Tapa: Authentic Spanish Tapas in Edinburgh’s Leith
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant flavors in the heart of Leith at Tapa, Edinburgh’s celebrated tapas bar and restaurant.
Tapa is a vibrant tapas bar and Spanish restaurant located at 19 Shore Place in Leith, Edinburgh. Renowned for its authentic Spanish small plates, especially its signature Iberico pork dishes, Tapa offers a lively yet relaxed atmosphere with attentive service. Open Tuesday to Saturday evenings, it’s a popular spot for sharing flavorful tapas alongside a curated selection of Spanish wines and cocktails.
A brief summary to Tapa
- 19 Shore Pl, Edinburgh, Leith, EH6 6SW, GB
- +441314766776
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 12 pm-11 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-11 pm
- Friday 12 pm-11 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-11 pm
Local tips
- Book a table in advance on Fridays and Saturdays or during special events to avoid disappointment.
- Order multiple tapas plates per person to fully enjoy the variety and generous portions.
- Try the Iberico pork dishes, especially the pork cheeks and secreto ribeye, which are house specialties.
- Pair your meal with Spanish wines like Txakoli or Rueda Verdejo for an authentic experience.
- Enjoy the lively atmosphere enhanced by occasional live music and Spanish football match screenings.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Tapa location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Tapa
A Taste of Spain in Edinburgh’s Historic Leith
Tapa brings the rich culinary traditions of Spain to the bustling Shore area of Leith, Edinburgh. Situated on Shore Place, this spacious restaurant is known for its authentic tapas menu that highlights regional Spanish flavors. The focus on Iberico pork, especially the black pig specialties like pork cheeks and secreto ribeye, sets it apart from typical tapas venues. The kitchen’s skillful preparation transforms these dishes into tender, flavorful experiences that often surprise diners with their depth and texture.Ambience and Layout for Social Dining
The restaurant’s interior is designed to accommodate both intimate dinners and larger groups, with two distinct dining sections that balance lively energy and cozy comfort. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, with friendly and attentive staff enhancing the experience. The acoustic guitar music and the buzz of conversations create a warm, inviting vibe that complements the shared-plate dining style. The layout encourages ordering multiple tapas, making it ideal for social gatherings and tasting a variety of dishes.Menu Highlights and Culinary Approach
Tapa’s menu offers a broad selection of traditional and inventive tapas. Dishes such as morcilla (blood sausage), octopus, artichokes, and aubergine showcase classic Spanish ingredients, while the Iberico pork specialties remain the highlight. Portions are generous for tapas, encouraging guests to order two or more plates each to enjoy a full experience. The restaurant also features a well-curated drinks menu, including Spanish wines like Txakoli and Rueda Verdejo, as well as signature cocktails such as their frozen Margarita with a chili and smoked paprika salt rim.Seasonal Offerings and Special Events
Tapa often hosts special events, including live music nights and screenings of Spanish football matches, which add to the lively atmosphere. The restaurant’s opening hours run from Tuesday to Saturday, typically from noon until late evening, making it a great choice for both lunch and dinner. Booking is recommended on weekends and during special events to secure a table in this popular venue.Community and Local Engagement
As a staple of the Leith dining scene, Tapa supports local producers and embraces sustainability in sourcing ingredients, especially for their signature pork dishes. The staff’s passion for Spanish culture is evident not only in the food but also in the warm hospitality extended to guests. The restaurant’s location near the waterfront and the Shore’s vibrant neighborhood adds to its appeal as a destination for both locals and visitors seeking authentic Spanish cuisine in Edinburgh.Practical Details for Visitors
Tapa offers a moderate price range, reflecting the quality and authenticity of its offerings. The venue is accessible and family-friendly, with options for vegetarians as well. While the restaurant does not operate on Sundays or Mondays, its consistent hours Tuesday through Saturday provide ample opportunity to enjoy a taste of Spain. The interior’s spaciousness and well-organized service make it suitable for both casual meals and celebratory occasions.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Water of Leith Walkway Finish
0.1 km
Edinburgh’s scenic 13-mile riverside trail ends at Leith’s historic waterfront, blending nature, heritage, and urban charm.
