The best Spanish restaurants in the Tatler Dining Guide 2023

Crave-worthy tapas, hearty paella, juicy cochinillo, and a notable wine list—indulge in a Spanish feast infused with some Filipino touches when you dine at Azucarera. Whether you come by for a sunset date over happy hour drinks or for an intimate family gathering, the timeless food and cosy ambience will surely make Azucarera a Bacolod City favourite.

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Now a reliable go-to for Spanish fare across Metro Manila, Bar Pintxos started as a hidden resto bar in Alabang. With comforting mains like oxtail stew and paella, well-made cocktails, and of course, decadent pintxos, dining at Bar Pintxos is an invitation to graze and imbibe in a relaxed setting.

Related: Neighbourhood Guide: 17 Restaurants, cafés and bars in and around Alabang

A well-kept secret among foodies in the know, Beso Beso offers diners an intimate meal that celebrates the marriage of Filipino and Spanish flavours. Choose between their à la carte offerings, tasting menu, or call ahead for special requests like funky tapas or and plant-based dishes.

See also: Tatler’s ultimate plant-based guide for vegans and vegetarians in the Philippines

Drawing from his culinary training in San Sebastián, chef Kennedy Alfonso cooks up Spanish favourites at Bueno Tapas & Wine Restaurant. Cosy and warm, the restaurant is an ideal date night destination, whether you opt to dine al fresco or at the booths inside.

Related: How Bueno Tapas and Wine Restaurant celebrates the culinary culture of Spain

A trusted name since 1995, Cirkulo Restaurant is the Milky Way Group’s dedicated Spanish establishment. Often cited as bringing tapas culture to Metro Manila, the restaurant is also known for its paella, cochinillo, and Filipino essentials like sisig.

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Escape the hurried hustle and bustle of Pobalcion and find gastronomic respite at Hola Bombón. With tropical Art Deco interiors, the contemporary Spanish restaurant boasts fan favourites like pintxos, paellas, and chuletón, as well as fun picks like Miguel’s sandwich with beer-braised pulled pork and mango jam.

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While its chic, vibrant ambience is a natural attraction, La Picara’s playful Spanish dishes remain the star of the show. Must-try dishes include the adobo croquetas, Asian-inspired paella creations, and their selection of cheeky cocktails. Book a seat during the day for a relaxed meal, and watch the roof deck come alive come nightfall.

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While Pablo Bistro is also known for its International selections like lasagna, sandwiches, and even Filipino breakfasts, its Spanish DNA continues to shine brightest. With thin house paellas, juicy steaks and signature tapas like gambas, octopus carpaccio, and salpicao, their Spanish specialities will surely delight. Be sure to order some wine and cocktails too—they’ve got a great list to complete the meal.

See also: 11 Best restaurants for al fresco dining in Legazpi and Salcedo Village

Looking for a quick bite and some delicious cocktails? Snag a seat by the bar at Perrochiko, ideal for post-work catch-ups to ease you into the evening. If you’re after a heftier meal, opt for a larger table with plush eating so you can dig into their paella, beef cheeks, black cod, and other indulgent picks.

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With delicious tapas, hearty mains, and a well-appointed G&T bar, Rambla is a true gem in the Rockwell neighbourhood that makes the perfect backdrop for leisurely get-togethers. With a variety of seating options available, it effortlessly fits into any occasion—have your special events on the second level, get cosy with friends at their comfortable booths, or opt for the bar for dinner and a show with a view into the open kitchen.

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Luxury boutique establishment Anya Resort Tagaytay refreshed its premier dining destination in 2022: Samira by Chele González, complete with a new menu and a new partner chef. With heartfelt service, relaxed interiors, and lush greenery enveloping the property, the dining destination continues to put sustainability and love for local at the forefront of their work—a value shared by both Anya and chef González.

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Once at the helm of Alma Siargao, a popular Spanish restaurant at the beloved island destination, chef Luis Martinez has opened up a contemporary dining destination in Metro Manila. At Terraza Martinez, his Valencian roots come to the fore, where seafood tapas and perfected paellas take centre stage.

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Part deli and part restaurant, Terry’s Bistro is a long-loved Spanish institution by enologist and chef Juan Carlos de Terry. Apart from well-known dishes like gambas, salpicao, and chorizo, unique creations like the manchego dumplings and marquesa de chocolate make Terry’s Bistro well worth the visit.

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Luxurious jamon and delicious wines may be Txanton’s specialities, but there’s more to the restaurant than these two prized treats. Their Ibérico secreto, txuleton, and cochinillo are rightful favourites just the same—just remember to pre-order these centrepiece dishes well in advance.

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