Rebecca DavisFinding the best tapas in Philadelphia means diving into a world of sizzling garlic shrimp and crispy patatas bravas.
What I love most about sharing small plates is that it works for any occasion, whether it’s a romantic dinner for two, a lively gathering with friends, or somewhere in between. It keeps the meal social and fun.
I’m actually very happy that our city’s tapas scene has serious range: upscale, chef-driven rooms with polished menus sitting right alongside cozy neighborhood spots where locals linger over wine and conversation.
Each one brings its own take on Spanish flavors, so you can explore and discover what clicks for you. Read on to know my top picks!
How much do tapas cost in Philadelphia?
A tapas spread in Philadelphia typically runs $20 to $100 per person. The total depends on how upscale the venue is and what you order.
| Restaurant Type | Expected Cost per Person |
| Casual Dining & BYOB Spots | $20 – $40 |
| Mid-Range / Popular Spots | $30 – $80 |
| High-End / Upscale Spots | $50 – $100 |
| Average Full Meal with Drinks | $40 – $60 |
1. Amada Philadelphia
Website: https://philadelphia.amadarestaurant.com/
Address: 217-219 Chestnut Street
Contact: (215) 625-2450
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM; Friday, 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Saturday-Sunday, Lunch 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Dinner 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Amada Philadelphia pioneered authentic Andalusian tapas in Philly when it opened in 2005. Located in a gorgeous Old City building, this flagship spot from Iron Chef Jose Garces channels a real Spanish bodega vibe.
I love how the space features rustic decor, hanging jamóns, and a spacious layout. It truly makes a great backdrop for social dining!
Plus, you’ve got options depending on your mood here: at the six-seat chef’s counter for a front-row view of the open kitchen or in the main room with custom sangrias and a curated Spanish wine list. You can’t go wrong with either.
My cousin and I grabbed a spot here last month, and the lively energy won us over right away.
Just know their happy hour deals are limited, so weekend diners pay full price for their small plates.
Customer Reviews
Food packs flavor and great value
Got to finally check out Amada for Brunch. Was pleasantly surprised. Jenn who greeted us gave great recommendations. By far one of the best Espresso Martinis I have had in the city. Food packs flavor and great value. Try the Bacon Wrap Dates!
- Rocco | Google Review
Outstanding dining experience from start to finish
Amada Philadelphia delivered an outstanding dining experience from start to finish. The cocktails were crafted perfectly—balanced, flavorful, and a great start to the night. The salad was fresh and packed with flavor, and the paella was truly exceptional, with rich seasoning and perfectly cooked ingredients. The service and atmosphere made the meal even better. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a top-tier dining spot in the city.
- Derek Paradise | Google Review
2. Barcelona Wine Bar
Website: https://www.barcelonawinebar.com/
Address: 1709 Passyunk Ave
Contact: (215) 515-7900
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Friday, 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Saturday, 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Sunday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Anyone looking for a dynamic night out on East Passyunk Avenue will fall for this Barcelona Wine Bar’s big Spanish wine program and rotating social dining experience.
It’s notable how this place skips modern tech tricks like QR codes in favor of a low-tech, high-touch hospitality style that keeps the human side front and center.
Plus, the kitchen turns out a great, rotating menu of rustic Mediterranean small plates that pair nicely with their wine flights. It feels like a lively neighborhood party every night, which makes it perfect for loud, energetic group meals.
The flip side is the dining room gets really crowded on weekends, which leads to long waits. Open street parking nearby is also a known headache, so you might circle the blocks for a bit before you sit down.
Customer Reviews
Completely blown away
We’ve gone a couple times for happy hour but this was our first time for a full meal. We were completely blown away! All the tapas were so yummy and the paella and branzino were fantastic. Even dessert impressed us! Could not recommend more. Great interior, great music, great service, and delicious food!
- Maureen Fleming | Google Review
The vibe is always a 10
Wow we went in pretty early, we got 3 items I. Charcuterie board I think about 4 tapas and paella. And olive cake at the end 🙂 we ATE! We were definitely veryyyyyy full by the end but this
Place is such a staple I used to go to the Denver location all the time and it’s so nice to say this
Place matched it. I was able to get one picture but service was top tier, the vibe is always a 10 and good music. 10/10
- Alia Intriago | Google Review
3. Oloroso
Website: https://www.olorosophl.com/
Address: 1121 Walnut St
Contact: (267) 324-3014
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
For an authentic Spanish tapeo experience in Center City, Oloroso brings the tradition of going out for small plates to life.
Named after a specialty Spanish sherry, this quaint Walnut Street spot pairs a curated drinks program with strong culinary work led by chef-owner Townsend Wentz. He famously brings his background in chemistry and biology to his cooking.
