Time and time again we find ourselves returning to Ole Tapas Lounge and Restaurant on Kirkwood Highway in Newark. From the unique yet cozy atmosphere, the Spanish music playing softly in the background, to the amazing food, Ole Tapas offers a fine dining experience for everyone.
Whether sitting at the bar enjoying a wonderful sangria, or one of the house specialty cocktails, or sitting around one of the tables with friends, you experience a relaxing atmosphere combined with superb service.

The ambience of the restaurant is incredible. The overall atmosphere is very traditional and luxurious. All the artwork is done by Josh Wagner, a local artist, which adds to the harmonious feeling of the restaurant.

The menu is traditional Spanish tapas, made for sharing. We always begin with an assorted meat and cheese plate; the Spanish equivalent to a Charcuterie. Watching the bartender cutting razor thin slices of prosciutto from a rack behind the bar never fails to bring a gleam to our guest’s eyes. With several options of meat & cheese, you can create your own combination of flavors, or you can request the chef’s selection.

The menu is expansive, and the main problem seems to be limiting the order. The staff is very well educated in the preparation and combinations of the food offered, and make wonderful suggestions.
From the pumpkin hummus to the seared duck, Ole offers something for every taste. For a true experience, try one of the houses Paella; Saffron rice mixed with your choice of meats and seafood, spiced to perfection. It serves 2-3 people generously, and is well worth the wait. The variety of combinations seems infinite, from the subtle to the bold, the flavors dance across your pallet, creating a unique experience.

A Spanish staple, empanadas, are a true delight at Ole. I have had plenty of dry, basic empanadas from other restaurants in the past, but with Ole I simply must order the Empanada of the Day each time I go. Not your traditional empanada, it is a large, round and delicious filled pastry with a perfectly flakey crust. Daily specials might include chicken and chickpea filling or other, drizzled with chipotle sauce placed on atop a bed of salty salad greens that enhance the savory empanada.

Try to save room for dessert; the rice pudding has always been a favorite of ours, as well as the churros, served with warm chocolate syrup for dipping. The pumpkin bread pudding served with homemade cinnamon ice cream is equally amazing.

I know some people have the experience from other Tapas restaurants that they feel like they leave feeling hungry. Trust me, with the selection and delectableness of Ole’s Tapas menu, you will never leave feeling hungry. It is much more likely you will leave impressed and excited for your next visit.

Contributing author: Erin Seims

Reservations
are suggested.

Call 302-224-9378.
Ole Tapas Lounge & Restaurant is conveniently located at 1126 Capitol Trail, Newark, DE, 19711
www.OleTapasLounge.com