Tapas Tour in Cali: The Spanish Legacy in Caleño Menus

The Spanish Heritage in Cali's Gastronomy

If there's one thing Caleños know how to do well, it's sharing a meal. And although salsa and sancocho are the local emblems, there is a tradition that arrived with the Spanish grandparents and stayed forever: the culture of tapas. In Cali, eating tapas is not just a trend; it's a ritual that combines long conversations, red wine or a cold beer, and the feeling that time stands still between bites.

The Spanish influence on Caleño gastronomy is no coincidence. Since colonial times, immigrants from Andalusia, Galicia, and the Basque Country brought with them serrano ham, olive oil, and a love for small but hearty portions. Today, in May 2026, Cali boasts a tapas scene ranging from traditional bars with century-old recipes to fusion spots that add a Pacific touch to the potato omelette. Here I'll tell you where to find them, how to order them, and why a tapas night in Cali is an experience you can't miss.

What to Do: A Tour of the Best Tapas Bars in Cali

To live the full experience, going to just one place isn't enough. The charm of tapas is the tapeo: going from bar to bar, trying one thing here and another there. In Cali, the Zona Rosa and the Granada neighborhood are the epicenters, but there are hidden gems in San Antonio and Downtown. Here is my favorite route, verified as of late 2025 and early 2026.

The Classic: Taberna de la Tapa

On Carrera 38A with Calle 5A, in the heart of the Zona Rosa, this place is a temple for lovers of Iberian cuisine. The decor recalls a Sevillian tavern, with tiles and wine barrels. Their specialty is serrano ham croquettes (from $12,000 COP for a 4-piece serving) and patatas bravas with homemade spicy sauce. They are open Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 noon to 11 pm. The atmosphere is relaxed, perfect for starting the night.

The Caleño Fusion: El Rincón de la Abuela

Located in the Granada neighborhood, on Calle 8 with Carrera 35, this spot adds Colombian flavor to tapas. Try the "house tapas": an arepa de choclo with Iberian chorizo and hogao (from $15,000 COP). They also have a local version of the Spanish omelette, made with criolla potatoes and free-range eggs. The chef, of Galician origin, grew up in Cali and knows how to combine both worlds. They are open every day from 11 am to 10 pm. Prices are affordable, with dishes starting at $10,000 COP.

The Authentic: La Bodega de la Plaza

Downtown, facing the Plazoleta Jairo Varela, this bar has been serving traditional tapas for over 20 years. The secret is in the ham: brought directly from Jabugo, Spain, and hand-sliced by the owner, a Spaniard who has lived in Cali since the 90s. Order the cured meat board (from $25,000 COP for two people) and pair it with a house red wine. They are open Monday to Saturday, from 5 pm to 11 pm. It's ideal for a quiet dinner before going out dancing.

The Modern: Tapas y Vinos

On Carrera 66 with Calle 5, in the El Ingenio neighborhood, this place bets on gourmet tapas with careful presentations. Try the "piquillo peppers stuffed with cod" (from $18,000 COP) or the "garlic shrimp" with a touch of lemon (from $22,000 COP). The wine list is extensive, with options from $30,000 COP per glass. They are open Wednesday to Sunday, from 6 pm to 12 am. The atmosphere is more formal, ideal for a date or a celebration.

Fun fact: In Cali, tapeo mixes with the tradition of "rumba": after tapas, people often go salsa dancing. Many tapas bars have live music nights, so ask if there's a show when you arrive.

Where to Eat or Drink: Must-Try Tapas and Their Origin

Not all tapas are the same. Some have stories dating back centuries, and in Cali they are prepared with local ingredients that give them a unique twist. Here I explain which ones you can't miss.

Serrano Ham Croquettes

Originally from Spain, croquettes are a mixture of béchamel and chopped ham, breaded and fried. In Cali, the best ones are made with imported serrano ham and a touch of nutmeg. You'll find them in almost all tapas bars, but those at Taberna de la Tapa are the most famous. Average price: $12,000–$15,000 COP for a 4-piece serving.

Patatas Bravas

A Madrid classic: cubed fried potatoes with brava (spicy) sauce and aioli. In Cali, some places add hogao or guacamole, but the traditional version remains. At La Bodega de la Plaza, they serve them with a spicy sauce made with sweet Caleño chili. Price: from $10,000 COP.

Spanish Omelette

The potato omelette is an icon. In Cali, the most common version is with caramelized onion and free-range eggs, but at El Rincón de la Abuela they make it with criolla potatoes, which gives it a sweeter flavor and a creamy texture. Price: from $14,000 COP per portion.

Iberian Ham with Pan con Tomate

Acorn-fed Iberian ham is the king of tapas. At La Bodega de la Plaza, it is served in thin slices on rustic bread spread with ripe tomato and olive oil. It's expensive (from $30,000 COP per serving), but worth every penny. Ask if they have ham from the Jabugo Denomination of Origin.

Padrón Peppers

These green peppers fried in olive oil and coarse salt are a Galician classic. In Cali, they are served at Tapas y Vinos with a touch of lemon. The fun part is that some are spicy and others aren't, so it's a gamble. Price: from $12,000 COP.

Caleño Fusion: Arepa de Choclo with Chorizo

It's not a traditional Spanish tapa, but it's what makes Cali's scene unique. At El Rincón de la Abuela, the sweet arepa de choclo is combined with Iberian chorizo and hogao (tomato and onion sauce). The result is a mix of textures and flavors you can only find here. Price: from $15,000 COP.

