Tapa the World Sacramento: Authentic Spanish Tapas, Flamenco, and More in California

Tapa the World Introduce

For residents and visitors in **California** looking for an authentic taste of Spain, look no further than **Tapa the World** in Sacramento. This well-loved establishment has been a staple on J Street since **1994**, bringing the vibrant culture and bold flavors of Spanish cuisine to the heart of Midtown. Now proudly owned and operated by Executive Chef Marcos Murillo and his wife, Brooke, Tapa the World is more than just a restaurant; it's a cultural experience.

It identifies as a **Latino-owned** business and has earned a reputation for excellence, offering everything from classic **tapas** and savory **paella** to an impressive selection of drinks and unforgettable live entertainment. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or a festive evening out, Tapa the World offers a slice of Spain right here in California.

The atmosphere is a delightful blend of casual, cozy, romantic, and trendy, making it a perfect spot for various occasions—from intimate solo dining and date nights to lively gatherings with groups and visiting tourists. With the option of intimate indoor seating, a quaint courtyard, and even street-side patio tables, the restaurant provides diverse settings to enjoy your meal.

---

Location and Accessibility

Tapa the World is conveniently located in the vibrant Midtown area of Sacramento, making it an easily accessible destination for local Californians and visitors exploring the state capital.

The restaurant’s address is **2115 J St, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA**. This prime location places it right in the middle of a bustling neighborhood known for its dining and entertainment options.

For parking, guests have options including both **free street parking** and **paid street parking** nearby, which is typical for a busy urban area like Midtown. Given its central location, it's easily reachable by car or public transport.

Tapa the World is committed to ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests, offering strong **accessibility** features:

**Wheelchair accessible entrance**
**Wheelchair accessible restroom**
**Wheelchair accessible seating**

This attention to detail ensures that the authentic Spanish dining experience is available to everyone.

---

Services Offered

As a full-service Spanish restaurant, bar, and tapas establishment, Tapa the World offers a comprehensive set of dining services tailored to meet various needs and preferences throughout the day and evening. The primary focus is, of course, on bringing authentic Spanish dishes to the California community.

**Dining Options**: They offer full **table service** for **Lunch**, **Dinner**, and **Dessert**.
**Seating**: Options include comfortable indoor **seating**, an inviting outdoor patio for **outdoor seating**, and a cozy covered area.
**Takeout and Dine-in**: Guests can choose to enjoy their meal **dine-in** or opt for **takeout** to enjoy Spanish flavors at home.
**Reservations**: **Accepts reservations**, and **dinner reservations are recommended**, especially for peak hours or special events, to ensure you get the best seating.
**Bar Service**: Features an **onsite bar** with a full selection of **Alcohol**, **Beer**, **Cocktails**, and **Hard liquor**, alongside an exceptional **Great wine list**.
**Special Events**: Hosts special events like the highly anticipated **Flamenco Dinner Tickets** performances, which include ticket prices with tax and gratuity. Allergens or menu substitutions for these events must be requested in advance.
**Payments**: Convenient payment methods are accepted, including all major **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.

---

Features and Highlights

Tapa the World stands out in the Sacramento dining scene not just for its food but for a variety of unique features and high-quality offerings that enhance the overall dining experience for California patrons.

**Live Music and Culture**: A major highlight is the presence of **Live music** and, most notably, **Flamenco dancing**. These performances infuse the atmosphere with genuine Spanish spirit and are often a key reason for a repeat visit.
**Exceptional Beverage Program**: Known for a **Great beer selection**, **Great cocktails**, and an acclaimed **Great wine list**. They also offer **Happy hour drinks** and **Happy hour food**.
**Quality Food Offerings**: The menu includes **Small plates** (Tapas), **Comfort food**, **Healthy options**, and **Vegetarian options**. They are especially celebrated for their **Dessert**, with the **Flan** and **Flourless Chocolate Torte** being standout choices. They also serve **Late-night food**.
**Coffee and Tea**: The restaurant is highlighted for having **Great coffee** and a **Great tea selection**, perfect for ending a rich Spanish meal.
**Service Speed**: Patrons frequently commend the **Fast service**, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.
**Family and Pet-Friendly Amenities**: They provide **High chairs** for children and allow **Dogs allowed outside** on their patio, making it a welcoming spot for families and pet owners. **Wi-Fi** and a clean **Restroom** are also available.
**Cuisine Variety**: Their menu caters to all times of the day, with dedicated items for **Lunch/Brunch** (like the **Lunch Paella Mixta** and **Menu Del Día**), a vast selection of **Tapas** (such as **Kobe Beef**, **Gambas**, and **Bravas**), hearty **Dinner** entrees (like **Lomo De Cordero** and **Grilled Tri-Tip**), and a full **Sandwich** list.

