Cape Town’s laid-back, lavish lifestyle has made Spain’s tradition of relaxing with small plates of food and a bottle of fine wine a welcome culinary fixture. I agree that sometimes smaller and simpler is better … at least in the case of tapas! If the feeling’s mutual, make sure you head to one of these bustling restaurants and dig into a lusty spread of small plates for your next social lunch or dinner.

La Parada Tapas Restaurant & Bar
With restaurants in the CBD, Camps Bay and Constantia, this trendy hangout is ‘the place to be seen’ where you can partake in the Spanish tradition of social eating with small or large groups of friends. The long communal tables allow guests to sit close together while feasting on the authentic Andalusian tapas that the kitchen serves. Must-tries include the octopus salad and the prawns and bacon tops. 107 Bree Street, Cape Town CBD, Cape Town (CBD), 35 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town (Camps Bay) & 1 Hout Bay Road, Constantia Nek, Constantia, Cape Town (Constantia). Details: 021 426 0330 (CBD), 021 286 2106 (Camps Bay) & 021 795 0620 (Constantia).

Fork
Offering a quaint yet inviting menu, this Long Street eatery is worth a visit for after-work drinks and snacks or to line your stomach before a night out on the town. The outdoor section upstairs is a great spot to people watch and look over the hustle and bustle of the city! Unless you’re watching your waistline, make sure you indulge in the pasta roll and Morroccan meatballs. Even if you are, you can trust that the calories are well worth it! 84 Long Street, Cape Town CBD, Cape Town. Details: 021 424 6334

The Pot Luck Club
Situated atop the Old Biscuit Mill, this stylish restaurant and bar encourages guests to order a bunch of small plates so that everyone gets to experience their salty, sweet, umami and sweet ending creations. It’s a must-visit for both locals and internationals, though you’ll be lucky to snag a reservation within less than a few months! Don’t leave without trying the fish tacos and burnt vanilla churros with dolce de leche. Silo Top Floor, Old Biscuit Mill, 373-375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town. Details: 021 447 0804

Lola’s On Long
Situated on the ground floor of a converted Victorian building, this arty bistro is a feast for both the eyes and the tummy! Head over for a long, lazy lunch or to fuel up before a big night out. The deli plate is a perfect snack for the table, while the teriyaki glazed chicken and egg noodle salad is a dish you won’t want to share! 228 Long Street, Cape Town CBD, Cape Town. Details: 021 423 0885

The Foodbarn Deli & Tapas Bar
It’s the glorious deli that’s part of this fine dining restaurant that made way for the tapas bar. Come the evening, it transforms into a fabulous tapas restaurant and lets guests enjoy the lively atmosphere of Noordhoek Farm Village into the night. The food is world-class and every dish looks like a work of art. The flash-fried baby squid and Asian steak tartare are espcially Instagram-worthy! Noordhoek Farm Village, Main Road, Noordhoek, Cape Town. Details: 021 789 1966