One bite isn’t enough in Houston’s 10 tastiest tapas!
I have this awkward moment with friends where we would casually continue talking while staring at the last croquetta. Like that’s the last bite that will let us see the answers to all our problems—wondering who would grab it this time.
Sorry, but you’ll still face this dilemma as Houston’s got a lively tapas scene! Luckily, you can get those small plates and shareable bites of tapas for another round without any judgment.
So if you’re ready for some tapas and wine, join me as I go over the tastiest tapas in town!
1. Plane & Level
Media credit: @planeandlevel
Website: https://www.planeandlevel.com/
Address: 203 Midway St, Spring, TX 77373
Contact Details: +1 346-372-5700
Operating Hours: Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Friday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Plane & Level is a Spring wine bar and tapas spot that showcases their rare wine collection. Here, you can enjoy their wine collection from France and Spain which you won’t find elsewhere.
You’ll enjoy munching on large serving portions, allowing you to share with everyone else on the table. Some of the top favorites in this tapas bar are sweet shrimp gambas, empanadas, and their jamon iberico.
This tapas bar is also known for its version Basque cheesecake, so make sure to grab it during your stay.
This place has been recognized by the Distinguished Restaurants of North America, one of the most prestigious restaurant awards in the country. This tells us that we’re receiving the highest quality of dining experience in the heart of Houston.
| Pro tip: Plane & Level doesn’t have a license to carry other liquors, so they’re only serving their rare wine collection. It’s best to manage expectations, especially if you’re used to other types of alcohol. |
2. Barcelona Wine Bar
Media credit: @barcelonawinebar
Website: http://barcelonawinebar.com/
Address: 1731 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098
Contact Details: +1 713-878-3355
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Friday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM; Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM; Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Barcelona Wine Bar offers tapas that are both on the simple side and on the elegant side. But one thing is for sure: they use seasonal picks from the local community and combine it with the specialties from Spain.
What’s great about them is that they offer a different menu list for brunch and dinner, allowing you to choose which set is best for you!
When it comes to wine, they host one of the largest Spanish wine programs in the country which tells us that they only serve fine wine here!
Don’t miss out on their sangria, a perfect pair to your tapas and appetizers! You can also try their desserts such as olive oil cake, and crepas with seasonal fruit.
If you love staying outdoors, you can enjoy their cozy spot on the patio. Meanwhile, if you’re planning to celebrate birthdays, there’s a party room that you can secure.
| Pro tip: You can shop for cans and jars filled with shelf-stable foods at Barcelona Wine Bar. And if you want a full tapas experience when you’re just at home, you can purchase their own dining sets so you can have an impressive tablescape too. |
3. Oporto Fooding House & Wine
Media credit: @oportomidtown
Website: http://www.oportomidtown.us/
Address: 125 W Gray St #500, Houston, TX 77019
Contact Details: +1 713-528-0115
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Sunday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
If you’re curious about what an Old World wine from the Ibirian Peninsula tastes like, then a stop at Oporto Fooding House & Wine is a must. Here, you can get your fix of some fine tapas such as grilled squid fried rice, and grilled spanish octopus.
You can enjoy familiar tastes of your favorite tapas prepared in a South European way. Aside from their seafood and potatoes, you can also order their best-selling paella, which is a bit filling for two people!
For dessert, don’t forget to try their banana pudding and tiramisu!
They also have ice cream available, great if you’ve got kids with you! Nonetheless, the adults can still enjoy a more mature touch of ice cream through interesting flavors such as chocolate with cardamom and wine-soaked raisins with walnut and caramel.
You can ask the staff to be seated at the patio for a more intimate setting. But if you don’t mind the crowd, then you can enjoy the ambiance inside the restaurant.
| Pro tip: If you’re a fan of Oporto Fooding House & Wine’s menu list, you can tap them on your next event for their in-home catering services. This way, you can enjoy your intimate setup at home and feel like VIPs being served by their lovely staff. |
4. MAD
Media credit: @mad.houston
Website: http://www.madhouston.com/
Address: 4444 Westheimer Rd Suite C180, Houston, TX 77027
Contact Details: +1 281-888-2770
Operating Hours: Monday – Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Friday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 12:00 AM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
For those who want to be transported to Madrid’s culinary scene and nightlife, then you should add MAD to your list.
You’ll surely enjoy the shareable plates of bone marrow with caviar, and their foie gras offerings. You can also enjoy building your own paella, allowing you to be in charge of the taste.
Additionally, you’ll also get a chance to experience wood fire-cooked rice, allowing you to taste that authentic and smoky flavor.
When it comes to booze, they can craft cocktail drinks for you or go for the classic wine pairing from their cellar.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to try MAD’s 12-course tasting menu. For $155, you can enjoy a number of appetizers and mains, completing your culinary experience! |
5. BCN Taste & Tradition
Media credit: @bcn_houston
Website: http://bcnhouston.com/
Address: 4210 Roseland St, Houston, TX 77006
Contact Details: +1 832-834-3411
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM; Friday: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM; Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Since the 1990s, BCN Taste & Tradition has been offering an amazing menu that will transport you to Barcelona. You’ll know you’ve reached your destination once you’ve seen a residential home—yes the restaurant’s tucked inside!
