Eat Spain Drink Spain: A Spanish celebration of food, wine and perfect pairings

Spain stands among the world’s great food and wine nations - a land where tradition, passion, and creativity come together on the plate and in the glass. From the sun-drenched vineyards of Rioja to the wild, seafood-rich shores of Galicia, Spanish cuisine is deeply rooted in local ingredients and time-honoured techniques. It’s a culinary culture defined by expressive simplicity and bold, soulful flavours.   

Tapas culture invites connection - a joyful, communal way of eating that celebrates sharing and spontaneity. In contrast, slow-cooked classics like paella and cocido Madrileño speak to a love of depth, patience, and richness.  

Modern Spanish cooking is both respectful of tradition and thrillingly inventive, indulgent and healthy, offering a stage on which the country’s hugely diverse wines shine. Whether it’s the structured elegance of Rioja reds, the crisp vitality of Albarino from Rías Baixas, or the celebratory sparkle of Cava, Spanish wines are crafted to complement - never overpower - the food they accompany. The same goes for cocktails and beer.

And the best way to experience the depth and diversity of Spanish food and wine? Britain’s great restaurants, of course. Across the country, they offer high-quality, authentic experiences that bring Spain’s culinary brilliance to life. Think of beloved institutions like Pizarro, Moro, and Brindisa, alongside bold, modern trailblazers such as Txikiteo, Tast Catala, Prince Arthur, and Frame. 

This is all part of the 2025 Eat Spain Drink Spain festival (12-28 Sept). To celebrate this vibrant culture, SquareMeal has been invited to collaborate with restaurants and their talented chefs, sommeliers, and managers to create exclusive food and wine pairings - the kind that silence doubters and spark curiosity. This initiative is part of a global celebration, shining a spotlight on the richness and variety of Spanish gastronomy - a joyful fusion of regional tradition, creativity, and convivial spirit. From Edinburgh and London to Birmingham, Liverpool, and Manchester, restaurants across the UK are taking part in this delicious showcase. 

So dive in - read, discover, and be inspired. Better yet, visit one of these restaurants and try the special pairing or menu that they have chosen to showcase the extraordinary world of Spanish food and wine, fully explained in their own words! It’s a gourmet journey well worth taking. 

Spanish restaurants in London

Frame, Notting Hill

What: Sleek Notting Hill restaurant Frame takes inspiration from lazy European afternoon lunches, leaning into fresh, modern European flavours with a Spanish twist.
Dish: Mushroom croquetas with alioli, mojo rojo and kimchi  
Wine: Txakoli, Hika, Getariako, Txakolina, Basque Country 23/24  
Pairing: ‘The inspiration for this dish comes from the Basque Country where mushrooms, especially in September are very popular’, says co-founder Pawel Leszek. ‘I always look for a contrast. Earthy flavours of mushroom - deep and intense - with sweet and spicy roasted peppers in mojo rojo and the punch of acidity from kimchi is a great combination of flavours in one bite of croqueta. Then pair it with a lean, dry, spritzy Txakoli - also from Basque Country - with its crisp, fresh acidity. It’s a great contrast with the deep fried croqueta.
Price: Expect to pay £8 for mushroom croquetas and £10 for the Txakoli 
Book now: Frame

Vagabond Monument 

What: Industrial-chic interiors with high ceilings, velvet sofas, and dramatic lighting set the scene, but it’s the extensive by-the-glass wine selection that truly defines this stylish wine bar. 
Dish: Chorizo with Vagabond red wine reduction   
Wine: Vagabond x CVNE Rioja Crianza  
Pairing: ‘Rich, spicy chorizo glazed in a glossy reduction made from Vagabond’s own red blend meets the smooth, smoky depth of our bespoke Rioja Reserva’, says executive chef Marco Pastoris. ‘The wine’s oak-aged structure balances the paprika heat and brings out the dish’s savoury core’. The same chorizo dish is served at Vagabond Battersea (in Battersea Power Station) but can be tried with an entirely different wine for an entirely different but equally rewarding experience.
Price: £8 for the chorizo dish and £7.90 for a glass of the wine (125ml), subject to availability  
Book now: Vagabond Monument

Maresco, Soho

What: This cool Soho spot is always buzzing with life. Grab a counter seat upstairs and watch the busy kitchen turning out nimble tapas plates, focused on great Scottish seafood.
Dish: Grilled zamburiñas (queen scallops), cauliflower emulsion and crispy chorizo  
Wine: Palo Blanco, Tenerife 2023  
Pairing: ‘The grilled zamburiñas (queen scallops) with their delicate sweetness, meet the creamy depth of cauliflower emulsion and the rich, smoky touch of crispy chorizo’, says co-founder Naroa Ortega. ‘Meanwhile, in the glass, the Palo Blanco, a volcanic white from Tenerife, brings vibrant acidity and subtle salinity that lift the dish, cut through the richness, and reflect the coastal character. A refined, harmonious pairing where land and ocean meet in perfect balance.’
Price: £16.50 for the queen scallops and £14 for a glass of the Palo Blanco wine 
Book now: Maresco

Pizarro, Bermondsey

What: Acclaimed Spanish restaurant by José Pizarro, where top-quality ingredients shine in refined, flavour-packed dishes. A must-visit for lovers of authentic Iberian cuisine with a contemporary, elevated twist. 
Dish: Galician sirloin, romesco, roasted baby leeks and triple-cooked chips 
Wine: Lustau Amontillado del Castillo 
Pairing: ‘This succulent Galician sirloin is served with smoky romesco, sweet roasted leeks, and crisp triple-cooked chips’, says chef empresario Jose Pizzaro. This results in a richly flavoured dish that displays a masterful balance of texture and flavour. Earthy sweetness and subtle heat add complexity and depth, for which Galician beef is famed, as well as umami notes, also echoed in the sherry. ‘Paired alongside Lustau Amontillado del Castillo, whose nutty, saline character and bright acidity cut through the dish’s richness’,’ continues Pizarro, ‘this wine brings a poised balance that elevates both the steak and the romesco.’ 
Price: Expect to pay £60 (shared between two) for the dish, and £11 per glass (50ml) for the sherry  
Book now: Pizarro

Moro, Clerkenwell

What: A trailblazer of Moorish-Spanish cuisine, Moro blends bold Mediterranean and North African flavours in a rustic, buzzing setting. Seasonal ingredients and open-fire cooking define this Exmouth Market favourite. 
Dish: Wood roasted pork belly or chicken with caramelised onions, chanterelle mushrooms and braised spinach, pine nuts and raisins 
Wine: Diatomists, Oloroso, Jerez de la Frontera 
Pairing: ‘This pairing works beautifully due to the shared depth and complexity of both dish and wine’, asserts Moro founder Sam Clark. ‘The wood-roasted pork belly or chicken offers rich, savoury flavours balanced by sweet caramelised onions, earthy chanterelles, and plump raisins. Diatomists Oloroso brings oxidative notes of dried fruit, nuts, and umami, mirroring and enhancing the dish’s components. Its dry, saline finish cuts through fat and sweetness, while its textural weight stands up to the richness. The result is a layered, harmonious match where savoury, sweet, and earthy elements are echoed and elevated by the wine’s structure, warmth, and lingering complexity. It screams taste me!’ In addition to this hero pairing, Moro will be matching Arroz de marisco (seafood rice with scallop, cuttlefish, saffron and alioli) with a Bodesga Robles PX fino. And, for pudding: Malaga raisin ice cream with NV Pedro Ximenez from Emilo Hildago.
Price: £65 for the complete menu, including the pairings
Book now: Moro