---

Contact Information

To plan your visit or inquire about special events, you can reach Tapa the World using the following information:

Address: **2115 J St, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA**

Phone: **(916) 442-4353**

Mobile Phone: **+1 916-442-4353**

For questions regarding special event tickets, particularly the Flamenco Dinners, it is recommended to contact **Brooke** directly at **tapatheworld916@gmail.com** for details on allergens or menu substitutions.

---

What Is Worth Choosing

Tapa the World's enduring popularity since 1994 speaks volumes, and for locals and visitors in California, there are several compelling reasons why this Spanish restaurant is a must-try. This establishment is a celebrated choice for **Lunch** and **Dinner**, and it's a comfortable spot for **Solo dining** as well.

The essence of the experience lies in their expertly crafted **tapas**. These small plates—ranging from the crispy, spicy **Patatas Bravas** ($8.00) and tender **Beef Tips** ($14.00) to the flavorful **Gambas** (shrimp, $13.00) and premium **Kobe Beef** ($16.00)—allow diners to sample a wide array of Spanish flavors. A shared order of tapas, perhaps paired with a pitcher of their refreshing house **sangria**, creates an authentically communal and enjoyable Spanish dining experience.

For a more substantial meal, the **Paella Mixta** is a classic choice, though guests should allow approximately 45 minutes for this traditional dish to be prepared fresh. The Dinner menu also features impressive entrées such as the **Lomo De Cordero** (lamb loin, $30.00) and the **Grilled Tri-Tip** ($26.00).

What truly elevates Tapa the World above many other California dining spots is the immersive cultural element. The **Live music** and occasional **Flamenco Dinner** events transform a simple meal into a memorable evening out. Reserving a table inside to enjoy the full spectacle of a Flamenco show is highly recommended, as it captures the vibrant, passionate spirit of Spain. Even if you don't book a special ticketed event, the lively and welcoming atmosphere, bolstered by a staff known for being friendly and attentive, contributes significantly to the overall enjoyment.

Finally, don't overlook their highly praised drink and dessert menus. The quality of the **Great wine list**, diverse **cocktails**, and renowned desserts like the rich **Flan** ($8.00) or decadent **Flourless Chocolate Torte** ($10.00) provide the perfect conclusion to an authentic Spanish dining adventure in the Golden State. Tapa the World isn't just about food; it's about sharing a complete, flavorful, and culturally rich experience.

Tapa the World Menu

Special Event Tickets - Flamenco Dinner Tickets
Ticket Price includes Tax and Gratuity. **Any allergen or menu substitutions must be requested in advance. For questions please contact Brooke @ tapatheworld916@gmail.com
10.6.25 Front Row $135.94
10.6.25 General Seating $114.19
12.8.25 General Seating $119.63
Going on Sale 10/1/25
12.8.25 Second Row $130.50
12.8.25 Front Row $141.38

Flamenco Dinner Tickets
Ticket Price includes Tax and Gratuity. **Any allergen or menu substitutions must be requested in advance. For questions please contact Brooke @ tapatheworld916@gmail.com
10.6.25 Front Row $135.94
10.6.25 General Seating $114.19
12.8.25 General Seating $119.63
Going on Sale 10/1/25
12.8.25 Second Row $130.50
12.8.25 Front Row $141.38

