Best Tapas In Sacramento
9085 Elk Grove Blvd.
Elk Grove, CA 95864
(916) 685-5652
www.lolaslounge.net
With cuisine that reflects the bounty of each season, Lola's Lounge incorporates fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The tapas menu blends Spanish, Cuban and Puerto Rican cultural influences in specialties like empanadas de Caribe, a flaky, golden brown pastry filled with sautéed beef, roasted almonds, sweet raisins and crunchy red cabbage. The small bites list also features Puerto Rican mofongo, a traditional dish of mashed green plantains, spiced with chorizo, pico de gallo and the achiote oil. More simple, yet flavorful bites at Lola's include aceitunas, an assortment of house marinated olives served with crostinis; rainbow carrot fries, sliced local carrots in a variety of purples, yellows and oranges paired with Spanish aioli and Barcelona mussels served with a garlic, sofrito and wine butter sauce.
5540 Douglas Blvd., Suite 110
Granite Bay, CA 95746
(916) 772-3900
www.sourcetapas.com
Source Global Tapas Restaurant boasts variety when it comes to its bill of fare. Globally inspired tapas beckon the palate, like Spanish paella balls, five rounds of chorizo, seafood and rice peppered with saffron and smoked paprika aioli; 4505 Chicharrones, traditional, fried and crunchy strips of pork belly or pork rinds; and the local blistered padron and shisito peppers crisped in hot rice oil and served with a pinch of English maldon sea salt.
1800 L St.
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 447-9440
aiolibodega.com
Aïoli Bodega Espanola is located on a vibrant corner in midtown Sacramento and features authentic-style tapas that will transport diners directly to Spain for lunch or dinner. Tapas dishes include boquerones en vinagre, a dish of cured anchovies, garlic, olive oil and vinegar, which was a delicacy Anthony Bourdain enjoyed during his trip to Granada, Spain while immersed in wine and tapas culture. Another popular menu favorite is judias blancas con atun, a white bean salad with onions, mint and Kalamata olives in a light vinaigrette with raw tuna. The charcuterie at Aïoli, although a simple assortment of cured Spanish sausage and ham, is both salty and delicious, paired with Manchego cheese sourced from La Mancha.
Related: Best Artisan Cheese Shops In Sacramento.
2516 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 551-1559
krurestaurant.com
Although tapas are typically snacks or bite-sized portions of all varieties found in Spanish cuisine, Kru's chef and owner, Billy Ngo, brings the same creative flair for small plates at his Japanese restaurant. Each dish is masterfully plated with playful execution of color. Sashimi tapas consist of the chef's choice of five different fish, each with its own accompaniment. There's one menu item that inspires a squirm or two when read, but remains a popular choice for Kru regulars: Beef Tongue, served with a wasabi and mustard aioli, a pinch of sea salt and finished with ponzu foam.
5C E Main St.
Winters, CA 95694
(530) 795-9593
www.ficelle-restaurant.com
Served on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, tapas at Ficelle's takes a more non-traditional approach to the Spanish appetizer, and there are some staples that stick around every weekend. Meant to share with friends or strangers, plato combinado is a savory amalgam of roasted sweet peppers, secchi salami, local dried fruit, marinated vegetables, garbanzo bean salad, grilled crostinis, goat cheese and Manchego cheese. Other tapas at Ficelle's include boards of fruit and cheese, mini chicken tostadas topped with sour cream and Casero cheese. Ajo, a family recipe for garlic aioli served with bread is always complimentary.
Related: Best Mexican Restaurants In Sacramento.
