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Five Tapas Restaurants to Try in Los Angeles

February 6, 2009 at 1:30 PM | by | Comment (1)

Want to eat like a Californian on a visit to Los Angeles? Then try the host of tapas restaurants sprinkled throughout the city like paprika on patatas bravas.

Los Angeles might be all about the film industry, but even studio moguls need a little something to nosh while they’re politicking for Oscars. For that reason--as well as to provide ideal spots for first dates or Match.com meetups--tapas restaurants abound in Los Angeles, and serve up a host of tiny, tantalizing dishes that range from traditional Spanish sweetmeats to nouvelle California cuisine.

Here are a couple of our picks, from home-cooked to high-end:

Bazaar at SLS: Famed Spanish chef José Andrés’s new restaurant at the SLS Hotel is divided into three components, but settle into one of the shell-shaped chairs near the bar to sample dishes like classic Spanish charcuterie (jamón Serrano, yes!), and imaginative combinations like foie gras in a spun-sugar casing. 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, (310) 247-0400

Cobras and Matadors: With locations near the Grove and in Hollywood, this spot is popular with canoodling couples, aspiring executives, and boho hobos alike, especially thanks to a BYOB policy and no corkage fee. The menu is chock full of traditional Spanish dishes like chorizo in cider, steamed mussels, and tortilla española. 4655 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027, (323) 669-3922

La Paella: This little family-run operation in the shadow of the Beverly Center is as close as you’ll get in L.A. to a typical Spanish bodega, with dishes like pulpo gallego (octopus) going for a fraction of the price you’ll find at more upscale places. What it lacks in ambience, it makes up for with friendly service and delicious food—there’s no faking that. 476 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, (323) 951-0745

Primitivo: Right on Abbott Kinney, this crowded bistro is one of the best places on the Westside to indulge in a little paella or stuffed quail. The best part of the menu? A wine list that is divided into Old and New World sections. 1025 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291, (310) 396-5353

Tinto Tapas: The Sole family from Barcelona moved to L.A. and opened their very own tapas restaurant in West Hollywood, of all places. The draws are the dramatic (some might say Gothic) décor, the daily tapas specials, Tuesday and Thursday paella nights, and sangria stirred up by Juan Sole, Sr., himself. 7511 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046, (323) 512-3095

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eh on primitivo

i went there and was not impressed. the portions are huge! not tapas style. also the sangria was really off. but they do have a good happy hour with cheapish eats. cobras and matadors is my fave on this list although i need to try out la paella.
juliana on February 6, 2009 at 1:41 PM #Permalink

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