Melbourne has always had a knack for turning dining into an experience, and Spanish food is no exception.

The city’s Spanish restaurants bring big, bold flavors to the table — Spanish garlic prawns (Gambas al Ajillo), sizzling chorizo, and slow-cooked meats that pair perfectly with a glass of wine or sangria. It’s the kind of food made for sharing, laughing, and lingering a little longer.

From Melbourne CBD to the inner suburbs, you’ll find Spanish restaurants that serve tapas just the way they do in Barcelona or Madrid.

Some keep it old-school with time-honored recipes, while others aren’t afraid to shake things up. Either way, Spanish food is always rich, vibrant, and full of soul.

Here are the 8 best Spanish restaurants in Melbourne that serve authentic flavors, vibrant tapas, and an unforgettable dining experience.

Best Spanish Restaurants in Melbourne

1- MoVida

Google Rating: 4.5

Located at 1 Hosier Lane, MoVida is widely regarded as the best Spanish restaurant in Melbourne.

If you’ve experienced Spanish cuisine in cities like Madrid or San Sebastian, you’ll still be impressed by the quality here.

The food, wine selection, and service all deliver a world-class experience that’s hard to match locally.

The lively ambiance adds to the appeal, making it perfect for both special occasions and casual visits.

Start your meal with their Freshly Shucked Oysters for a refreshing kick.

Also, the Pincho, featuring chargrilled adobo-spiced chicken oysters and hearts with pickled garlic salsa verde, is a must-try.

For something hearty, order the CARRILLERA DE BUEY — beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez, served over smooth cauliflower puree.

Another must-try item on the menu is the CECINA, which has air-dried Wagyu beef, truffled potato foam, and a poached egg.

If you are a seafood lover, you need to order PAELLA DE MARISCO, packed with prawns, mussels, clams, and garfish.

2- Bombabar

Google Rating: 4.4

Bombabar, located at 103 Lonsdale Street, is a Spanish tapas restaurant combined with a rooftop bar, offering both great food and a laid-back vibe.

The ground floor features a stylish yet relaxed setting where timber decor and soft lighting create a cozy space for sharing tapas.

From your seat, you can watch the open kitchen and bar team in action, making the experience more engaging.

Kick things off with APERITIVO. You should either order oysters or snapper tartare with pickled cucumber and seaweed crisp.

For mains, the braised beef with mushrooms and cauliflower is a must-try for its rich, tender flavors.

The bone marrow is another indulgent option on the menu that regulars rave about.

If you are a seafood fan, you should order the Arroz Negra, a striking squid ink paella with blue grenadier, calamari, prawns, and a dollop of aioli.

The flavors in every dish are balanced with a delicate use of herbs and spices. Also, the attentive service, including fresh plates between courses, elevates the overall dining experience.

3- Añada Bar & Restaurant

Google Rating: 4.5

Located at 197 Gertrude Street in Fitzroy, Añada Bar & Restaurant brings the charm of Southern Spain to Melbourne.

The atmosphere feels intimate yet lively — ideal for date nights or small gatherings.

Everything on the menu reflects authentic taste. Their house-baked bread with ajo blanco sets the tone, and the seafood paella is a local favorite.

Also, don’t miss the octopus —it’s the best you can ever have!

Other must-try items on the menu include the lamb skewer, goat’s cheese cracker, and patatas bravas, which stay perfectly crispy.

The scallops with sobrasada and tuna crudo are also worth ordering for their flavors and presentation.

You should definitely order a Spanish wine from their impressive selection, offering something for every taste.

The balance of quality food, beautiful wines, and cozy vibes makes Añada a must-visit in Fitzroy when you’re craving Spanish cuisine that feels authentic yet affordable.

Also Read: Best Argentinian Restaurants in Melbourne

4- Tinto

Google Rating: 4.6

Tinto, located at 555 Burwood Road in Hawthorn, delivers an authentic taste of Spain with its Catalan-inspired menu.

It’s a Spanish restaurant in Melbourne where you can settle in for a relaxing evening of tapas, wine, and conversation.

Start your experience with their Pan de Casa — organic country sourdough that’s simple yet satisfying.

The glazed lamb ribs are rich in flavor and a definite highlight among the appetizers.

But the real star here is the seafood paella, loaded with mussels, prawns, squid, and octopus. Many regulars say it’s one of the best in Melbourne.

Tinto offers great value, especially considering the quality and portion sizes compared to other spots.

The overall vibe is warm and inviting, making it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.

If you appreciate authentic Spanish flavors paired with carefully selected wines, Tinto is a place you’ll want to return to.

5- El Rincon

Google Rating: 4.5

Located at 69 Victoria Street inside Queen Victoria Market, El Rincon is a laid-back yet authentic Spanish tapas restaurant right in the Melbourne CBD.

Open on market days and weekends, it’s a great stop after exploring the market. The casual setting feels like a neighborhood favorite, but the food is distinctly memorable.

Their tapas menu is extensive — the tuna tartare is fresh and well-seasoned, while the paella de arroz negro delivers fresh seafood flavors.

Don’t skip the Portarlington mussels served in a garlicky tomato broth with olive bread — perfect for dipping.

The gambas al ajillo, featuring prawns with garlic and chilli, is another must-try.

El Rincon also offers a great variety of Spanish wines that pair beautifully with the Spanish food.

The friendly and attentive service enhances the experience, making El Rincon one of the best Spanish restaurants in Melbourne.

6- Bar Lourinhã

Google Rating: 4.3

Located at 37 Little Collins Street, Bar Lourinhã is a small and cozy spot near the Paris End of Melbourne.

It’s the kind of place where every dish feels special, especially if you’re craving authentic Spanish flavors.

The pork dish here is exceptionally good — when mine arrived, even the neighboring table commented on how amazing it smelled. The taste is even better than the aroma.

Another item on the menu that you need to order is the roasted wild-caught prawns with turmeric butter.

You can also order the Portuguese duck with pistachio rice, it’s amazing!

Even the roasted chicken served with piripiri and ginger butter is mouthwatering and fulfilling.

For dessert, don’t miss the pomegranate crema with pistachio praline — a unique treat that’s sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy all at once.

Just be mindful of the extra charges: there’s a 2% surcharge for card payments, 7.5% on weekends, and 15% on public holidays. Despite this, it’s worth every cent for the experience.

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7- Crossley St Cantina

Google Rating: 4.4

Crossley St Cantina, located at 30-32 Crossley Street, is one of Melbourne’s hidden gems when it comes to Spanish food.

The olive tomato with corn chips is a must-have starter — the flavors work perfectly with their drink selection.

Also, the chorizo and mushroom entree is rich and satisfying.

The crispy Brussels sprouts is another item on the menu that you must order, it’s sweet and caramelized just right.

For mains, you should go for the roasted lamb ribs that are tender and full of flavor.

If you are a seafood lover, you should definitely try the poached prawn roulade.

To finish, the burnt cheesecake is the perfect dessert — creamy with a slightly charred top.

Their cocktail menu isn’t huge, but each cocktail drink is well-crafted.

8- Simply Spanish

Google Rating: 4.2

Located at 116 Cecil Street in South Melbourne, Simply Spanish brings the vibrant flavors of Spain to the South Melbourne Market area.

The seafood paella here is one of the best — every bite is loaded with fresh seafood and deeply flavored rice thanks to the rich seafood stock.

Also, their beef and cheese empanadas are a must-try, while the beetroot salad with cheese, honey, and walnuts offers a sweet and tart combination that’s refreshing.

Another popular item on the menu is the grilled whole calamari, cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere is casual yet energetic, with friendly staff who make you feel welcome.