JOIA, Battersea

What:  Sitting proud atop art'otel London Battersea Power Station, this chic art deco spot marries Iberian cooking with the best power station views in the capital. Nab a drink at JOIA Bar before for the full experience.
Dish: Txuleton Salamancan Black Angus sirloin, aged 30 days, 700g 
Wine: Bodegas Lan, Crianza 2021, Rioja, Spain 
Pairing: ‘A hearty txuleton (Basque-style T-bone steak) pairs exceptionally well with Rioja wine. The wine's rich, fruity flavours and robust tannins complement the grilled meat's richness and char.’ But JOIA’s sommelier, David Nunes, isn’t finished explaining the pairing there. ‘Txuleton is intensely flavourful with a rich fat content and aged complexity. As a Tempranillo-based red, Rioja brings bold tannins, deep red fruit and earthy undertones that match the meat’s power without overpowering it. The tannins act as a natural palate cleanser, cutting through the txuleton’s marbled fat and enhancing its savoury depth - all creating a balance that resets your taste buds between every bite and sip. And with both txuleton and Rioja originating from regions in northern Spain (Basque Country and La Rioja), this harmonious pairing is also a nod to local tradition and gastronomic heritage, something that’s deeply rooted in JOIA’s menu philosophy.’
Price: Expect to pay £105 for the 700g sirloin and £15/£39 for a glass/carafe of the wine
Book now: JOIA

Twist Connubio, Marylebone

What: Twist Connubio blends Spanish and Italian cuisines through modern tapas-style dishes in a rustic, laid-back setting. Expect bold flavour combinations, smart wine pairings, and a relaxed dining pace.
Dish: Grilled Bellota Pluma with mousse de Pimiento de Piquillo, and crispy potatoes. 
Wine: Mencia Pittacum 2019 
Pairing: ‘The sapidity of the Bellota Pluma and the sweetness of the Pimiento de Piquillo, perfectly match the fruitiness of the Mencia varietal’, says Chef and MD Fabio Aguzzi. ‘I like to accentuate the umami flavour in the meat by seasoning it with grated Bottarga di Muggine, instead of salt, and I need a wine that has the body and the freshness to be paired. The difference in sapidity of the ingredients and the different textures of the mousse and the potatoes make the pairing more interesting. This wine has a great complexity (has been matured in oak barrels), but it always keeps a fantastic fragrance and freshness.’ How good does that sound?
Price: £19 for the dish or £25 including a glass of wine
Book now: Twist Connubio

Boqueria, Battersea 

What: Boqueria has been serving satisfying Catalan small plates in a cosy Battersea setting since the 2010s, with standout croquetas, tortilla, and honey-drizzled aubergine among the highlights.
Dish: King Prawn Croquetas   
Wine: Nora Albariño, Rias Baixas, 2022   
Pairing: Albariño’s crisp minerality and citrus edge cut through the richness of the croquetas and echo the bright, Atlantic flavours of the King Prawns, says owner John Scott. We also like the way the fruit-driven mid-palate complements the creamy indulgence of the food. All in all, it’s a delightful premium experience at an affordable price.
Price: £7.90 for the croquetas and £7 for the wine
Book now: Boqueria

Bar Kroketa St Christopher's Place

What: Bar Kroketa brings relaxed Spanish terrace vibes to central London with generous tapas, ingenious bar snacks like chorizo and Guinness popcorn, and friendly service that makes it ideal for anything from a quick bite to a full meal.
Dish and Drink Pairings: To highlight their Northern Spanish roots, Bar Kroketa has created a Basque-inspired menu that takes inspiration from the vibrant bars of Bilbao. It will be featured exclusively during the Eat Spain Drink Spain campaign. The line-up includes four flavourful combinations. Txuleta and Confit Peppers Pintxo are paired with Miel de Mezcal, where smoky mezcal deepens the grilled beef’s flavour and honey adds a soft, sweet finish. The Gulas and Poached Egg Pintxo is matched with O Luar do Sil Godello 2023, whose clean, mineral profile cuts through the richness and enhances the delicate gulas. Escalivada with Alioli Pintxo is served with a Kalimotxo Sour - a bold, spiced twist on the Basque classic, its red wine base echoing the smokiness of the grilled vegetables. Lastly, the Red Mullet Kroketa pairs perfectly with Txakoli Bidaia 2024, whose crisp, saline edge mirrors the coastal flavours of the mullet and refreshes the palate. A snapshot of Northern Spain - served in a glass and on a skewer.
Price: Each pintxo and paired drink will be offered at £15 the pairing (available 15-22 Sept).
Book now: Bar Kroketa St Christopher's Place