For groups, you’ll be assigned with more waiters than one, allowing them to attend to your needs whenever you need it. They will even check up on your group multiple times just to make sure everything is covered.
As you wait for your main course, you’ll be served with bite-size appetizers, just enough to make you hungry for more.
This tapas bar is also known for its gin and tonic, so make sure to get your dose when you’re here!
When it comes to private dining, there are several rooms to choose from, depending on the number of guests. There are three rooms that can accommodate up to 15 guests, while the biggest one is great for weddings or birthday celebrations for 50 people!
| Pro tip: BCN Taste & Tradition’s food portions are quite small, so make sure to order enough, especially for bigger groups. |
6. Camerata at Paulie’s
Media credit: @cameratahouston
Website: http://www.cameratahouston.com/
Address: 1830 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098
Contact Details: +1 713-522-8466
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Friday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
If you’re searching for a more casual tapas bar, then Camerata at Paulie’s should be on your list. This spot is great for small and intimate gatherings that require a more laid back and inviting atmosphere.
What’s great about them is that they create a unique wine list every week, allowing you to taste something different if you frequently go to their place.
You’ll love how attentive the staff is during your stay. They are quick in removing dirty plates off your table, ensuring you’re ready for your next course.
The ambient music isn’t too loud, letting you and your friends enjoy your casual talk.
| Pro tip: Avail Camerata at Paulie’s happy hour at 4 in the afternoon so you can score a wine bottle at half of its price. |
7. El Meson
Media credit: @elmesonhouston
Website: http://www.elmeson.com/
Address: 2425 University Blvd, Houston, TX 77005
Contact Details: +1 713-522-9306
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM; Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
For over four decades, El Meson has been offering Spanish and Latin flavors to Houstonians. If you want your fix of classic tapas such as their traditional Spanish potato omelette with a side of Spanish bottle, then it’s your lucky day!
Yes, once you’re here, you’ll be transported to a Latin world. The elegance from the patio to the interiors will keep you intrigued during your stay.
One dish that you should try in El Meson is their paella. You’ll love that their rice dishes are made with some fine golden saffron from Valencia, as well as an authentic Bomba rice from Calasparra, ensuring your food’s top quality!
Their extensive wine list is also recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine, awarding the restaurant for focusing on Spanish wines, highlighting the warmth of Spain in Rice Village.
When it comes to private dining, the restaurant has a party room that can accommodate up to 36 guests so you can also consider them on your next event.
Aside from dining in at the restaurant, you can also tap them for catering needs, whether that’s a seated dinner or a buffet party. They will gladly arrange a theme for you, according to your preference.
| Pro tip: If you want a more casual experience, request to be seated at the bar area inside El Meson. This will get you closer to their cocktail and wine list, letting the bartender educate you on which drinks to get. |
8. Costa Brava Bistro
Media credit: @costabravabistrohouston
Website: https://www.costabravabistro.com/
Address: 5107 Bellaire Blvd Ste. 100, Bellaire, TX 77401
Contact Details: +1 713-839-1005
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Saturday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
For a good mix of France and Spain, Costa Brava Bistro is the place to be. You’ll love the casual ambiance in this restaurant, yet they never fail in providing a personalized service for their guests.
The best-selling tapas that you should have during your stay are gambas, crispy potatoes, and their thinly sliced Iberian ham. These classics will surely transport you to Spain!
And like in other tapas bars, you should pair them with some fine wine.
| Pro tip: If you want to avail Costa Brava Bistro’s wine dinner, consider booking a table on a Tuesday night. |
9. COPA
Media credit: @copasipstapas
Website: http://copalatintapas.com/
Address: 110 Vintage Park Blvd Building J Suite Q110, Houston, TX 77070
Contact Details: +1 346-336-6337
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
If you want to taste some Mexican-inspired tapas and pair it with Latin cocktails then invite your friends here at COPA. Here, you can savor various dishes such as their Peruvian ceviche or their Argentine empanadas.
If you and your friends want to try the best-selling Latin cuisine, you may opt for their shareable platter.
For a more complete experience, you can opt to be seated at the outdoor area and enjoy some Latin music played by a live band.
| Pro tip: COPA’s desserts come in a tapas-style too! If you want to try multiple desserts but can’t afford to finish a serving, choose their mini desserts so you won’t overindulge! |
10. Arturo Boada Cuisine
Media credit: @arturoboadacuisine
Website: https://www.arturoboadacuisine.com/
Address: 6510 Del Monte Dr, Houston, TX 77057
Contact Details: +1 713-782-3011
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM; Friday – Saturday: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Arturo Boada Cuisine offers a warm ambiance, great for those who want a more casual lunch or dinner date. The space is also intimate, so you don’t have to expect a large crowd whenever you’re here!
You’ll love that the dishes here offer the classic Latin flare with a touch of European and Mediterranean. Some popular appetizers you can try are fresh clams, tacos snapper, and ceviche.
You can also enjoy some pasta and pizza while you’re here.
Here, almost every dish is prepared in a wood-burning oven, showcasing authentic flavors during your stay. Even better, the chef owner takes his time walking around the restaurant to greet every table.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss out on Arturo Boada Cuisine’s homemade sorbet. Their bestsellers are mango and raspberry, great if you have kids in tow! |
