How to order tapas for the table
Tapas are small plates meant for sharing, ordered a few at a time rather than all at once. Start with a modest first round, see how hungry the table is, then add more.
How many to order (rule of thumb)
| Party | Plates | Suggested balance |
|---|---|---|
| 2 people | 5–6 | 1 bread or tomato toast, 1 cured meat or cheese, 1 potato or egg dish, 1 seafood, 1 vegetable, plus 1 extra hot dish if hungry |
| 4 people | 9–10 | 2 cold (cured meat, cheese or olives), 2 seafood, 2 meat, 2 vegetable or potato, bread; double the most popular plate |
| 6 people | 13–14 | 3 cold, 3 seafood, 3 meat, 3 vegetable or potato, bread; double 2–3 favourites, or replace 2 plates with one paella or large ración |
These counts are rules of thumb. Portion sizes vary by restaurant; ask your server if plates look small or large.
Balance: roughly one third cold, two thirds hot; at least one vegetable plate per three plates; bread on every table. Drinks: a jug of sangria or a bottle of wine covers 3–4 glasses, and vermouth or a small beer suits the first round.
What to order
-
Patatas bravas
Fried potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce and often aioli.
-
Tortilla española
Thick potato and egg omelette, served in wedges.
-
Gambas al ajillo
Prawns cooked in olive oil with garlic and chilli.
-
Pan con tomate
Toasted bread rubbed with tomato, olive oil and salt.
-
Jamón ibérico
Thinly sliced cured ham.
-
Croquetas
Crisp, creamy croquettes, usually ham, chicken or salt cod.
-
Pimientos de padrón
Small blistered green peppers with sea salt; most are mild.
-
Albóndigas
Meatballs in tomato or almond sauce.
-
Pulpo a la gallega
Tender octopus with paprika, olive oil and potato.
-
Calamares fritos
Lightly battered fried squid with lemon.
Tips
- Order in rounds of three to five plates. Hot dishes arrive as they are ready, not as courses.
- A ración is a larger portion of the same dish; count it as two tapas.
- Bread is often charged separately. Check before ordering a second basket.