Our Guide to Tapas Specialists to Explore for Your Fix of Spanish Bites in KL
Made to share
We introduce you to six of KL’s favourite Spanish restaurants, where you can get your fill of tapas plates.
Sharing plates are the easiest way to experience a menu in its entirety and as Malaysians, we’re no stranger to the notion of family-style meals. The more, the merrier, right? Well, in the case of tapas, it’s always a yes. The spirit of sharing is never dimmed when it comes to Spanish cuisine. During every tapas-ridden meal, some of the brightest and freshest ingredients make their way to your table after being kissed by some flames or even chilled before plating. Whether your palate leans towards flavours from the sea or land, a tapas menu is an infallible way to get your tastebuds all fired up. Within our KL dining scene, there are a handful of restaurants that locals can rely on for a tapas meal that will deliver nothing but Spanish satisfaction.
MESA ON 51
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At Mesa on 51, your tapas will be served with a side of incredible views, courtesy of the Kuala Lumpur skyline. The tapas plates here are all about showcasing the bold cooking that Spanish cuisine is known for—and they don’t skimp on flavour. Its range of offerings promises something for everyone at the table, whether they’re leaning towards seafood or meat or even spicy or sweet, Our list of must-haves includes its staple patatas bravas (triple-cooked potatoes with allioli and brava sauce), gambas ajillo (tiger prawns with garlic and EVOO), pulpo canario (grilled Spanish octopus), ajo blanco (beetroot-marinated salmon with almond garlic sauce), and Carabinero roll (Carabinero prawn tartare on a bread roll). Additionally, its drinks are also not to be missed, especially its sangria and Nikkei cocktail.
Address: Level 51, Permata Sapura Tower, Lot 91, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Daily — 5pm to 2am
Contact: +603-2386 6030
BOCADO
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Another upscale tapas destination in KL is Bocado, located in Bukit Damansara. Perfect for family lunches, celebratory dinners, and everything in between, the restaurant has got everything you need for a filling Spanish meal with a Galician touch. Its menu is centered around its Josper grill, which cook all of its seafood and meats to perfection. Crowd favourite tapas choices include gambas al ajillo (prawns with garlic-chilli olive oil), tortilla Española (Spanish potato omelette), pulpo a la Gallega (grilled Atlantic octopus), and mejillones en escabeche (mussels with brioche). Don’t forget to bulk up your meal with a paella and some grilled meats!
Address: Ground Floor, Bangunan ECM Libra, 8, Jalan Damansara Endah, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Daily – 12pm to 3 pm & 6pm to 10.30 pm
Contact: +6012 923 3206
LAS MENINAS
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Over at The Exchange TRX, Las Meninas serves as the Dining Terrace’s prime destination for tapas and other Spanish bites in its airy space. Whether you’re choosing to fuel up in between shopping or ending your day out here, its extensive menu has got you covered. While its tacos, steaks, and paellas are all worth having at the table, its tapas will surely steal the spotlight. Must-haves include its mushroom croquetas, albondigas (lamb meatballs), gambas al ajillo (prawns with garlic olive oil), and chorizo con papas (chicken chorizo with potatoes).
Address: Dining Terrace, L2T.07.0 & L2T.07E.0, Level 2, The Exchange TRX, 55188 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday – 10am to 10pm | Friday to Saturday – 10am to 11pm
Contact: +6011 4004 3466
VERMUT
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Tucked away in a corner of Jalan Mesui, Vermut brings the bold and fiery flavours of Spain right into the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Lively, feisty, and energetic, the restaurant is the perfect after-work hangout, where the tapas and sangria will do the talking. Its menu has got all the Spanish staples, but its specials are what sets it apart. We’re talking gooseneck barnacles, monkfish liver pate on toast, tuna belly with tomatoes, socarrat paella, and chistorra a la sidra (Spanish semi-cured sausages). Pair the plates with its house sangria and you’ll be set for the night.
Address: 7, Jalan Mesui, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 5pm to 12am
Contact: +6010 450 9280
BARRA
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Those in Chinatown who are in the mood for some Spanish flavours can head straight for Barra. Perched along the ever-bustling Jalan Petaling, this restaurant provides a laidback yet refined setting for any occasion. Its menu is distinctly Catalonian, with chef Ignasi Prats leading the pack by the flames. Every meal here should include a plate of its sliced jamon Iberico, pulpo (grilled Atlantic octopus with mashed potatoes), entrecote de ternera (grilled Australian Wagyu ribeye), black truffle and mushroom croquetas, and hotate vieras (Japanese scallops with white wine sauce).
Address: 158, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 12pm to 10.30pm
Contact: +6016 588 3966
BARRACA
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For similar pork-free Catalonian recipes, make a reservation at Barraca, Barra’s sister restaurant at The Campus Ampang. A great stop for some Mediterranean flair during your day out exploring the venue, Barraca is an easy choice for a hearty meal. Some standouts on the menu include tuetano con tartare de vaca (bone marrow with beef tartare), fideua (Catalan-style paella with seafood), calamares (deep-fried calamari), and entraña (Spanish skirt steak). Its desserts are also worth adding to your orders, especially its crema Catalana and torrijas con helado de vainilla (brioche toast soaked in citrus-infused milk).
Address: L1-08 The Campus Ampang Jalan Kolam Air Lama, Mukim, 68000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Daily – 12pm to 10pm
Contact: +6019 216 2559
For more food and drink recommendations, click here.
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