Originally used in Spanish cuisine, tapas are a wide variety of foods, appetizers, and snacks, both hot and cold, served in small plate style. Traditionally American dishes tend to be large portions of just one, or a couple, food items. Tapas restaurants and bars are great break from that because they allow patrons to try a lot of different foods all during one meal.
Tapas have become very popular and Long Island has quite a few tapas bars and restaurants throughout Nassau and Suffolk County. Whether you’re looking for a location to host your next girl’s night or looking for a new place to try with the family, tapas offer very versatile dining options.
If just hearing about tapas hasn’t won you over already, then you must try one of the many delicious tapas restaurants on the Island and see what the hype is for yourself.
Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas
1002 Old Country Road, Garden City, NY 11530
516-228-5400
If you’re looking for diverse plates of Italian cuisine from seafood to salad, pizza to pasta, then Spuntino has just what you’re looking for. This location has both indoor and outdoor seating and a fantastic wine selection to boot, a great spot and atmosphere for both lunch and dinner.
Espana Tapas Bar
655 Middle Country Road, Saint James, NY 11780
631-656-1564
Don’t be fooled by its outward appearance and meager front parking, this place is actually larger than it looks, has a main dining area, a room for groups, and additional parking in the back. The menu is extensive and has many popular Spanish dishes available like empanadillas, chorizo, and entraña. Some nights they also have live music, a great addition to the ambiance and décor of the restaurant.
Salumi Tapas & Wine Bar
5600 Merrick Road, Massapequa, NY 11758
516-620-0057
The menu and dishes at Salumi change often but they tend to keep some favorite staples, like burrata, ox tail, empanadas, and bone marrow, permanently on their menu. They have a wonderful selection of cheeses for their meat and cheese boards with cheeses from places like France, Italy, and Spain. They have a large wine collection and happy hour is held Monday through Friday up until 6 p.m.
Vinoco Wine Bar & Restaurant
147 Mineola Boulevard, Mineola, NY 11501
516-307-8055
This is a must try tapas bar. The menu has very diverse and inventive dishes like, chocolate meatballs, Hawaiian saganaki, and mango salsa falafel. It can get quite busy and the restaurant is pretty small so it’s a good idea to call ahead and make a reservation before making the trip out.
What are some great tapas bars & restaurants you’ve come across on Long Island in your dining travels?