Robert WebbWhen I was a teenager, my dad took us to Spain for a summer trip. I remember having my first taste of Spanish food—a hot dish of patatas bravas in one of the busiest streets in Spain.
Thanks to Vancouver’s amazing Spanish food scene, I don’t need to book a flight to Spain just to satisfy my childhood craving. Today, the city has an amazing line up of Spanish restaurants, ready to give us that authentic Spanish dining experience.
So if you’re ready to be transported to the warm and cozy interiors of Spain, then you’re in for a treat as I go over the top Spanish restaurants we found in the heart of Vancouver!
How much do Spanish restaurants cost in Vancouver?
Typically, Spanish restaurants in Vancouver cost between $15-$50 per person, depending on the type and portion of orders. For Spanish specialty dishes, the rates could go a little higher due to its premium ingredients.
1. Bodega on Main
Consumer Rating: B
| Google reviews score | 4.3/5 |
| Total reviews | 4/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Authentic flavors | 4.7/5 |
| Traditional Spanish cooking method | 4.7/5 |
| Has regional specialties | 4.7/5 |
| Quality of ingredients | 4.8/5 |
| Ambiance | 4.8/5 |
| Spanish-inspired design | 4.8/5 |
| Cozy lighting & seating | 4.8/5 |
| Wine pairings | 4.8/5 |
Once we got inside this Spanish restaurant, we loved how the place instantly transported us to Spain with its cozy lighting and vintage artwork. They also played Flamenco music, adding to the overall vibe.
Aside from happy hour drinks, we loved that they have happy hour dishes available too. Our favorite was their Patatas Bravas which has a rich sauce, reminding us of authentic Spanish flavors.
What we liked most about this Spanish restaurant is that they have pretty large servings, making them a convenient option for those who want to share and try different kinds of dishes.
When it comes to desserts, we appreciated that they also carry crowd favorites such as churros and creme brulee.
Meanwhile, we appreciated how attentive their staff is. From the moment customers walk inside the restaurant, they will immediately accommodate them and lead them to their tables, which we love.
Additionally, they will patiently wait by their side while the customers are navigating their menu. We also loved how they politely ask customers if they need more information about certain Spanish dishes.
However, their prices are a bit higher than the others. For those who are working on a budget, visiting during happy hour may be a better idea.
Great atmosphere
“First time in this spot! Overall experience was great, the service was on point. The atmosphere also good. We tried the black paella, grilled octopus and the churros, everything was delicious. We will come back.”
Lis Gimenez, Google Review
Offers homemade ingredients
“What a great night we had at Bodega. The atmosphere hit us as soon as we walked through the door, people chatting and laughing and having a good time. It felt like you were on the streets of San Sebastián at night. The greeting was warm and friendly and the service excellent throughout. When we left a dish we truly didn’t like the server spotted it, asked about it, and, without us asking, took it off the check. That was the grilled peppers but every other morsel of food was delicious, beautifully cooked and well-presented. The highlight for me was the plate of cheese and charcuterie, such high quality foods with some nice additions like home-made pickled onions, roasted garlic and quince jelly. With a flight of three sherries to try with it, I was in heaven. Otherwise I recommend the patates bravas, and the albondigas as stand-out dishes”
Martin Cooke, Google Review
2. Como Taperia
Consumer Rating: B
| Google reviews score | 4.3/5 |
| Total reviews | 4/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Authentic flavors | 4.9/5 |
| Traditional Spanish cooking method | 5/5 |
| Has regional specialties | 4.9/5 |
| Quality of ingredients | 5/5 |
| Ambiance | 5/5 |
| Spanish-inspired design | 5/5 |
| Cozy lighting & seating | 5/5 |
| Wine pairings | 5/5 |
Como Taperia has been part of the Michelin Guide selection in 2023, making them one of the best Spanish restaurants in Vancouver.
Additionally, this restaurant is also part of the Spain Certification Program, which tells us that this restaurant focuses on bringing their customers authentic produce and cuisine from Spain.
We loved how friendly their staff was from the get-go. They will gladly assist their customers, and even make suggestions with their menu, aligning with their clients’ preference.
When it comes to beverages, we loved that they have authentic regional wine, gin, and sherry, ready to complement the rich Spanish flavors.