Brindisa Battersea 

What: Highly regarded importer Brindisa brings authentic Spanish flavours to the Power Station in a bright, stylish space, serving classic tapas and hearty sharing plates like squid ink rice and Galician beef with chimichurri.
Dish: Caramelo  
Wine: Colet Tradicional Extra Brut, Penedès 
Pairing: ‘Cheese is at the heart of what we do at Brindisa -  from our cheese rooms at our sister company Brindisa Spanish Foods to the countless artisan producers we work with across Spain’, says Group Head Chef Florjan. ‘Caramelo, a fresh goat’s milk cheese with pink peppercorn and herbs, is perfectly matched with Colet’s crisp Tradicional Extra Brut from Penedès -  a sparkling wine that’s as much a part of Spanish celebrations as the cheese is to Spanish tables. This pairing is a celebration of Spanish craft from pasture to glass.’
Price: £14 for the pairing (available 15-22 Sept)
Book now: Brindisa Battersea

Copita Soho  

What: Blending traditional Spanish tapas charm with inventive dishes and seasonal flair, Copita mixes authenticity with a relaxed vibe, quality ingredients, and curated drinks making it a go-to spot just off Oxford Street. 
Dish: Tuna tartare with bone marrow  
Wine: Gutierrez-Colosia amontillado sherry (chilled) 
Pairing: The tuna with the bone marrow has a great combination of flavours - bold and layered, with the tuna’s clean, fresh richness complementing the unctuous intensity of the bone marrow. ‘These flavours are strong, demanding a wine that can hold its own’, says owner David Garcia. ‘The Amontillado, served lightly chilled, pairs with this dish amazingly’, with its oxidative notes bringing out hidden layers in the dish, such as the sweetness of the tuna and the depth of the bone marrow. The wine’s firm acidity and nutty fishing cleanses the palate between each bite.
Price: £19.00 for the pairing including the glass of sherry (available 15-27 Sept)
Book now: Copita Soho

Vagabond Battersea 

What: Set within Battersea Power Station, this stylish wine bar pairs industrial design with cozy corners. Self-serve wine machines and an ever-changing selection make it a fun, interactive spot for oenophiles. 
Dish: Chorizo with Vagabond red wine reduction  
Wine: Marañones 2022 (Garnacha) 
Pairing: ‘The same chorizo as served at Vagabond Monument is reimagined alongside a fresher, more expressive Garnacha, here at Vagabond Battersea (in Battersea Power Station). Marañones 2022 offers wild berry fruit, herbs and minerality, providing a contrast that lifts the dish and shows how different a pairing can feel with a change in wine style.’
Price: £8 for the chorizo dish and £11.10 for a glass of the wine (125ml), subject to availability   
Book now: Vagabond Battersea

Sagardi, Shoreditch

What: Sagardi delivers a transportive taste of Basque cuisine in Shoreditch-style surroundings, with standout txuleton steak and pintxos made exceptional by top-tier imported ingredients.
Dish: 1kg of Txuleton matured beef steak 
Wine: Etxeita, El de Debajo de la Escalera, Rioja Alavesa 
Pairing: ‘Txuleton is the Basque term for rib steak, traditionally cut from vaca vieja - mature dairy cows aged 3 to 6 years’, says Chef Josep Roca. ‘After years of slow development, the meat offers a depth of flavour that younger beef can’t match. Typically dry-aged for 2-3 weeks, each cut weighs around a kilo. Grilled over charcoal to create a caramelised crust, Txuleton delivers bold, juicy, intensely beefy character.’ Manager Pedro Sousa takes up the baton with regards the wine pairing: ‘To match that richness, we pour Debajo de la Escalera - a blend of Tempranillo and Graciano which brings with it vibrant fruit, subtle spice and well-judged oak. It enhances the steak without overpowering it - a Rioja with real personality that really elevates the dish.’
Price: The beef is £9.50 per 100g, and a glass of the Rioja is £9 (available 15-28 Sept)
Book now: Sagardi

