A Taste of Spain in Dublin

One aspect of Spain’s culinary culture I’ve always loved is tapas. There’s never a need to sit down to a big meal if you don’t want to, and it is possible to spend your time nibbling in a variety of atmospheric bars where one dish costs only a couple euros. Unfortunately, when this concept went abroad, the reasonable price tags didn’t always follow. Expensive tapas almost defeats the purpose of sharing a series of small plates; you often wind up with an empty wallet and an empty stomach.

Luckily, there’s one option in Dublin that has gotten the concept right, a tapas restaurant called Salamanca. Named after the famous town in Spain, this restaurant offers great deals for budget travelers and live flamenco guitar music. A short stroll away from Grafton Street, the location couldn’t be more central. If you’re looking for a restaurant with reasonable prices, make a reservation at Salamanca, they’re open 7 days a week.

The portions at Salamanca are larger than your average tapas bar, and there are several options under 10 euros including a serrano ham & manchego cheese platter, empanadas stuffed with chicken and peppers, oven baked peppers stuffed with lamb, chorizo sauteed in red wine with peppers, and spiced meatballs in tomato & garlic sauce. The wine list is just as reasonable with many Argentine and Spanish reds available for 5 – 8 euros per glass. 

Another thing that makes Salamanca so enticing is its specials. Every Monday is Ladies Night, and drinks specials will bring even more value to your meal. Spanish Happy Hour is from 3 -5pm Monday through Thursday and includes a selection of tapas from 3 -5 euros and 5 euro cocktails. The evening flamenco music is another favorite. Stop in on a Sunday or Monday between 7.30 – 9.30pm or on Friday night from 10pm onwards to enjoy the flamenco guitar.

If you’re tired of fish & chips, try a taste of Spain in Dublin.

Address: St Andrews Street, Dublin 2. (map)

Photo Credit: Jessica Colley