Food Menu - Tapas
Ahi Tuna $16.00
Sesame crusted Ahi, seared rare with a piquillo pepper & sherry coulis served with arugula & balsamic reduction
Beef Tips $14.00
Beef tips sautéed in a spicy plum & ginger sauce
Bravas $8.00
Crispy potato cubes, lightly salted served with a spicy tomato brava sauce
Bread $4.00
Village Bakery baguette & house-made focaccia
Dip $1.50
Olive oil, balsamic & fresh garlic
Berenjenas $12.00
Fried eggplant topped with a chilled garlic & herb tomato compote and shredded parmesan
Calamares $14.00
Calamari dusted with Spanish pimentón, lightly fried, served with romesco sauce
Combo $26.00
Assorted olives, cured chorizo, jamon serrano, garlic crostinis, Manchego cheese, fig perserves, Marcona almonds & a slice of tortilla Española
Croquetas $12.00
Classic Spanish fritter; crispy outside, creamy bechamel mixture inside
Gambas $13.00
Rock shrimp sautéed in butter, olive oil, garlic parsley, white wine & dried red chili
Chicken Strips $11.00
Marinated in Dijon mustard & rosemary, served w/ honey-cucumber-dijon aioli
Grilled Vegetables $14.00
Seasonal grilled vegetables topped with balsamic reduction, Manchego cheese & Romesco sauce *contains nuts
Jamón $12.00
Dry cured & aged Spanish ham
Kobe Beef $16.00
Snake River Farms beef, grilled medium-rare topped with Cabrables blue cheese butter & crispy onions
Empanadas $12.00
Savory stuffed pastry
Mushrooms $11.50
Mushrooms sautéed in olive oil, butter, garlic, parsley & white wine
Mussels $17.00
Sherry, tomatoes, ginger, shallots and mixed fresh herbs
Olives $7.00
Mixed olive selection: Castelvetrano, Arbequina & Niçoise
Pinchos $13.00
Grilled pork tenderloin skewers marinated with cumin, pimentón, chilies; drizzled with garlic aioli
Queso $11.50
Spanish cheese board w/ Manchego cheese, crostini, marcona almonds, piquillo peppers & fig preserves
Tortilla $7.00
Classic Spanish potato cake cooked with onion & egg
Tapa Salmon $13.00
Rotating Tapa of the Day - call for details
Tapa Pork Cheek $16.50

Food Menu - Sopas & Ensaladas
SM Soup $6.00
Soup of the Day varies
LG Soup $9.00
Soup of the Day varies. Please refer to daily specials for availability
SM Mixta Salad $8.00
House mixed greens with apple-sherry-scallion vinaigrette, crispy shoestring carrots & sliced apple
LG Mixta Salad $11.00
House mixed greens with apple-sherry-scallion vinaigrette, crispy shoestring carrots & sliced apple
SM Caesar Salad $13.00
Chopped romaine, house Ceasar dressing, parmesan cheese, croutons
LG Caesar Salad $17.00
Chopped romaine, house Ceasar dressing, parmesan cheese, croutons
SM Mediterranean $15.00
Artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, red onion, cucumbers, piquillo peppers, feta and pepperoncini tossed with mixed greens in a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette
LG Mediterranean $19.00
Artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, red onion, cucumbers, piquillo peppers, feta and pepperoncini tossed with mixed greens in a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette
SM Organic Arugula $15.00
Arugula, quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, dried cranberries tossed w/ maple-cider vinaigrette
LG Organic Arugula $19.00
Arugula, quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, dried cranberries tossed w/ maple-cider vinaigrette
Pollo Salad $20.00
Mixed greens, topped with a three-bean corn & roasted pepper relish, marinated grilled chicken breast and tossed with cucumber honey-dijon vinaigrette
Madrileña $21.50
Asparagus, olives, piquillo peppers, red onions, hardboiled egg, ahi tuna (seared rare) drizzled with shallot vinaigrette

Food Menu - Sandwich
Heart Of Spain
Jamón Serrano, fire-roasted piquillo peppers, melted Manchego cheese on a toasted ciabatta roll with garlic-avocado aioli
Pesto Chicken Pita
Pesto marinated chicken breast, roasted red peppers, baby spinach, feta cheese & aioli, wrapped in a warm pita
Roasted Veggie
Grilled eggplant, roasted red bell pepper, avocado, Manchego cheese and sprouts on toasted ciabatta with garlic aioli
Tapa Burger
New Zealand Wagyu grass-fed beef, toasted onion roll w/ caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, Manchego cheese & aioli
Kobe Sandwich
Grilled Kobe steak served on a toasted onion roll with Manchego cheese, crispy onions, lettuce & garlic aioli
Kiki's Burger
New Zealand Wagyu grass fed beef, caramelized onions, gorgonzola, crispy Jamon Serrano with lettuce, tomato and garlic aioli on toasted onion roll
Kids Burger - Meat Cheese Only

