T'ahpas 529 Restaurant: Authentic Spanish Tapas and Paella in Melrose, MA

T'ahpas 529 Restaurant Introduce

For Massachusetts residents seeking an authentic and engaging Spanish dining experience, look no further than T'ahpas 529 Restaurant in Melrose. This highly-regarded establishment offers a vibrant taste of Spain's celebrated tapas culture, expertly blending traditional Spanish cuisine with fresh Mediterranean influences. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination that transports diners to the lively, communal atmosphere of a genuine Spanish tapas bar, all within the convenient bounds of the North Shore area.

The mission here is to bring the essence of Spain—from the jamón Ibérico to the lively spirit of shared dining—right to your table. T'ahpas 529 is distinguished by its sophisticated menu, which balances classic small plates with larger, substantial dishes, ensuring there is a perfect plate for every palate and occasion. Whether you are craving the comfort of traditional fare or a new culinary adventure, this local gem delivers on both flavor and atmosphere. Notably, this business proudly identifies as women-owned, adding a unique, inspiring dimension to the local dining scene.

The culinary journey begins with a tempting array of offerings. The menu is thoughtfully structured to encourage the tapas-style of sharing, starting with CHARCUTERIA Y QUESOS like the impressive Charcuterie Board ($38.00) or a simple, savory slice of Queso Manchego ($10.00). Moving on to the heart of the menu, the T'AHPAS CLASICAS feature essential Spanish bites. These must-try traditional plates include the creamy Croquetas De Jamón ($9.00), the iconic Gambas Al Ajillo (shrimp in garlic-infused olive oil, $14.50), and Patatas Bravas ($9.00). For those seeking something a bit more adventurous, the T'AHPAS ECLECTICAS offer inventive dishes such as Mushroom Strudel ($11.00) and Thai Pork Riblets ($13.00), showcasing the restaurant's global twist on small plates. Customers consistently praise their standout dishes, including the perfectly balanced, sweet-and-savory Dátiles (bacon-wrapped dates, $9.00) and the rich, creamy Queso De Cabra (fried goat cheese, $11.00).

For more substantial dining, the LARGER section presents savory options like Solomillo ($18.00) and Costilla De Res ($22.00), along with seafood favorites such as Mejillones ($18.00) and Arroz Negro ($23.00), which is squid ink rice. Finally, the LARGEST plates are designed for a celebratory, shared experience, with the crowning jewel being the Paella Alicante ($39.00)—a seafood-packed dish with saffron-infused rice that many reviewers hail as the best and most authentic on the North Shore. A Vegetarian Paella ($29.00) is also available to accommodate different dietary needs. The experience is elegantly concluded with decadent POSTRES like Churros with hazelnut fudge sauce ($10.00), Nubias Pie De Limon ($10.00), and Tres Leches Cake ($10.00). Even the youngest diners are catered for with a dedicated KIDS' MENU, featuring options like Chicken Finger And Crispy Potatoes ($10.00).

The atmosphere at T'ahpas 529 is routinely described as casual, cozy, romantic, and trendy—ideal for date nights, intimate gatherings, or a fun evening out with friends. The setting is enhanced by brick-lined walls and a welcoming vibe, which truly helps transport you to a Spanish hideaway. High chairs are available for families, and the crowd is described as family-friendly and LGBTQ+ friendly. Reservations are highly recommended for peak dining hours, specifically for dinner and brunch, which is served on the weekends.

Location and Accessibility

T'ahpas 529 Restaurant is conveniently situated at 529 Franklin St, Melrose, MA 02176, USA. This location makes it an accessible spot for residents across the greater Boston and North Shore regions.