Robert Burns Statue
0.3 km
A striking tribute to Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, set in the historic maritime district of Leith, Edinburgh.
Scottish Merchant Navy Memorial
0.4 km
A solemn sandstone column in Leith honoring the bravery and sacrifice of Scotland’s merchant seafarers lost at sea in war and peace.
Queen Victoria Statue
0.4 km
A commanding bronze tribute to Queen Victoria and Leith’s Boer War heroes, standing proudly at the foot of Leith Walk since 1907.
Forth Lock
1.6 km
Historic Forth Lock in Leith, Edinburgh, blends maritime heritage with vibrant waterfront life and scenic canal views.
Leith East Breakwater Lighthouse
2.0 km
Historic maritime beacon guiding ships into Edinburgh’s vibrant Leith Docks since 1876, now a cherished symbol of nautical heritage.
Queen Mary's Bath House
2.4 km
A rare 16th-century Tudor pavilion near Holyrood Palace, steeped in royal mystery and linked to Mary, Queen of Scots.
Dugald Stewart Monument
2.4 km
A neoclassical tribute to philosopher Dugald Stewart, offering iconic views over Edinburgh from historic Calton Hill.
Burns Monument
2.4 km
Edinburgh's classical tribute to Scotland's national poet, a Neo-Greek temple with commanding city views.
Scottish-American Soldiers Monument
2.5 km
A unique Edinburgh memorial honoring Scottish soldiers who fought in the American Civil War, symbolizing liberty and transatlantic heritage.
Martyrs of Reform Monument
2.5 km
A towering 27m obelisk in Edinburgh honoring five radical reformists who shaped Britain’s fight for democratic rights in the 18th century.
Earl of Hopetoun Statue
2.6 km
A distinguished bronze statue honoring John Hope, 4th Earl of Hopetoun, set amidst the elegant Georgian surroundings of Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square.
The Centre of Edinburgh
2.6 km
Historic Georgian landmark transformed into a modern, sustainable office hub in the heart of Edinburgh’s vibrant city centre.
Duke of Wellington Equestrian statue
2.6 km
Historic bronze statue of the Duke of Wellington on horseback, a commanding symbol of British military triumph in the heart of Edinburgh.
Robert Fergusson Statue
2.6 km
Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Scottish poetry with the Robert Fergusson Statue, a joyful tribute on Edinburgh’s historic Canongate.
Unmissable attractions to see
Shore
0.2 km
Historic waterfront district in Leith blending maritime heritage with vibrant dining, bars, and scenic river views.
Custom House Leith
0.2 km
Historic Georgian Custom House in Leith, evolving into Scotland’s first fully digital museum and vibrant cultural hub.
Leith
0.3 km
Historic Edinburgh port transformed into a vibrant waterfront district famed for Michelin-starred dining, lively pubs, and cultural charm.
Trinity House Maritime Museum
0.3 km
Explore Leith’s seafaring legacy in an elegant Georgian townhouse, home to a remarkable collection of maritime treasures and stories.
Teuchters Landing
0.3 km
Waterside freehouse on Leith’s Shore — wide whisky range, rotating ales, dockside beer garden and roomy conservatory for all seasons.
Lind and Lime Gin Distillery
0.3 km
Discover Edinburgh’s artisanal gin heritage with interactive tours and tastings at Lind and Lime Gin Distillery in vibrant Leith.
Leith Citadel
0.4 km
Explore the enduring 17th-century fortress guarding Edinburgh’s historic port in the vibrant Leith waterfront district.
The Leith Mural
0.6 km
A monumental mural in Edinburgh’s Leith district capturing decades of community history and maritime heritage through vivid street art.
Wonder World Soft Play Edinburgh
0.6 km
Edinburgh’s largest indoor soft play and party venue offering thrilling slides, go-karts, and dedicated toddler zones for endless family fun.
