With mighty pans of paella – a festive party of yellow rice, checken and ham – simmering in the kitchen and aromas of sautéed octopus wafting through the dining room, you leave Tampa when feasting at Spain Restaurant in the heart of 
downtown.
The tall, mirrored building and the endless line-up of parking meters disappear. You can almost see the smooth beaches of As Marinas or smell the frying calamares seeping from a tiny fishing village in Rias Altas.
The décor of this Spanish hideaway doesn’t evoke these dreams of romantic Spain. The Stark white walls, white table cloths, white floors and white napkins actually serve a dramatic palate for the food bursting with color and flavor straight out of Galicia in the north of Spain.
“The seafood in the north of Spain is like nothing else,” says Alfredo Castro with a reminiscing smile. His mom, Maria, owns the restaurant. “The water is very very cold, which impacts the quality of the seafood.” Shipped in from Spain, Pulpo a la Gallega – soft and flavorful octopus dressed up with olive oil, garlic and paprika served over boiled potatoes – tantalize taste buds. To the squeamish: order a plate of gobble down those tentacles. They’re too good to pass.
If octopus crinkles your face, the restaurant offers a wide selection of tapas, both caliente and frias, for sharing. Swollen pink shrimp spotted with garlic and sautéed with olive oil boasts jumbo size and tenderness in the Camarones al Ajillo. A rich white cream sauce drenches the Vieiras Corunesa-fat scallops with manchego chesse.
For heartier tapas, dig into the Tortas de Cangrejo-crab cakes served with chutney sauce – or flaky seafood crepes coated with a creamy white sauce.
Cold tapas include citrus-packed Ceviche, lime-marinated shrimp and scallops seasoned with onions, tomatoes and cilantro. The Tortilla Espanola, traditional potato and onions omelet, is a hearty staple of the Spanish diet. Tender rows of potatoes separate fluffy eggs.
Ranging from $4 to $8, tapas inspire sharing on a date or with groups of friends. In a downtown still struggling to pulse with nightlife, theatergoers are limited in restaurant choices for dining before shows. Spain Restaurant-just a couple blocks from the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center-offers festive, authentic food before settling in for a musical or ballet. Don’t forget to complement heavily flavored food with a pitcher of sangria. In red or white, this homemade Spanish drink is the perfect sweetness.
By the pitcher: $20. By the glass: $5
The restaurant also offers a breakfast menu including cheese toast and pastries.
Although the restaurant looks and operates cafeteria style for business day lunches, the sunset inspire a magical transformation. Graceful white curtains hide the cafeteria line and waiters drape white tablecloths over intimate round tables. Candlelight flicker and illuminates artistic mirrors. Spanish guitarists strum traditional musica on Saturday nights provoking diners to toe tap. You almost wish a flamenco dancer would appear for a show.
If appetites growl for an entrée, the Paella is a must. Piles of clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp, chicken, ham and chorizo peek out of soft yellow rice. This dish is a medley of taste and color.
Meat dishes include Grouper al Limon stuffed with crab meat and Beef Tenderloins sautéed with onions, mushrooms and sherry. And of course there’s always the Arroz con Pollo-chicken and yellow rice that lacks the bells and whistles but shines with tradition. Entrees run about $14 to $18.
With a demanding sweet tooth, sample the homemade Flan or rich New York style cheesecake. You can also sip on cappuccino, espresso or our favorite-café con leche.
In addition to a spacious dinning area, the restaurant offers a posh full bar with comfy, cushioned barstools and dramatic lighting.
If your itching for a change from South Tampa hotspots, check out downtown for the authentic food and sangria. Salut!
Spain Restaurant is located at 513 Tampa Street. Mon-Thurs 7am-9pm, Fri 7am-11pm, Sat 4pm-11pm, Sun Closed. Please Call (813)223.2831