We also loved that they serve vegan dishes, allowing those with dietary restrictions to enjoy some authentic Spanish cuisine.
Another thing that we loved about this Spanish restaurant is the ambiance. We loved that they have warm lighting and romantic Spanish tunes, making it a perfect spot for a date night.
Moreover, we also found their sound acoustics good. Even when the restaurant is full, customers won’t be overwhelmed with the noise coming from the other tables, which we find impressive.
Meanwhile, those who can’t leave their furry pals at home will love that they can bring their dogs with them as long as they stay at the outdoor dining area.
Wide range of Spanish dishes
“Delicious tapas restaurant with authentic Spanish conservas. Lots of tasty treats to sample here, so come hungry and share with friends. The tap sherry and vermut are also delicious, so indulge if you’re able to. Generally quite busy, so reserve ahead of time if you can!”
Chelsey N, Google Review
Excellent serving portions
“Super enthusiastic servers, gave great Vermouth recommendations. Food was great, the Patatas Bravas is a solid serving size for the price. Definitely a great spot for a date or an evening drink, however it is a little on the louder side when it’s busy”
Seamus Mac, Google Review
3. Casa Molina
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.7/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Authentic flavors | 4.5/5 |
| Traditional Spanish cooking method | 4.5/5 |
| Has regional specialties | 4.5/5 |
| Quality of ingredients | 4.8/5 |
| Ambiance | 5/5 |
| Spanish-inspired design | 5/5 |
| Cozy lighting & seating | 5/5 |
| Wine pairings | 4.5/5 |
Casa Molina has been known for having one of the warmest and coziest ambiance, allowing customers to be transported to Spain as soon as they walk in.
At night, this Spanish restaurant becomes even cozier as the tables get filled with candle lights, making it a perfect spot for romantic date nights.
We’re also quite impressed that they have an online booking system, allowing their customers to easily secure a table without the need to call the restaurant.
What we liked about this Spanish restaurant is that they don’t have overwhelming flavors, making them a great option for beginners. Moreover, we love how they present their dishes so well, it really felt like we were in Spain all over again.
It’s also great that this restaurant has unique desserts, which we love. They even have a rum ice cream—just be ready for that very strong alcohol flavor!.
Meanwhile, we appreciated that Casa Molina can cater to large groups. They even have big servings, large enough to keep a group full.
And if their customers need clarifications on the menu, we loved how the owner will take time to head to the table, gladly explaining what to expect in certain dishes.
Hands-on owner
“Superb service that is warm, friendly and attentive. The owner also came a over to our table a few times to explain the dishes such as the croquetas being a Spanish staple that everyone eats at home and that they prepare it 24 hours ahead for the perfect texture and taste. For the most part the ambience and deco are great. The only thing I didn’t like was the wall bench seating as it is too high, making the table uncomfortably low. I really enjoyed the jamón croquetas, spinach croquetas was good and the shrimp was a hit and miss for me. I find it bland compared to the other two flavors. The tomato salad (ensalada de who blanco) was really flavourful. Definitely get some bread to dip and eat it with the almond garlic cream sauce. The beef cheeks are nice and tender slightly too salty and dry. The seafood paella was quite flavorful. I would enjoy it more if the bottom had more caramelization so there is a crusty layer of crispy rice that will be packed with flavor. The dessert was really good. We had the Torrijas (Spanish French toast) and rum and raisin ice cream. Both packed a punch in flavors. The ice cream had a strong rum taste. All in all a wonderful dining experience and will definitely come back again.”
Chris Wong, Google Review
Intimate setting
“Casa Molina is a charming little spot that brings a true taste of Spain to a cozy, intimate setting. The customer service is top-notch, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. The menu is full of Spanish favourites, with the croquetas being an absolute must-try. Another standout is the fideuá, which is like paella but made with thin noodles instead of rice… super tasty! The cocktails are expertly crafted and go great with all the dishes, adding to the overall experience. For dessert, the homemade ice creams are a real treat, with a range of delicious flavours. The torrija, a Spanish-style French toast, is just the right level of sweet and finishes off the meal perfectly. Overall, Casa Molina is a small restaurant with a big Spanish heart. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Spanish food in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.”
