Guide: if tapas in Lublin it's only in these places

Guide: if tapas in Lublin it's only in these places

June 11, 2025

Lublin, a city rich in history and culture, hides real culinary gems in its backstreets. Among them, a special place is occupied by establishments serving tapas - Spanish snacks that have conquered the palates of gourmets around the world. Three unique places in the heart of Lublin offer an authentic tapas experience, combining traditional flavors with a modern approach to gastronomy. Each has its own unique character, atmosphere and menu, which attract both locals and tourists seeking a culinary experience from the Iberian Peninsula.

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TINTO Wine Bar Restaurant - Spanish elegance in the heart of Lublin

TINTO Wine Bar Restaurant, located on Wladyslaw Lokietek Square, is a true oasis for lovers of Spanish flavors and wine. This elegant establishment, whose name refers to the Spanish word for red wine, introduces guests to the world of Iberian culinary experiences from the moment they cross the threshold.

The history of this place is fascinating. TINTO was born out of a passion for Spanish culinary culture and oenology. The restaurant is located in a historic building, the walls of which remember the times of medieval Lublin. During the renovation, original vaults and wall fragments were discovered, which have been beautifully exposed and are now part of the unique decor. This mix of history and modernity creates a unique atmosphere, ideal for enjoying tapas.

TINTO's menu is a true journey through the regions of Spain. The chef, who gained experience in renowned restaurants on the Iberian Peninsula, offers tapas prepared with authentic ingredients imported straight from Spain. Flagship items include patatas bravas - potatoes in a spicy sauce, gambas al ajillo - shrimp in oil with garlic, or jamón ibérico - the famous Iberian ham. Each of these appetizers is a small work of art, prepared with attention to every detail.

A unique feature of TINTO is its impressive wine list of more than 100 items, mostly from Spanish wine regions. A sommelier is on hand to help select the right liquor for the tapas of your choice, creating harmonious combinations of flavors. There are regular tasting evenings and oenological workshops, where you can deepen your knowledge of Spanish wines.

TINTO's atmosphere is conducive to both romantic dinners for two and gatherings with a larger group. The evenings often feature traditional Spanish music, and on weekends there are flamenco performances that transport guests straight to Andalusia. Prices at TINTO fall into the category of quite high, but the quality of the dishes and wines served fully justifies the price.

It is worth mentioning a local legend associated with TINTO. Apparently, old bottles of wine dating back to the 17th century were found in the cellars of the building where the restaurant is located, supposedly belonging to a merchant trading with Spain. This story, although difficult to verify, adds to the place's mystery and charm.

Pelier Bistro - French andSpanish fusion on Lublin's promenade

Pelier Bistro, located on the bustling Krakowskie Przedmieście promenade, is a place where Spanish tapas meets French finesse. This cozy establishment with a unique character attracts both tourists and residents of Lublin, offering a unique culinary experience in the heart of the city.

The history of Pelier Bistro dates back to 2015, when two friends - passionate about Mediterranean cuisine - decided to create a place that combines the best of Spanish and French culinary traditions. The name 'Pelier' comes from a combination of the words 'pelerin' (pilgrim) and 'atelier' (atelier), which perfectly reflects the restaurant's philosophy - a journey through flavors and cultures.

Pelier's interior impresses with its rustic, warm decor. Wooden tables, vintage chairs, shelves of cookbooks and wines, and atmospheric lighting create an atmosphere that is conducive to long, unhurried meals with friends. In the summer, guests can enjoy the charming garden, which overlooks the promenade - the perfect place to observe city life.

Pelier Bistro's menu is a true feast for the palate. The chef, who trained in both Barcelona and Paris, has created a menu in which Spanish tapas get a French twist. Specialties include montaditos - small sandwiches with a variety of toppings, tortilla española with truffles, or patatas aioli with homemade garlic mayonnaise. Also noteworthy are the cheese and meat tasting boards, which feature both Spanish and French delicacies.

