Taking the space left vacant by departed eatery Main Street Burger Bar in The Oasis Shopping Centre, Bar Espana is looking to recreate the authentic tastes, sights and sounds of Spain right here on the Gold Coast. The seating sprawls inside and out with plenty of group tables for belly-busting paella parties, while those looking to soak up the action and flair can sit up at the bar, sample snacks and and work their way through the all-Spanish wine list.

Bar Espana’s crowd-pleasing menu delivers a modern take on traditional Spanish cuisine. Start with Catalan tomato bread, scorched peppers, white anchovies on chargrilled ciabatta or goats-cheese croquettes before turning your attention to the Jamon Bar – a section of the menu dedicated to various types of jamon (dry-cured ham), each variation thinly shaved and served with Spanish cheeses, rockmelon and bread. Spanish tapas form the core of Bar Espana’s food offering, covering land and sea with dishes like beef-cheek empanadas with pico de gallo, grilled sardines with black garlic and citrus dressing, and patatas bravas smothered in mojo rojo (red chilli-based sauce) and aioli.

If there are two or more of you, opt in for the paella. There’s a seafood paella brimming with mussels, clams, squid, king prawns and fish, as well as chicken and chorizo, and a roasted-vegetable variety – all served to your table in the (giant) pan it’s cooked in. Those that simply can’t decide (it’s tough), the $50 set menu – complete with Spanish churros and chocolate dipping sauce as a finisher – will be your saviour.

Bar Espana is now open! Head to our Stumble Guide for other info like opening hours and contact details.