Victoria Street right next to Victoria Market is the go to place if you want some cosy venues with great food this is the street to be on. Now, there’s a new bad boy that’s opened for 5 months or so and they’re serving authentic Spanish Tapas and they’re tucked away so you just need to keep your eyes opened. Right next to Victoria Market stands El Rincon, it’s quaint, it’s cosy and it’s full of personality.
Inside, there wasn’t a lot of space but you don’t have to worry, you could sit at the back where it’s the communal section with the other restaurants. The decor makes you feel like you’re in Spain and most things were imported into Australia.
There’s also a huge selection of drinkies if you’re a tad thirsty.
Wowser, the paella in the glass cabinet looks AMAZEBALL!
Ooooh and the desserts, cannot wait!
So, there’s a teeny secret you should know about El Rincon. Do you like sangria? Well, I do and guess what? They have sangria ON TAP! You heard me, on frigging TAP! This was AWESOME sauce and really packs a punch too. The Sangria is an old family recipe and you’ll definitely will enjoy it.
Sangria
After all the chit chat and meeting everyone else, the food finally came out. First up was the Solmorejo with olives. Salmorejo is used as the base for most of the dishes and my gosh, it was delish. Definitely enjoyed this little gem.
Salmorejo and olives
I’m a super duper big fan of croquettes and when one landed in front of me, my eyes lit up like a kid in a candy store. It was cheesy, it was meaty and comforting. The outside was crispy and crumbly and these were AMAZEBALL! I could have eaten 10 if they put 10 in front of me.
Spanish croquettes
with jamon serrano and chorizo
The sardinas fritas which were fried sardines and cod croquettes came out. I wasn’t a big fan of this dish. It still had a fishy taste and was quite dry. However, the batter was lovely, golden and crispy which was a delight.
Sardinas fritas
Fried sardines and cod (bacalao) croquettes
The spanish meatballs with almond sauce didn’t tickle my fancy. I wasn’t a huge fan of the almond sauce, I think it just needs a touch more flavour in it. The meatball had a very distinct flavour, not bad either. Definitely a first for me.
Albondigas
Spanish meatballs with almond sauce
Last but not least, the spanish flan for dessert. This was really smooth and yes you can order it to go. It was so soft and breaks real easily so you just gotta shovel the thing into your mouth. The flan isn’t overly sweet so it’s not sickening. A great choice to end the night.
Spanish flan
El Rincon is very vibrant and the hospitality was amazing. The staff will definitely look after you and the food, well make sure you get the croquette because they were my favourite!
Disclaimer: I was honoured to be invited to dine by El Rincon, however, all opinions expressed are my own based on my experience at the time.
69 Victoria St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: 0421 117 777
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