The Best Spanish Restaurants in Nashville for Tapas, Paella, and Authentic Spanish Cuisine

• 1- Spanish Cuisine in Nashville: A Flavorful Journey
• 2- Top Spanish Restaurants in Nashville for Tapas and Paella
• 3- Must-Try Dishes: Tapas, Paella, and More
• 4- Real-Life Example: A Night Out at Nashville’s Best Spanish Restaurant

1. Spanish Cuisine in Nashville: A Flavorful Journey

Nashville has long been known for its rich musical culture and southern hospitality, but in recent years, the city’s food scene has exploded with diverse international offerings. Among the best additions to this ever-expanding culinary landscape is Spanish cuisine, particularly tapas, paella, and other authentic dishes. Whether you're craving small plates to share with friends or a hearty meal, Nashville's Spanish restaurants offer a wide variety of options that bring the bold, vibrant flavors of Spain right to the heart of Music City.

Spanish cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh ingredients like seafood, olive oil, saffron, and bold spices. It’s a cuisine that emphasizes communal dining, with tapas being small plates designed to share, while paella is the perfect dish for larger gatherings. Let's take a closer look at the best spots in Nashville to enjoy these iconic Spanish dishes.

Aurelia's Kitchen

ApopkaOrange CountyFlorida

1632 S Orange Blossom Trail, Apopka, FL 32703, USA

2. Top Spanish Restaurants in Nashville for Tapas and Paella

While Nashville may not be known as a traditional Spanish food hub, there are several outstanding restaurants that specialize in tapas, paella, and other authentic Spanish dishes. These places not only bring the flavors of Spain to the South but also create an inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy great food and company. Here are a few top picks for the best Spanish restaurants in Nashville:

• Le Sel: Le Sel is a modern French-inspired bistro that also offers a fantastic selection of Spanish tapas and paella. Known for its high-quality ingredients and vibrant flavors, Le Sel’s tapas menu includes traditional dishes like gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) and patatas bravas (crispy potatoes with aioli). Paella is available as a special dish, often made with a mix of seafood and saffron-infused rice.
• Chauhan Ale & Masala House: While primarily an Indian fusion restaurant, Chauhan Ale & Masala House features a variety of globally inspired dishes, including a unique twist on Spanish tapas. The restaurant offers several small plates that incorporate both Spanish and Indian spices, giving a creative spin to the traditional tapas experience. It's a perfect spot for adventurous eaters looking to explore cross-cultural cuisine.
• The Spanish Kitchen: As the name suggests, The Spanish Kitchen is a place where you can experience authentic Spanish cuisine in the heart of Nashville. With a focus on traditional tapas, paella, and Spanish wines, this cozy spot is perfect for both casual dinners and more intimate gatherings. The menu includes an array of classic tapas like albondigas (meatballs in tomato sauce), tortilla española (Spanish omelette), and calamari.
• Pernod: Pernod serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, including a range of flavorful Spanish dishes. Their tapas menu features small bites such as chorizo, manchego cheese, and grilled sardines. They also offer a variety of paella options, with seafood and chicken as popular choices. Pernod combines traditional Spanish recipes with a modern twist to create a memorable dining experience.

3. Must-Try Dishes: Tapas, Paella, and More

When dining at Spanish restaurants in Nashville, there are a few dishes you simply can’t miss. Tapas and paella are the cornerstones of Spanish cuisine, but there are many other traditional dishes that highlight the rich flavors and diverse ingredients of Spain.

• Tapas: Tapas are small plates that allow diners to sample a variety of different flavors in one meal. Common tapas include dishes like patatas bravas (crispy potatoes with spicy tomato sauce), gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), and jamón ibérico (cured Spanish ham). At the best Spanish restaurants in Nashville, tapas are often served with a selection of wines or cocktails to complement the flavors.
• Paella: Paella is one of Spain’s most iconic dishes. Made with saffron-infused rice, vegetables, and your choice of seafood, chicken, or rabbit, this one-pan dish is perfect for sharing. Whether you prefer a traditional seafood paella or a rich mixed paella with a variety of meats, this dish is a must-try at any Spanish restaurant in Nashville.
• Tortilla Española: This Spanish omelette is a simple yet delicious dish made with potatoes, onions, and eggs. It’s typically served at room temperature, making it an ideal tapas dish to share. Many restaurants in Nashville offer their own take on tortilla española, making it a fun dish to try at different spots.
• Churros con Chocolate: For dessert, churros con chocolate is a traditional Spanish treat. Crispy fried dough sticks are dusted with sugar and served with thick, rich chocolate dipping sauce. It's the perfect way to end your meal at any of Nashville’s best Spanish restaurants.

4. Real-Life Example: A Night Out at Nashville’s Best Spanish Restaurant

Let me share a personal experience of dining at The Spanish Kitchen, one of Nashville’s top spots for authentic Spanish cuisine. From the moment we walked in, the warm, inviting atmosphere made us feel like we had been transported to Spain. The menu offered a wide selection of tapas, and we decided to try a little bit of everything. The patatas bravas were perfectly crispy and topped with a tangy aioli, while the gambas al ajillo had just the right amount of garlic and heat. For the main course, we chose the seafood paella, which was loaded with shrimp, mussels, and squid, all sitting on a bed of flavorful saffron rice.

The paella was cooked to perfection, with each grain of rice infused with the rich, aromatic broth. We also paired it with a bottle of Spanish red wine, which complemented the meal beautifully. For dessert, we indulged in churros con chocolate, a sweet ending to an unforgettable meal. The entire experience was a testament to the quality and authenticity of Spanish cuisine in Nashville, and it’s a place I’ll definitely return to for future meals.