These Sarasota tapas are the talk of the town

Ladies and gentleman, foodies and lovers of all bite-sized brilliance, it's time to talk about the trend that truly tantalizes my tastebuds — tapas. 

Often referred to as "small plates," these sharable Spanish bites are best enjoyed with friends who have become family and family that have become friends. You also need good, delectable and generously poured sangria.

As plates are ordered, allergies to cheese and gluten are often ignored (maybe a few Lactaid pills are taken). Without fail, the phone will "eat" up these Intagrammable dishes first before the genuine feasting begins.

Laughter is sure to be heard echoing throughout the restaurant as dear friends rejoice between bites of traditional Spanish flavors around a jam and jamon-filled table. It's not long before the repast resembles Tetris as you try to slide in another "small" plate.

You took the group chat out on the town and raised a sangria-filled glass to friendship. All is fun and games until the arguing starts over who is going to eat the last of the patatas bravas. Please, someone, make a decision!

So grab a glass of Spanish wine, summon your favorite sisters and prepare for a parade of tapas that’ll keep the good vibes (and your plate) overflowing!

Beso

30 S. Lemon Ave., Sarasota; 941-279-2999; BesoSRQ.com

Photo by Taylor Poe

Jamón in a Million: This tapas restaurant came to our eclectic culinary community in late 2023 and fits in perfectly with downtown Sarasota's flavor. The list of must-haves is pretty long, but I'll narrow it down to a few favorites. The Spanish grilled cheese ($11) is the ooey-gooey goodness that you deserve to devour whether you've had a great day or a not-so-good one. The patatas bravas ($10) is a bountiful bowl of carb-loaded beauty with fried potatoes, paprika aioli and chili flake that is the champion of the table. Looking for something a bit lighter? Try the watermelon gazpacho salad, sandía de jerez ($12), is a tropical and artsy plate. 

Photo by Taylor Poe

Sip Back and Relax: I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Beso's bar space might be my favorite hideaway. It’s a chic little hooch haven — intimate enough for secrets shared over sangria, yet lively enough to remind you that you’re downtown (minus the deafening decibels of some other spots). Now, let’s talk sangria. Four options await: Classico ($9/glass, $29/pitcher) delivers the OG experience with vino tinto, brandy, orange liqueur and crisp green apples. Robusto ($13/glass, $48/pitcher) turns up the fancy quotient with 10-year-aged brandy while Amargo ($11/glass, $40/pitcher) hits the spot with a sophisticated bitter edge. Espuma ($12/glass, $45/pitcher) brings the sparkle with bubbles and bold energy, perfect for celebrations big or small. But don't stop there — this full bar offers loads of specialty cocktails to try alongside your tapas.

Bohemios Tapas Restaurant

3246 Clark Road, Sarasota; 941-260-9784; SRQBohemios.com

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Jamón in a Million: Bohemios delivers a tapas menu that feels like a culinary journey through the heart of Spain — right here in Sarasota. Among the highlights are the tapas mix plate options. Bear with me foodies, because this is a feast. The Iberoamerican ($25) comes with tequeños, a Venezuelan favorite — a crispy, golden fried dough stuffed with melted cheese, empanadas, crispy plantains, arepa and ceviche. Or nosh on the Montaditos mix plate ($25) with bruschetta of Mediterranean with olives and feta, caprese, smoked salmon, brie and prosciutto. Neither of those tickle your tapas fancy? Go for the Bohemios ($30) mixed plate with a combo of everything mentioned plus fried calamari, baja sauce and simply divine cilantro sauce.

Sip Back and Relax: As you browse the wine list, a treasure trove of exquisite options — you might be lucky and get a sampling — start with the irresistible Iberian ham: 2 ounces for $50. Or nosh on the 5J Iberian ham, 2 ounces for $60. Don't miss the first Friday and Saturday of every month, when seafood paella ($26.95) takes center stage. It pairs perfectly with a glass (or bottle) of your favorite wine.

Columbia Restaurant 

411 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota; 941-388-3987; ColumbiaRestaurant.com

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Jamón in a Million: Grill lovers, order the Pincho Mixta ($10) with tender pieces of chicken, pork tenderloin, Spanish chorizo and onions, all marinated, skewered and grilled until lightly charred. The Cakes de Cangrejo ($20) brings the buttery essence of domestic blue crab center stage — grilled and drizzled with a passionfruit aioli sauce for a tangy sweetness. But why settle for one dish when you can have a bit of everything? The Tapeo Sampler ($40+) is a foodie’s dream, perfect for sharing with friends (or enjoying solo, we don't judge!). Whether you’re diving into the savory shrimp or stuffed piquillo peppers, each bite is a celebration of Spain’s culinary heritage.

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Sip Back and Relax: A veritable Spanish symphony in a glass, the classic sangria (tinto or blanco) is crafted with Torres 10 Brandy and fresh citrus juices. For something sparkling, the sangria de Cava takes you on a flavor trip to the Costa Brava. Whether you're a fan of the deep, fruity allure of red blends or the crisp brightness of bubbles, there's a pour here to transport your tastebuds straight to Spain. Olé!