The belly rules the mind. -Spanish Proverb

Not too many creative Spanish eateries on the GC so if you're feeling like some Sangria and Mediterranean tapas then you must head to Espana in Broadbeach.
This is a tiny bar, with a few bench like tables, so its cosy and al fresco dining on Broadbeach mall. It's turn up only so expect to wait a little while during the summer months. In saying that they take your name and number and you can go and have a few drinks at a nearby bar.

The whole concept behind the restaurant is "sharing plates." You can start with a few and order others as you go, all the while sipping on Spanish Tempranillos or Spanish beer and watching the chefs cook, especially if you are seated at the bar.

You can choose form the specials on the board (which constantly change) or off the  small menu.


They have the classic  patatas bravas dish: grilled potatoes, topped with a tomato and herb sauce. If you've been to Spain then this is a classic favourite.

Other classics that are equally great are the ham and cheese croquettes and you can get manchego cheese plates and cured meat, serrano ham and prosciuttos. We had one of the specials that was sourdough bread with freshly carved cured ham and drizzled with olive oil. It was like being back in Europe. They also have the lovely thick white anchovies that I love so much too. It's European flavours at its finest.









Then there's beef cheek slow cooked in a bean and chickpea tomato sauce…if you love meat, then this dish will satisfy you as it is hearty and tasty- a great winter tapas.  The chorizo with black-eyed bean dish is one of our favourites, just because it has chorizo and we love it.

This time we also tried the quail- not one of my favourites. It was lemony and I think there are better dishes on the menu, such as the meatballs. 

Our absolute favourite is the octopus on a pomme puree, drizzled with oil. Its thick pieces of octopus leg that is incredibly moist and juicy.

We sat at the bar and so due to the red lighting the photos are quite red. The servings are small and a little expensive so be prepared to spend around 100 for 2 with wine.

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GC food authority eating her way around the Gold Coast again.