For those driving, parking is readily available, which is a significant amenity for a local Massachusetts restaurant. Patrons can utilize the free parking lot located behind the building, as well as complimentary free street parking in the vicinity. Accessibility is a key feature of the venue, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests:

Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Services Offered

T'ahpas 529 provides a full spectrum of services designed for maximum customer convenience and enjoyment:

Dine-in: Full table service is available for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Takeout & Delivery: Options for enjoying their sophisticated Spanish cuisine at home, including no-contact delivery.
Catering: Comprehensive catering services for events and private parties.
Reservations: Accepts reservations, with booking highly recommended for weekend brunch and dinner.
Dining Options: Available for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert.
Payment Methods: Accepts Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for easy transactions.

Features / Highlights

The restaurant is known for several standout features that enhance the overall dining experience:

Great Beer and Wine Selection: A superior wine list, including Spanish selections, and a great beer and cocktail menu are available from the full bar onsite.
Live Music: Provides an engaging and vibrant atmosphere with scheduled live music performances.
Sports: Offers a venue for watching sports, adding a lively element to the bar area.
Fast Service: Noted by patrons for its efficient and prompt service.
Diverse Offerings: Menu includes comfort food, hard liquor, coffee, organic dishes, healthy options, late-night food, and a popular happy hour food menu.
Small Plates Specialization: Focuses on the authentic Spanish tradition of small plates (tapas), perfect for sharing and sampling.
Private Dining: A private dining room is available for special events and larger group gatherings.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or inquire about reservations and catering, use the following contact details:

Address: 529 Franklin St, Melrose, MA 02176, USA

Phone: (781) 590-4916

Mobile Phone: +1 781-590-4916

What Is Worth Choosing

For local Massachusetts diners seeking an exceptional and memorable meal, T'ahpas 529 offers a compelling choice. Beyond the fact that it’s a dedicated, women-owned local business, the restaurant provides an unparalleled blend of quality, ambiance, and authenticity. You are choosing a place that is popular for solo dining, lunch, and dinner, demonstrating its versatility for any time of day.

The commitment to fresh, sophisticated Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine is evident in every dish, from the perfectly executed classics like Gambas Al Ajillo to the decadent, must-try Paella Alicante. The cozy, romantic atmosphere paired with the high-quality beverage program—featuring great cocktails and an excellent wine list—makes it an ideal spot for celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a sophisticated night out. Furthermore, the combination of a convenient, accessible Melrose location with the lively entertainment of live music and the option for private dining rooms solidifies T'ahpas 529 as a premier culinary destination on the North Shore. For a true taste of Spain without leaving Massachusetts, T'ahpas 529 is the definitive choice.

T'ahpas 529 Restaurant Food & drink

CHARCUTERIA Y QUESOS
Burrata Board $19.00
served over a bed of arugula, butternut squash, burrata, grilled French baguette, dried cranberries and house granola.
Charcuterie Board $38.00
Assortment of cured meats and cheeses from New England's most talented artisans, served w/ fig jam, olives & spiced pecans
Jamón Serrano $14.00
18 month aged ham drizzled w/ olive oil
Queso Manchego $10.00
Sliced Manchego topped w/ olive oil
Plato De Quesos $20.00
an assortment of Spanish cheeses and seasonal accompaniments.

