Summary of the Best Tapas Spots in Philadelphia
Mom always said it was important to share, but we bet even she would be hard-pressed to hand over a small plate from any of these seven tapas spots, which are considered by many to be the best restaurants of their kind in Philadelphia.
Amada
Helmed by Iron Chef Jose Garces, this buzzed-about eatery serves contemporary Andalusian tapas within an airy, industrial-chic space in Old City. Don’t skip the aged Manchego, drizzled with truffled lavender honey.
217 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106; (215) 625-2450
Tinto
Another remarkable tapas haunt from Iron Chef Jose Garces, Tinto shines a spotlight on tapas inspired by Spain’s Basque region. The menu of small plates is augmented by a well-curated list of Spanish wines and ciders.
For a post-meal sweet, walk across the street for a scoop of Italian gelato from Capogiro, one of Philadelphia’s premier ice cream parlors and gelaterias.
114 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103; (215) 665-9150
Tria
Tria may be best known as one of Philadelphia’s most-loved wine bars, but this Euro-style bistro, which has locations in Rittenhouse Square and Washington Square West, is equally lauded for its menu of seasonally inspired small plates. Think fennel-roasted almonds, goat cheese and pesto bruschetta, and gourmet pressed sandwiches.
Tria Rittenhouse: 123 S. 18th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103; Tria Wash West: 1137 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Valanni
Sultry lighting and sleek, modern decor define the space at this tapas bar-meets-cocktail lounge on Spruce Street. Small plates draw influence from the cuisines of the Mediterranean and Latin America, with paella, burgers, and steaks rounding out the menu. (Take our advice and order the crispy Brussels sprouts.)
1229 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107; (215) 790-9494
Volver
Looking for a fine dining experience? Reservations at Volver, Jose Garces’ performance-arts-inspired eatery within the Kimmel Center, are certain to impress.
At this elite dining destination, guests enjoy 8- or 12-course tasting menus centered around seasonal ingredients and global cuisines.
300 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102; (215) 670-2303
Bar Ferdinand
This lively, atmospheric restaurant is tucked away within NoLibs’ Liberties Walk. Here, mosaic bulls preside over dinner outings arriving for house-marinated olives, egg-topped pancetta flatbreads, pork belly sandwiches, and pitchers of berry-infused white wine sangria.
1030 N Second St, Philadelphia, PA 19123; (215) 923-1313
Jamonera
From the creators of salted caramel budino, a beloved dessert in the city, Jamonera attracts patrons with its creative Spanish tapas and larger entrees.
Scoring a two-top at this buzzworthy Midtown Village spot requires a bit of patience; however, a little advance planning offers access to delightful dishes like the fried goat cheese and pickled rhubarb in the crispy cana de cabra salad.
105 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107; (215) 922-6061
