Tapaz

Tapaz is a relatively new player on the Bolton food scene, but is truly storming the review sites. People speak incredibly highly of it, and it's currently in the top #5 in Bolton on TripAdvisor. I've been meaning to try it for a fair while, and finally got chance recently.

The building itself is one of Bolton's grand older buildings with high ceilings and arched windows, but when you step inside it's somewhat surprising. I think part of me expected a tapas bar to be more Spanish "themed"like other tapas venues I've visited, but the decor is a combination of bright simple modernity, and... budoir? Elegant rustic iron sconces and lamp shades give that touch of Spain, but the crushed purple velvet benches and snow leopard print chairs seem a bit of an odd choice! However, it's clean, functional, and welcoming.

We are seated and given the menus by a friendly member of staff. We are happy to see that there is an "all you can eat" tapas option, which is always nice, so we opt for that! The menu is left with us so that we can choose from up to any 3 dishes at a time, but reorder as many times as we'd like.

Instead of listing each of the tapas we ordered, I'll simply share the photos. The tapas came in good time, and every one of them was hot, fresh, and delicious. Special props go to some specific things we commented on, including the fantastic citrus taste that came with the Bacalao Frito (breaded white fish with tartare), the sheer tenderness of the Costillas de Cerdo (BBQ ribs), and the incredibly rich flavours of the Chorizo al Vino (Spanish spicy sausage in red onions and red wine). It also allowed us to try "Chicken Bastilla" for a first time, which is shredded chicken in a crispy pastry, but then topped with cinnamon and sugar! It's apparently a Moroccan staple, but this was our first time trying it, and although it was a very strange idea to get used to, it worked surprisingly well! Like a cross between the end of your dinner and the start of your dessert!

The service is friendly and efficient without being intrusive, and the value is superb. Even if we didn't go for the 'all you can eat' option, the prices were great, with lunch specials also available.

As we paid I managed to embarrass myself by messing up with the card payment machine and accidentally giving a 10p tip, making me look like the stingiest tipper on the face of the planet, but despite this, the staff member who took our payment didn't let any sort of reaction show on his face. Truly professional! I noticed this on the bill as I was walking out the door, and so turned and left a bit of a better tip in change at the bar.

The one thing I will say is that I will be giving a much bigger and more deserved tip next time I visit, as I will most definitely be returning, and hopefully will have enough room to try a dessert! We can very much see how Tapaz has earned its praise! Muy bien! :)

Tapaz Ristorante
33 Bradshawgate
Bolton
BL1 1EL
(01204) 395 505

www.tapaz.co.uk