Spain Restaurant And Toma Bar

Walking into Spain Restaurant And Toma Bar for the first time felt less like entering a formal dining room and more like stepping into a lively corner of Madrid dropped right into downtown Tampa. Located at 513 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602, United States, the restaurant sits comfortably among office towers and theaters, making it a natural gathering spot for lunch meetings, date nights, and post-show dinners. I stopped by on a weekday evening, and within minutes it was clear why locals keep recommending it in reviews.

The menu leans confidently into Spanish traditions while staying approachable for diners who may be new to Iberian cuisine. Tapas are the heartbeat here. Watching plates of patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, and croquetas glide past the bar instantly sets the tone. I ordered a small spread to share, which is clearly how the kitchen expects guests to eat-slowly, socially, and with conversation flowing as easily as the sangria. The kitchen uses olive oil-forward cooking, a hallmark of Spanish food, and according to data from the USDA, olive oil-based diets are associated with improved heart health, something Mediterranean cuisine has long been praised for by nutrition researchers.

One thing that stood out during my visit was how the staff explained each dish without sounding rehearsed. When I asked about the paella process, the server described how the rice is cooked low and slow to absorb stock, saffron, and proteins evenly, rather than being rushed like a standard rice dish. That attention to method matters. The Spanish Culinary Federation has repeatedly emphasized that proper paella technique is what separates authentic flavor from shortcuts, and you can taste that difference here.

At the bar, Toma Bar lives up to its name. The cocktail program leans Spanish as well, with sherry-based drinks, classic gin and tonics served with botanicals, and a thoughtful Spanish wine list. I tried what the bartender called house sangria, made fresh daily with citrus and Spanish red wine. It tasted balanced, not overly sweet, which is often a risk with sangria elsewhere. A fellow diner next to me mentioned they come back regularly just for weekend tapas nights, which the restaurant occasionally hosts with rotating small plates and live music.

Reviews online often highlight consistency, and from what I experienced, that reputation feels earned. A nearby table included two guests who said they dine here monthly before shows at the Straz Center. One of them mentioned that the grilled octopus tastes the same every time, which is high praise in restaurant circles. Consistency is something hospitality experts from organizations like the National Restaurant Association often point to as a key factor in long-term success, especially for independent restaurants.

The location also plays a role in the overall experience. Being downtown means parking can be limited during peak hours, which is worth noting if you’re visiting during major events. That’s one small limitation, though many guests simply walk from nearby garages or offices. Inside, the atmosphere makes up for it with warm lighting, rustic wood accents, and a hum of conversation that never gets too loud.

What keeps this place memorable isn’t just the food or drinks-it’s the sense that the restaurant understands its role as a neighborhood anchor. From the way the menu encourages sharing to how the staff remembers returning guests, Spain Restaurant And Toma Bar feels lived-in rather than staged. While no restaurant can perfectly replicate Spain’s regional diversity in one kitchen, this spot does a credible job of honoring tradition while fitting naturally into Tampa’s dining scene.