wine, too. Try the famous squid ink croquettes from Chipiron and the Iberian tenderloin steak served with a beautiful mango chutney sauce. Lastly, the Quesos Asados, which is Canary grilled white cheese with Canarian mojos and honey are favourites of ours because they are specifically Canarian and hard to get elsewhere in the UK. La Bandera serves the very best fish, meat and vegetarian tapas right in the heart of Manchester.

Created by famous head chef Simon Shaw, this Michelin star restaurant has a beautifully crafted tapas menu. Since 2016, Manchester’s city centre has been home to this wonderful restaurant. There are multiple ways to eat here, from al fresco pavement dining, eating in the ground floor bar, the main restaurant on the middle floor and the chef’s table right next to the open kitchen so you can witness all the thrills of Spanish cooking. There is also an amazing terrace on the roof for those rare but brilliant sunny days in Manchester! El Gato Negro recommends having five or six dishes for two people. There are five main tapas sections: the para picar (nibbles), fish, meat, charcuterie and vegetables. From the nibbles we like the bocadillo and bikini sandwiches the most. The first has ham, Manchego and truffle butter, whilst the other contains chorizo, goat’s cheese and avocado. From tiger prawns and wonderfully chargrilled lamb skewers, to deep-fried goat’s cheese with honey, there is so much to choose from. Once you visit you will realise why this quite affordable restaurant has a Michelin Star. It simply has amazing food.

Dimitri’s serves up a fantastic variety of tapas that bring the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean right to your table. You can enjoy tasty bites like juicy lamb koftas, spicy patatas bravas, and tender calamari, all made with fresh ingredients and lots of love. It also has great vegetarian options like grilled halloumi, marinated olives, and delicious spanakopita filled with hot spinach and Dimitri’s flavourful Istanbuli dip. For something different, try Dimitri’s fried chicken lollipops in breadcrumbs served with a spicy mayo. 

At Canto, you can enjoy a mix of small plates like crispy patatas bravas, spiced lamb meatballs and jamón croquetas. Vegetarians can enjoy grilled veggies, heavenly hummus, and the popular padrón peppers. Seafood lovers will be thrilled with the salt cod fritters and crispy fried baby squid. If you fancy a tipple or two, you should try Canto’s Tipsy Tapas offer, which includes three tapas dishes and unlimited mix and match drinks for £40 per person. You can choose from a selection of wine and cocktails, including sangria and the classic Aperol Spritz.

Looking for an authentic Catalonian experience? Tast Catala is the perfect place to enjoy these tasty dishes and soak up an authentic Barcelona-like atmosphere right in the heart of Manchester. If you’re looking for an authentic tapas experience, head to the Tast Bar and Terrace, where you can enjoy traditional Catalan ingredients and cooking styles. This stylish spot offers a great variety of tastets, which means ‘a small taste of food’ in Catalan. You can dig into dishes such as fresh fried calamari, chargrilled octopus and everyone’s favourite – bravas potatoes. 

If you’re looking to grab a quick lunch in Manchester, Cosy Club is the ideal spot. Here, you’ll find a great selection of sharing plates that give off a tapas vibe. It’s all about digging in, chatting and sharing, making your meal a relaxed, social event. The dishes are hearty and easy to share, so everyone can sample a bit of everything. The laid-back, stylish setting is perfect for hanging out with friends or family. The menu features mouthwatering options like treacle-cured pork belly bites, fried halloumi drizzled with hot honey, garlic and paprika prawns, and lemon and basil hummus served with flatbread.

The tapas menu at The Beeswing is a real treat for anyone who loves small plates with big flavours. You’ll find delights like the albondigas – tender meatballs served with a rich homemade tomato salsa – and tender patatas a la pobre roasted with onions, red peppers in a delicious white wine and garlic stock. The Beeswing’s ambiance complements the tapas experience perfectly. If you’re still feeling peckish after sampling the tapas menu, you should try the tasty requeson, which are hand rolled chocolate dusted cheesecake balls served with a fruit coulis or if you prefer to sample the wine menu, there are plenty of excellent options from all around the world.

For a unique experience, head to Witch Kings where you will feel like you’ve entered a fantasy realm. The small plates menu bursts with vibrant flavours and creative twists on classic dishes, making it ideal for sharing. Try the triple-cooked roast potatoes, served with garlic aioli and a tangy tomato relish that gives them a deliciously bold kick – think of them as a modern take on patatas bravas. For cheese lovers, there’s the mini three-cheese fondue, complete with toasted ciabatta for dipping. If you’re looking for a vegan option, the cashew fondue provides a rich and creamy alternative that’s both satisfying and flavourful.

Head to The Smithfield Social and sample tapas-inspired small plates, which are perfect for sharing and packed with flavour. You can dive into slow-cooked chilli and ginger ribs, which are tender and spicy, or enjoy the crispy salt and pepper squid. For a flaky, savoury treat, try the spinach and feta filo parcels. The KFG Korean fried chicken and KFG Korean fried tempeh with kimchi add a Korean twist to the mix. The relaxed, stylish vibe of The Smithfield Social makes it a great spot for a casual get-together with friends.

At Folk, the small plates are a true highlight, offering a range of flavorful dishes perfect for sharing. You can indulge in birria beef croquettes with chipotle mayo and pickled jalapeños, adding a spicy kick to your meal. The prawn pil pil is another standout, featuring succulent prawns cooked in a rich, garlic sauce and the whole baked halloumi provides a deliciously gooey, savoury option. If you love patatas bravas, try Folk’s version; crispy fried potatoes topped with salsa verde and saffron aioli. It’s an absolute winner!