We stopped in for dinner on a whim and this place was amazing! Awesome food, great vibe and sangria was on point! I don’t know how soon we’ll be in Victoria again but I know where we’ll eat dinner!!
This is the second time we have been to The Tapa Bar and again we enjoyed ourselves immensely. The food is exceptional, perfect portion sizes and such a great selection for us vegetarians. The ambiance is relaxed, but romantic and fun, with the decor holding a good mix of traditional and modern. The staff are so helpful and cheery, the wine list is really interesting and I honestly cannot flaw this restaurant in a single way - everyone should go!
Ahhhhhmazing an explosion of flavours, the dates wrapped in bacon are to die for we also loved the lemon chicken tortilla soup this was one of the best soups we've ever had , recommend this restaurant 2 times :) o and the organic Rollingdale Pinot Grigo was divine
Roseann George Charlie
+5
Best place good eats service n workers � cooks � highly recommend for a good night out
Food was outstanding! Service was spectacular! So many really, really wonderful dishes � favourite was the grilled kale with cayenne and coconut milk xoxo mmm so good !!
All of our food was great, especially the bacon wrapped dates with blue cheese and balsamic reduction!
This is one of my fave restaurants in Victoria. The food is amazing, the staff is always friendly and the bar flows :)
Everytime I go I try a new dish, and I am impressed everytime. The staff is incredibly lovely, and always do their best to maximize your experience.
Greet happy hour prices and just enough on their HH menu. Chicken wings in butter garlic wine sauce and as fab!
Excellent choices and everything we have ever tried has been absolutely delicious. We always make a point of catching lunch here every time we visit Victoria. One day we plan to make it a dinner stop.
The Tapa Bar was lit warmly and exuded a feeling of excitement as we walked down the intimate alley - we just had to stop for a visit. The wait staff all were wearing zombie makeup which was perfect for the Halloween season! They promptly seated us outside on the busy Saturday night... the table had a candle and fine dishes. We ordered the house chardonnay, an order of fried oysters and a chicken artichoke tapa... all were delicious! Such a fun, romantic, classy atmosphere. Shortly after our arrival, we noticed folks were lining up for a table. Would definitely return!
Great food, nice atmosphere and the service was excellent. We highly recommend this restaurant.
I've been coming here for years and it's really been consistently great every visit! Staff are always super friendly and give amazing suggestions like adding the house made sausage to the tortellini dish (Aaamazing!!!) and no judgments, just a shared chuckle on my traditional 11:30am lemon drop martini when I visit each year. Oh and NEVER leave without trying their bacon wrapped pecans with blue cheese and balsamic. OMG yummo! Until next time!
Amazing! Staff super friendly, kitchen was great to accommodate my food alergies. Highly recommend!
Went here after finding it on this app
Was not disappointed
Obviously popular with locals
Thursday was busy
Staff extremely helpful
Service brisk but not intrusive
Had two of the tapas and two of the bigger meals
All very tasty
Deserts OMG!
Loved the decor music
Great spot from which to wander down to the harbour and walk it off
I honestly can't fault the food, service or atmosphere here. This is my 3rd visit and every time has been exceptional. There is a wide variety of dishes to choose from and the flavors are simple and very tasty, plus the staff are friendly and fun.
So delicious! Eggplant dish was amazing and everything is so well seasoned. All the tapas I tried were so flavourful and exciting. This place has a great atmosphere, beautiful building and perfect dinner lighting (I like darker lighting in restaurants). Overall it was a great dinner experience.
Sangria night on a Sunday evening. So glad we made reservations to avoid having to wait at the door. If i really had to pick between the sangria here or at Bodega (same owners), I would lean towards the latter. Tapa bar ones still had the kick we were looking for but it still had a little more ice than required. It was nice that the server poured the refills for us, but it also felt like we were being rushed out. Food was delicious and well made. No charcuterie boards available though - go next door if you're feeling meat and cheese with your drinks.
Good wine list and great atmosphere. Will come back! I highly recommend the bacon-wrapped dates and the curried prawns. The staff is super friendly too.
