Are you tired of the same seafood restaurants when you go to the beach? Give España Restaurant a try.
España Restaurant and Tapas is in the charming historic district of Fernandina Beach. The beautiful vine-covered storefront has an almost hidden walkway to the side entrance. You can sit at the little cozy bar for a drink, or make a dinner reservation in the dining room, or out on the patio. My favorite spot is their lush outdoor flagstone patio, decorated with red chairs and umbrellas, lots of vegetation, and beautiful twinkling lights at night. And you know I love twinkly lights.
Start with a carafe of homemade sangria, a nice Tempranillo, or a crisp white from their wine list.
España Restaurant has a nice selection of Spanish wines. However, on a hot day, I like the red sangria. It’s refreshing but not too sweet.
Try the flavors of Spain and Portugal in a lovely setting at España Restaurant and Tapas
España Restaurant and Tapas has an expansive tapas menu, so we opted to try a selection of items, but we had a hard time choosing.
Begin your meal with the spiced mixed olives and the Piquillo peppers stuffed with smoked salmon spread and topped with sea salt. They are smoky and flavorful, served on crostini bread. Then try the seared calamari steak with capers, olive oil, and balsamic. This calamari at
España Restaurant is totally different from fried calamari but equally delicious.
España Restaurant and Tapas offers a nice selection of salads, and the Ensalada Andalusia is my favorite. It’s made with romaine, tomatoes, onions, olives, and topped with Serrano ham and manchego cheese. It has a light vinaigrette, which might be homemade. Either way, it’s delicious.
Empanadas: A Rotating Special at España Restaurant and Tapas
If you are adventurous, try the ‘Pulpo Escabeche’ or octopus. It’s marinated in sherry vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh herbs, and a blend of spices. The empanadas were on special at España Restaurant the night we were there, and whatever the filling, try them!
If you prefer a proper meal rather than a tapas experience,España Restaurant and Tapas has you covered as well. They offer three types of house-made Spanish Paella, but if you like seafood, opt for that one. It includes an abundance of seafood, including mussels, clams, and shrimp. It also has a good amount of vegetables, which balances the rice cooked in their traditional paella pans from Spain.
España Restaurant also offers a fresh catch with four different sauce options, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. If you prefer something besides seafood, they also offer two tenderloin options and a chicken dish with lemon.
España Restaurant and Tapas is my favorite restaurant for a special night out when in Fernandina Beach. Or, frankly, on an average weeknight, although a little pricey for that. The service is good, the people are friendly, and the setting is lovely, but it’s the food that keeps us coming back.
