For Spanish people, devouring tapas is like chicken soup on Sundays for Hungarians: it is an important part of the culture and lifestyle. It doesn’t matter whether we are in Granada or on the other side of the country in Gijón, we never have to look too hard for tapas places on the Iberian Peninsula. These tiny bites often come for free with our drinks – especially in the south – while if we order some more of them they even make up a delicious dinner. If you would like to try a tapas place, we definitely recommend ordering patatas bravas and alioli (chips with paprika-tomato sauce or garlic sauce), tortilla espanola (potato omelet), and croquetas (ham croquette with Béchamel sauce). However, these are only the basics, as we can also devour cheeses, shrimp roasted on the grill, octopus, and other extra dishes.

2/6
La Nube – the bohemian café
If you would like to hang out at a homey, colorful, and friendly place, head to La Nube. There are no pictures of toreadors or sculptures of bulls here (only one of a unicorn), as it is not the decoration that proves that this place is Spanish to the bone. Ivan from León works hard in the kitchen, while his partner Timi serves guests. We can find all kinds of cold Spanish bites here, from tomato toast through Spanish tortilla and saucy salads to hams and cheese plates.
We highly recommend the grilled Spanish goat cheese that comes served with homemade jam and delicious bread. The San Miguel beer or some fruity sangria can be perfectly paired with anything. Furthermore, a new tapas counter is offering various kinds of seasonal treats, including endless versions of Basque mini sandwiches. Furthermore, La Nube is also a great place to start the day, as they serve tasty breakfasts and coffee.
Must have:
- grilled goat cheese / queso de cabra (990 HUF)
- salmorejo / tomato soup (790 HUF)
- red wine sausage / chorizo al vino (890 HUF)
4/6
Pata Negra – the authentic
Pata Negra is exactly like a Spanish tapas bar should be: it is a buzzing locale enhanced with a terrace outside, a pleasant pub-like atmosphere inside, tiles evoking Andalusia, sizable hams, and aromas filling the whole place. They make everything from simple meals to more special courses like garlic octopus and oxtail.
The recipes are not modified or rethought, everything is just the same as on the Iberian Peninsula. According to the owners, Szilveszter and Vilmos, who both drew inspiration during their travels, this is how it should be, as there is no need to change anything on something that is already great. And we agree, especially after enjoying a few tapas dinners on the terrace at Kálvin Square. Even though this is Budapest’s first Pata Negra, there is another joint on the Buda side, on Frankel Leó Street.
Must have:
- variegated scallop (2,450 HUF)
- chili-garlic shrimp tail (1,800 HUF)
- croquette with serrano ham (750 HUF)
6/6
Vicky Barcelona – the trendy cosmopolitan
Vicky Barcelona is found in the middle of downtown, in Gozsdu Courtyard. It is a truly popular and constantly buzzing place with a catchy name, Spanish music, and charming style: the narrow interior is enhanced with crimson curtains, mosaics, a bullfight depicted on tiles, and dark wooden surfaces. Vicky Barcelona could even stand strong in Spain, but probably more in Barcelona or in Madrid than in small southern towns, where it would be too much of a big deal if the garlic aioli sauce was a bit more pink than white, like here.
In Vicky Barcelona, classic tapas are made with a twist and served a little more elegantly, which also makes these meals a little more expensive. We recommend visiting Vicky Barcelona on a night with live music, and stay until the fiesta really gets going.
Must have:
- croquetas
- Andalusian cuttlefish
- cocktails