Tapas Cafe- authentic Spanish tapas bar & restaurant in Bangkok

February 13th, 2011

Opening in 2006, Tapas Cafe was the first authentic Spanish tapas bar and restaurant in Bangkok, with Chef Xavier Palomar presenting his down-to-earth Catalan cuisine.
The location in a small “sub-soi” off Sukhumvit Soi 11 is easily accessed on foot by entering the first soi on the left (opposite Villa Supermarket- where there is car parking available) going into Soi 11- maybe 300 metres from the main road. Soi 11 has become a vibrant destination for nightlife in Bangkok with many bars, restaurants and nightclubs such as the famous Q Bar, Bed Supperclub and The NEST, all within a short walking distance of each other.

Tapas Cafe is housed in a renovated shophouse building over two levels, and with outdoor tables on the pavement of the pedestrian only sub-soi. The interiors have a clean, modernist style- with exposed concrete beams, large open spaces and with dining tables on both the main ground floor and on the smaller, more intimate mezzanine level ( which is a popular choice for small private parties). There is a dark timber bar adjacent to the kitchen with some bar seating, and also an “island” bar counter in the centre of the room.

A feature of Tapas Cafe is the display of regularly updated exhibitions of art and photographs on the cafe walls, and the ambience is enhanced with unobtrusive background music comprising of an eclectic mix of Spanish flamenco, Brazilian and Spanish jazz, world music of all types and a huge range of Cuban salsa and timba.

Undoubtedly, what brings many customers- both locals and tourists- back on a regular basis is the food and drink offerings at Tapas Cafe. The large range of tapas dishes are freshly prepared in the open kitchen, and promptly served. Daily specials are added to the regular tapas menu items. In addition there is also a selection of traditional “paella” -seafood dishes for sharing. The food is complimented by a selection of Spanish regional wines at very reasonable prices. The jugs of sangria are also a popular choice with groups of diners. The bar menu also includes local and imported beers, a full range of spirits and cocktails, and espresso coffees.

The “tapas” concept of dining is popular world-wide- as places to meet up informally to chat, drink wine and enjoy a great variety of food- and in Bangkok nowhere does this better than Tapas Cafe. As tables are limited, evening bookings are recommended.