7 Best Tapas & South American Food Places in Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - Tapas at The Gin Vault, Birmingham

Where to eat Spanish & Mexican – Birmingham Restaurants

Have a craving for some delicious Spanish-style cuisine? Then this post is for you. Experience the authentic flavours of the Mediterranean and South America from the buzzing city centre of Birmingham, with tempting tapas and Mexican restaurants to be found around every street corner.

Whether you’re just visiting to share tapas with friends and sip on some sangria or planning on treating yourself to a full meal to mark a special occasion. A visit to any of these fantastic eateries specialising in tapas, small plates and hearty tex-mex feasts is sure to be memorable with a hint of fiesta vibes.

Have a read and discover where you can dine at some of the best Latin American, Spanish, and Mexican-style food places in the West Midlands if you fancy authentic, vibrant and tasty food.

1. The Gin Vault

Sian Victoria © - Tapas at The Gin Vault, Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - Drinks at The Gin Vault, Birmingham

Located alongside Birmingham’s renowned canal district, the Gin Vault is a buzzing bar recognised for its unrivalled selection of gins and mouth-watering tapas menu. Perfect for both gin-lovers and foodies, this bar will entice you with its eclectic drink selection, tasty tapas, and warm atmosphere.

The rustic décor of the bar compliments the historic canal setting and allows you to feel at ease as soon as you enter. Treat yourself to gin tasting, with over 350 flavours to choose from. It’s the perfect place to enjoy delicious tapas and sip on unique gin cocktails while you perfect the craft of cocktail making during a masterclass.

Although the impressive drinks menu is one of this bar’s key features, the tapas selection certainly shouldn’t be overlooked. With a selection of small plates catered to everyone’s tastes and cravings, dine in on patatas bravas, falafel balls, bao buns or halloumi and mushrooms to name a few, with each delectable dish at a reasonable price – or 3 tapas for £15.

Experience some of the finest Mediterranean cuisines as you sip on a tasty cocktail concoction at this one-of-a-kind Canalside bar. With so much food and drink to choose from, what’s not to love? It’s one of my favourite independent bars and restaurants in Birmingham that should be experienced for a date night.

2. Tapas Revolution

Sian Victoria © - Tapas Revolution, Birmingham

Located in the heart of Birmingham’s Grand Central, Tapas Revolution allows you to escape from the hustle and bustle of the station and treat your tastebuds to some of the most delicious Spanish flavours and authentic Mediterranean cuisine.

Boasting a welcoming atmosphere, rustic wood furnishings and friendly Spanish-speaking staff, this eatery gives you a taste of Spain with its traditional tapas menu, with each dish being made using Spanish imported ingredients.

If it's just a small snack you want, choose from the ‘nibbles’ section of the menu or the array of small tapas on offer. Whether it’s a meat, fish, or vegetable dish you fancy, there’s sure to be something for you on the menu. Or, if you have a bigger appetite, why not enjoy one of the larger plates on offer?

Make the most of the mouth-watering tapas on offer and order 3 tapas for £18. There’s something for everyone at this popular eatery - if you’re planning a visit and are vegan or vegetarian, you will still be able to enjoy these flavoursome dishes, with several plant-based dishes available, including a fresh ciabatta and a fried aubergine strips dish.

There’s no doubt that Tapas Revolution is one of the best places in Birmingham to taste the flavours of Spain from the West Midlands. Boasting such a detailed tapas menu of authentic dishes, alongside reasonable prices, this restaurant should be on your list.

3. Bodega Cantina

Sian Victoria © - Bodega Cantina, Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - Bodega Cantina, Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - Bodega Cantina, Birmingham

Situated within Birmingham city centre on Bennet’s Hill, Bodega Cantina is the city’s only independent South American eatery, serving some of the most delicious dishes from Latin countries. Take yourself on a flavour journey and experience authentic recipes from Argentina, Peru, Brazil, and Chile – to name a few.

Bodega Cantina’s eclectic menu isn’t the only unique feature that the restaurant boasts. The vibrant fiesta décor certainly makes this venue stand out, with quirky bright-coloured furnishings and neon lighting fixtures scattered throughout, complimenting the wide array of dishes to try.

The colourful food menu is suitable for meat-eaters and those who are plant-based, meaning everyone can enjoy the mix of flavours on offer. Whether you fancy some street food dishes including burritos and quesadillas, Mexican tacos, or small tapas-style plates, you certainly won’t go hungry. And, with every dish except the larger plates being available for under £10, the restaurant scores for affordability, too.

There’s so much to try and enjoy here, whether you’re keen to stick to your favourite food or try something new you may discover some of the best South American food in Birmingham here.

4. Ana Rocha Bar & Gallery

Sian Victoria © - Ana Rocha Bar & Gallery, Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - Ana Rocha Bar & Gallery, Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - Ana Rocha Bar & Gallery, Birmingham

Within Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter lies the equally fascinating Ana Rocha Bar & Gallery near the 1000 trades venue. This independent Spanish tapas restaurant is not only a popular spot due to its choice of delicious food, but also because of its one-of-a-kind décor.