The restaurant even earned a “Three Bell” review from the local press, which is impressive!
A coworker of mine recently raved about their happy hour. It’s actually a must-try when you’re in the area. It runs Tuesday through Friday and features great deals on select dishes.
The catch is the fine-dining vibe can feel a bit stiff if you’re hoping for a casual, rowdy local night. The premium pricing also leads to noticeable markups on wine, which can push the bill up.
Customer Reviews
Five course tasting menu had absolutely no misses
Fun place for a night out with some friends. Great drinks, 5 course tasting menu had absolutely no misses. Chefs choose what you get and it was all amazing. The paella was of course the star of the show. The cod meatballs and strip steak were also top notch. Dessert was phenomenal as well. Shoutout to Katie for her kind and warm service. Can’t wait to come back
- Michael Michael | Google Review
15/10 and I highly recommend
This place was 15/10 and I highly recommend. The feel in the bar area was exciting and then in the back with the dining area was so cool. The food though was absolutely incredible. I tried the Chef’s special because they said it was a food adventure and I can definitely say that it was quite an amazing adventure. If you can let the chef pick your food and if you’re open to try different flavors I’d for sure do it!
- Steven Ignacio | Google Review
4. A Taste of Spain
Website: http://www.atasteofspain.us/
Address: 104 S 21st St
Contact: (267) 216-4900
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Born as a popular specialty grocery stall in Reading Terminal Market, this Rittenhouse gem has real heritage, as its owners are from Spain.
A Taste of Spain stands out for its made-from-scratch traditional recipes using rare imports like acorn-fed Iberico ham and real Manchego cheese.
I also appreciate how there’s a BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) option here, so you can bring your own Spanish cider or wine. With this, sharing their well-organized menu is easier on your wallet.
One tip to consider: Their seafood and meat plates are great, but saving room for their authentic Basque cheesecakes is a must for dessert lovers.
I’m just iffy about the small space that fills up fast at peak hours, so reservations are a smart move. They also have limited operating days, so you can’t grab a midweek bite on Mondays or Tuesdays.
Customer Reviews
The chef remembered us
We came here for my husband’s birthday and a lovely time. The food was amazing and the flavors brought him back to his study abroad days in Salamanca. The chef remembered us from event they catered at reading terminal and was incredibly kind – coming out to the table and speaking to us. Our server was attentive and awesome too! Thanks for making our night so special ❤️
- Caroline Rhoads | Google Review
Found this gem on Google Maps
Found this gem on Google Maps! If you’re looking for a San Sebastian cheesecake, I highly recommend this place. The portion was generous and served with homemade jam — it tasted just like something your mom would make. I also ordered a cappuccino for $5. The cheesecake was $8, and this place is definitely worth a visit!
- Kiana Dehkhoda | Google Review
5. Fitz on 4th
Website: https://fitzon4th.com/
Address: 743 S 4th St
Contact: (215) 315-8989
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Saturday-Sunday, 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Fitz on 4th is a fully vegan tapas and cocktail spot that works great for group dining. It’s also officially Certified Kosher Pareve, meaning it’s approved for those keeping kosher dairy-free.
Run by chef-owner Alison Fitzpatrick and her son, the restaurant partners with local farms to source fresh ingredients such as lion’s mane mushrooms and other seasonal picks.
Fitzpatrick’s background in healthcare shapes her approach to plant-based cooking, prioritizing whole foods and nutritional balance.
The three-course prix fixe menu is a solid value and makes ordering simple for groups. I love how the menu also includes gluten-free options alongside the full range of small plates. No wonder it’s a favorite among local plant-based diners!
The main limitation, however, is that the entire party has to order the same three-course menu. Plus, if you’re after traditional pork or seafood staples, you won’t find it here.
Customer Reviews
Authenticity of the place
I tried this vegan spot with a vegan friend and I was honestly surprised by the atmosphere and authenticity of the place. The interior is beautiful and the overall vibe inside is great. The food was good, though as someone who doesn’t usually eat vegan, some dishes were a bit different for my taste. We tried the gnocchi and the crab cake, and also a couple of mocktails. The mocktails weren’t quite my favorite, but overall it was a really nice experience. Definitely a wonderful place for people who enjoy plant-based food.
- Alex Verst | Google Review
A gem on South Street
Fitz on 4th was everything! The food was excellent—flavorful, fresh, and beautifully plated. The vibe was warm, cozy, and full of good energy. My family and I had such a great time here. It felt intimate yet lively, with a welcoming atmosphere that made us feel right at home. I’ll definitely be coming back. This spot is a gem on South Street!
- Mitzi Longmore | Google Review
