Craving for some Spanish delights? Check out these restaurants in KL and Selangor as they invite you on a culinary voyage to Spain, where every dish is a story and every meal is a celebration.
Spanish cuisine, a vibrant mosaic of culture and history, tells tales of conquests and regional nuances across Spain’s diverse landscape. With nearly 20 distinct culinary traditions, Spanish food is an adventurous journey beyond the familiar realm of tapas.
Andalusian treasures like gazpacho and Iberico ham, Catalan’s nutty and robust Romesco sauce, and Valenciana’s legendary paella showcase the rich diversity of Spanish fare. But there’s more to explore beyond spicy chorizos and jamon. Picture smoky charred octopus, crispy patatas bravas with creamy aioli, delicate croquettes, sizzling gambas al ajillo (Spanish garlic shrimp), and the sweet allure of churros.
This cuisine is a feast for the senses, celebrated for its vivid colours, fresh and punchy flavours, and a convivial, shareable style. It’s perfect for a laid-back family meal or a lively evening out with friends or a loved one.
In KL and Selangor, Spanish restaurants have become the go-to spots for Friday night revelry and group dinners. They offer a refreshing departure from the usual Malaysian delights like dim sum and hotpot. Whether you seek the romantic charm of Cava KL or the bustling tapas bars along Changkat Bukit Bintang, these Spanish eateries will whisk you away to a picturesque village in Spain.
(Hero and feature images credit: Instagram/ @elibericokl)
Best restaurants to go in KL and Selangor when the craving for Spanish food strikes
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Cava
Cava is a renowned Spanish restaurant that stands out as the only one featured in the Michelin Guide 2023. Over the years, it has maintained high standards, ensuring a consistently excellent dining experience. While it uses traditional recipes, Cava is also innovative, evident in dishes like the Patatta Brava with spicy Chilli Padi Pesto and Paprika-dusted Spanish Squid. The restaurant frequently updates its menu to keep diners intrigued, offering fresh and exciting choices each visit. A highlight is its expertly crafted Sangria, which perfectly complements the meals and has received rave reviews.
Operating hours: 12 PM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 11 PM
(Image credit: Instagram/ @cavabangkung)
Price range:
- RM80 – RM100 per person
Additional Information
El Cerdo
El Cerdo is a well-established restaurant that specialises in authentic Spanish cuisine with a focus on pork. The restaurant is decorated with pig-themed decor, highlighting its dedication to pork dishes. Its signature dish is the roast suckling pig, known for its tender meat and crispy skin.
In addition to the popular Suckling Pig, Pork Knuckle, and Sweet Ham dishes, El Cerdo also offers a selection of eight delectable tapas. These include favorites such as Gambas al Ajillo (sautéed prawns with olive oil, garlic, and chili), Chorizo al Vino (semi-cured chorizo braised in garlic and red wine), and Calamares a la Plancha (grilled squid with garlic and parsley sauce).
El Cerdo @ Bukit Bintang
Address: 43 & 45, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 5.30 PM – 12 AM (Mondays to Saturdays), 12 PM – 2.30 PM, 5.30 PM – 12 AM (Sundays)
Contact: +6013 309 4197
El Cerdo @ TTDI
Address: G-1, Menara Ken, 37, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 12 PM – 2.30 PM, 5.30 PM – 11 PM (Sundays to Fridays), 5.30 PM – 11 PM (Saturdays)
Contact: +6012 322 0654
(Image credit: Instagram/ @elcerdottdi)
Price range:
- RM60 – RM80 per person
Pinchos Tapas Bar
Step into Pinchos Tapas Bar, one of KL’s trailblazing Spanish restaurants, where authenticity meets culinary artistry. Here, tapas transcend the ordinary, crafted from specialty ingredients flown in directly from Spain. Relish the seasonal gems like artichokes, melons, and octopus, tantalising your taste buds and leaving you eager for more. Other must-haves include a medley of mouth-watering tapas, from crispy Fish Croquettes and aromatic Lamb Chops to the exquisite Jamon Iberico and ever-popular Patatas Bravas.
Operating hours: 5 PM – 2 AM
(Image credit: Instagram/ @pinchostapasbar)
Price range:
- RM40 – RM60 per person
Additional Information
Marta's Kitchen
Marta’s Kitchen is widely regarded as one of the top authentic Spanish restaurants in KL. Due to its popularity, it’s advisable to make a reservation in advance. The menu features a delightful array of Spanish classics, including Paella (available in both saffron-infused and squid ink variations), Pulpo a la Gallega (a spiced octopus dish), and Pimientos de Padron (charred Spanish green peppers). No visit is complete without sampling their Patatas Bravas and Gambas al Ajillo from their extensive tapas selection.
