Tasty Tapas: L.A.'s Small Plates Scene
Updated: December 17, 2008
Long before the recession even hit us, dining downsizing was already making an impact. From luxe small plates to charcuterie and cheese at neighborhood bars, L.A. can't seem to get enough of small plates cuisine. Check out our guide to the tastiest tapas in Los Angeles.
Where Small Plates Are a Big Deal
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Lizarran
Read Reviews310 N Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92832 (map)
As the first U.S. outpost of the Barcelona-based chain, this Spanish eatery is doing its part to tempt O.C. foodies with its long list of tapas (or, as they like to say, pintxos--pronounced "pinchos"). The single-serving meat, cheese and vegetables on bread are held together with a toothpick, which servers count at the end of your meal to tally your bill. Ole!
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Primitivo Wine Bistro
Read Reviews1025 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)
Forget the name: This hoppin' tapas joint on Abbot Kinney's restaurant row serves artfully crafted fare that's far from primitive (yet truly authentic). Seasonally driven tapas range from cold options like a farmers' market heirloom salad and marinated French, Greek and Spanish olives to hot dishes like braised beef short ribs and pistachio-crusted salmon served atop a dollop of potato puree. As for the wine list, you can take your pick or choose the ever-popular sangria.
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Pintxo Bar
Read Reviews109 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)
Joe Miller?s Barcelona-inspired box in Santa Monica is a casual and modern small plates powerhouse right off the Promenade. A gleaming rectangular tapas case shows off the bountiful seasonal offerings, like bacon-wrapped dates and goat cheese croquettes, while the wine list, featuring 25 Spanish wines by the glass, spices things up. Bottle selection includes everything from small-production boutique labels to popular Riojas.
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Beso
Read Reviews6350 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028 (map)
Though not strictly Spanish per se, Todd English?s haute take on Latin small plates makes this swank star-studded Hollywood eatery worth noting. Owned by "Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria Parker, the restaurant carves out its own little spot among L.A.'s modern tapas elite, serving lobster tacos, suckling pig sliders and drunken tequila shot prawns. If you're just looking for drinks, the front bar is where it's at--sexy singles mingle over glasses of house sangria and Spanish wine.
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Three Drunken Goats
Read Reviews2256 Honolulu Ave, Montrose, CA 91020 (map)
This chic, airy Spanish spot in Montrose hosts lively and diverse locals along with foodies who travel from Pasadena and Silver Lake. Take a seat at the popular bar or lounge in one of the oxblood leather booths where they serve traditional Spanish tapas, including piquillo peppers stuffed with idiazabel and fried calamari. To drink, choose from 50 reasonably priced Spanish wines--with 40 by the glass!
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Cobras & Matadors
Read Reviews7615 W Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (map)
Steve Arroyo was one of L.A.?s tapas pioneers with this wildly popular Spanish hangout that has since expanded to 3 locations. Cool crowds create a party vibe, bolstered by fruity, cold sangria and moderately priced Spanish wines. Small plates, like the roasted mussels with saffron and wine and bacalao cod cakes with preserved lemon, earn raves.
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Tasca Restaurant
Read Reviews8108 W Third St, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (map)
Candles sparkle in ornate mirrors at this stylish and romantic Spanish wine bar on Beverly. Vintage lamps and leather banquettes set the cozy scene for diners ordering rounds of sparkling cava sangria and boutique wines by the glass. The tapas menu features classicsl ike white anchovy crostini, fava beans and speck, cod brandade and garlic sauteed shrimp.
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Tinto
Read Reviews7511 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046 (map)
This upscale Spanish haunt has a gothic, Old World vibe with wrought iron chandeliers, brick walls and leather accents. Traditional Spanish tunes prepare diners for the authentic menu, featuring squid with fava beans, Serrano ham, and Spanish cheeses. There's also an inspired paella and over 50 Spanish wines (12 by the glass) to choose from. You'll find them divided by region on the menu, but if you're having a hard time deciding, opt instead for the robust sangria.
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