El Rincón

In the beating heart of Queen Victoria Market, El Rincón brings the bustle of a Spanish tapas bar to Melbourne’s CBD.

This lively spot hums with the energy of a southern Spanish plaza, blending market chatter with the clink of glasses and the aroma of saffron and spice.

The kitchen leans into tradition, celebrating the flavours and rhythms of Spanish dining with ever-changing seasonal sharing plates and time-honoured staples. Croquetas land with silken centres - setas lifted by truffle or jamón with a savoury whisper - while patatas bravas arrive crisp, saucy and impossible to resist.

Boards of Spanish cheeses and embutidos nod to the bodegas, with jamón ibérico taking a well-earned star turn.

Paellas make a proud appearance, from the paella de pollo with green beans and capsicum to the paella de mariscos brimming with prawns, calamari, mussels and clams. Simplicity shines in the from the tin to the plate selection of marinated mussels and olives, while bocadillos range from the Santander roll to the Badajoz layered with jamón ibérico and salmorejo.

Go early for a market breakfast or slip in for tapas and a glass of something cold. Follow the bravas, stay for the paella, and let El Rincón steal your corazón!