Drinking tip: Pair your tapas with a local craft beer (like "Cerveza del Valle" or "Apóstol") or a house Spanish red wine. If you want something more traditional, order a "tinto de verano": red wine with lemon and soda, perfect for Cali's warm climate.

How to Get There and Transportation

Getting around Cali for tapeo is easy if you know how. The city has an efficient public transport system and taxi or app options that take you directly to the bars.

By Public Transport

The MIO (Masivo Integrado de Occidente) is the articulated bus system. To get to the Zona Rosa (Carrera 38A), take the "San Fernando" station and walk 5 minutes. For the Granada neighborhood, get off at the "Granada" station and walk towards Calle 8. The fare is $2,700 COP (reference price as of May 2026).

By Taxi or Ride-Hailing App

Taxis in Cali are affordable. A trip from Downtown to the Zona Rosa costs between $8,000 and $12,000 COP. Uber, Didi, and InDriver also work. I recommend using an app to avoid haggling.

By Private Car

If you come by car, keep in mind that in the Zona Rosa and Granada there are public parking lots (from $3,000 COP per hour). On weekends they fill up quickly, so arrive early (before 7 pm) or use valet parking at the larger bars.

By Bicycle

Cali is flat and increasingly bike-friendly. There are bike lanes connecting Downtown with Granada and the Zona Rosa. You can rent a public bike from the "Mi Bici" system for $1,500 COP per hour.

Local Tips for Enjoying a Tapas Night Like a Caleño

To make your experience authentic, follow these tips that only locals know:

• Arrive early: Tapas bars in Cali get crowded after 8 pm, especially on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Arrive at 6 pm or 7 pm to get a table without waiting.
• Order "a round of tapas": Instead of ordering one large dish, order two or three tapas per person and share. That way you try more variety.
• Don't forget the "piqueo": In many bars, if you order a beer, you get a free tapa (like olives or fries). Ask if they have a promotion.
• Use cash: Although many places accept cards, small bars in Downtown only take cash. Bring bills of $10,000 and $20,000 COP.
• Try the "house wine": At La Bodega de la Plaza, the house red wine is affordable (from $8,000 COP per glass) and of good quality. Don't be swayed only by imported brands.
• Ask about the "menu of the day": Some bars offer a combo of 3 tapas + drink for $25,000–$30,000 COP on weekdays. It's a steal.
• Combine with dancing: After tapas, walk 10 minutes to the Zona Rosa to dance salsa at places like "Tin Tin Deo" or "La Topa Tolondra". Entry is free or costs less than $10,000 COP.

Fun fact: In Cali, the word "tapa" is also used to refer to the portion of food served at street stalls selling empanadas and pastries. Don't be surprised if a local says "let's go for some tapas" and takes you to a street cart.

Fusions and Traditions: The Spanish Legacy in Caleño Cuisine

The Spanish influence in Cali goes beyond tapas bars. In home cooking, many families prepare dishes like "arroz a la cubana" (rice with fried egg and ripe plantain) which has roots in paella, or "sancocho de gallina" which shares techniques with the Spanish stew. But the most interesting thing is how Caleño chefs have reinvented tapas to include ingredients from the Colombian Pacific, such as shrimp, crab, and plantain.

An example is the "garlic shrimp tapa with coconut", served in some spots in San Antonio. Or the "potato omelette with hogao", which replaces the traditional onion with the Caleño sauce. These fusions are not a betrayal of tradition, but a demonstration of how gastronomy evolves when two cultures meet.

If you want to take the experience home, many supermarkets in Cali (like Éxito or Carulla) sell sliced serrano ham and Spanish olive oil. You can also find Spanish wines at liquor stores like "La Cava" or "Vinos y Licores". But nothing beats the experience of sitting in a tavern, ordering a glass of wine, and letting time pass between tapas and conversation.

CTA: Ready for an unforgettable tapas night in Cali? Reserve your table at La Bodega de la Plaza or Taberna de la Tapa by calling directly or through their social media. Don't forget to arrive hungry and ready to share.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a tapas night in Cali cost?

It depends on the place and how many tapas you order. On average, a person spends between $30,000 and $60,000 COP per night, including 3 tapas and a drink. If you go to a more exclusive place like Tapas y Vinos, the cost can go up to $80,000 COP per person. Prices are a reference as of May 2026 and may vary.

Are tapas bars in Cali suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, most have vegetarian options. Patatas bravas, Padrón peppers, Spanish omelette (without meat), and cheese or spinach croquettes are common. Always ask if the dish contains ham or meat broth, as some places use animal-derived ingredients in sauces.

Is it necessary to make a reservation at tapas bars?

On weekends and holidays, yes, especially at popular places like Taberna de la Tapa and La Bodega de la Plaza. You can call a day in advance or reserve through social media. On weekdays, it's generally not necessary, but it's always best to confirm if you're going in a large group (more than 6 people).

Do tapas bars in Cali have live music?

Some do, especially those in the Zona Rosa and Granada. For example, Taberna de la Tapa has flamenco nights on Fridays, and El Rincón de la Abuela offers live salsa on Saturdays. Ask when you arrive or check their social media for the schedule. Live music has no additional cost, but it may increase the minimum consumption.