Leith Links
0.6 km
Historic green oasis in Edinburgh’s Leith district, birthplace of golf and witness to centuries of Scottish history.
0 Water of Leith Walkway
0.6 km
A tranquil 12-mile riverside walkway weaving through Edinburgh’s nature, history, and art, perfect for peaceful strolls and cultural discovery.
Ocean Terminal
0.8 km
Edinburgh’s premier waterfront shopping and leisure destination, blending retail, dining, cinema, and maritime heritage in vibrant Leith.
Port of Leith Distillery (entrance)
0.8 km
A poignant memorial in Leith honoring the valor and sacrifice of the Royal Marines 43rd Commando during World War II.
The Royal Yacht Britannia
0.9 km
Explore the majestic Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh, a floating palace rich with royal history and stunning waterfront views.
Leith Walk
1.4 km
Leith Walk is Edinburgh’s vibrant, historic street linking city centre buzz with the lively maritime charm of Leith’s waterfront.
Essential places to dine
Tapa
0.0 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant flavors in the heart of Leith at Tapa, Edinburgh’s celebrated tapas bar and restaurant.
Heron
0.1 km
Michelin-starred modern Scottish dining in Leith with innovative seasonal menus and scenic waterside views.
Kezban Mediterranean Restaurant
0.2 km
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Domenico's
0.2 km
A cozy, authentic Italian restaurant in Leith serving fresh Sicilian-inspired dishes with warm hospitality and generous portions.
Roseleaf Bar Cafe
0.2 km
Eclectic family-run bar cafe in Leith serving fresh Scottish classics, inventive cocktails, and a quirky, artistic atmosphere.
Nobles Cafe Bar & Restaurant
0.2 km
Leith's historic gastropub where Scottish seasons meet craft drinks, roaring fires, and port-side charm in a dog-friendly haven of flavor and vibe.
The Kitchin
0.3 km
Experience refined Scottish cuisine with a French touch in Edinburgh’s iconic Michelin-starred restaurant nestled in historic Leith.
The Shore Bar and Restaurant
0.3 km
Cozy waterfront dining in Leith offering superior seafood and modern European cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Fishers
0.3 km
Historic 17th-century watchtower turned seafood haven in Leith, serving fresh Scottish fish with a relaxed, waterfront charm.
The Walnut
1.6 km
Cozy and unpretentious, The Walnut offers seasonal Scottish dishes with creative flair and excellent value on Edinburgh’s vibrant Leith Walk.
The Gardener's Cottage
2.0 km
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Down The Hatch Edinburgh
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L'Escargot Bleu Restaurant and Wine Bar
2.2 km
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Fhior
2.2 km
Experience innovative Scottish fine dining with seasonal tasting menus in a minimalist, elegant setting at Edinburgh’s acclaimed Fhior.
Taisteal
2.2 km
A Michelin-mentioned Edinburgh gem where Scottish ingredients meet global flavours in a warm, intimate setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Flux
0.2 km
Curated cards, artisan homewares and design-led gifts in a compact, maker-friendly shop on Bernard Street, Leith.
ScotClans
0.2 km
Authentic Scottish clan and tartan products crafted with heritage and pride in the heart of Leith, Edinburgh.
Destined for Home
0.2 km
Discover unique gifts and personal service in the heart of Leith at Destined for Home, Edinburgh’s charming boutique for distinctive treasures.
TBCo | Tartan Blanket Co.
0.4 km
Discover sustainable tartan magic in Leith: touch lambswool blankets, customize with embroidery, and carry home Scotland's cozy soul from this Edinburgh gem.
Georgian Antiques
0.5 km
Explore 50,000 sq ft of Scotland's finest antiques in Leith's historic heart – from Regency cabinets to gilded mirrors in one vast warehouse.
Logan Malloch Ltd
0.5 km
Edinburgh's Leith gem: artisanal gifts, art prints, witty cards, books & Scottish crafts in a charming shop on vibrant Leith Walk.
The Leith collective
0.8 km
Discover upcycled artistry and sustainable treasures from 65+ Leith makers in this eco-heartfelt shopping gem at Ocean Terminal.