松田奈生子, Google Review
4.España Restaurant
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.4/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Authentic flavors | 5/5 |
| Traditional Spanish cooking method | 5/5 |
| Has regional specialties | 5/5 |
| Quality of ingredients | 4.9/5 |
| Ambiance | 5/5 |
| Spanish-inspired design | 5/5 |
| Cozy lighting & seating | 5/5 |
| Wine pairings | 4.6/5 |
España Restaurant is located near English Bay, making it a great spot to satisfy Spanish cuisine cravings before or after walking by the beach.
Upon walking in, we loved how we got entertained by Spanish-speaking staff, showcasing the restaurant’s authentic flair right by the door. Because of this, we’re not surprised to hear that Spanish customers love going to this restaurant.
We also loved the vibe inside the restaurant. It’s a perfect place to take your significant other on a date, complete with the romantic Spanish tunes and dim lighting.
We’re pleased to see that their servers love accommodating the customers too. We loved that they recommended their favorite dishes too, helping us decide based on our preference.
When it comes to their dishes, we loved that they’re known to have pretty large servings, perfect for both small and big groups.
Meanwhile, we loved that this restaurant also has a separate menu for smoked meat platters, perfect for those who just want to get snacks.
We just had our reservations when it comes to the size of their table, especially for smaller groups. Since their table for two is relatively small, the servers would wait for the customers to finish their dishes, making us feel like we went for a multi-course meal.
Helpful servers
“The vibe of the place is simply amazing. We were seated inside which was so convenient as you can enjoy the atmosphere and stay warm in the cool nights. The server was so helpful with his suggestions. The food is so tasty! Full of flavor, properly served and you will be waiting for the next bite to indulge on the combination of flavors. The dessert is simply prefect, not too sweet yet memorable! We went late night so there were out of paella on a busy Sunday night yet it looked so good and I would definitely recommend giving it a try!”
Salma A, Google Review
Impressive drink list
“I always love dining at España. The food is always incredibly delicious and thoughtful, the drink list is so well curated, the atmosphere is always simultaneously lively and cozy, and the service is always pitch perfect. Recently we visited and sat at the bar and were served by Tatum. She was completely lovely and took such great care of us. We had great chats and she really made our night a complete experience. This kind of vibe is exactly why we regularly come to España. Highly recommend this place. And thanks to Tatum for such great service.”
Jennie O, Google Review
5. El Camino’s
Consumer Rating: B
| Google reviews score | 4.2/5 |
| Total reviews | 4/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Authentic flavors | 5/5 |
| Traditional Spanish cooking method | 5/5 |
| Has regional specialties | 5/5 |
| Quality of ingredients | 4.9/5 |
| Ambiance | 5/5 |
| Spanish-inspired design | 5/5 |
| Cozy lighting & seating | 5/5 |
| Wine pairings | 4.6/5 |
Another Spanish restaurant that remains a favorite among Vancouver residents is El Camino’s.
Aside from Spanish dishes, this restaurant also serves Latin American street food, making it a chill hot spot for friends who would love to catch up after work hours.
On top of that, we loved that we can catch their happy hour seven days a week, allowing us to catch up with friends and enjoy drinking and eating tapas at a discounted rate.
Another thing that we loved about this Spanish restaurant is their wide selection of beverages, allowing them to cater to all types of drinkers. Aside from wine, customers can have tequila, mezcal, and rum, complementing their tasty dishes.
During peak times at the restaurant, loyal customers prefer the bar area. We tried that spot, and we loved watching the bartenders craft each and every glass before being served to the customers.
Meanwhile, those who prefer to have a more chill spot can opt for the outdoor patio seating. Even better, servers are assigned to stay in this area, ensuring that customers seated here will be accommodated right away.
However, we heard that some customers experienced being served with meals at room temperature. This could be a big issue, especially for those who love being served with hot food.
Great spot for brunch
“Mmmmm good! Great spot on Main for brunch. I had the pulled pork with two eggs on the best cornbread this side of the Mississippi! Worst part: I forgot my doggy bag. I really enjoyed my meal and would definitely go back.”
Lauren St. John, Google Review
Has vegetarian options
“I went to El Camino’s for weekend brunch two weekends in a row! The food is really tasty, especially the corn bread with the burnt onion butter on the side. They have few vegetarian options including tortilla soup, veggie taco, but I was happy with just the cornbread.”
Katia, Google Review