Strongly recommend the gamba chipotle. (Prawns in a spicy paste) super savory! We also ordered mussel cha cha cha, grilled kale and they were really tasty too. Cubanette was not bad either tho the pork was kinda hard and a little dry so I don't recommend this dish in particular. In general Service and food are both fantastic.
I've been here many times and keep going back. The food is delicious and the service is great. My favourite dish is the Mussels de Cha Cha Cha. Amazing!
The food was very tasty. Great ambience and service excellent. It was a Wednesday night, so $10 off any bottle of wine. We had the mussels cha cha cha-fiery, but super tasty. We requested extra bread for the broth; we wanted to mop up every last morsel of the tasty broth. Highly recommend that dish. Everything we order was really delicious. We would definitely go back.
Our 7th stop in Victoria in 2 days.. And by far our fave! Down to earth service in a beautiful, unique setting. Amazing tapas- especially the almond stuffed dates wrapped in bacon. Great Martina's for happy hour. Exceptional all around. Yummy!
Very friendly staff, a bit pricey but they are really quality driven instead of quantity. They have an open kitchen and lots of original south european style food. You should absolutely try the expresso mousse for dessert.
I like this place very much! There are a few favourites here: Garlic shrimp, sautéed kale, sardines, queso dip, bacon wrapped dates, just to name a few... Delicious!
Excellent cocktails! Excellent service. Food left a little to be desired. Olives were quite good, chili con queso fondue had some good flavour. But the papas bravas were just deep fried potatoes with aioli on top, dish didn't reflect the price. Finally the bistek al ajillo steak was really disappointing. At 19 dollars steak should be cooked well and have some good flavour and be of fair size, this had none of the above. There was no identifiable white wine butter sauce and a rare steak came out medium, charred and chewy. Would love to see the food at this excellent location brought up to snuff!!!
Dessert. If you don't order the creme brûlé then sadly you've missed the best dessert in town.
My Favorite Place In Vic. I love Tapa Bar, and even though a few times the quality has not been consistent, it has never been enough to send me astray.
The atmosphere is top notch, I feel like im on vacation there, a very miami/cuban feel to it.
Favorite Tapas:
Gambas Chipotle(ask for extra bread for the sauce)
Grilled Kale
Fried Fanny Bay Oysters
Saffron Mussels
Almond Stuffed Dates
The Creme Brulee trio desert.
The food is always very tasty. My husband especially loves the almond stuffed dates and I love the pollo al ajillo and chorizo fondu. The atmosphere is noisy and crowded. The service is ok to good depending on the server. We enjoy going back for the delicious food.
Love. Mussels cha cha love love them
Good. The food was wonderful, so creative and flavorful. As a bit of a picky eater I scrutinized the menu for a while but I got a great dish and next time I won't be so wary to order. I loved it.
Lively atmosphere, busy and bustling, feels like the talk of the town. Very nice servers, all over a good place!
Great Food!. Lively, happening spot with great food/tapas. The sangria is absolutely awesome - seriously try it! Service is good, would go back again!
This place is amazing. Best restaurant in town. Amazing people, delicious food, and an unbeatable atmosphere. I enjoy the Cubanette con Polo With rice. The kale is a great addition to any dish here too!
Sooooo good! Love this place! Food and service excellent! Chili Relleno amazing wings amazing mussels cha cha cha unreal!
Variety of smaller portions / dishes to provide for an opportunity for sampling MORE FOOD
Interesting martini ....olives stuffed with blue cheese ....tasty and different
The Best!. Each time I'm in the Capitol I go to The Tapa Bar. If you haven't been there you are missing a treat. Keep up the great service and food people.
Favorite. The tapa bar is my favorite lounge to drink in. The chipotle prawns are awesome. Sangria is to die for. Love!
Mussles cha cha cha, yes please. I am in love with the mussels cha cha cha. i live in calgary, and actually flew to victoria in october for a weekend just so i could have the mussles. i love everything about this place, the spanish wine, the noise, and of course, the food, wich is simply amazing.
