Our guide on Tapas Vs Aperitivo what is better and the best tapas and aperitivo to try.
Tapas and aperitivo are both beloved traditions in Spain and Italy, respectively, offering delightful small plates and snacks to enjoy before a main meal. While they share similarities—social gatherings, small dishes, and drinks—they are distinct in flavor, culture, and experience.
Here’s a guide to compare the two, explore what makes them unique, and highlight some of the best tapas and aperitivo dishes to try, including recipes!
Read here the best tapas to try and the best aperitivo to try
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What Are Tapas?
Tapas originated in Spain as small snacks or appetizers, traditionally served with drinks at bars or taverns. They can range from simple bites, like olives or bread, to more elaborate small dishes like grilled seafood or meat. Tapas are often shared among friends and are an essential part of Spanish social culture.
Key Features of Tapas
Variety: Tapas can be cold or hot, with a wide range of ingredients including seafood, meats, vegetables, and cheeses.
Social Dining: Tapas are meant to be shared, making it a communal dining experience.
Flexible: You can have just a couple of tapas as a snack or a whole series of dishes that serve as a complete meal.
Drinks Paired with Tapas
Wine (especially Spanish varieties like Rioja or Albariño)
Beer
Sherry (Jerez)
What Is Aperitivo?
Aperitivo is an Italian tradition, typically enjoyed in the early evening before dinner. The goal of aperitivo is to stimulate the appetite with light snacks and drinks. Unlike tapas, aperitivo snacks are usually complimentary when you order a drink at a bar. It’s common in cities like Milan, Venice, and Turin.
Key Features of Aperitivo
Light Snacks: Aperitivo typically features lighter bites such as olives, nuts, chips, or simple bruschetta.
Pre-Dinner Ritual: It’s designed to whet your appetite before the main meal.
Relaxed Atmosphere: Aperitivo is more about the drinks (usually bitter cocktails like Negroni or Aperol Spritz) than the food, though some places serve larger platters.
Drinks Paired with Aperitivo
Aperol Spritz
Negroni
Campari
Prosecco
Comparison Tapas vs. Aperitivo Which is Better?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Tapas are ideal if you’re in the mood for a more substantial food experience and want to make the meal the center of your gathering. Aperitivo, on the other hand, is perfect if you’re looking for a light, pre-dinner socializing experience focused more on drinks and light snacks. Both offer a fantastic way to enjoy the culture and food of Spain and Italy.
Best Tapas to Try (Recipe Guide)
1. Tortilla Española (Spanish Omelette)
Ingredients:
4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
1 large onion, thinly sliced
6 large eggs
Olive oil
Salt
Instructions:
Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large frying pan. Add the potatoes and onions, cooking until soft and golden, about 15 minutes.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt. Drain the potato-onion mixture and add to the eggs. In the same pan, add a bit of oil and pour the egg mixture in. Cook on medium heat until the bottom is set, then flip (with a plate) and cook the other side. Slice into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.
Read here how to make Spanish omelette
2. Patatas Bravas
Ingredients:
4 large potatoes, cubed
Olive oil for frying
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Salt
Instructions:
Fry the potato cubes in olive oil until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to make a spicy sauce. Serve the fried potatoes with the sauce drizzled on top or on the side.
Read here how to make Patatas Bravas
3. Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp)
Ingredients:
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté until garlic is golden. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges and crusty bread.
Read here how to make Gambas al Ajillo
Best Aperitivo to Try (Recipe Guide)
1. Bruschetta al Pomodoro
Ingredients:
6 slices of rustic bread
2 ripe tomatoes, diced
1 clove garlic, halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh basil leaves
Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Toast the bread slices until golden. Rub each slice with the cut side of the garlic, then drizzle with olive oil. Top with diced tomatoes, torn basil leaves, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Read here How to make Bruschetta al Pomodoro
2. Arancini (Stuffed Rice Balls)
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked risotto (cooled)
100g mozzarella, cubed
2 eggs, beaten
Breadcrumbs
Oil for frying
Instructions:
Take a small handful of risotto, flatten it in your palm, and place a cube of mozzarella in the center. Roll into a ball, making sure the cheese is fully covered. Dip each rice ball in beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. Fry in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Serve with marinara sauce.
Read here How to make Arancini
3. Negroni Cocktail
Ingredients:
1 ounce gin
1 ounce Campari
1 ounce sweet vermouth
Ice
Orange slice for garnish
Instructions:
Pour the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth into a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir well. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange slice.
Read here how to make Negroni Cocktail
Final Thoughts: Tapas vs. Aperitivo
Whether you’re enjoying tapas in Spain or having aperitivo in Italy, both traditions offer delightful ways to socialize, drink, and sample small bites of delicious food.
Tapas are ideal for those who want a more filling experience with a wide variety of dishes, while aperitivo is perfect for relaxing with a refreshing drink and light snacks before dinner. Try both to get a true taste of Mediterranean dining culture!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.