T'AHPAS CLASICAS
Pan De Casa $6.00
Warm rosemary focaccia w/ olive oil & sea salt flakes
Marcona Almonds $6.00
seasoned with rosemary, paprika and sea salt.
Castelvetrano Olives $6.00
Marinated spanish olives
Patatas Bravas $9.00
Crispy potatoes w/ brava sauce, everyone's favorite.
Dátiles $9.00
Bacon-wrapped medjool dates, stuffed with marcona almonds w/ a blue cheese alioli
Croquetas De Jamón $9.00
Crispy bolitos of serrano ham w/ salsa brava
Gambas Al Ajillo $14.50
Sauteed shrimp w/ garlic, olive oil & dried guindilla pepper
Queso De Cabra $11.00
Panko crusted goat cheese w/ pedro ximénez honey
Bruselas A La Sidra $14.00
Sweet & sour brussels sprouts w/ apple cider & Maplewood bacon.
Pan Con Tomate $6.00
Grilled baguette w/ crushed tomatoes, sea salt & olive oil
Tortilla Española $9.00
Spain's national dish is a potato & (in this case, onion) frittata. We serve ours w/ marinated veggies
Chicken Empanadas $11.00
Two crispy turnovers / chipotle aioli.
Churrasquito $15.00
Grilled minute steak w/ chimichurri
Montadito De Jamón $8.00
Grilled baguette topped w/ fig jam. arugula pesto, serrano ham & shaved manchego
Albóndigas $15.50
Beef & pork meatballs w/ tomato, parmesan & truffled ricotta
Maiz Mexicano $7.00
Grilled street corn, queso cotija cheese, aioli, pimenton
Coliflor Rebozado $14.00
Crispy cauliflower, red chili, parsley aioli parmesan dusting
Coca De Jamon $14.00
Catalonian flat bread with feta cheese, sliced tomatoes, serrano ham and arugula

T'AHPAS ECLECTICAS
Mushroom Strudel $11.00
A creamy medley of mushrooms wrapped in crispy tunisian pastry, served w/ arugula alioli
Thai Pork Riblets $13.00
Tender pork ribs w/ cilantro, toasted rice powder & a spicy & savory dipping sauce
Brocollini $11.00
Charred broccolini, hummus, olive oil.
Zanahoria $14.00
Heirloom baby carrots, citrus whipped ricotta, roasted pepitas, and hot honey.
Chicken Wings $12.50
Tossed w/ a roasted garlic infused butter, dusted with parmesan crumbs.
Setas Salteadas $13.00
Sauteed mixed mushrooms in a leek pure, garlic sauce and tear drop peppers,

LARGER
Solomillo $18.00
Grilled beef tenderloin, jumbo asparagus, Sherry mustard cream sauce.
Costilla De Res $22.00
Braised short rib w/ seasonal veggies, creamy polenta & braising juices
Arroz Negro $23.00
Squid ink paella w/ shrimp & calamar
Mejillones $18.00
Steamed Dutch mussels with leeks, garlic, salsa verde and grilled baguette
Pulpo A La Parilla $22.00
Grilled octopus, garlicky potatoes & gazpacho vinaigrette
Pescado $18.00
Pan seared Halibut, citrus caper sauce rainbow char.
Costilla De Cordero $15.00
Two Grilled baby lamb chops, mixed vegetables, harissa.
Almejas $18.00
Little necks clams sauteed in a spicy Fino sherry tomato sauce, chorizo, scallions.
Calamar Al Tomate $18.00
Butter braised Point Judith calamari. spicy tomato sauce, lemon basil, & grilled baguette.

LARGEST
Paella Alicante $39.00
Seafood paella, shrimp, calalmari, clams and mussels, perfect for two!
Parrillada $40.00
Spanish mixed grill w/ steak, chorizo, shrimp, seasonal veggies, patatas bravas & chimichurri
Vegetarian Paella $29.00
w/ seasonal veggies

POSTRES
Churros $10.00
Dusted w/ cinnamon sugar & served w/ a warm hazelnut fudge sauce.
Nubias Pie De Limon $10.00
Tres Leches Cake $10.00
Our delicious sponge cake soaked in three milks and topped with Italian Meringue.

KIDS' MENU
Chicken Finger And Crispy Potatoes $10.00
Three large chicken finger, crispy fries served with a brava sauce for dipping.
Chicken Quesadilla $10.00
A large flour tortilla filled with chicken and cheese.
Pasta Marinara Sauce And Cheese $9.00
Every kids favorite, fresh pasta house made marinara and grated parmesan.

