Large shrimp are quickly sautéed in good olive oil with sliced garlic and a touch of red chili. The dish arrives sizzling in a small pan or skillet. Served with bread to soak up the flavorful oil.
Tips from diners
Ask for bread to soak up the garlic oil at the bottom of the pan — that's the best part.
Jamón Ibérico is thinly sliced cured pork from black Iberian pigs, aged in Spanish mountains. The meat is rich, nutty, and deeply flavorful. Served simply on a plate with bread, it's the foundation of Spanish tapas culture.
Tips from diners
Quality jamón is the measure of a Spanish bar. La Boqueria sources good product.
Cubed potatoes are fried until golden and crispy, then tossed with a spicy tomato-based sauce and topped with garlicky mayonnaise. It's a Spanish bar staple and endlessly satisfying.
Tips from diners
Order multiple tapas to share rather than full dishes. Patatas Bravas pair well with seafood plates.
La Boqueria emphasizes wines from small local producers rather than mass-market labels. The selection changes seasonally and includes both Spanish and Italian options. The staff can recommend pairings for your tapas selection. Natural and organic wines are often available.
Tips from diners
Ask the staff for wine recommendations from small producers — this is their strength.
House wine by the glass is reasonable. Skip the big-name bottles and explore their smaller producer selections.
Tender octopus pieces are drizzled with excellent olive oil and sprinkled with paprika and coarse salt. The octopus is cooked until tender and served at room temperature. It's a classic Galician preparation.
Tips from diners
Don't be intimidated by octopus if you haven't tried it. This simple preparation lets you taste what it should be like.
La Boqueria is a Spanish-inspired tapas restaurant in Rome's Tuscolano neighborhood, located on Piazza Santa Maria Ausiliatrice. The restaurant specializes in Spanish tapas and Mediterranean seafood, with an emphasis on wines from small local producers. It attracts a mix of locals and travelers seeking quality Spanish food away from the tourist center, offering reasonable prices and a casual atmosphere.
Happy hour offers appetizers and a drink for 10 euros. Perfect for trying multiple items at low cost.
Located in Tuscolano, a neighborhood outside the tourist center. Attracts local diners and fewer tourists.
Order 4–5 tapas to share rather than full mains. This gives the best experience and value.
Open for dinner and late night. Weekend hours extend to midnight.
Page last updated: