The best Spanish restaurants from the Tatler Dining Guide 2024

The Bar Pintxos menu is definitely—and quite literally—a mouthful. Specialising in small but flavourful bites, Bar Pintxos offers customers an extensive menu, seasonal offerings, and diverse flavours that are sure to transport diners to the vibrant streets of San Sebastian. Showcasing the artistry of Basque cuisine, pintxos remain at the heart of the experience, but other Spanish favourites like paella, rabo de toro, and gambas al ajillo are well worth a try just the same.

Tatler Tip: For a truly indulgent pintxo, consider their off-menu item: foie con cana de cabra, a seared foie gras speciality that infuses the sweetness of truffle honey with the tart smokiness of torched goat cheese.

Read more: The 24 best restaurants for al fresco dining from the Tatler Dining Guide 2024

Inspired by chef Kennedy Alfonso’s experiences in Barcelona, Madrid, and San Sebastian, Bueno Tapas & Wine brings the delectable flavours of Spain to Metro Manila. Their carefully crafted menu takes the Filipino palate into account, providing unique yet familiar dishes like stews and grilled seafood to name a few. Enjoy beloved Spanish fare rooted in tradition, delicately accented with some modern techniques in a warm, welcoming environment.

Tatler Tip: While paella may be more common in the Philippines, Bueno Tapas & Wine also offers some hearty arroz dishes well worth a try—discover a new way to enjoy Spanish rice while better understanding the nuances between the two dishes.

For 28 years, the Gamboa family-run restaurant has been a reliable favourite for gatherings of all sorts and notable milestones too. The Spanish menu features classics such as a selection of tapas, flavourful paellas, and popular draws like their cochinillo asado and slow-roasted US beef belly. You might be surprised to see sisig on the menu, but it is there for a reason–definitely a must-try on your next visit.

Tatler Tips: As with most long-running restaurants, Cirkulo has some off-menu items like a refreshing gazpacho that provides a light opener for what is bound to be a decadent meal.

Read more: The best sisig in the Philippines according to top chefs

Led by chefs Heny Sison and Alex del Hoyo Gomez, this converted home-turned-restaurant features innovative spins on traditional Spanish cuisine. Though the menu veers towards the contemporary palate, they remain true to their roots, with enticing dishes like croquetas, arugula salad with fried goat cheese, gambas al ajillo y gulas, Ibérico pork, and cochinillo. Additionally, their charming La Tienda deli showcases speciality Spanish products including wine, freshly baked bread, and cakes.

Tatler Tip: Their delectable cochinillo Castellano is available for pre-order and is a surefire way to impress your companions.

Timeless and authentic Spanish cuisine with a particular focus on Catalan-Mediterranean fare is what you’ll find at this smart-casual establishment. Meat and seafood are cooked in the Josper oven and given a distinctly smoky flavour, a method similar to the Catalonian practice of slow cooking over a barbecue grill. The self-taught chef David Amoros manifests his gastronomic vision in a unique culinary experience for all diners, drawing much inspiration from family recipes passed down from generation to generation.

Tatler Tip: Try their arroz de gambas, an off-menu dish of Catalan-style red prawn rice with a heavenly socarrat.

Culinary maestro Chele González brings the flavours of Spain to the shores of Cebu at Enye. Located at the Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, the restaurant offers a wide selection of traditional and modern Spanish specialities. No dining experience is complete without delectable wine, especially when the meal consists of delicious Spanish tapas—be sure to pick a bottle from the restaurant’s well-curated list.

Tatler Tip: Looking to celebrate a special occasion? The Enye team can whip up tasting menus and set menus, available upon request.

Maria Kucina Familia is designed to be an extension of home, dedicated to providing a warm-hearted, nostalgic experience through comforting food, an inviting atmosphere, and thoughtful service. The restaurant serves as a testament to Bacolod’s reputation as one of the country’s greatest food capitals. While rooted in Negrense-style cooking, guests can also indulge in Spanish and Italian favourites.

Tatler Tip: Try off-menu specialities including the chicken Alexander casserole, canonigo, or KBL—an essential in Negrense cuisine.

See also: Where to order paella in Metro Manila 2024

With its cosy atmosphere, warm hospitality, and creative takes on comfort food favourites, Mijo centres itself around the beloved Filipino family table. Led by chef Enrique Moreno, this relaxed Poblacion haunt treads the fine line between the nostalgic and the novel—think sisig tacos, cochinillo croquetas, and pork belly asado with kimchi fried rice. Cap off your meal with drinks at the rooftop bar before heading out on a night about town.

Tatler Tip: Once you’ve eaten your way through all of Mijo’s popular signatures, try out the off-menu chuleton: an Australian rib-eye with three sides, perfect for sharing.

Who knew that there was a pocket of Spain right in the heart of Salcedo Village? Pablo Bistro invites you to unwind with friends over a tasty feast of tapas and paella at this warm, frequently visited, neighbourhood watering hole. Aside from the authentic Spanish fare, what gathers a crowd of regulars is their playful list of tipples and wines.

Tatler Tip: Book a table for Friday nights at Destino Pablo, where they can kick back and enjoy groovy beats by some of Manila’s best DJs.

Related: This restaurant has been a Salcedo Village favourite since 2014—here’s how Pablo Bistro did it

At Samira, the simple, yet powerful grill stands as the kitchen’s heart and soul. Here they embrace a fusion of culinary styles from different cultures and regions, effortlessly merging traditional techniques and tastes with modern touches. As Anya Resort Tagaytay’s flagship restaurant, you’re assured of heartfelt service, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed, yet elegant atmosphere with every visit, making this dining destination truly worth the drive.

Tatler Tip: For a more elevated dining experience, call ahead and book Samira’s six-course tasting menu and wine pairing.

Invigorating flavours are served from the open kitchen to the ocean-inspired dining space resembling the coasts of Valencia— the town chef Luis Martinez calls his home. At Terraza Martinez, he brings you Spanish-Mediterranean cuisine that ranges from the authentic to the novel. Delight in his speciality paella (a dish he mastered at just seven years old) while sampling his innovative, contemporary tapas.

Tatler Tip: Stop by earlier in the day to try their new lunch specials. Looking for a feast? Don’t miss their monthly Fiesta del Parque event with unlimited paella and cochinillo.

See also: Tatler Dining exclusive preview: Alma, Poblacion

Envisioned as a haven for jamón and wine enthusiasts, Txanton offers an immersive, educational tasting experience that you won’t find elsewhere. The speciality store is also a full-fledged restaurant, where chef Justo Rodrigo Lopez utilises his decades-long expertise in cooking tantalising Spanish staples to win over the palates of discerning foodies. Set in a cosy, intimate space, Txanton feeds one’s curiosity for the finest artisanal delights, be it from the shop or the kitchen.

Tatler Tip: Txanton is constantly innovating with its menu, perfect for those who love to try new things. Ask about their off-menu carabineros or scarlet prawns next time you dine.

Read more: Where to order wine 2024: 21 Wine shops that deliver in Metro Manila

The metro has its fair share of Spanish restaurants, but none quite like Txoko Asador. Offering both traditional and contemporary takes on Spanish favourites, this inviting Legazpi Village haunt stands out from the crowd. Discover their innovative take on staples like pan con tomate or try out unique dishes like the arroz caldoso cangrejo. Pair these with their reliable wine and cocktails selection, but do make sure you save room for dessert—the creamy espuma de yogur y fresas makes a refreshing, sweet-tart end to a decadent meal.

Tatler Tip: Once you’ve eaten your way through their signature hits, try the off-menu pollo al ast: roast chicken covered in their housemade spice rub and given the Josper treatment.