Step inside Ana Rocha Bar & Gallery and feel as if you’ve entered a whole other world. You’ll be taken aback by the myriad of eclectic art and furnishings on display. From vintage furniture and antiques scattered about to unique paintings and sculptures hung up on the walls, this restaurant couldn’t be more interesting lit up in a purple hue.

After admiring the interior, scan over the menu and see what tempts you as you sip on some authentic Spanish wine. Choose from a range of tempting tapas, including homemade hummus, fish dishes, and an extensive menu catering for plant-based, too. Each small plate is formulated using the freshest ingredients and is inspired by the flavours of Spain to ensure your visit is as memorable as possible.

Perfect for art lovers, antique collectors and simply those who enjoy traditional Mediterranean cuisine, this place is a must. There’s nowhere else quite like Ana Rocha – next time you’re searching for some of the best restaurants in Birmingham, why not visit this hidden gem?

5. Las Iguanas

Sian Victoria © - Las Iguanas, Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - Las Iguanas, Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - Las Iguanas, Birmingham

Chain restaurant Las Iguanas is a favourite amongst many, and for good reason. With numerous locations across Birmingham, including near the canals at Brindleyplace, on Temple Street and in Resorts World Birmingham, a visit to Las Iguanas to enjoy delectable dishes of South American cuisine couldn’t be more convenient.

As soon as you enter this Latin restaurant in Birmingham, the vibrant surroundings will immediately capture your interest - the bright décor of neon furnishings and plant displays help to create a comforting atmosphere.

The food and drink menu are equally as bright and exciting. If you’re visiting with friends on a night out, you can make the most of 2-for-1 cocktails and try out the Fiesta-inspired concoctions, including the Caipirinha, Piña Colada and Vanilla Mai Tai.

Explore the flavours of Latin America and choose from a range of tapas dishes and big plates. You can indulge in 3 tapas dishes for £18.75 if you fancy trying a variety of authentic dishes from Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Cuba.

Take your tastebuds on a Spanish-inspired trip and soak up the vibrant vibe and flavours here.

6. Revolucion De Cuba

Sian Victoria © - Revolucion De Cuba, Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - Revolucion De Cuba, Birmingham

Taste the traditional flavours of Cuba by paying a visit to Revolucion De Cuba, located on Birmingham’s Temple Street. Whether you just fancy some drinks with friends or are treating yourself to a meal for a special occasion, this buzzing venue will make for a fun visit.

Give yourself an authentic Cuban experience with everything this restaurant has to offer. From a fully stocked cocktail bar and mouth-watering Latin dishes on offer and the chance to get involved in a Cuban-themed party, a visit is sure to be unique. Have a taste of Havana and choose from the array of colourful rum-inspired cocktails before tucking into the tasty cuisine.

Share 3 tapas for £15, where you can nibble from plates of vegetarian halloumi tacos, or vegan patatas bravas among a few. Or, if you’ve got a bigger appetite, enjoy a Cuban-inspired paella, mushroom, spinach, and courgette enchilada or feast on a shared plate of quesadillas.

Revolucion De Cuba brings a taste of Cuba and a fun Latin vibe into the bustling city centre of Birmingham. Soak in the vibrant atmosphere as you listen to live music and treat yourself to rum cocktails and tapas. With an inviting happy hour, it’s no surprise it’s one of the best cocktail bars in Birmingham.

7. Tortilla

Sian Victoria © - Tortilla, Birmingham

If you’re a fan of Mexican street food to go, this one is for you. Birmingham’s Tortilla is a buzzing eatery located on New Street and in Grand Central that serves up authentic fast-food-style Mexican burritos and tacos with a Californian twist. Perfect if you’re in a rush or just craving Mexican food, a visit here is a must. I come here often when seeking quick brunch food places in Birmingham.

Customise your food to your preferences – enjoy a burrito, naked burrito, quesadilla, or tacos with your choice of fillings and toppings, all made fresh in front of you. Make your food just the way you like it, even if you’re vegan or gluten-free. And take advantage of the make it a meal option where you can enjoy a drink and a bag of warm crunchy tortilla chips and a pot of salsa.

And you can experience the delicious flavours of these Mexican staple dishes without breaking your budget, with everything on the menu being reasonably priced and bound to fill you up whether it’s for a lunchtime bite or evening meal.

Tortilla is certainly worth a visit when you’re next craving a burrito, especially if you don’t have time to sit down for food and drink in a formal restaurant although they do have plenty of seating if you do.

To conclude

There we have it. Just some of the best Birmingham food places to eat Spanish and South American-style cuisine. Let me know if anything on this list has caught your eye and if you’re planning to visit one of these restaurants next time you find yourself in the city. Or let me know of somewhere I must try out, if I love it, I’ll add it to this list.

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