Food Menu - Dinner
Dinner Special $28.00
Rotating Chef’s Special – Available Lunch & Dinner. *Actual item and plating will vary. Call for details.
Fish Special $29.00
Daily Fresh Fish Special. *Plating and Fish will vary
Veggies 'N Mash $18.00
Grilled seasonal vegetables topped with Manchego cheese, romesco sauce & balsamic reduction, served with our house sweet potato mash *contains nuts
Vegetarian Pasta
Linguini pasta tossed with mixed seasonal vegetables & your choice of sauce: Garlic n’ Herb,* Tomato* or Cream
Chicken Pasta $21.00
Gemelli pasta tossed with grilled chicken breast, asparagus, mushrooms, red onion, a Spanish cheese trio & a touch of harissa chili paste
Pimiento Piquillos $19.00
Roasted Spanish red peppers stuffed with grilled eggplant, zucchini, caramelized onions & Manchego cheese; served with a citrus saffron sauce & sweet black risotto
Grilled Tri-Tip $26.00
Served with russet & sweet potato mash, garlic vegetables, caramelized onions, mushroom and paprika sauce
Lomo De Cordero $30.00
Marinated grilled lamb tenderloin served with saffron & wild mushroom rice, topped with Rioja wine sauce
Marcos Pollo $24.00
Sautéed chicken breast topped with tomatoes, kalamata olives & garlic pan sauce; served over baby spinach and roasted garlic mashed potatoes
Lamb Ragout $26.00
Simmered in Spanish red wine with sautéed spinach, potatoes, mushrooms, carrots and Israeli cous-cous Israeli cous-cous

Food Menu - Dessert
Flan $8.00
Classic custard
Flourless Chocolate Torte $10.00
Rich and dense chocolate torte topped w/ warm strawberry sangria sauce
Fruit Empanadas $11.00
Seasonal fresh fruit empanadas (3) served with vanilla bean ice cream
Bread Pudding $9.00
Made with coconut, almonds & dried cranberries, drizzled with caramel sauce
Cheesecake $9.00
With Pistachio crust * contains nuts
Raspberry Sorbet $5.00
Seasonal Flavors Vary
Mango Sorbet $5.00
Ice Cream $5.00
Changes daily, please inquire
Pistachio Gelato $7.50
Poached Pear $8.00

Food Menu - Lunch/Brunch
Lunch Paella Mixta $23.00
Individual serving of our Paella Mixta served with our house salad
Menu Del Día $20.00
3 Course Daily Lunch Special Includes your Choice of Soup or Salad and dessert. *Actual daily offering will vary

Tapas
Ahi Tuna $16.00
Sesame crusted Ahi, seared rare with a piquillo pepper & sherry coulis served with arugula & balsamic reduction
Beef Tips $14.00
Beef tips sautéed in a spicy plum & ginger sauce
Bravas $8.00
Crispy potato cubes, lightly salted served with a spicy tomato brava sauce
Bread $4.00
Village Bakery baguette & house-made focaccia
Dip $1.50
Olive oil, balsamic & fresh garlic
Berenjenas $12.00
Fried eggplant topped with a chilled garlic & herb tomato compote and shredded parmesan
Calamares $14.00
Calamari dusted with Spanish pimentón, lightly fried, served with romesco sauce
Combo $26.00
Assorted olives, cured chorizo, jamon serrano, garlic crostinis, Manchego cheese, fig perserves, Marcona almonds & a slice of tortilla Española
Croquetas $12.00
Classic Spanish fritter; crispy outside, creamy bechamel mixture inside
Gambas $13.00
Rock shrimp sautéed in butter, olive oil, garlic parsley, white wine & dried red chili
Chicken Strips $11.00
Marinated in Dijon mustard & rosemary, served w/ honey-cucumber-dijon aioli
Grilled Vegetables $14.00
Seasonal grilled vegetables topped with balsamic reduction, Manchego cheese & Romesco sauce *contains nuts
Jamón $12.00
Dry cured & aged Spanish ham
Kobe Beef $16.00
Snake River Farms beef, grilled medium-rare topped with Cabrables blue cheese butter & crispy onions
Empanadas $12.00
Savory stuffed pastry
Mushrooms $11.50
Mushrooms sautéed in olive oil, butter, garlic, parsley & white wine
Mussels $17.00
Sherry, tomatoes, ginger, shallots and mixed fresh herbs
Olives $7.00
Mixed olive selection: Castelvetrano, Arbequina & Niçoise
Pinchos $13.00
Grilled pork tenderloin skewers marinated with cumin, pimentón, chilies; drizzled with garlic aioli
Queso $11.50
Spanish cheese board w/ Manchego cheese, crostini, marcona almonds, piquillo peppers & fig preserves
Tortilla $7.00
Classic Spanish potato cake cooked with onion & egg
Tapa Salmon $13.00
Rotating Tapa of the Day - call for details
Tapa Pork Cheek $16.50

