How are your Tapas Manners?

Every culture has its own etiquette surrounding food. In Italy, for example, you’ll get funny looks if you order a cappuccino after a meal. Meanwhile, in Thailand, you should only ever use your fork to place food onto your spoon – never to eat from. We won’t even start on Japanese chopstick etiquette, but trust us, you can cause offence in about 30 different, mind-boggling ways.

Spanish Tapeo etiquette (which concerns the enjoyment of tapas) is no different, although in a typically laid-back Spanish way. Whether you’re planning a trip to soak up some culture (and plenty of flavor!) or want to enjoy your tapas more authentically, we’ve put together a quick guide to true Spanish Tapas manners – just don’t try them out at Atalua!

Don’t reach for your wallet

The most traditional type of tapas generally turns up unordered while you’re enjoying a couple of cervezas in a shady plaza. They’re complementary and designed to keep you there enjoying more drinks from the bar.

Whether it’s a mouth-watering plate of moreish little boquerones en vingre (deliciously seasoned fresh anchovies) or tempting bite sized pimientos rellenos (stuffed peppers), keep your Euros in your pocket and enjoy these gratis bar snacks. Paying for them could even cause offence. If you want to show your appreciation, just keep ordering more drinks. What could be better?

Get stuck in

Of course you don’t have to eat the tapas you’re brought, but it is considered good manners to do so. If you really don’t fancy a plate of tortilla de patatas it’s O.K. to let your waiter know that you’re not very hungry so they can make sure the tapa doesn’t go to waste by offering it to another customer.

Don’t ask and you shall receive

The trick with real tapas is not to ask for them. Cheeky locals can generally get away with the odd: “¿tienes alguna tapa?” (“have you got any tapas?”), but tapas usually come unasked for if the bar want you to settle in and spend more on drinks.

If you do fancy some food with your beverages, you can ask, but pay careful attention to the response you get. If your waiter gives you a nod and heads off to the kitchen, tasty free tapas are probably on their way. If they start listing items on the menu, or bring menus to you, you’ll be expected to pay for your food. Paid for portions of tapas as known as pinchos (for one or two people) or raciones (for up to 3 people) so you know what you’re getting.

At Ataula, there are no tapas rules to remember, just delicious authentic Spanish cuisine for you to enjoy. Unfortunately we can’t offer you traditional free tapas, but we can prepare a ravishing selection of lovingly prepared tapas plates. Indulge your carnivorous side with a tapa of Pepito de Ternera (veal breast, brioche and horseradish) or sample something from the Spanish seaside with a tapa of Arroz Cremoso con Pulpo (octopus, arborio rice, mushrooms, sofrito and seasonal vegetable). Call our Portland restaurant (503) 894-8904 to book your table.