Prince Arthur Belgravia

What: The Prince Arthur brings bold Basque flavours to Belgravia with wood-fired cooking, luxe ingredients like caviar and sea urchin, and a menu that balances pub charm with fine dining finesse.
Dish: Whole Turbot, Pil Pil Sauce 
Wine: Nivarius ‘La Nevera’ Rioja Blanco 2018 
Pairing: ‘We chose this pairing to celebrate the quality of Spanish produce and the timeless techniques of its cuisine’, says Head Chef Adam Iglesias. ‘Turbot, with its delicate texture and subtle flavour, is a classic on Basque menus. We grill it over a wood fire at The Prince Arthur, adding depth and a gentle smokiness, then serve it with a classic pil pil sauce made with garlic, olive oil, and fish gelatin to highlight its richness.’ Head Sommelier Valeriya Toteva adds: ‘The Nivarius Rioja Blanco is a perfect match. Its bright acidity and slightly waxy texture balance the richness of the sauce, while its age adds just enough complexity to complement - but not overpower - the fish. Made from native white grapes and aged without oak, the wine keeps a fresh fruit character that pairs beautifully with both the fish and the char from the grill.’
Price: Market price
Book now: Prince Arthur Belgravia

Escocesa, Stoke Newington

What: If you nab a seat at Escocesa’s sleek, stainless steel counter, you’re in for a fun afternoon. Like sister restaurant Maresco, Escocesa celebrates top quality Scottish seafood by way of Spain, complete with an excellent wine list.
Dish: Sea bass ceviche  
Wine: Ameztoi Txakolina, Basque Country, 2024  
Pairing: ‘Sea bass ceviche is light, fresh, and full of citrus flavour’, explains co-founder Naroa Ortega. ‘Its soft texture and zesty marinade bring out the natural sweetness of the fish. Paired with a crisp white Txakolina, the wine’s bright acidity matches the lime in the ceviche perfectly. Its gentle effervescence refreshes the palate, and its salty, citrus notes echo the flavours of the sea. Together, they create a fresh, vibrant combination that truly makes your mouth water.’
Price: £12 for the sea bass ceviche and £9.50 for the glass of the Txakolina 
Book now: Escocesa

Lobos Soho

What: Lobos Soho brings bold Spanish flavours to the West End with standout meat dishes, classic tapas, and a buzzing basement vibe.
Dish: Secreto Ibérico with mojo potatoes  
Wine: Rioja Reserva Vega Rayo 2018  
Pairing: ‘The wine’s smooth tannins and balanced acidity cut through the richness of the Ibérico pork, while its subtle oak and red fruit notes enhance the smoky flavours of the mojo potatoes’, says co-owner Joel Placeres with precision, about this delightful match. The sweetness and finesse in this well-aged Rioja also contrasts beautifully with the earthy, salty intensity of the pork and the potatoes.
Price: £21 for the Secreto Iberico and £9.75 for a glass of the Rioja. Reduced to £27 including a welcome glass of Mas Macia Brut. Not available Friday and Saturday
Book now: Lobos Soho