I had one of the best experiences a few years back i have ever had at a restaurant. last month they were just as good as ever.
Beautifully decorated, modern ambient music & classy waitstaff. The food is sensibly portioned so one can choose a balanced meal. We chose this place on a lark, as we wanted to check out a new place. Would definitely return. Flawless service & food. Thanks so much for a great night. :)
I am excited for my birthday dinner at tapa soon! Looking forward to the almond stuffed dates, mmmmm!!!!!!
Like the ambiance and the food. Such a nice restaurant and always good service.
The house-smoked chicken breast salad with chili aioli is so amazing - the chicken is really smoky and the aioli makes a great dressing. The grilled chicken breast on focaccia with melted cheese, avocado, beans & salsa also really good.
Great Date Night. Had a wonderful date night last night at the Tapa Bar. bacon wrapped dates, smoked chicken salad and pesto pizza were all good. Cheese cake and cappuccino were average but still yummy. Great location and service. It was a lovely meal, we will for sure be back soon
Best Restaurant Ever.. Have been there a few times and every time the food has been more than Amazing. Every bite has been full of incredible flavours. The mussels are out of this galaxy.
My favorite restaurant, hands down!. With amazing food and a fun lively atmosphere the Tapa Bar has it all. Try the grilled kale, the almond stuffed bacon wrapped dates, and the grilled portobello mushrooms. They also have the best Sangria in town. Oh and don't forget the desserts, I had a chocolate espresso mousse in a brandy snap basket last time that was to die for. Next time I want to try the brulee trio. Mmmmm.
Average, But Always Very Busy. :|
Generally, the food is average, but some items are definitely good. You have to try everything, then decide what works for you. Expensive for what you get. Good atmosphere. It's loud and packed at night, great if you're with friends.
Try the Almond Stuffed Dates
Average Food • Okay Service • Clean
Good venue (very busy on a Tuesday night) although some people would find it too noisy. Tapas was ok - perhaps a but too much melted cheese though. Good selection of wines by the glass, service was good, price was surprisingly good. I'd go there again.
Sublime grilled portobellos. Three of us shared a pitcher of the red sangria, which was pretty good. The grilled portobello mushrooms with a champagne mango vinaigrette was phenomenal and I'd totally love to have it again...all to myself! The fondue was whatever and the halibut was overcooked in the tostada. Doesn't matter though, all I remember is the portobellos with love.
Great food and atmosphere!! We ordered a few dishes as had been saving ourselves all day for this meal. The mussels, chiopolte prawns,and aramada chicken are excellent! The ceviche is okay and the bread is yummy!! Also if you want some good sangria order a jug, well worth it! We look forward to a repeat visit! Make sure to make a reservation to ensure u get a seat!!!
I heart Tapa Bar. I love the Tapa Bar! Great food, great people, fast service, great environment, very chill place, can be loud at times but that makes it fun! I have great memories at the Tapa Bar!
Sangria sunday!. Tasty snacks, great social atmosphere and the sangria is the best!
Nice mood, nice food.. Bit pricey, but the mood is nice, and so is the steak as rasberry mojitos. Reservations are suggested, i went there with family (4 of us total) with no reservation, and we were lucky to get a spot in the back.
Great time!. What a meal. We had a jug of Sangria (white), breads and the platter for two. It was some the of the best Spanish ive had and Tapas is a regular thing for me.
Service was superb and atmosphere vibrant. Will be back!
Best mohitos outside of Havana. Went here despite not being able to get a reservation. Walked in about 8 pm and they sat us in the bar. Good service. Excellent tapas - tried the bacon wrapped dates on recommendation of server and it was fabulous. The halibut was good as well. Good prices: 3 tapas, multiple drinks and dessert for under $100. I recommend
Love this place. I don't care what people say but I have great service, and good food everytime I come here!
Their sangria is TO DIE FOR, and their lychee martini is soooo delicious. Food-wise their bacon wrapped dates are amazing and it's nice to have a bunch of tapas, try a bit here and there and share with your party.
