Best 15 Spanish Restaurants in Dubai

  • by Restaurants in Dubai

Best 15 Spanish Restaurants in Dubai

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Sotirios Seridis

Digital Marketing & Analytics Instructor 👨‍💻 // Teaching companies how to make every marketing dollar SMARTER 🚀 // Working on projects I love ❤️ Exploring New Cities ✈️ Unique Cafes ☕️ and Digital-Nomading around the world! 🌏

Spanish is one of the many cuisines that you can taste in Dubai. Its delicious plates are unique, and its food is guaranteed to please. That’s why we have gathered a list of the best Spanish Restaurants in Dubai so that you can try the finest gastronomical options of Spain in the middle of UAE. Take a look at their types of cuisine, locations, websites, social media links, and phone numbers so you can stop by and enjoy!

 

Best Spanish Restaurants in Dubai

You may have only a brief idea of Spanish cuisine prior to actually tasting it. If you’re in Dubai and want to dine outside, listed below are a few of the most popular Spanish Restaurants in Dubai:

 

1. Casa De Tapas

Casa De TapasIn the luxurious Hyatt Restaurant in Dubai, Casa de Tapas is one of the city’s most famous Spanish restaurants, modeled after old rustic bodega-style venues in Madrid alleyways.

 

 

2. Asador de Aranda

Asador de ArandaAsador de Aranda centers its cuisine on slow cooking. This technique in a clay oven improves the texture and succulence of dishes while also increasing the flavor and retaining the nutritious values of the vegetables. They serve vegetarian and vegan cuisine and menus tailored to persons with food allergies.

 

 

3. BOCA

BOCABOCA is a restaurant and bar in Dubai’s business district that celebrates the cuisines of the Mediterranean coastal areas of France, Italy, and Spain. They take whatever is fresh, and tasty to do as little as possible to it, and share it with those who share their values.

 

 

4. Argentina Grill La Mer

Argentina Grill La MerTechnically not Spanish, this Argentinian-style grill brings the marvels of the asado to Dubai. Argentina It carries the traditions, rituals, and fiery spirit of the Argentinean carnival. Every aspect is carefully considered so that you may experience the full flavor of their parrilla, which is the core of Argentine Grill. 

 

 

5. Toro Toro

Toro ToroFocused on South American cuisine, Toro Toro by Chef Richard Sandoval is Dubai’s top South American concept, serving colorful Pan-Latin cuisine with authentic Peruvian and Brazilian flavors. Its chic interiors feature flashes of flora, tribal Latin patterns, palm palms, and black walls.

 

 

6. Salero – Tapas & Bodega

Salero - Tapas & BodegaThis unique tapas menu combines classic food-sharing plates with a contemporary twist and selections from Spain’s top bodegas. With live entertainment, from the bustling kitchen cranking up authentic paella dishes and homemade Sangria to perfect Flamenco dances, it is a true Spanish corner in Dubai.

 

 

7. Seville’s Restaurant & Bar

Seville's Restaurant & BarSeville’s is a Tapas Bar and Spanish restaurant in Wafi City. Of course, their best is their Tapas, and a fantastic assortment of regional specialties foods from Spain, available at this colorful Spanish restaurant and bar. Seville’s is the place to go for a great night out with excellent company, thanks to its distinctive menu of small-sharing meals.

 

 

8. Lola Taberna Española

Lola TabernaLOLA Taberna pays homage to Spanish cuisine and culture in a casual and relaxing ambiance, from the hectic streets of modern Barcelona to the old port of Cadiz, where the Andalusian flamenco queen Lola Flores originates from. LOLA brings back those lengthy Spanish family lunches that evolve into feasts, with food made from the heart and music sung from the spirit. 

 

 

9. El Sur Spanish Restaurant

El Sur Spanish RestaurantEl Sur has a peaceful yet elegant environment, with authentic Spanish flair, and features al fresco eating on its stunning outdoor patio, earthy décor, and trendy artwork and furniture.

 

 

10. Tasca

TascaTasca is an innovative restaurant from chef José Avillez that has recently been given one Michelin star in 2022. It is located on the sixth level of Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah, Dubai. Tasca’s cuisine serves authentic Portuguese flavors with a modern touch. A wine list featuring the widest collection of Portuguese wines in Dubai, as well as an enticing choice of specialty cocktails, round out the menu.

