España Restaurant & Tapas — Restaurant in Fernandina Beach

This restaurant is a real “gem” among restaurants. We have been fortunate enough to have lived in or visited a number of cities in the US and we both felt Espana is one of the 10 best restaurants we have ever experienced in over 40 years. We have been preparing Paellas for over 20 years on an open charcoal and wood fire with genuine Spanish ingredients so we have some familiarity with paellas. We always try a Paella when it appears on a menu at a Spanish themed restaurant to pick up ideas and experience different flavor profiles.

On this evening we did not order a Paella, but instead opted to try something similar to what we had been preparing for years (Portuguese Boatman’s Stew) but, never saw it on a menu – Portuguese Fisherman Stew. It was recommended by our waiter who frequently had both the Paellas and the Stew. The Portuguese Fisherman Stew reminds you of a Spanish version of a Bouillabaisse but with the addition of Coconut milk and spices – a much more complex flavor. The Stew is for two and comes severed in a Black Clay pot (still rapidly bubbling) set on a metal stand in the center of the table along with Spanish rice on the side. The rice and bread become important for soaking up the delicious broth from the pot. All the Seafood was cooked perfectly (a challenge with a dish of this nature) and there was plenty for two people. This was an excellent dish to be shared for a memorable evening.

The Paellas being severed at other tables looked equally appetizing but I am sure could never match the flavors of the Portuguese Fisherman Stew. This stew is far superior to any version we had prepared so, we left with some of the broth to replicate and reinvent our Portuguese Boatman’s Stew.

We preceded the Portuguese Fisherman Stew with a special for the evening - Tapas - Pork & Goat cheese with assorted spices – wonderful Spanish flavors. The homemade red Sangria was good but, not the best we have ever enjoyed or as interesting as our house prepared Sangria, but it paired perfectly with our meal. Our waiter – Brian, was excellent, he never missed a beat and was also a wealth of local knowledge. We can’t thank him enough for recommending Chef Roberto’s Portuguese Fisherman Stew.

The restaurant was very busy and without reservations I am not sure we could have been seated without a long wait. The atmosphere where we were seated was nothing to attract attention but, the back dining area looked more appealing, as did the outside seating if you can be sure no rain would interrupt your meal.

An exceptional 2-hour...

I guess I’m not the typical customer this sort of restaurant receives, I’m more of a food for value type of guy, but España restaurant was very nice and beautiful atmosphere. I was seated outside and it was very pleasant on the back patio. Service was very knowledgeable and friendly, but it is a restaurant, so we’re all here for the food so here’s my take:

Ordered a plate of tapas with clams for about $20… already very pricey for something that means “appetizer” or “samples” in Spain, it arrived, and it looked like a child’s Pizza lunchable would have more food on the plate… I mean, just wow. Good thing it was for myself this time, if I can count in single digits the bread, toppings, garnish, and meat, then there’s something wrong with the portions…

Then I decided to order something bigger and worth the experience so I got a paella thinking I’d be able to take some for lunch tomorrow… I was dead wrong. The kind server brought me the pan served with paella, and I kid you not, it was the same size as the individual plates you are already seated with once you arrive at your table…

Long story short, I was very unsatisfied with the amount served, especially for the price listed on the menu says “priced for two people” at $56… hmmm

so either I should be competing in the Nathan’s national Hot Dog eating contest or there is something literally not adding up in the pricing of the portions. and it’s not like Spanish cuisine is one of the more expensive ones like Thai food, paella is actually just saffron rice mixed with cheese topped with tomatoes, mussels, clams, etc… ergo the ingredients aren’t exactly out of this world of expensive. Then again, maybe this is one of the more upscale restaurants in Amelia Island, and I’m just out of my depth, but paying $70+ for a single check is definitely too much and bordering on absurd, it’s not exactly...

For a moment, I felt like I was in Spain enjoying delicious tapas and delicious red sangria, but then reality this lovely restaurant is in my backyard. España Restaurant and Tapas is located in the heart of Fernandina. It really is a gem in this area.

I made a reservation prior to coming which was very simple. Originally, I requested for 3 people but need to add one more at the last minute. They kindly allowed me to add the extra person which I appreciated very much.

When I arrived, I smelled seafood which got me excited. I remembered the familiar smells from my trip to Spain when I was first introduced to Paella. I couldn’t wait to view the menu.

The menu had a variety of dishes as well as a temporary Restaurant Week menu. As lovely as the temporary menu sounded, I wanted to try an item from the regular menu. I decided to by pass the tapas this time and get a delicious meal. Originally, I had my eye on the Calderada de Mariscos (Portuguese Fisherman Stew) but the serving was for 2 which was way too much food for me. The server suggested I try Cazuela de Mariscos (Shellfish Casserole) and add the stew of the Portuguese Fisherman Stew. Great suggestion! It was to die for. That meal was absolutely amazing. If I could give it 10 stars, I would. The seafood was so fresh and the broth was mouthwatering. I am thinking about the food now, and I wish I could eat it right now. I will be back many more times. Sadly, I ate so fast that I only got a picture of the cute butter shaped like a...