The food was decent. The wine choices fantastic for the price! I had the artichokes, duck leg and the chile relleno. Duck leg needed more braising. Other than that, flavores were really good. Thanks to Robyn for taking good care of me!
Really tasty! We tried the bacon-wrapped dates, the tostada and the cha cha cha mussels. Devoured it all, but the broth from the mussels was my fave. You'll need lotsa focaccia to soak it up!
Best in the city.. By far one of the best in the city. Try the pesto pizza and you will never be the same. The chachacha mussels are also one of my favs. Wine Wednesday.... enough said! Very very good! Great for dates too :)
Stylish, Convenient location. Been there just once. The reccommendation came out of a popular travel guidebook. Location is excellent - just off the main tourist drag, yet not on a busy street. Outdoor patio is on the cobbled alleyway and with lights on in the evening, its quite a neat place. The inside seemed lively, high ceilings, spacious coves and booths. I tried the Gambas Chipotle off the seafood Tapas menu and it was delicious. The white wine sauce was unique and the prawns were succulent and quite well seasoned. The wife had a thin crust pizza which was quite good too. Their wine list looked extensive (and somewhat expensive) but I settled with a Granville Island brewing Co lager (when in BC thats supreme). For dessert we had a kind of a crumble apple and peach cobbler. It wasn''t extraordinary but nevertheless worth a try. Service can be spotty on the patio if its a busy time (we were there at 530 pm just a few minutes before the dinner crowds came in, so we got good attention early on). Definitely stands out as a hip stylish kind of place in what some would consider grumpy and stately Victoria.
Best Social Dining Experience. I have to say that The Tapa Bar provides the best social dining experience in Victoria. As long as you are with people that understand that the plates are for sharing (as are the cheques). And for those who unable to share over dinner, I suggest you relax a little, maybe revisit kindergarten and return to Tapa Bar once you've acquired that basic social skill. I am confident there is something in Tapa Bar for everyone's liking.
I have been there 25+ times on dinner dates, with groups, and just for a bite to eat. There have been a few times when I thought the service was slow, but usually that was when I was by myself and bored with no one else to carry conversation; then again, I go to Tapa Bar to dine, not to scarf down food in a hurry. If you are ordering more than one plate per person and you are timing your food (ie we will start with this...then try this and finish with this...) then the food comes in waves which is what a Tapa Bar is all about. I am sure all of you experienced diners will understand. (If you ever have a friend who doesn't understand Tapas I suggest comparing it to Chinese food--I know awkward comparison, but the plates come for sharing. Although for a Tapa Bar some of the dishes are huge!
Personal Favorites include Almond Stuffed Dates, Chorizo Fondue, Heart of Palm Salad, Mussels de Cha Cha Cha, and Pollo Armanda. I really enjoy their classic vodka martini...especially their blue cheese stuffed olive (in house). If you have the opportunity order the Key Lime Pie martini--I am pretty sure they put that on the menu, since my friends and I ordered it so much.
I recommend reservations for groups over 2 at least a day in advance. Although 50% of the restaurant is reserved for walk ins if you are a larger group, you might be waiting some time. Their patio is great, and if you get too cold they have blankets for you.
I really like Tapa Bar because it has an atmosphere that is appropriate for several dining needs. Although I would never call this a family restaurant, I've brought family here on several occasions. I have had huge success here on dinner dates...and it also serves as an impressive local joint to bring guests. The restaurant doesn't survive solely based on location, but on their menu and returning local clientele.
Amazing!. I had not gone to the Tapa Bar in such a long time that I decided to make it the place to go on mine and my boyfriends date night a couple weeks ago. Boy was it worth it! We made a reservation as it was a Saturday night when we went. After sitting at the bar for only a few minutes (long enough to order a drink) they kindly sat us at a little table at the front by the window.
We split 3 Tapas; bacon wrapped dates, seafood fettuccine, and the pepper steak I believe. And all I can say is, WOW. Every bite was better than the last.
