11 North Carolina Tapas Spots Bringing Small Plates, Big Flavor
North Carolina’s food scene has embraced the Spanish tradition of tapas with open arms.
These small plates pack huge flavors and encourage sharing, conversation, and culinary exploration.
I’ve spent months touring the state’s best tapas spots, sampling everything from traditional Spanish classics to innovative Southern-inspired small plates.
Here are my favorite places where the portions may be small, but the flavors are anything but.
1. Cúrate: Asheville’s Spanish Heart
James Beard Award-winning chef Katie Button transformed an old bus depot into Asheville’s crown jewel of authentic Spanish cuisine. My first bite of their jamón ibérico transported me straight to Barcelona—the melt-in-your-mouth texture was absolutely transcendent!
The restaurant’s name means ‘cure yourself’ in Spanish, and their patatas bravas certainly cured my midweek blues. The crispy potatoes with spicy tomato sauce and garlic aioli pair perfectly with their impressive Spanish wine selection.
What makes Cúrate special isn’t just the food—it’s the lively atmosphere that captures Spain’s convivial dining spirit. From the open kitchen to the jamón hanging from the ceiling, every detail feels intentional and transportive.
2. Zambra: Moorish Magic In The Mountains
Hidden down a narrow staircase in downtown Asheville, Zambra feels like stumbling upon a secret Andalusian cave. The dim lighting, Moorish arches, and plush seating create the perfect backdrop for their Mediterranean-meets-Appalachian tapas.
Last summer, I couldn’t get enough of their lamb kefta with harissa yogurt—the tender meat paired with cooling yogurt and local microgreens created flavor fireworks. Their ever-changing menu highlights seasonal ingredients from nearby farms.
Live music often fills the space on weekends, adding to the sensory experience. What started as a traditional Spanish restaurant has evolved into something uniquely Ashevillian, blending global influences with mountain ingredients in surprising, delicious ways.
3. Taberna Tapas: Durham’s Cozy Corner
Stepping into Taberna feels like being welcomed into a Spanish grandmother’s dining room. The brick walls and wooden beams of this historic Durham building create an intimate setting that’s perfect for sharing small plates and big conversations.
Their gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) had me literally licking the plate! The olive oil, infused with garlic and red pepper flakes, becomes a dipping sauce worth fighting over. Trust me, you’ll want extra bread.
Owner Chris Holloway personally selects the Spanish wines, often introducing guests to lesser-known regions and varieties. The staff’s knowledge and enthusiasm make every visit educational as well as delicious—they’ll guide tapas newbies through the menu with patience and passion.
4. Mateo’s Tapas: Southern Spain Meets Southern USA
Mateo’s brilliant fusion of Spanish traditions with Southern ingredients creates magic on a plate. Located in downtown Durham’s historic district, the restaurant’s exposed brick and high ceilings frame an experience that’s simultaneously sophisticated and playful.
My favorite dish? The pimiento cheese croquetas—a Spanish-Southern mashup that’s pure genius. Chef Matt Kelly transforms the classic Southern spread into crispy, creamy bites that disappear from the table in seconds.
The cocktail program deserves special mention, with one of NC’s largest sherry collections complementing their inventive drinks. The blackboard menu changes daily, ensuring even regular visitors (like me!) discover something new with each visit. Mateo’s represents everything exciting about modern Southern cuisine.
5. Good Food On Montford: Charlotte’s Pioneer
Before small plates were trendy in Charlotte, Good Food on Montford was championing the format. The intimate, always-packed restaurant proves that good things come in small packages—including their dining room, which creates an energy that’s electric.
Chef Bruce Moffett’s steamed bun with pork belly changed my life. The pillowy bun, tender pork, and pickled vegetables create perfect balance in each bite. I’ve tried recreating it at home numerous times but always end up back at Good Food for the real deal.
Despite its accolades, including multiple James Beard nominations, the restaurant maintains an unpretentious vibe. The servers remember regular customers and their favorite dishes, making each visit feel like a reunion with friends who happen to cook amazing food.
6. Catalú: Mediterranean Flair In Charlotte
Catalú brings Barcelona’s beach vibes to Charlotte’s Dilworth neighborhood. The bright, airy space with its Mediterranean blue accents and open kitchen instantly puts me in vacation mode—even on a random Tuesday.
