Taberna Tapas

- 325 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701

North Carolina’s vibrant culinary scene continues to evolve, and for residents in the Triangle area craving a truly authentic taste of Spain, Taberna Tapas in Downtown Durham is a must-visit destination. This charming Spanish restaurant and bar specializes in the convivial tradition of tapas—small, savory plates designed for sharing and savoring alongside excellent drinks. It’s more than just dining out; it’s an immersive cultural experience that brings the lively spirit of a Spanish neighborhood tavern right to the heart of the Bull City.

Taberna Tapas perfectly embodies the concept of a Small plates restaurant and a dedicated Tapas bar. Its menu is a well-curated journey through Spanish gastronomy, featuring everything from delectable Charcuterie selections to hearty paellas. The atmosphere strikes a delicate balance, described by local patrons as casual, cozy, romantic, trendy, and yet distinctly upscale, making it a fantastic choice whether you’re planning a celebratory group dinner, a quiet date night, or even a solo dining experience at the bar.

With a focus on communal eating and a dedication to quality ingredients, Taberna Tapas encourages guests—both seasoned locals and visiting tourists—to explore, experiment, and enjoy the diverse flavors of Spain. The staff are known for their great service, often providing helpful guidance through the extensive menu and an impressive collection of Spanish wines and sherries.

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Taberna Tapas boasts an excellent, central location in the historic core of Downtown Durham, North Carolina. Its presence on Main Street makes it an easy and convenient stop for pre- or post-show dining, especially for events at nearby venues like the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC).

• Address: 325 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

Parking options in the area are varied and plentiful, catering to downtown visitors:

• Parking Options: Free street parking, Paid street parking, Paid parking lot, and Paid parking garage options are available nearby.

The restaurant is also highly committed to ensuring accessibility for all guests, offering several key features:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot
• Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
• Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Given its popularity as one of Durham's premier dining spots, particularly on weekends or before major downtown events, Dinner reservations are recommended and the venue gladly Accepts reservations to help ensure a smooth and timely seating for your party.

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Taberna Tapas provides a comprehensive set of services designed to offer flexibility for the modern North Carolina diner, from an immersive in-house experience to convenient options for enjoying Spanish cuisine at home.

• Dine-in Experience: Full table service is provided for lunch and dinner within the restaurant’s cozy and well-decorated space, with an atmosphere that features exposed brick and intimate lighting.
• Outdoor Seating: Guests can enjoy their tapas al fresco with the option for comfortable outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying the downtown Durham energy.
• Takeout & Delivery: The entire menu, from small plates to paella, is available for takeout and delivery, allowing the vibrant flavors of Taberna Tapas to be enjoyed anywhere in the region.
• Full Bar Service: An on-site bar offers a curated selection of Spanish and local beverages, including a full range of Alcohol, Hard liquor, Beer, specialty Cocktails, and an extensive Great wine list. The bar offers traditional Spanish drinks like Sherries and Spanish-style Gin and Tonics.
• Group Paella: For larger gatherings or events, the restaurant offers dedicated Paella for Groups in larger pans (12-inch, 16-inch, and 20-inch sizes), providing a classic Spanish feast for 4 to 16 people.
• Children’s Amenities: The restaurant welcomes families and offers High chairs for younger guests.
• Payment Flexibility: All major payment types are accepted, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

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The standout features of Taberna Tapas are rooted in the quality of its authentic menu items, its impressive beverage program, and the captivating atmosphere it provides.

• Extensive Tapas and Small Plates Menu: The selection is incredibly diverse, offering rich plates from the land and sea, such as:
  • Seafood Delights: Including Octopus, Calamares Fritos, Gambas Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp), and the rich rice dish, Arroz Negra (Black Rice).
  • Meat and Poultry: Featuring the flavorful Short Rib and Smokey Risotto, the popular Bacon Wrapped Dates, Croquettas de Jamon, and Spicy Lamb Sausage.
  • Vegetarian Options: Delicious vegetable-centric tapas like Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Oyster Mushroom and Kale Sauté, and Roasted Cauliflower and Manchego Sauce.
• Authentic Paella Selection: Taberna Tapas is celebrated for its traditional paella dishes, which include the classic saffron-infused rice prepared in a large pan for sharing. Options are: Tres Mares (Seafood), Valenciana (Mixed), Gambas (Shrimp), Pollo (Chicken), and Vegetarian.
• Exceptional Dessert Program: The venue is recognized for its Great dessert offerings, highlighted by the traditional and delicious Churros and Chocolate Sauce, as well as creamy Vanilla Caramel Flan.
• Spanish-Focused Bar and Wine Program: A true highlight is the curated beverage list, featuring a wide array of Spanish wines, including selections from Rioja and Priorat, in addition to Spanish Cavas, Rosados, and Sherries. Signature cocktails like the Sangria de Cava Rosé and the classic Tinto Verano are popular choices.
• Atmosphere and Vibe: The interior of exposed brick and elegant lighting creates a Romantic and Upscale setting, often cited as a perfect spot for a memorable date night.
• Fast and Knowledgeable Service: Despite the popularity, the service is consistently noted for being Fast service and the staff is frequently praised for being knowledgeable about both the food and the wine list.

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For the convenience of North Carolina users planning their visit to Downtown Durham, here is the essential contact information for Taberna Tapas:

• Address: 325 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
• Phone: (919) 797-1457

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For North Carolinians seeking an authentic, engaging, and high-quality dining experience, Taberna Tapas stands out as a top-tier choice for several reasons that go beyond the typical dinner out. It is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the Spanish tradition of shared dining, which fosters conversation and connection.

The true value here lies in the quality of the food and the ambiance. Patrons consistently praise the genuine nature of the tapas, often highlighting plates like the succulent Octopus—crispy on the outside and chewy within—and the rich, savory Short Rib dishes as absolute favorites. The menu expertly balances traditional staples, such as the creamy Croquettas de Jamon and perfectly cooked Tortilla Espanola, with inventive items that keep the experience fresh. The small-plate format encourages diners to sample broadly across the menu, transforming a simple meal into a delightful tasting experience.

Moreover, the drink program significantly enhances the meal. With one of the best selections of Spanish wines, sherries, and unique craft cocktails, it offers the perfect accompaniment for every plate. Enjoying a glass of Red Sangria or a Spanish cider alongside a plate of Spanish Meats and Cheese is a key part of the restaurant’s appeal.

The atmosphere is another critical reason to choose Taberna Tapas. The setting is ideal for a Romantic evening or an intimate gathering, with the elegant, dimly lit room and exposed brick creating a warm, cozy feeling. This combination of excellent food, a superb bar selection, and a truly inviting atmosphere solidifies Taberna Tapas as one of the essential culinary experiences in Downtown Durham for locals and visitors alike. It is the place to be if you value great food quality and a memorable night out in the heart of the city.

Taberna Tapas

325 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA