Four of the best: Tapas restaurants

A selection of tapas at Bellota. Photo / Kenny Rodger

1. Serafin Cafe
225B Dominion Rd, Mt Eden, ph (09) 630 0228. Open Tue-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat 9am-10pm, Sun 9am-4.30pm

The newest tapas joint in town has already had food writers and bloggers swooning. Once the grumpy neighbours are sorted, they'll have a liquor licence, but in the meantime chef Serafin Bueno brings dishes from all over Spain.

2. Basque Kitchen
61 Davis Cr, Newmarket, ph (09) 523 1057. Open Mon-Sat 4pm til late, Fri 12pm til late

Regulars won't let Basque take their favourites off the menu - the fried eggplant is available all year, the slow roasted pork belly and baby calamari with broadbeans and lemon keeps them happy.

3. Bellota
91 Federal St, City, ph (09) 363 6000. Open Tue-Sat 4.30pm til late, Fri 12pm til late. Peter Gordon's joint still sets the gold standard for tapas serving the prized delicacy Jamon Iberico de Bellota, magnificent cheeses, bready pintxos, daily croquette specials and more.

4. El Faro Tapas Bar
Elliot Stables, City, ph (09) 365 1111. Open Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm, 4.30pm til late, Fri 12pm til late.

Mark Ansley claims to be the most authentic tapas bar in town, serving only Spanish sherries, wines and beers alongside stuffed calamari, pintxos de jamon and more.