Retro Clothing Outfit
0.8 km
Dive into decades of style at Retro Clothing Outfit in Leith's Ocean Terminal—vintage gems await in Edinburgh's creative coastal enclave.
Build-A-Bear
0.8 km
Craft your own cuddly companion in Leith's lively workshop, where stuffing hearts and dreams creates lifelong memories for kids and families alike.
Britannia Gift Shop
0.9 km
Discover exclusive royal souvenirs and nautical treasures at the Britannia Gift Shop, where the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II's yacht comes alive in every carefully curated item.
Wee Leith Shop
1.2 km
Quirky novelties and charming gifts await in this cozy Leith Walk gem, capturing the neighborhood's independent spirit with playful treasures for every home.
Planet.A Boutique
1.7 km
Discover Edinburgh’s stylish and sustainable gift shop offering unique local treasures and eco-friendly finds on Easter Road.
The Cats Miaou
1.8 km
A vibrant Leith gift shop bursting with quirky, pun-filled designs and ethically sourced handmade treasures in Edinburgh.
Meadowbank Shopping Park
1.9 km
Edinburgh’s vibrant shopping park offering diverse stores, extended hours, and a welcoming atmosphere for all your retail and dining needs.
The Dragonfly
2.1 km
Discover unique gifts and local charm at The Dragonfly, a stylish boutique gift shop in Edinburgh’s vibrant Broughton Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Three Marys
0.1 km
Leith's stylish cocktail gem with smoked margaritas, eclectic decor, and shareable plates in a historic portside nook—perfect for inventive sips and cozy evenings.
Malt & Hops
0.1 km
Historic Leith pub since 1749, pouring real ales and whiskies by a roaring fire amid maritime charm on the Shore.
The Barologist
0.2 km
A characterful Leith pub-cocktail bar mixing inventive drinks, rustic plates and quirky interiors for relaxed nights and small celebrations.
Smoke & Mirrors
0.4 km
Quirky Leith cocktail haven where magic-themed vibes meet masterful mixes in an intimate, colourful escape from Edinburgh's everyday.
Leith Dockers Club
0.4 km
Leith's 1946 social heartbeat: massive bar, function suites, beer garden, and community spirit for gatherings big and small.
The Lioness of Leith
0.5 km
Leith's quirky gastropub haven for gourmet burgers, craft cocktails, and electric vibes since 2013—where quality bites meet lively nights.
The Vine Bar
0.6 km
Experience the warmth of Leith at The Vine Bar, a cozy spot offering a delightful selection of local drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.
The Street
2.2 km
Casual cocktail bar by day, energetic late-night bar and small club by night — Picardy Place’s go-to spot for social evenings and weekend parties.
Nightcap
2.5 km
Intimate New Town speakeasy with whisky-led cocktails, reclaimed-wood warmth and attentive, bespoke service for relaxed late-night evenings.
The Alchemist St James Quarter
2.5 km
Experience Edinburgh’s vibrant cocktail theatre and unique dining at The Alchemist St James Quarter, where drinks come alive with magic and flair.
The Voodoo Rooms
2.6 km
Edinburgh's clandestine Victorian lair of cocktails, cabaret, and live tunes in opulent, hidden chambers.
Cask
2.7 km
Discover Cask: Edinburgh's rooftop cocktail bar offering stunning views, innovative drinks, and delectable small plates in a vibrant atmosphere.
The Cocktail Geeks
2.7 km
Edinburgh's arch-hidden gem for themed cocktails, geeky immersions, and masterful mixology in a cozy, ever-changing vault.
Bramble Bar
2.8 km
Edinburgh's speakeasy legend: masterful cocktails, dim-lit nooks, and beats that linger until 1am in a Queen Street basement hideaway.
The World's End
2.8 km
Discover the charm of The World's End pub on the Royal Mile, where history meets hearty Scottish cuisine and local brews in Edinburgh.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Relaxing
- Fun-filled
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly