Tapas. Not just food—an experience.
In Spain, tapas isn’t just a way of eating, it’s a way of life. Originating as humble bar snacks to cover one’s drink (tapar means “to cover”), tapas evolved into a social ritual: plates meant to be shared, savoured slowly, and best enjoyed over hours of conversation. Whether you’re bar-hopping through Barcelona or just grabbing a bite with friends, the joy of tapas lies in variety and connection.
Luckily for us, you don’t need a passport to enjoy this culinary tradition. Sandton Central has perfected the art of the shared plate—with a twist. Here, global flavours, luxe settings, and Joburg energy collide to give tapas a distinctly Sandton spin. Whether it’s rooftop glam or Mediterranean comfort, these are the spots to hit this World Tapas Day, the 19th of June.
La Parada: Where the Tapas Vibe Was Born for Sandton
Located in the iconic Nelson Mandela Square, La Parada has always understood the assignment. With its moody Spanish interiors, ornate ceiling tiles, and the kind of playlist that gets toes tapping before your first glass of wine is finished, this is the go-to for tapas in Sandton. The vibe? Flirty, festive, and full of flavour.
The menu pulls directly from the Spanish playbook but isn’t afraid to experiment. Start with their Bikini Toastie—La Parada’s take on a grilled cheese, layered with gypsy ham and a truffle aioli so rich it might just change your life. Follow that up with the Wagyu Beef Potstickers, seared to golden perfection and served with kimchi and Indonesian soya. Feeling indulgent? The Prawn Chorizo Risotto is as comforting as it is complex, with paprika oil and creamy parmesan tying it all together.
Pair it with: A La Parada signature gin cocktail or a cold Spanish lager.
Vibe Check: Lively, casual luxe, and built for long, laughter-filled lunches.
Alto234: Tapas with Altitude
High above Sandton Central, Alto234 crowns The Leonardo with its title as the highest urban bar in Africa. If La Parada is the street-smart sibling, Alto234 is the glamorous older cousin who summers in Monaco. It’s more than just a dining destination—it’s a perspective shift. Up here, 234 metres above the city, even your bite-sized snacks feel elevated.
The tapas selection is designed for the chic crowd. Think Seared Salmon with dill crema and caperberries, or a decadent Wagyu Slider featuring chorizo, smoked mozzarella, and a little coconut mayo flair. If you’re in the mood for something fun, the Chicken Bao with spicy mayo is punchy, pillowy, and pure joy.
And the drinks? Let’s just say this is the kind of place where they flow freely.
Pair it with: The Gold Spice cocktail (Johnnie Walker Gold, cinnamon, passionfruit) or bubbly—always bubbly.
Vibe Check: Luxe, exclusive, Insta-worthy.
Cilantros: Mediterranean Tapas with South African Soul
Tucked into a sunlit corner of Nelson Mandela Square, Cilantros balances contemporary elegance with warm hospitality. It’s the kind of place where you come for a quick bite—and stay for hours. Their menu skews Mediterranean, with coal-fired grills and zesty sauces taking centre stage.
The Garlic Butter Prawns are the stuff of legend—served in a cast iron skillet and swimming in golden, garlicky bliss. Their Pulled Pork Croquettes, crisped in panko and served with sweet orange dip, hit the sweet-and-savoury spot. And for the cheese lovers? The Halloumi Bites with sweet chilli and lemon are a crunchy, salty revelation.
Pair it with: A crisp glass of sauvignon blanc or a gin and tonic with plenty of citrus.
Vibe Check: Sophisticated but unpretentious—perfect for date night or a catch-up with old friends.
Equinox at Hotel Sky: Global Fusion Meets Tapas Mood
Inside the buzzing Hotel Sky Sandton, Equinox Restaurant is where hotel dining gets an upgrade. You don’t expect a menu like this at a hotel restaurant—and that’s the fun of it. Equinox surprises you with flavour-forward dishes and a view of the Joburg skyline that’s hard to beat.
While not strictly a tapas joint, the menu reads like a greatest hits of global small plates. The Spicy Beef Salad is a standout—juicy grilled strips with baby rocket, roasted peppers, cucumber, and roasted nuts, all layered with sweet chilli and mint. For comfort food with a twist, the Sundried Tomato and Butternut Risotto delivers creamy richness in every bite.
Pair it with: Their house margarita or a cucumber-infused gin cocktail.
Vibe Check: Polished and grown-up, with a hint of hotel glamour.
San Deck: Not Tapas, But Still Worth Sharing
Over at Sandton Sun, San Deck may not technically serve tapas—but their legendary Meat Platter more than fits the spirit of the day. It’s South African-style sharing at its finest. Picture this: 400g lamb loin chops, 1kg crispy fried chicken wings, 800g pork ribs, 500g beef boerewors, and a mountain of fries. It’s less “small plates” and more “bring your appetite”—but the communal vibe is what it’s all about.
With skyline views, DJ sets on weekends, and cocktails served with flair, it’s an unbeatable setting for sundowners and snack-style dinners with friends.
Pair it with: A smoky old fashioned or local craft beer.
Vibe Check: Festive, social, and proudly South African.
So… Why Sandton for Tapas?
In a word? Diversity. Sandton is where global cuisine meets local creativity. It’s the melting pot of Joburg’s culinary scene—where the Spanish art of tapas is reimagined through African ingredients, Asian techniques, and luxe modern atmospheres. You can eat street-style at a rooftop bar, sip cava at a Spanish joint, or pair crispy pork belly with gin under a jacaranda tree. The choice is yours.
On World Tapas Day, skip the main meals. Go small. Go wide. And most importantly—go with your people.