Definitely worth the wait and the fact that the restaurant is a little crowded with tables. The ambiance is lovely as it's darker and cosy for date night :)
Just thinking about it makes me want to go back.. The service is ALWAYS great, and the food and cocktail menus are amazing. I could eat here everyday. The food is affordable, and its always a blast to come here with a group. I do recommend reservations though :) Great ambiance, and the staff always look happy when working. Its great when you frequently visit a place and see no turn over in staff...and everyone looks like they are enjoying their jobs. There is NOTHING bad about this place!
Food was very good and Sangria was on special. The Pollo Madagasgar has a kick to it but for someone who doesn't care for spice I quite liked it. Service was excellent! I would highly recommend this place to anyone. Very mellow atmosphere. Prices mid range. $60 for 2 meals and a few drinks.
Good experience overall. I went on a Monday night, and it wasn't very busy, so that might explain the attentive service. The gambos chipotle and halibut tostada were amazing. Very reasonably priced pitcher of sangria, too! Nice atmosphere, would definitely go again.
The house smoked chicken thin crust pizza for under $15, combined with grilled eggplant provide both tasty and substantial lunch for 2.
Always great. I have been eating here for years and have never once had a bad experience. Great little hidden spot to go any night of the week.
The small portions were typical of a tapas restaurant but the food was good. The sanguria was solid and the house salad was especially good.
Overall, we had a great time at Tapa. Although the menu could use a little work, most of the dishes were pretty tasty and we did not leave much behind. We loved the atmosphere and the ability to order a selection of dishes to share. The service was sub-par at times, but always friendly. It was a entertaining first night out in Victoria!
If you've ever driven from the Victoria airport to downtown Victoria, you have probably seen that section of highway 17 with the big billboards advertising various things to see and do in this great city. One sign that I've noticed many times is that of the Tapa Bar Restaurant in trounce alley. I may not be a huge fan of those signs but I have to admit every time I drive by I think to myself, I have to go there some day. Well, "some day" finally came and am I ever glad it did. From the second we sat down on the patio (a great place to sit on a summer evening if you are lucky enough to get a seat), Mark and I fell in love with this restaurant. With great Spanish music paying in the background, good indoor and outdoor lighting, and lots of people, the atmosphere here is just one of Tapa Bar's selling points. This restaurant has a great menu with lots of selection, even for those vegetarians out ther
This marks our second visit to the tapa bar, where we indulged in their exquisite pasta offerings once again. Alongside our pasta selection, we also explored a variety of other dishes on their menu. Yet, even with the assortment of choices available, it's the pasta that continues to steal the spotlight for us.
Undeniably, their pasta dishes stand out as some of the most delectable we've ever had the pleasure of savoring. Whether it's the seafood-infused creations that transport us to the coastal flavors or the hearty sausage-based options that provide a comforting contrast, each dish showcases a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and attention to detail. The consistency in the excellence of their pasta offerings ensures that every bite is a delightful journey for the palate.
A super cute bistro offering small Spanish plates including vegan & gluten-free items, plus a full bar. 🥂🥘
Try the delicious grilled fish tostada or fresh ceviche. I’m coming back for those firey de Cha Cha mussels 💃🏻& stellar service 🌟
Starting off with the appetizer of Papas Bravas was okay, the tomato sauce was slightly a bit too much and the potatoes weren’t as fried to standard, so it wasn’t quite crispy. The Fritos was really really good (highly recommend); especially the fried Jicama was a unique touch. The Moroccan chicken was good (nothing special though, slightly bland chicken). This chicken dish had couscous base was well done and seasoned. The gambas con coco came
with focaccia, it was a 7/10 (good), the sauce was delicious.
Trounce alley is a neat little evening destination. Tapa Bar was buzzing this Saturday evening. There were even diners sitting in the patio. Music was loud but not too much that you can’t have a conversation, the lighting was pleasantly dim to set the ambiance, fire will from time to time light up the corner in the open kitchen, and there was a candle in each table.
Our host and server were very friendly and made you feel at ease, all around good vibes with the staff.
We ordered the papás with both sauces, the mixed olives with focaccia, the fried fish bites and the roasted eggplant in marinara.
