REY LOPEZ
As we work our way through the winter months, the frigid February temps might have you longing for an escape from the mundane.
And what better way to take a break from reality than with some Spanish flair and fare? With the opening of Boqueria, a Barcelona-inspired tapas bar, you don’t have to board a plane to experience the flavors and ambiance of Spain. Marking the brand’s eighth opening and its first in Tennessee, Boqueria Nashville is serving up a taste of the good life at its new Fifth + Broadway locale.
Having planted deep roots in Washington, D.C., Chicago, and New York, Boqueria’s highly anticipated Nashville opening provides a local taste of Barcelona. The lively tapas bar has built a reputation as a must-visit destination for family, friends, and co-workers to connect courtesy of the shared spirit that comes with tapas. Whether you’re looking for the perfect new date night spot, a fun-filled outing with friends, or an after-work pick-me-up, Boqueria is sure to snag a spot on your go-to list of dining destinations.
Offering dinner, lunch, and brunch, Boqueria captures the buzzy atmosphere and exquisite cuisine of the Barcelona “Kioskos” that surround the renowned food market “El Mercado de la Boqueria.” The restaurant features a menu of Spanish classics and market-driven, rotating seasonal dishes alongside a curated list of Cava and cocktails. Diners take note: some of Boqueria’s most popular signature dishes include Paella de Mariscos and Pintxos Morunos, which pair perfectly with classic cocktails such as the shishito pepper margarita and a rotating menu of seasonal sangrias like pineapple and blood orange.
REY LOPEZ.
In addition to the flavorful fare, Boqueria’s vibrant and contemporary space further catapults guests into the wonderous world of Spanish dining. The interior of the restaurant’s Nashville location designed by Mancini Duffy Architects in partnership with owner and founder Yann de Rochefort was intentionally and tastefully designed to blend the timeless heritage of Spain’s tapas culture with a modern European sensibility. This international influence paired with the heavenly aromas wafting through the space transports guests to a European retreat that feels worlds away from the neon lights of Broadway below.
Beyond the delectable dishes, creative cocktails, and electric environment is an even deeper mission—to inspire and create connections. The shared nature of tapas encourages experimentation by enabling guests to order a variety of items to enjoy together, rather than just sticking to one entrée per person. This results in a deepened connection with Spanish cuisine. And the restaurant’s swanky high-top seating puts guests and servers at eye-level for conversation that flows naturally, inviting both parties to share recommendations, questions, and feedback.
REY LOPEZ.
When the time came to decide on a location, Nashville was an obvious choice as a city that is known for its strong connections among all who call it home. The deep sense of community possessed by Nashvillians immediately captured the interest of Boqueria’s team, and introducing a tapas restaurant to the downtown dining scene felt like an opportunity to bring even greater culinary variety to the area while contributing to its festive atmosphere.
A trip to Boqueria is more than just a chance to indulge in the flavors of Spain among great company; it’s a chance to escape reality and spice up the everyday. From the divine dining to the vivacious environment, Boqueria invites guests to live in the moment with every visit. (5005 Broadway Pl., 615-245-7160; boqueriarestaurant.com)