Their seafood paella croquettes deliver all the flavors of traditional paella in one crispy, creamy bite. Saffron aioli adds luxurious richness that pairs beautifully with their house sangria, which features seasonal fruits and local honey.
Owner Maria Rodriguez visits every table, sharing stories about her childhood in Catalonia and the inspiration behind each dish. The restaurant’s patio becomes Charlotte’s hottest spot during summer months, where weekend brunches stretch lazily into afternoon wine sessions. For a few delicious hours, you’ll forget you’re in North Carolina.
7. Mariposa: Latin American Small Plates With Altitude
Perched atop the Mint Museum in Uptown Charlotte, Mariposa offers panoramic city views alongside Latin American-inspired small plates. The restaurant’s name—Spanish for ‘butterfly’—perfectly captures its colorful, transformative approach to cuisine.
During my last visit, the arepas with braised short rib and avocado crema had me plotting how to order a second round without looking greedy. Chef Rocio Whalen draws inspiration from her Mexican heritage while incorporating influences from across Latin America.
The dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows frame Charlotte’s skyline, making this my go-to spot for impressing out-of-town guests. The art from the museum below seems to influence the plating—each dish arrives looking like an edible masterpiece. Mariposa proves that tapas extend far beyond Spanish borders.
8. Cicchetti: Venice Comes To Charlotte
Tucked into a converted bungalow in Charlotte’s Plaza Midwood neighborhood, Cicchetti introduces the city to Venetian-style tapas. The name refers to the small bites served in Venice’s backstreet bars—perfect with a glass of wine after work.
Their salt cod fritters with lemon aioli converted me from a bacalao skeptic to an evangelist in one crispy bite. The contrast between the fluffy interior and golden crust is textural perfection. I’ve been known to order two rounds before even looking at the rest of the menu.
Owner Marco Visentin created a space that feels like his Italian grandmother’s living room—if she had excellent taste in natural wines and vintage records. The staff spins vinyl while mixing negronis, creating a vibe that’s both nostalgic and thoroughly modern.
9. Búho Bar: Eclectic Tapas In NoDa
Búho (Spanish for ‘owl’) keeps Charlotte’s night owls well-fed with tapas until midnight. Located in the artsy NoDa district, this spot embraces its neighborhood’s creative spirit with murals, local art, and unexpected flavor combinations.
The kimchi deviled eggs—a Korean-Southern mashup—exemplify their boundary-pushing approach. The familiar comfort of deviled eggs gets an umami kick from house-fermented kimchi that leaves you wondering why no one thought of this combination sooner.
Last month, I brought friends from Spain here, worried they might scoff at the non-traditional approach. Instead, they ordered seconds and asked for the chef’s contact info! Búho doesn’t claim authenticity—it celebrates creativity, using the small plate format as a canvas for culinary experimentation.
10. The Cellar At Duckworth’s: Underground Speakeasy Bites
Beneath a casual pub in Uptown Charlotte lies one of the city’s best-kept secrets. The Cellar at Duckworth’s occupies a 1912 building’s basement, where original brick walls and dim lighting create speakeasy vibes perfect for their sophisticated small plates.
The duck confit tacos with cherry compote single-handedly ruined regular tacos for me forever. The rich meat against the tart cherries creates a combination I find myself craving at random moments throughout my week.
Beverage Director Bob Peters creates cocktails that complement rather than compete with the food—no small feat given the menu’s complexity. The staff’s knowledge of both food and drink pairings turns each visit into a guided tasting experience. I’ve celebrated three birthdays in their private booths, and each was more delicious than the last.
11. The One Tapas & Bar: Matthews’ Hidden Gem
Just outside Charlotte in suburban Matthews, The One Tapas & Bar proves exceptional dining doesn’t require a city address. The unassuming strip mall location belies the culinary adventure waiting inside, where Mediterranean and Asian influences create a unique tapas experience.
Their Korean BBQ lettuce wraps made me forget I was in a former chain restaurant space. The tender bulgogi beef with house-made kimchi provides a flavor bomb that’s cooled by fresh lettuce and brightened by herbs grown in their kitchen garden.
Owner Kim Lee visits tables carrying extra bites—’just something I’m experimenting with’—turning diners into willing test subjects. The restaurant’s suburban location allows for lower prices without sacrificing quality, making it possible to sample broadly across their innovative menu without breaking the bank.