T'ahpas 529 Restaurant Details

From the business
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Great wine list
Live music
Sports

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Late-night food
Organic dishes
Private dining room
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly

Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
High chairs

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Parking

T'ahpas 529 Restaurant Photos

T'ahpas 529 Restaurant Location

T'ahpas 529 Restaurant

Massachusetts Middlesex County Melrose Franklin Street

529 Franklin St, Melrose, MA 02176, USA

T'ahpas 529 Restaurant Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 551 user reviews.

cocktailspatatas bravasbrunchgoat cheesebrussel sproutschurrossmall platescevichechurrascomanagement

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Restaurant Review: T'ahpas 529 – A Spanish Tapas Gem in Melrose📍 529 Franklin St, Melrose, MA 02176T'ahpas 529 is bringing authentic Spanish flavors to the North Shore, serving up classic tapas, rich paellas, and indulgent desserts in a cozy, brick-lined atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned tapas lover or a newcomer to Spanish cuisine, this spot has plenty to offer. Just make sure you come hungry!🥖 Charcuterie Board (8/10)A well-balanced assortment of cured meats and cheeses from New England’s finest artisans, complemented by fig jam, olives, and spiced pecans. This board is perfect for sharing, offering a mix of savory, creamy, and nutty flavors in every bite.🥓 Dátiles (8/10)Bacon-wrapped medjool dates stuffed with marcona almonds and drizzled with a blue cheese aioli—a bold and unexpected flavor combination that works surprisingly well. Think of bacon-wrapped scallops but with a rich, sweet twist from the dates.🍞 Pan de Casa (9/10)Their warm rosemary focaccia is a simple but absolute must-order. Lightly crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with sea salt flakes and olive oil, it’s the perfect bread to pair with all the other rich, saucy dishes.🦐 Gambas al Ajillo (8/10)These sautéed shrimp come swimming in a garlicky olive oil infused with dried guindilla peppers. They’re tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked, with just a hint of heat that doesn’t overpower the natural sweetness of the shrimp.🧀 Queso de Cabra (9/10)If you love goat cheese, this dish is for you! A panko-crusted, golden-fried ball of creamy goat cheese is paired with Pedro Ximénez honey, giving it a perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors. One of the best bites of the night!🥟 Chicken Empanadas (8/10)Two crispy turnovers filled with seasoned chicken and served with a smoky chipotle aioli. While the filling was a bit dry, the aioli saved the dish by adding a much-needed creamy kick. Still fresh, flavorful, and worth a try.🥔 Croquetas de Jamón (8/10)Crispy bolitos of serrano ham served with a tangy, slightly spicy brava sauce. Simple, but an easy must-get—you really can’t go wrong with.🦑 Frutti De Mare (8/10)This squid ink pasta dish with mussels, clams, shrimp, and calamari was the biggest surprise of the night! Squid ink can sometimes be overpowering, but this one had a perfectly balanced, subtly briny flavor that let the seafood shine. If you’ve been hesitant to try squid ink pasta, this is a great introduction!🔥 Paella Alicante (10/10) – The Star of the Night!If you order only one thing, make it the paella. This seafood-packed dish is filled with shrimp, calamari, clams, and mussels, all simmered in a deeply flavorful, saffron-infused rice. I don’t know where else on the North Shore you can get paella this authentic and delicious—do not leave without trying this!🥩 Churrasquito (5/10)Unfortunately, this grilled minute steak with chimichurri was way too salty—a total salt bomb that overpowered the steak's natural flavors. The meat itself was decently cooked, but the excessive salt made it difficult to enjoy. I really wanted to love this one, but I’d skip it next time.Desserts:🍩 Churros (8/10)These crispy, golden-brown churros are dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with a warm hazelnut fudge sauce. They’re light, not too oily, and perfectly crunchy on the outside with a soft center—a solid dessert choice for anyone with a sweet tooth.🥧 Pecan Tart (8/10)This house-made pecan tart topped with vanilla ice cream is like pecan pie in mini format, but even more buttery and indulgent. The crust was flaky, the filling rich and nutty, and the cold ice cream balanced out the sweetness beautifully.Final Thoughts:🍽 Food: 9/10 – Delicious, well-executed Spanish flavors, with the paella, queso de cabra, and squid ink pasta as must-tries.🏠 Ambiance: 7/10 – Cozy, brick-walled setting, perfect for date nights or intimate group dinners.💰 Affordability: 7/10 – A little on the pricier side, but the quality and portion sizes justify the cost.
February 23 · Maria Mongiardo
Great place! Love their sister restaurant across the street too! Amazing food, we had the bacon wrapped dates (they changed our lives), squid ink rice with shrimp and calamari, short rib arancini, and the churros for dessert! Loved them all! Pair this with delicious drinks, I highly recommend the bobatini, and live music! Great date night place with fun vibe and great service! Can't wait to go back.
July 23 · Bradley Osterhout
Update Dec 2024Service was goodFood was mediocre at best. Croquettes de jamon were cold first time warm and very dry on the inside second time. Potatoes in patatas bravado were not fully cookedPlace also lacking attention to detail: soap was finished in the restroom, stall doors impossible to close without chipping your nails. Music and light could be adjusted to add to the dining and tapas experienceService was okThey did continue to bring dishes to the table that we had already received or did not orderThe food was def disappointing and a hit or a missMy friend said she was here before and the food was different and better before. The waitress shared that the previous chef had left.Patatas bravas, dates were goodGoat cheese balls were okMushroom pastry, and bread pudding weren’t any good as per my likingToo mushy or way too dry respectivelyWon’t be back
December 15 · S PJ
Food and drinks were outstanding however I feel compelled to leave an average review because of how disappointed we were in the service.Our waiter mentioned on 5-6 occasions that he was “in training” and knew nothing about the menu - not a single more experienced person on the wait staff came to check in or assist him. He also spilled water and drinks on us multiple occasions and tried to oddly memorize our orders but couldn’t and had to write them down and even then - he missed 2 items we ordered.I feel badly sharing this feedback - it was not his fault as he was new (and very kind) and did as best he could but it was truly a reflection of the management that they let a group of 4 pay $300 for this poor dining experience. We brought some friends here from out of town and were embarrassed about how unprofessional and awkward the experience went. We hope they make changes otherwise I am not planning to return.
August 09 · Ian Maxwell
Love this little gem in Melrose. Spanish style tapas with a small menu. But everything is cooked well and high quality. The experience here is truly lovely.Came here on a Friday night and they had loud music and it was BUSY. Although it was a bit hectic I appreciated it cause it was my first time here and that usually means the place is good.The service is definitely tapas style they do take time to order, as everything is made fresh. As for food, my husband and I don’t eat pork so there were definitely limitations in the menu, since almost half the small plates have pork in it. That being said we really enjoyed everything we tried, the only exception being the shrimp/gambas. It was really…boring? Basic is okay, the batatas bravas are basic but they are done perfectly and are delicious, we even got. A second order. We also got steak tips, fried goat cheese, and chicken empanadas. I truly enjoyed each plate.Dessert was sangria infused brownie with ice cream and it was very decadent but delicious.Drinks we tried the tamarind cocktail, passion fruit mojito, and sangria. All were fine but the mojito was delicious. 😋Overall a great experience and would definitely come here again for maybe one or two small plates and to try the paella!!!UPDATE:came here again after a horrible experience at a nearby restaurant. We had drinks and small plates. I really appreciated the level of service, quality of food, and the atmosphere. It really is a great spot for locals, a romantic date night, just a quick stop for the evening…anything. We had a glass of wine and sangria and we were allowed to try the wine before committing. For plates we had lamb chops, patatas bravas (again), and the corn and the cob. Everything is tasty and really well thought out, although the lamb chops and potatoes stood out. Amazing restaurant 🥰
January 06 · Manaal Syed