Spanish restaurants in Birmingham

Bar Estilo

What: Proud purveyor of the best of Spanish hospitality in Birmingham over the past 20 years. ‘We love Spanish culture and its relaxed approach to eating and drinking,’ says GM Richard Batchelar. ‘Our goal was never just to offer the best of Spanish cuisine – it’s about capturing the whole atmosphere of a vibrant Spanish city.’
Special Pinchos Pairing Menu: The line-up includes three flavourful combinations. First, pumpkin seed-crusted goat’s cheese fritters with honey, fig relish and smoked chilli oil paired with a Pedro Ximénez Old Fashioned that mirrors those sweet, spiced notes and cuts through the richness with its warming, bittersweet finish. Secondly, marinated lamb skewers with fresh pomegranate chimichurri and puffed quinoa paired with Cerro Añón Gran Reserva Rioja, which brings structure, spice and red fruit depth that balances the richness of the meat. And finally, seared tuna tostada with guacamole, citrus salad and chipotle aioli paired with Peach and Raspberry Rosé Rioja Sangria, where the fruity rosé sangria refreshes the palate, echoing the citrus and gently cooling the heat of the aioli.
Price: £9.95 for the goat’s cheese fritters and £10.50 for the cocktail; £10.25 for the marinated lamb skewers and £12.95 (175ml) for the Rioja; £10.95 for the seared tuna tostada and £9.25 for the Sangria (availability: 15-28 Sept)
Book now: Bar Estilo

Plates by Purnell’s

What: Plates by Purnell’s is a relaxed yet refined tapas-style restaurant in Birmingham by Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell, offering a creative, ever-evolving menu inspired by Spanish cuisine, crafted with high-quality ingredients and paired with a curated drinks list.
Dish: Hispi cabbage with harissa mayo and cheese
Drink: Sauvignon Blanc, Diez Siglos Rueda
Pairing: The Diez Siglos Sauvignon Blanc from Rueda is bright and zesty, with high acidity, notes of citrus and green herbs, and a clean, mineral finish. The hispi cabbage brings sweetness and slight bitterness from charring, balanced by the umami richness of the cheese and the creamy, mildly spicy harissa mayo. The wine’s vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of the mayo and cheese, while its citrusy, herbal profile contrasts and lifts the smoky, spicy notes of the dish. The clean, mineral edge of the Sauvignon Blanc pairs particularly well with the charred cabbage, making the whole combination feel fresh, balanced and lively on the palate.
Price: £16.50 for the pairing
Book now: Plates by Purnell’s

Txikiteo

What: A coal-fired Basque small plates bar in the Jewellery Quarter, serving smoky pintxos and hearty sharing dishes. Charming, rustic interiors complement a brilliant Spanish wine list and addictive Basque cheesecake.
Dish: Mangalitsa Morcilla, Broad Beans, Mint
Wine: Cap Sentit Orange
Pairing: ‘We source our morcilla (Spanish blood sausage) directly from Beals Farm in East Sussex, which they make to an old family recipe from their time in Spain,’ says co-founder Ed Shawcross. ‘Their Mangalitsa pigs are known for luscious marbling and rich, flavourful meat, making this aromatic and slightly spicy morcilla taste like no other! The morcilla is BBQ’d, sliced and served with fresh English broad beans for that green, nutty bitterness, and finished with mint and lemon to give the dish a light freshness and to cut through the richness of the morcilla. A drizzle of local extra virgin cold-pressed rapeseed oil rounds off the dish,’ continues Ed. ‘And why this wine? Cap Sentit Orange wine bridges the fatty, earthy and bright-green citrus elements of the dish with its textural grip, stone fruit aromatics and refreshing acidity.’ This certainly sounds like a blend that transcends its individual elements.
Price: £18 for the paired combination (availability: 12/13, 18/19/20, 25/26/27)
Book now: Txikiteo

Vagabond Birmingham

What: Vagabond's flexible, hundred-strong by-the-glass wine list has made this new-age bar a huge hit across the UK. You'll also find some evocative Iberian cooking to dig into on the menu. 
Dish: Pil Pil Prawns in white wine and garlic sauce, and a toasted baguette
Wine: Bodegas Exopto Field Blend Rioja Blanco 2023
Pairing: ‘This is classic Spanish comfort,’ says executive chef Marco Pastoris. ‘Juicy prawns, garlic, chilli and white wine bubbling in olive oil, served with a toasted baguette. Paired with Exopto’s textured white Rioja, the dish sings. The wine’s bright acidity and subtle creaminess complement the sauce beautifully.’
Price: £8.75 for the dish and £8.30 for a glass the wine (125ml), subject to availability
Book now: Vagabond Birmingham