Marta’s Kitchen @ Hartamas
Address: Jalan Sri Hartamas 22, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 11.30 AM – 11.30 PM
Contact: +603 6411 0832
Marta’s Kitchen @ LaLaport
Address: Lot G-98 (GF), Lalaport, 2, Jln Hang Tuah, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 11.30 AM – 11 PM
Contact: +603 9779 1519
(Image credit: Instagram/ @martaskitchen.my)
Price range:
- RM60 – RM80 per person
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Bangsar, Mercat Barcelona Gastrobar is your go-to destination for lively after-work gatherings. Immerse yourself in its energetic ambiance, where excellent wine flows and tantalising tapas abound. Helmed by Barcelona’s own Chef David Caral, the menu boasts an array of small plates that perfectly capture the spirit of Spanish cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh vegetables or hearty meats, there’s something to delight every palate. And don’t forget to conclude your culinary journey with the iconic Crema Catalana, Spain’s delightful twist on crème brûlée.
Operating hours: 11 AM – 12 AM
(Image credit: Instagram/ @mercatgastrobar)
Price range:
- RM60 – RM80 per person
Additional Information
Located in Bangsar, this beloved breakfast and brunch spot serves authentic Spanish cuisine that will transport you to the streets of Madrid. With multiple branches across the city, their kitchen, led by Spanish Chef Pedro Diaz, consistently reinvents the menu quarterly. However, you can always count on enjoying a selection of their delicious tapas. A standout dish is the Mixed Tapas, featuring Artichoke and Prawn, Chorizo and Egg with Mahon Cheese, Anchovy and Manchego Cheese, and Jamon Iberico with Ideazabal Smoked Cheese from the Basque country.
Cafe Deli by El Meson @ 163 Retail Park
Address: GF-16, Ground Floor 163 Retail Park, No 8, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 9 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +603 6419 9590
Cafe Deli by El Meson @ Desa ParkCity
Address: Lot GF-05, The Waterfront @, 5, Persiaran Residen, Desa Parkcity, 52200 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 9 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +603 6263 6227
Cafe Deli by El Meson @ Bangsar
Address: 61, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 9 AM – 10 PM (Sundays to Thursdays), 9 AM – 12 AM (Fridays and Saturdays)
Contact: +603 2282 8290
(Image credit: Instagram/ @cafedeli.my)
Price range:
- RM60 – RM80 per person
Bocado
Bocado offers a Mediterranean ambiance with its deep blue tiles against white walls that will transport you to Spain or Greece. Their menu features an extensive selection of tapas, including a dedicated page for vegetarian options. A must-try is their deep-fried mushroom bechamel-filled Croquetas, which boasts a thin, crunchy shell and a generous filling. Another standout is the Escalivada, a grilled pepper dish prepared in a Josper oven, reminiscent of Barcelona’s flavours but elevated with a smoky touch.
From their regular tapas menu, the Pulpo a la Gallega is a highlight. This dish features grilled Atlantic octopus with paprika, served on a smooth potato chiffon mousse. The smoky grill flavours stand out, making additional seasoning unnecessary. Their Piquillos Con Brandada, capsicum stuffed with slow-cooked codfish, is another visually appealing and delicious option.
Operating hours: 12 PM – 12 AM
(Image credit: Instagram/ @bocadokl)
Price range:
- RM80 – RM100 per person
Additional Information
El Iberico
El Iberico KL in Lorong Ceylon, brings with it a vibrant, Mediterranean flair. The restaurant is a feast for the eyes with its airy high ceilings, chic contemporary lighting, and a relaxed, casual vibe. Imagine dining amidst charming brick walls, rustic wooden tables, and the gentle strumming of flamenco guitar in the background.
At the heart of El Iberico is the exquisite Iberico pork, sourced from free-range pigs renowned for their rich and robust flavour. The menu is a culinary adventure, featuring dishes like melt-in-your-mouth pork ribs, succulent Grilled Chicken with Mushroom, and indulgent Aglio Iberico Pork Bacon served over spaghetti. And of course, no visit would be complete without the Paella Valenciana, a vibrant dish brimming with mussels, prawns, squid, capsicum, and a touch of saffron, all served in a traditional paella pan.
Operating hours: 12 PM – 10 PM (closed on Mondays)
(Image credit: Instagram/ @elibericokl)
Price range:
- RM60 – RM80 per person
Additional Information
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Written by
Melissa Foong
Senior Digital Writer, Entertainment and Dining
Born and raised in the beautiful city of Kuala Lumpur, Melissa loves writing all things entertainment, music and dining-related. She has written for BURO 24/7 and Augustman, and when she's not busy chasing deadlines, you can find her tucked in a blanket rereading her favourite series of fantasy novels, Harry Potter.
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