Creamy béchamel croquettes filled with shredded jamón and melted Spanish cheese, fried until golden. The homemade quality shines—these aren't frozen. Hot and crispy straight from the oil, they're worth eating immediately.
Tips from diners
These are best as a bar snack with a wine. Order them, eat them hot, then move on to the next small plate.
House-sourced jamón ibérico from Portugal and Spain, sliced thin and arranged simply. The meat's rich, nutty flavor comes from acorns in the pigs' diet. Reviewers note this is an affordable entry to Iluma—quality is high without the premium price of formal Spanish restaurants.
Tips from diners
Jamón here is cheaper than at formal Spanish bistros, but quality is solid. Order a plate and share.
Fresh squid rings breaded lightly and fried until tender with a delicate crunch. Served with fresh lemon wedges. The batter-to-squid ratio shows kitchen discipline—not battered beyond recognition. Reviewers often order multiple rounds.
Poached octopus arranged simply and finished with smoked Spanish paprika, fruity olive oil, and fleur de sel. The technique ensures tender, not rubbery, flesh. Reviewers specifically praise Iluma's version for consistent quality.
Catalan classic: crusty bread rubbed raw with ripe tomato and garlic, then dressed with Spanish olive oil and sea salt. Simple but revealing of ingredient quality. Iluma's bread is sourced fresh daily from a local bakery.
Iluma Alma Iberica is a vibrant tapas bar-restaurant in the 2nd arrondissement on rue Montmartre, near the historic Sentier neighborhood. The kitchen turns out homemade Spanish and Portuguese dishes in small-plate format designed for sharing. The casual, social atmosphere appeals to everyone from business lunchers to late-night wine drinkers. Hours extend to midnight, making it rare among Paris tapas bars for proper late-night service.
This is one of the few Spanish restaurants in central Paris open until midnight. Perfect for post-dinner wine and tapas.
Lunch menu at €16 gets you two courses. Formule déjeuner is a good value if you want a structured meal rather than just tapas.
Natural wines from Spain and Portugal are emphasized. Ask staff for a recommendation in the €20–30 range per bottle.
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