Spanish restaurants in Edinburgh

Cadiz

What: Proving that Scottish seafood and Spanish cooking are a match made in heaven, Cadiz Edinburgh serves a seafood-focused menu, full of delicious, communal dishes. 
Dish: Lenguado al Horno (whole baked lemon sole) with skinny fries
Wine: Granbazán Etiqueta Verde Albariño, Rías Baixas 2024
Pairing: 'From the shores of Spain to the heart of Edinburgh, our signature pairing brings the taste of the sea to your table,' says the manager at Cadiz. 'Delicate and full of flavour, our lemon sole is perfectly matched with the crisp, citrus-bright wine, with its fresh Atlantic character. Its lively acidity lifts every bite of the fish, creating a pairing that’s clean, vibrant and unmistakably Spanish - a simple, elegant harmony of land, sea and sunshine.'
Price: £35.95 for the sole; £11.45 for a glass of Albariño
Book now: Cadiz

Cata Edinburgh

What: Cata celebrates bold Spanish flavours in the heart of Edinburgh, serving vibrant tapas and over 60 Spanish wines in a cos, intimate setting.
Dish: Papas Arrugás with mojo rojo and mojo verde
Wine: Viñas del Vero Gewürztraminer, Somontano
Pairing: 'Our Papas Arrugás, or wrinkly tatties, are served with a spicy, smoky, savoury mojo rojo and a fresh, herbal and tangy mojo verde. It’s a typical Canary Islands dish that pairs beautifully with our smooth and aromatic Gewürztraminer from Somontano, produced by the Viñas del Vero winery,' says co-founder Lucia Moreno. 'The wine is aromatic enough to match the bold sauces, and its sweetness tames the spice and salt. It’s also soft and round enough to complement the dish’s richness, while its subtly spicy character - think ginger and white pepper - mirrors the mojo flavours.'
Price: £6.75 for the Papas Arrugás; £9.55 for a glass (£38.75 for the bottle)
Book now: Cata Edinburgh

Cafe Andaluz

What: Consistently good tapas, vibrant decor, and standout dishes like chorizo in spicy tomato sauce and Valenciana paella make Café Andaluz one of Edinburgh's most popular spots for Spanish food.
Dish: Signature Paella
Drink: Sangria
Pairing: 'Discover the heart of Spain in every bite and sip,' says the restaurant manager. 'At Cafe Andaluz, our paellas are prepared the traditional way, with saffron-infused rice simmered slowly to capture the rich, authentic flavours of Spain. Whether it’s the seafood-rich Mariscos, the land-and-sea Mixta, the hearty Carne or the vibrant Verduras, each paella celebrates the spirit of Spanish dining. The perfect match? A chilled glass of our house Sangria: fruity, refreshing and full of sunshine. This pairing captures the essence of Andalusia - bold, generous and made to be shared.'
Price: Expect to pay between £29.95 (Verduras) and £36.55 (Mariscos) for the paellas; £7.65 for a glass of Sangria (£18.95 for a jug)
Book now: Cafe Andaluz

Spanish restaurants in Liverpool

El Gato Negro

What: El Gato Negro is relaxed and chic, serving classic Spanish and Brit-inspired tapas, with standout dishes like gambas al ajillo and jamón croquetas. There's a great-value daytime menu, and a curated list of Spanish wines and sherries too.
Dish: Chargrilled harissa chicken thighs with salsa de almendras, roasted almonds and chilli sauce
Wine: Don Sancho Real de 8 Blanco 2023, Rioja
Pairing: This 100% Viura wine is a great pairing for the bold, smoky, spicy, nutty complexity of the dish. Its poky acidity cools and cuts through the richness and heat of the marinade and chilli sauce, while the citrus and herbal notes complement the smoky and nutty flavours.
Price: £19.40 for the pairing
Book now: El Gato Negro

