Boquerone Tapas & Bar, Uppsala Travel Guide

Boquerone Tapas & Bar transports diners to the heart of Spain through its menu of meticulously crafted small plates. Signature dishes like boquerones—citron-marinerade sardeller served with manchego cheese, tapenade, pine nuts, and watercress—highlight fresh seafood with bright, zesty notes. Patatas bravas feature crispy king edward potatoes paired with smetana and romanesco sauce, while calamares fritos offer tender fried squid rings with chili aioli and roasted lime. These tapas embody the bold, shared eating style of Spanish tavernas, encouraging groups to linger over plates passed around the table.

The carne selection showcases hearty options such as chorizos a la sidra, where Iberico chorizo is slowly braised in cider and finished with Spanish chervil for a smoky, aromatic depth. Costilla de cordero presents two grilled lamb racks in a rich red wine sauce, tender and flavorful. Seafood lovers savor á tun a la parilla, grilled tuna with chili, coriander, sesame, ginger, and browned soy butter atop crisp salad. Patatas bomba, potato bombs stuffed with high-rib beef mince, arrive with aioli, grated manchego, and tomato sauce, blending comfort and sophistication.

Complementing the tapas is Boquerone's dedicated cava and cocktail bar, where guests sip chilled El Mayu cava or Briska Demi Sec Riesling with green apple notes. Non-alcoholic options like Loka sparkling water or alkoholfri vin keep everyone refreshed. The bar's ambiance evokes late-night Spanish gatherings, with drinks crafted to enhance the meal's communal vibe. Whether starting with a refreshing sangria or ending with a digestif, the beverage selection ties into the tapas experience seamlessly.

Desserts draw from classic recipes with local twists. Créme Catalana arrives brûléed with red currants and pineapple, its creamy custard cracking under the spoon. Chocolate con churros pairs warm, cinnamon-dusted churros with thick hot chocolate for dipping. Tiramisu a la Espanola reimagines the Italian staple with Spanish flair, while sorbe offers a palate-cleansing scoop of the kitchen's seasonal fruit sorbet with berry compote. Croquetas con chocolate, fried chocolate croquettes with dulce de leche, provide a quirky, indulgent finale.

Located next to Uppsala Concert & Congress on Vaksalagatan 24, Boquerone's interior radiates cozy taverna charm with warm lighting and inviting seating. The space fosters relaxed evenings, ideal for pre-show dinners where the buzz of anticipation mingles with clinking glasses. Evenings draw a mix of locals and visitors, creating a lively yet intimate scene. Open from 4pm, it thrives on weekends until midnight, embodying Spain's unhurried pace amid Uppsala's vibrant center.

In a city rich with culinary variety, Boquerone stands out for its genuine Spanish inspiration. From pimientos de padrón—mild fried mini peppers dusted with sea salt—to tartar de buey with ox fillet, pickled onion, and quail egg, every dish reflects careful sourcing and preparation. The menu's affordability, with most tapas under 150 SEK, invites experimentation without excess. This spot captures the essence of tapas as a social ritual, making it a go-to for flavorful, memorable meals.