Sopas & Ensaladas
SM Soup $6.00
Soup of the Day varies
LG Soup $9.00
Soup of the Day varies. Please refer to daily specials for availability
SM Mixta Salad $8.00
House mixed greens with apple-sherry-scallion vinaigrette, crispy shoestring carrots & sliced apple
LG Mixta Salad $11.00
House mixed greens with apple-sherry-scallion vinaigrette, crispy shoestring carrots & sliced apple
SM Caesar Salad $13.00
Chopped romaine, house Ceasar dressing, parmesan cheese, croutons
LG Caesar Salad $17.00
Chopped romaine, house Ceasar dressing, parmesan cheese, croutons
SM Mediterranean $15.00
Artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, red onion, cucumbers, piquillo peppers, feta and pepperoncini tossed with mixed greens in a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette
LG Mediterranean $19.00
Artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, red onion, cucumbers, piquillo peppers, feta and pepperoncini tossed with mixed greens in a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette
SM Organic Arugula $15.00
Arugula, quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, dried cranberries tossed w/ maple-cider vinaigrette
LG Organic Arugula $19.00
Arugula, quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, dried cranberries tossed w/ maple-cider vinaigrette
Pollo Salad $20.00
Mixed greens, topped with a three-bean corn & roasted pepper relish, marinated grilled chicken breast and tossed with cucumber honey-dijon vinaigrette
Madrileña $21.50
Asparagus, olives, piquillo peppers, red onions, hardboiled egg, ahi tuna (seared rare) drizzled with shallot vinaigrette

Sandwich
Heart Of Spain
Jamón Serrano, fire-roasted piquillo peppers, melted Manchego cheese on a toasted ciabatta roll with garlic-avocado aioli
Pesto Chicken Pita
Pesto marinated chicken breast, roasted red peppers, baby spinach, feta cheese & aioli, wrapped in a warm pita
Roasted Veggie
Grilled eggplant, roasted red bell pepper, avocado, Manchego cheese and sprouts on toasted ciabatta with garlic aioli
Tapa Burger
New Zealand Wagyu grass-fed beef, toasted onion roll w/ caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, Manchego cheese & aioli
Kobe Sandwich
Grilled Kobe steak served on a toasted onion roll with Manchego cheese, crispy onions, lettuce & garlic aioli
Kiki's Burger
New Zealand Wagyu grass fed beef, caramelized onions, gorgonzola, crispy Jamon Serrano with lettuce, tomato and garlic aioli on toasted onion roll
Kids Burger - Meat Cheese Only

Dinner
Dinner Special $28.00
Rotating Chef’s Special – Available Lunch & Dinner. *Actual item and plating will vary. Call for details.
Fish Special $29.00
Daily Fresh Fish Special. *Plating and Fish will vary
Veggies 'N Mash $18.00
Grilled seasonal vegetables topped with Manchego cheese, romesco sauce & balsamic reduction, served with our house sweet potato mash *contains nuts
Vegetarian Pasta
Linguini pasta tossed with mixed seasonal vegetables & your choice of sauce: Garlic n’ Herb,* Tomato* or Cream
Chicken Pasta $21.00
Gemelli pasta tossed with grilled chicken breast, asparagus, mushrooms, red onion, a Spanish cheese trio & a touch of harissa chili paste
Pimiento Piquillos $19.00
Roasted Spanish red peppers stuffed with grilled eggplant, zucchini, caramelized onions & Manchego cheese; served with a citrus saffron sauce & sweet black risotto
Grilled Tri-Tip $26.00
Served with russet & sweet potato mash, garlic vegetables, caramelized onions, mushroom and paprika sauce
Lomo De Cordero $30.00
Marinated grilled lamb tenderloin served with saffron & wild mushroom rice, topped with Rioja wine sauce
Marcos Pollo $24.00
Sautéed chicken breast topped with tomatoes, kalamata olives & garlic pan sauce; served over baby spinach and roasted garlic mashed potatoes
Lamb Ragout $26.00
Simmered in Spanish red wine with sautéed spinach, potatoes, mushrooms, carrots and Israeli cous-cous Israeli cous-cous