 

 

11. La Mezcaleria Downtown

La Mezcaleria DowntownFrom Taco Tuesday to Night Brunches and daily in-house DJs, La Mezcaleria is dedicated to delivering experiences worth returning for. With great views of Dubai from the rooftop of the Anantara Downtown Hotel, their extensive selection of specialty drinks and over 50 Globally inspired meals on the menu have been meticulously picked, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

 

 

12. Urla Restaurant & Lounge

Urla Restaurant & LoungeURLA brings the best food from Spain, Greece, and Western Turkey. It is located on the Fountain Level at the Address Downtown Dubai Hotel, just opposite the Burj Khalifa, with show-stopping views of the Dubai Fountains, encouraging you to enjoy them as you taste delicious food.

 

 

13. Bebemos Dubai

Bebemos DubaiWith Bebemos, Hôtel Méridien Dubai Hotel and Convention Centre bring Spain’s most famous culinary tradition of Tapas to Dubai. Bebemos combines the region’s strong flavors with its remarkable artistic past, drawing inspiration from Spain’s gastronomic scene. 

 

 

14. Nido Restaurant & Bar

Nido Restaurant & BarLatin-inspired cocktails and local Spanish wines are some of the drinks to choose from in Nido. Their meals are complemented with beverages that go down smoothly, from attractively presented Gambas and Chorizo (tiger prawns with beef chorizo) to juicy Empanadas (sample the cottage cheese pastry loaded with mixed mushrooms and confit shallot).

 

 

15. Myrra Restaurant

Myrra RestaurantMyrra is a restaurant that transports you to the rich cuisines of the Greek and Spanish islands. It belongs to Club Vista Mare. This location provides an indoor, outdoor, and seaside experience inspired by Greece and Spain.

 

 

Closing Thoughts on the Best Spanish Restaurants in Dubai

As you see, Spain’s culinary scene is well-represented in Dubai. There are plenty of restaurants that honor Spanish traditions (as well as some Mediterranean, Portuguese, and Latin American). You can’t go wrong with any of the dining places on the lists, they simply know their game and are happy to receive guests from all around the world. They are undoubtedly the best Spanish Restaurants in Dubai and you will always find something new on each menu that you’ll enjoy.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Spanish Restaurants in Dubai

What is Spanish cuisine known for?

Spanish cuisine is known for its diverse and flavorful dishes, as well as its emphasis on using fresh, high-quality ingredients. It is also known for various Spanish tapas (cold or hot Spanish appetizers or snacks) including world-famous national foods of Spain like iconic jamon iberico, legendary paella, and glorified gazpacho.

Spanish cuisine has a range of regional favorites like Basque pintxos, Andalusian fried fish, and Catalan crema catalana. In general, Spanish cuisine is recognized for its powerful flavors, utilization of fresh components, and its appreciation of consuming food as a communal and cultural experience.

 

Spanish cuisine is known for its variety of flavors and dishes, which vary depending on the region. Some of the most popular Spanish dishes include:

1. Paella

A dish of saffron-flavored rice cooked with meats, seafood, and vegetables. Originating in the rice-growing areas on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, the dish is especially associated with the region of Valencian rice dish cooked with saffron and a variety of ingredients such as chicken, seafood, and vegetables.

Paella’s name came from the Valencian word for the frying pan. The traditional paella pan is round, shallow, wide, and has a short handle on either side.

2. Tortilla Española

Tortilla Española, also known as tortilla de patatas, is a classic Spanish dish that is often served as an appetizer or light meal. It is a thick omelet made with potatoes, onions, and eggs, and it is typically cooked until the outside is crispy and the inside is soft and tender.

The dish is made by sautéing thinly sliced potatoes and onions until they are soft and tender and then combining them with beaten eggs. The mixture is then cooked on the stovetop until the bottom is golden brown and crispy, and then flipped over and cooked on the other side until fully cooked through.

3. Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a classic cold Spanish soup, perfect for sweltering summer days. A chilled soup made with tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, and bread. 

4. Patatas bravas

Patatas Bravas is a popular Spanish appetizer that consists of crispy fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce. The dish is typically made by cutting potatoes into small cubes or wedges and then frying them until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside.

The spicy tomato sauce is usually made with tomatoes, garlic, paprika, chili peppers, and olive oil, and it is often drizzled over the potatoes just before serving.

The dish is often served as a tapa in bars and restaurants throughout Spain and is a delicious and satisfying appetizer that is perfect for sharing. Some variations of the dish may include mayonnaise or aioli on top or a combination of the two sauces. Fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce.

5. Churros con chocolate

Churros con chocolate is a popular Spanish dessert consisting of a deep-fried dough pastry, called churros, which are usually long and thin. The churros are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they are often served hot, sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon.

The chocolate part of the dessert is a thick hot chocolate dipping sauce, which is often made with high-quality dark chocolate and milk. It is served alongside the churros, and the churros are dipped into the chocolate sauce before eating.

Churros con chocolate is a beloved snack or dessert in Spain and is often enjoyed for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, and it is typically served in cafes or specialty churro shops called churrerías.

6. Pulpo a la gallega

Pulpo a la gallega, also known as polbo á feira, is a traditional Spanish dish from the region of Galicia, in the northwest of the country. The dish consists of boiled octopus seasoned with olive oil, paprika, and coarse sea salt, and is typically served with boiled potatoes. The octopus is usually tenderized by freezing it before cooking, then boiling it in water for about an hour until it is tender.

The dish is often served at festivals and fairs in Galicia, hence the name “polbo á feira,” which means “fair-style octopus.”

7. Croquetas

Croquetas are a popular Spanish snack or appetizer made from a mixture of mashed potatoes, béchamel sauce, and a variety of fillings, such as ham, cheese, chicken, or seafood. The mixture is then formed into small, cylindrical shapes, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried until crispy and golden.

Croquetas are loved for their crispy exterior and creamy, flavorful interior. They are versatile and delicious snacks that can be enjoyed at any time of day, and they are a staple of Spanish cuisine.

8. Fabada asturiana

Fabada Asturiana is a delicious bean stew prepared using fabes de la granja, large white beans, simmered with smoked ham, and a variety of cured pork. What makes it truly a fabada are the unique fabes beans native to the Asturias.

9. Bacalao al pil-pil

Bacalao al pil-pil is a traditional Basque dish from northern Spain that is made with salted cod (bacalao), olive oil, garlic, and chili peppers. The dish is prepared by slowly cooking the cod in olive oil until it becomes tender and flakes easily.

As the fish cooks, the gelatin from the skin and bones emulsifies with the olive oil, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce. To serve, the dish is typically garnished with fresh parsley and served with crusty bread.

10. Huevos rotos

Huevos rotos is a traditional Spanish dish that literally means “broken eggs.” It is a simple and rustic dish that consists of fried eggs on top of a bed of crispy fried potatoes, usually served with ham or chorizo.

To prepare huevos rotos, sliced potatoes are first fried in olive oil until crispy and golden brown. Then, fried eggs are placed on top of the potatoes, and the yolks are broken, hence the name “broken eggs.” The dish is served with a sprinkling of sea salt and some chopped parsley.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious and popular Spanish dishes you can enjoy.

 

What is unique about Spanish food?

When it comes to Spanish cooking, the most significant factor that stands out is the focus on fresh ingredients, local recipes, and, above all, a variety of seafood and fruits. But there are several things that make Spanish cuisine unique and distinctive:

Regional diversity

Spain is a country with many different regions, each with its own unique culinary traditions and specialties. From the seafood-rich coastal regions to the meat-centric inland areas, there is a great deal of variety in Spanish cuisine.

Emphasis on fresh ingredients

Spanish cuisine emphasizes the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, such as fresh seafood, local vegetables, and high-quality meats.

Bold flavors

Spanish cuisine is known for its bold, robust flavors, often achieved through the use of strong spices, garlic, onions, and olive oil.

Tapas culture

Spain is famous for its tapas culture, which involves small plates of food that are often shared among a group. This allows for a wide variety of flavors and dishes to be enjoyed in a single meal.

Use of traditional cooking methods

Spanish cuisine relies on traditional cooking methods, such as grilling, roasting, and sautéing, to bring out the best flavors in each dish.

Celebration of food and community

In Spain, food is not just fuel, but a celebration of community, family, and culture. Many traditional Spanish dishes are tied to holidays, festivals, and other special occasions, and are meant to be shared and enjoyed with loved ones.

 

What are the must-try Spanish dishes?

