Adelaide's Best Spanish Restaurants

Ola! Spain has a cuisine that reflects a diverse and colourful history, with influences dating back to its Roman and Moorish occupations, and earlier. It’s travelled a long road and along the way produced a cavalcade of sumptuous and delicious foods that can vary widely from region to region.

Despite this, Spanish food is generally characterised by its simplicity and use of olive oil, which has been essential to almost any Spanish dish from the days of yore to right now.

Other defining ingredients include garlic, onions, sweet and hot peppers, potatoes, tomatoes and beans. Of course, fresh seafood, jamón serrano (Spanish ham) and cured meats such as chorizo and butifarra also feature prominently on any Spanish menu.

Spain’s most famous dish is probably Paella, a rice dish that is popularly identified with shellfish, but can also be made with chicken, pork or rabbit. Other dishes include gazpacho, a cold soup, and the Spanish omelette known as a tortilla.

And what about tapas? No Spanish experience is complete with out trying these wonderful bar food tid-bits that incorporate many ingredients and flavours. They can be served hot or cold and offer a diverse and tasty culinary adventure in one sitting.

Spanish wines and sherrys are also an important element of Spanish cooking and along with the deliciously fruity sangria and local beers, are happily imbibed as an accompaniment to most meals.

A foodies paradise to be enjoyed with friends or family, Spanish cuisine is nothing if not joyful.

Sarah Murray, Citysearch