Dessert
Flan $8.00
Classic custard
Flourless Chocolate Torte $10.00
Rich and dense chocolate torte topped w/ warm strawberry sangria sauce
Fruit Empanadas $11.00
Seasonal fresh fruit empanadas (3) served with vanilla bean ice cream
Bread Pudding $9.00
Made with coconut, almonds & dried cranberries, drizzled with caramel sauce
Cheesecake $9.00
With Pistachio crust * contains nuts
Raspberry Sorbet $5.00
Seasonal Flavors Vary
Mango Sorbet $5.00
Ice Cream $5.00
Changes daily, please inquire
Pistachio Gelato $7.50
Poached Pear $8.00

Lunch/Brunch
Lunch Paella Mixta $23.00
Individual serving of our Paella Mixta served with our house salad
Menu Del Día $20.00
3 Course Daily Lunch Special Includes your Choice of Soup or Salad and dessert. *Actual daily offering will vary

Tapa the World Details

From the business
Identifies as Latino-owned

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery

Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Great wine list
Live music
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Late-night food
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy

Crowd
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
High chairs

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Tapa the World Photos

Tapa the World Location

Tapa the World

California Sacramento County Sacramento Boulevard Park J Street

2115 J St, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA

Tapa the World Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 1063 user reviews.

empanadasguitaristwine listpatiokobe beefhookahhappy hourbeef tipsbread puddingtri tip

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Wow. This is where I'd eat quite frequently if I lived here. Each dish was meticulously prepared, balancing flavors and portions. Had the best relleno and flan of my life. The service was excellent and at our requested pace. The guitarist was a little early for the posted time which was nice because we had an early dinner. There is ample, intimate seating indoors and a quaint courtyard off the street as well as a few tables for patio seating. Don't miss out on this gem.
October 04 · Joseph Hoffman
Tapa the World has been a Sacramento staple on J Street since 1994. Now owned and operated by Executive Chef Marcos Murillo and his wife, Brooke, the restaurant has built a reputation for bringing the lively spirit of Spanish food and culture, offering tapas, paella, music, and even flamenco dancing, to Midtown.During our first visit about a week ago, we chose a street-side table to bring our puppy along. A large umbrella provided shade, but the late afternoon sun still made it warm and uncomfortable. However, the staff was wonderful. They were friendly, attentive, and genuinely tried to ensure we were settled in.We started with a pitcher of sangria and two tapas: Patatas Bravas and Kobe Beef. The sangria was refreshing, not too sweet, and exactly what we wanted on a warm day. Both tapas were excellent. The Patatas Bravas were crispy with just the right spice, and the beef was tender and flavorful. The soup of the day was another pleasant surprise.For our main course, we shared the Paella Mixta. As expected, it took about 45 minutes to prepare, which was fine by us; we were happy to linger with the sangria and tapas. While we waited, I wandered into the covered area next door and discovered there was live music and flamenco dancing. That was a fun surprise, and honestly, I wish we had known in advance; we definitely would have reserved a table inside to enjoy the performance.When the paella arrived, it was the one part of the meal that didn’t quite meet our expectations. While flavorful, the seafood didn’t taste as fresh as I had hoped. It wasn’t enough to spoil the evening, but it was a bit of a letdown after such a strong start.Even with that hiccup, we had a really good time. The indoor dining area looked lively, welcoming, and full of energy, and it was clear that many of the regulars knew this place well. We’ll definitely be back for the sangria and tapas, and hopefully next time, we will have a front-row seat to enjoy the music and flamenco dancing.
September 22 · Afshin Afshar-Ghasemlou
This authentic Spanish food had so much to offer anyone that appreciates fresh ingredients, flavor and quality food. We loved everything we ordered. All of these dishes exceeded our expectations and the wine from Spain was very good.
June 08 · David Beasley
I want to give this place a second chance. The food I had was mixed, some were more mediocre than others. They have a lot of non-spanish food mascarading as tapas. Sandwiches looked good so will try those next time. Bread anD Empanadas were better than meat tapas. Garlic shrimp were pretty good but not amazing
May 19 · Lev Tobias
The restaurant is gorgeous for a nice outing/ date. However, the food got me food poisoning. I'm sure it's not always the case, it just happened to be for me this time. I still appreciated the nice helpful staff, ambiance and guitar player. Seafood should probably be ensured to be in good fresh condition, I had to get an IV because of this.
June 22 · Yazmin Freeman