Spanish restaurants in Dubai offer a wide variety of dishes, so it can be difficult to decide what to try. Here are some of the must-have Spanish dishes from the menu that are sure to satisfy your hunger.

1. Must-Try Spanish Appetizer

Appetizers in Spain can be served either hot or cold, just like many other cuisines from around the world. These dishes are straightforward to prepare, so they don’t take up much time. As a result, apart from restaurants, pubs and bars often offer these meals.

Here are some popular Spanish appetizers you could find at the Spanish restaurant in Dubai.

  • Tapas: a variety of small dishes, often served as a selection of appetizers or snacks
  • Patatas Bravas: fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce
  • Croquetas: small fried croquettes typically filled with ham, chicken, or cheese
  • Pan con Tomate: bread rubbed with garlic and ripe tomatoes, then drizzled with olive oil
  • Gambas al Ajillo: sautéed shrimp in garlic and chili oil
  • Boquerones: marinated white anchovies typically served with bread or olives
  • Pimientos de Padrón: small green peppers fried and served with sea salt
  • Queso Manchego: a type of sheep’s milk cheese often served with bread and olives
  • Ensaladilla Rusa: a potato salad typically made with tuna, peas, and mayonnaise
  • Salmorejo: a cold tomato soup similar to gazpacho, typically served with chopped hard-boiled egg and ham.

 

2. Must-Try Spanish Main Course Dishes

The range of Spanish main courses is broad, from meals featuring meat to vegetarian-friendly options, from simple recipes to more complex dishes with a variety of spices. Let us tell you more about them.

  • Paella: a rice dish typically made with seafood, chicken, and saffron
  • Tortilla Española: a thick omelet made with potatoes and onions
  • Gazpacho: a cold soup made with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic
  • Fabada Asturiana: a hearty stew made with white beans, chorizo, and pork
  • Cocido Madrileño: a stew made with chickpeas, vegetables, and various meats
  • Pollo al Ajillo: chicken cooked in a garlic sauce
  • Caldo Gallego: a soup made with white beans, potatoes, and collard greens
  • Fideuà: a noodle dish similar to paella but with noodles instead of rice
  • Escalivada: grilled vegetables such as peppers, eggplant, and onions
  • Lentejas: a lentil stew often made with chorizo and vegetables.

 

3. Must-Try Spanish Dessert

A Spanish dessert is a sweet dish that is typically served at the end of a meal in Spain. Spanish desserts can range from light and refreshing to rich and decadent, and they often feature ingredients such as fruit, nuts, dairy, and chocolate.

Here are some must-try Spanish desserts you should grab when you visit Spanish Restaurant in Dubai:

  • Flan: a creamy custard dessert with caramel sauce on top
  • Turrón: a nougat-like candy made with honey and almonds
  • Churros: fried dough pastry often served with chocolate dipping sauce
  • Crema Catalana: a dessert similar to crème brûlée with a caramelized sugar crust
  • Polvorones: crumbly, shortbread-like cookies often made with almonds
  • Rosquillas: a type of doughnut made with aniseed
  • Natillas: a type of custard flavored with cinnamon and lemon
  • Torrijas: similar to French toast, but typically soaked in honey and wine
  • Buñuelos: fried dough balls often filled with cream or chocolate
  • Arroz con Leche: Spanish rice pudding typically flavored with cinnamon and lemon zest.

 

4. Must-Try Spanish Drinks

In addition to the delicious food, there are many types of Spanish drinks that should not be overlooked when visiting a Spanish restaurant in Dubai. Here are a few of the must-try Spanish drinks:

  • Sangria: a wine-based punch typically made with red wine, fruit, and brandy
  • Tinto de Verano: a refreshing summer drink made with red wine and soda or lemonade
  • Cava: Spanish sparkling wine similar to Champagne
  • Sherry: a fortified wine made in the Jerez region of Spain
  • Horchata: a sweet, milky drink made from tiger nuts or almonds
  • Agua de Valencia: a cocktail made with orange juice, cava, vodka, and gin
  • Vermut: a type of fortified wine often served as an aperitif
  • Kalimotxo: a popular drink made with red wine and cola
  • Clara: a refreshing beer mixed with lemonade or soda
  • Café con Leche: coffee with hot milk, similar to a latte.

You can get a preview of what Spanish cuisine is like before you actually have the chance to try it. After reading the information above, how much does your appetite compel you to get some Spanish food?

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