Also had a nice Spanish beer to wash it down. Everything was on point and delicious. The four tapas were enough for the 2 of us to share this evening.
Would go there again to try the other dishes and the desserts!
Not the first time I am going to a tapa bar, the food is really good but I have some notes:
- Sangria: add some apples, pears and soda, it would make it wayyy tastier.
- Food: get some meat dishes, drop the tortilla chips and when you make a ceviche please mixed the “salad” upon order otherwise it gets soggy and mushy…
Overall, the flavors were there, the ambience was great and so does the service!
Had a divine time here. My partner and I shared the tapa platter for two and it was the perfect amount of food. We left feeling refreshed and satiated..the service was equally as good, as were the drinks. Definitely would recommend this spot for a delicious Spanish meal!
On recommendation from front desk at our hotel, decided to go to the Tapa Bar, Saturday late afternoon. Sat at the bar, had drinks and an appetizer. Bartender was a very attentive lady; friendly and professional. Had such a fun time decided to have dinner there on Sunday. Had margarita pziza and chicken cubanette. Both very tasty. Drinks as well. Fun spot to enjoy a drink and some food!
I went along with friends, It has a great vibe and option of Alfresco sitting as well with heated vents to make you comfortable outside. The chicken soup was really yup as the one you can see in the picture. Even one of the best pizza I had being a vegetarian as there weren't many options.
But overall value for money as you can spend some quality time with your friends and family. Waitress and staff are courteous and welcoming.
This gem of a find is located in Trounce Alley and was absolutely buzzing on a Monday evening! They have outdoor, bar and restaurant seating. The staff are very nice and we really enjoyed the atmosphere. The menu encourages tapas style sharing so go with a group and order many dishes. The mushroom salad was so delicious with a mango vinaigrette but I wish the salad were bigger!! The table next to us had ordered the coconut lime muscles and I wanted to sit with him so badly because it smelled so good. I also really enjoyed the pizza it was a thin crust and well done.
Wonderful meal while visiting Victoria. The Spanish salad and pasta were the standouts. Special thanks to host Chantelle for setting up this meal for us.
We love tapa bar!!!! We came all the way from Toronto to visit tapa bar once again after an incredible experience last year. Impeccable vibes, swift service and killer food. The sardine toast is out of this world and the mussels de cha cha cha are killer. Once again, WE LOVE TAPA BAR
A very cozy place which is perfect for evening when most restaurants are closed in downtown! The food was super delicious, the service was a bit on slow side as all tables were full and there was a huge lineup. The staff were beyond friendly, they even gave us recommendations for places to visit in town.
In terms of price, food, and atmosphere this is easily one of the top 3 restaurants in Victoria. The grilled kale which normally wouldn’t jump out to me on a menu is actually amazing. Great place to go with a bunch of people and split a bunch of different dishes. The atmosphere is great if you’re okay with some loudness/busyness. Great drinks too
Tapas bar is one of my favorite places to eat on a special night out in Victoria. It’s in the heart of downtown by a very dreamy, charming, and beautifully lit alleyway on Trounce. In terms of food, they are never a let down. They feature classics like the Mussels in a nice Spicey sauce that comes with focaccia bread to dip it in. You cannot go wrong with most of the dishes there. The only dish I don’t recommend are the chicken wings just because they have so many better options instead. While I love the atmosphere during the summer and seating on the patio, the inside of the restaurant is often way too loud. Because of this, it often makes me want to leave the restaurant quickly. The food is always a classic and the sangria is to die for. I highly recommend. 9/10
Excellent food but a bit of the pricey side - usually around CAD 10-12 per tapa order. Obviously can't be compared to the 1 euro tapas in Spain but they're comparable to the other restaurants in the area. Service was good and would recommend their red wine sangria and sharing plate.
We try to go to the Tapa Bar every time we're in Victoria, the food is great every time. We also like it because there are lots of options for us including vegetarian options for our vegetarian family members although even those of us who aren't vegetarian also enjoy the vegetarian dishes too. Great place for some delicious food.
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