Lunya

What: Lunya blends Catalonian flavours with deli charm in a bright, welcoming space, serving hearty tapas like tortilla, patatas bravas, and charcuterie boards alongside a thoughtful selection of Spanish wines.
Dish: Moritz chicken
Wine: Rezabal Txakoli, DO Txakolina Getaria
Pairing: 'This tender, juicy, light but savoury chicken dish is infused with Moritz beer, a Catalan lager known for its light, slightly malty, citrusy profile, which adds a pleasant bitterness and depth,' says co-founder Peter Kinsella. 'The Txakoli’s crisp citrus notes complement the dish beautifully, amplifying its herbaceous and zesty notes. Its bright acidity, slight salinity and touch of spritz cut through the medium richness of the food, freshening the palate between bites and bringing lift and energy.'
Price: £69 for a whole Moritz chicken (serves 2-4) with a bottle of Txakoli included
Book now: Lunya

Lunyalita

What: Lunya's little sister does more of the same, offering popular shared deli platters as well as very reasonable set and group menus, and a wide-ranging drinks list.
Dish: Loquat with Torta de Barros cheese and a Pujadó Solano salted anchovy
Wine: Borneira Albariño, DO Rías Baixas, Galicia, 2024
Pairing: 'The sweet, floral brightness of ripe loquat meets the rich, oozing intensity of Torta de Barros, a sheep’s milk cheese from Extremadura, while a single Pujadó Solano salted anchovy adds a sharp, savoury edge,' explains co-founder Peter Kinsella. 'The combination is creamy, fruity, salty and umami all at once. It demands a wine with freshness, precision and enough character to tie it all together - and a crisp, zesty, stone-fruited Albariño, with a whisper of saline minerality, rises to the occasion beautifully, echoing the ocean while cutting through the richness of the cheese.'
Price: £6.95 for the dish; £9.50 for a glass of Albariño; or £13.95 for the pairing
Book now: Lunyalita

Spanish restaurants in Manchester

Evuna Deansgate

What: Evuna majors in generous tapas, authentic wines, and standout lunch and group menus perfect for midday bites or shared celebrations.
Dish: Carrillada de Cerdo (Iberian pork cheeks)
Wine: Bodegas Santalba Selección
Pairing: 'Pork cheeks naturally call for generous red wines with soft tannins and good structure that won’t overpower the meat’s tenderness,' says Head Chef Chi Hii. 'That’s why aromatic, fruity reds like our Santalba Selección are excellent with pork cheeks and mash. Their red berry notes highlight the gentle richness of the meat, while the oak ageing in the wine echoes reduction notes in the sauce.'
Price: £11.50 for the pork cheeks; £28 for a bottle of wine
Book now: Evuna Deansgate

Evuna Northern Quarter

What: Pop by Evuna in Manchester's Northern Quarter for a rich cultural dining experience, where traditional Spanish tapas, imported wines, and warm, heritage-inspired interiors come together in one of Manchester’s most charming restaurants.
Dish: Gambas al ajillo (prawns in chilli and garlic)
Wine: Fulget Albariño, Rías Baixas 2024
Pairing: 'Our Fulget Albariño’s high acidity, citrus notes and minerality make it a perfect pairing for prawns,' says Area Manager Natalia Goodinson. 'The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the prawns, cleansing the palate, while citrus and saline flavours complement the seafood’s natural sweetness and brininess. The ‘what grows together, goes together’ philosophy also applies, as Albariño is a maritime wine from a region known for its seafood, particularly shellfish.'
Price: £11.95 for the prawns; £38.50 for a bottle of Albariño
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Looking for more great Spanish food around the capital? Check out our roundup of the best tapas spots in London - a must-read for anyone who enjoys the vibrant small plates experience. And if you're keen to explore more Iberian flavours, don’t miss our guide to London’s top Spanish restaurants too.