Pelier is also famous for its excellent wines. The liquor menu includes carefully selected items from small, family-owned vineyards from Spain, France and Portugal. Interestingly, most of them are available by the glass, allowing you to taste different varieties in one visit. Prices at Pelier are moderate, which, combined with the high quality of the food served, makes this place attractive to a wide range of customers.

A unique element of Pelier's offerings are its regular culinary events. Once a month, themed evenings are organized, during which the chef presents tapas from a selected region of Spain, talking about local traditions and the history of the dishes. These get-togethers are extremely popular and often places are booked several weeks in advance.

There is an interesting anecdote associated with Pelier Bistro. Apparently, the recipe for their famous aioli sauce came from an old Catalan woman the owners met while traveling in Spain. The woman agreed to reveal her family recipe on the condition that it be served 'far from the sea, but close to the hearts of the people'. This story, whether true or created for marketing purposes, perfectly captures the spirit of the place - authentic, passionate and respectful of tradition.

Night Porter - Cocktail Bar - tapas and cocktails in retro style

The Night Porter - Cocktail Bar is a place that transports guests to the world of retro elegance, combining masterful cocktails with delicious tapas. Located at 10 Krakowskie Przedmieście Street, in the heart of Lublin, this establishment is a real gem on the culinary map of the city, offering a unique combination of the art of bartending and Spanish culinary traditions.

The history of Night Porter is fascinating. The restaurant was established in 2018 on the site of a former porter's lodge of a pre-war building. The owners, fascinated by the aesthetics of the 1920s and 1930s and the cocktail culture of the time, decided to create a space that captures the spirit of that era, while serving modern interpretations of classic drinks and tapas.

The interior of the Night Porter impresses with its art déco styling. Dark wood, brass details, velvet armchairs, subdued lighting and vintage posters create an atmosphere of mystery and exclusivity. The bar is designed so that guests can observe the work of the bartenders, who prepare cocktails with true passion and craftsmanship. Jazz or swing often sounds in the background, completing the unique atmosphere of the place.

The tapas menu at Night Porter is a fusion of traditional Spanish recipes with modern culinary techniques. The chef, who gained experience in renowned restaurants in Barcelona and San Sebastian, offers such specialties as albondigas in sherry sauce, croquetas with Iberian ham and truffles or pintxos with marinated cod. All ingredients are carefully selected, and many are imported directly from Spain.

The real star of the Night Porter, however, are the cocktails. The bartenders, who regularly win awards in bartending competitions, create both classic Prohibition-era drinks and original compositions inspired by Spanish flavors. Particularly popular are cocktails based on sherry, vermouths and Spanish liqueurs, which go perfectly with the tapas served. Prices at the Night Porter are quite high, but the quality of the drinks and snacks served fully justifies the price.

A unique element of Night Porter's offerings are the 'Tapas y Copas' themed evenings, during which bartenders and the chef create special tasting menus that combine selected tapas with dedicated cocktails. These events, held once a month, attract true enthusiasts of the culinary and bartending arts.

There is an intriguing urban legend associated with the Night Porter. Apparently, in the basement of the building that houses the bar, old Prohibition-era bottles were discovered during renovations, among them a notebook with cocktail recipes. The owners claim that some of their flagship drinks are inspired by these recipes. Is this true? It's hard to say, but the story adds mystery and charm to the place.

Comparing all three establishments, it's worth noting that each offers a slightly different experience. TINTO Wine Bar is the most authentic Spanish experience, with an emphasis on wine and traditional tapas. Pelier Bistro attracts a more casual atmosphere and Spanish-French fusion, offering the best value for money. Night Porter, on the other hand, is the choice for those who appreciate a unique atmosphere and masterful cocktails combined with modern interpretations of tapas. What all three places have in common, however, is a passion for good food and drinks and attention to every detail of the dishes served.

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