Tapelia: A Taste of Spain on Lincoln Road Nestled on the bustling Lincoln Road in Miami Beach, Tapelia aims to bring the vibrant flavors of Spain to its diners. As a cornerstone of the community, it boasts a reputation for its Spanish-inspired cuisine, welcoming service, and lively atmosphere. The Food: Hits and Misses Tapelia prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients from Spain, and this commitment often shines through. Their Paella is a signature dish, and while some rave about its authenticity and flavor, others have found it to be a bit dry or lacking the coveted "socarrat" (the crispy, flavorful crust at the bottom of the pan). It seems consistency can be a factor here. Beyond paella, their tapas selection offers a good variety for sharing, perfect for a group looking to sample different Spanish delights. Seafood specials, including an oyster bar and seafood tower, are also on offer, appealing to those seeking fresh catches. Reviews often highlight excellent ceviche and the quality of their meats. Service: A Consistent Strong Point One aspect that consistently receives high marks at Tapelia is the service. Diners frequently describe the staff as friendly, attentive, and efficient. Whether it's a quick lunch or a celebratory dinner, the team seems dedicated to providing a pleasant experience. Ambience: Lively and Engaging Tapelia offers a lively atmosphere, making it a good choice for groups and those who enjoy a bit of buzz. With big screens showing sporting events and drink specials, it's also a popular spot for sports fans. Some, however, have noted that the restaurant can get quite noisy, potentially making intimate conversations a challenge. Outdoor dining is also available, offering a chance to soak up the Lincoln Road energy. Value: A Mixed Bag Value at Tapelia appears to be a point of contention. While some find it to be a good value for the quality and quantity of food, others have expressed that it can be overpriced. This likely depends on what you order and your expectations. Overall Impression: Tapelia is a solid option for those craving Spanish cuisine in Miami Beach. Its strengths lie in its generally good food (with paella being a highlight, albeit with some variability), excellent service, and a vibrant atmosphere. If you're looking for an authentic Spanish experience on Lincoln Road, especially for a lively group outing or to catch a game, Tapelia is worth considering. Just be prepared for a potentially energetic dining environment and perhaps manage your expectations on the perfect...
Read moreWish I could give it 0 stars! 29K reviews and I had high expectations, but this place was TRASH. TLDR; If you’re looking for paella do not come here, you will get risotto. You can look at my video. Food was a disappointment, Customer service is nonexistent; server never checked in, always needed to be told what to do, long unnecessary waits, wrong change given.
The paella does not come with the original crisp bottom as expected and the chicken was so dry. Partner had to use force to rip apart. When I asked about the dish, our server, Albert S, said that’s just how we make it here. It’s because people in America don’t like the crisp bottom and if you wanted it, you should’ve asked for it. I asked if that was the same for the chicken as well and he was like yeah we just make it more cooked, I didn’t realize I have to request for the chicken to be cooked well?
When we first arrived, they sat as quickly which is great however, the server came around only AFTER we flagged him down. We came on a Sunday in August. The weather is EXTRA HOT. Our server never offer us water. We had to ask him to give it to us multiple times. We waited for the paella for 50 mins, which we had no problem with it because we know it takes 45-70mins to make right. This waiting time is reasonable but the service following was atrocious.
When we requested the bill, it took him 15 mins to bring it. Then, when we gave him cash he never came back with our change. After 10mins of waiting, WE HAD TO ASK FOR OUR CHANGE BACK. Another 10 mins go by, he came back with the WRONG AMOUNT OF CHANGE. We were so frustrated, we just took the change and left. WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE.
The table beside us also did not finish their meal and were frustrated. As someone that works in customer service and asked politely about the food. I’m surprised that no sorry or remedy...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at Tapelia while on vacation in Miami, a Spanish cuisine restaurant located in the heart of Miami Beach. I must say, my experience was nothing short of delightful! While there were a few limitations, the overall dining experience was excellent.
To start, the calamari was okay. While it wasn't the highlight of the meal, it was decently prepared, and but the texture was slightly tough. However, the real stars of the show were the Argentina beef, spinach, and chicken empanadas. These little pockets of goodness were divine! Bursting with flavors, they were perfectly seasoned and filled to perfection. I couldn't get enough of them!
One thing to note is that Tapelia has a limited alcohol license, so the drink options were a bit restricted. Nevertheless, the staff made up for it with their attentive service. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready to assist with any questions or recommendations we had. Their hospitality truly added to the overall dining experience.
The ambiance of the restaurant was cozy and inviting, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The decor had a charming Spanish touch, making it feel like a slice of Spain right in Miami.
All in all, Tapelia is a wonderful spot for those looking to indulge in Spanish cuisine with a touch of Argentina. While the calamari may not have been outstanding, the empanadas alone made up for it. The limited alcohol selection was a minor setback, but the exceptional service and overall experience more than made up for it. I would recommend Tapelia to anyone seeking a unique and flavorful dining...
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