Tapas the Heap

A pinch of Spanish flair arrives at 5th and Broadway

Written by Melissa Mahanes / Photos Courtesy of Max Flatow, Rey Lopez and Digital Love

Boqueria brings the lively atmosphere of Barcelona-style tapas bars at 5th and Broadway right across from Ryman Auditorium and serves Spanish classics, seasonal specials, and curated cocktails. Influenced by Barcelona’s buzzy atmosphere and delicious food, the 150-seat restaurant celebrates the vibrant communal spirit of tapas and small plates inspired by the season’s best produce.

Huevos con Chorizo

Designed by Mancini Duffy Architects in partnership with owner/founder Yann de Rochefort, Boqueria Nashville blends the timeless heritage of Spain’s tapas culture with a modern European sensibility. The energetic space features an impressive white marble bar with handmade, black-glazed tiles highlighting traditional Spanish wines and beers. A gigantic tapas bar and a large open kitchen, bar-height seating, and several large communal tables contribute to Boqueria’s spirited, shared dining experience.

Sangria

“Since opening our first restaurant in New York City 15 years ago, we’ve always been inspired to create an atmosphere where people find a connection. When first looking at Nashville as our newest location, we were inspired by the locals’ deep sense of community. Opening a tapas restaurant that would bring more variety to the downtown dining scene while contributing to its festive atmosphere felt like a natural move,” said Yann de Rochefort, Founder, and CEO of Boqueria. “We’re thrilled to offer locals a spot downtown at 5th and Broadway that showcases our love of Spanish cuisine in a space that transports them to Barcelona’s best tapas bars.”

Standout menu items include Pan con Tomate: the iconic Catalan dish of grilled stirato bread rubbed with tomato, garlic, and olive oil; Gambas Al Ajillo: shrimp with garlic, brandy, and guindilla pepper in olive oil; and an impressive Paella de Mariscos: bomba rice, monkfish, sepia, squid, shrimp, clams, mussels, saffron and salsa verde served in a massive copper paella pan.

Jamón Serrano

In addition to the a la carte menu, guests will be invited to enjoy a sampling of tapas through the prix-fixe Chef’s Menu, served family-style. Custom-crafted cocktails thoughtfully created by Nashville’s celebrated mixologist, Demi Natoli, will accompany Boqueria’s classic cocktail list, including the Shishito Pepper Margarita and rotating menu of Seasonal Sangrias.

Torrija

Boqueria also features an impressive brunch, where guests can enjoy the entire tapas menu in addition to enjoying Torrija: caramelized French toast with citrus honey; Huevos Con Chorizo with chorizo, fried eggs, patatas bravas, and salsa verde; and a Brunch Paella with Bomba rice, roasted chicken, piquillo peppers, chorizo, kale, topped with three farm eggs. Brunch cocktails feature riffs on traditional brunch libations like the Gilda Maria (Spanish Bloody Mary) or a Shishito Margarita. In addition, they feature a special 90-minute free flow of Sangría, mimosas, beer, Bloody Mary, or cava. Grab your amigos favoritos and take a siesta at Boqueria. sl

Boqueria / 5005 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 / (615) 245-7160 / boqueriarestaurant.com Boqueria will accept reservations and walk-ins for dinner, lunch, and brunch service. Reservations can be made online at resy.com/cities/bna/boqueria-nashville or by calling 615-245-7160