From bar snacks to tapas and mezze platters, small plates are seriously popular right now – and for good reason. This 'pick and choose' style of eating is the perfect way to try new foods, experience a range of flavors, and share in the joy of a tasty meal with family and friends. Want to know where to go to get your next fix? We've found the best small plates restaurant every state has to offer.
Click or scroll through our gallery to discover America's best places to dine on small plates – counting down to the most unmissable of all.
Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They're also regularly checked and updated.
With first-rate service and a lively atmosphere, modern Spanish restaurant Mompou gets great reviews for its extensive menu of tapas dishes, which you can enjoy while watching one of its live flamenco shows. Top picks include fried calamari in a sweet and spicy mango sauce, baby lamb chops in a Canary Islands sauce, and sweet roasted peppers filled with goats' cheese and walnuts.
Award-winning modern Mediterranean restaurant Gervais & Vine gets rave reviews for the variety of dishes it has to offer, as well as its cozy atmosphere. A popular spot for nearly 20 years, the restaurant also has a beautiful patio area and lively bar. Popular dishes include baked Brie with chutney and crackers, spicy shrimp with tomatoes and bacon, seared scallops, and Spanish meatballs with romesco sauce and mozzarella.
This intimate Wilmington bistro has an outstanding French-inspired menu with dishes made for sharing. As well as artisan cheese and charcuterie boards, it offers small plates like shrimp toast with whipped sesame and pickled green papaya, and apple and kohlrabi salad with aged Cheddar and white balsamic vinaigrette. It’s owned and operated by James Beard–nominated chef Bryan Sikora, and customers adore its comfortable atmosphere just as much as the food.
James Beard Award–nominated Moxy is a modern American tapas restaurant with a seasonally changing menu and excellent reviews. Diners love its creative, fresh, and flavorful dishes, and say the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Menu highlights include patatas bravas, crispy pork belly with apple butter, fennel relish, and fried garlic, and serrano ham and chicken croquettes.
Set up by a group of friends who loved their holiday to Seville so much that they decided to bring a taste of Spain back to Detroit, La Feria gets rave reviews for its delicious, reasonably priced tapas and fun atmosphere. After tucking into some classic hot and cold tapas dishes and an excellent wine list, head next door to the joint's sister wine bar, Cata Vino, to continue the fun.
The Stuffed Olive gets great reviews for its delicious small plates and lively atmosphere. People often come here to grab a drink and a snack at the bar – or to share a few plates with friends and make a real night of it. Top dishes include Nashville hot chicken sliders, Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze and bacon, zucchini fritters, risotto croquettes, and spinach and artichoke dip with garlic bread.
Bar Cicchetti's menu is made for sharing, with a selection of small and large plates that are flavorful and well presented. Favorite dishes include crispy cauliflower with fried green onions, garlic aioli, and peppadew hot sauce, lamb meatballs with spiced yogurt and jalapeño-mint chimichurri, seared tuna carpaccio with pistachio salt, and crab lasagna. Customers also say the desserts are definitely worth saving room for.
Eva is named after its chef’s great-grandmother, who loved cooking with fresh ingredients and sharing meals with her friends and family – a vibe that this brilliant restaurant aims to emulate. The restaurant is currently closed for renovations following a fire that broke out along Main Street in August 2025; however, when it reopens, you can expect to find a menu featuring the likes of sautéed Brussels sprouts with toasted hazelnuts, charred beets with whipped goats' cheese, and fried chicken with miso, lime, and peanuts. This really is premium tapas dining.
It may be a chain, but the Kansas outpost of North Italia receives rave reviews for its menu of classic Italian dishes and its excellent service. As well as pizzas, pasta, and entrées, the menu includes a great selection of small plates, which are perfect for sharing. Popular choices include crispy eggplant Parmesan (with fresh mozzarella and Calabrian tomato sauce), white truffle garlic bread, wild shrimp scampi, and prosciutto bruschetta.
Helmed by James Beard Award–winning chefs Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne, beautiful restaurant AOC specializes in Californian French cuisine. There's a chef’s choice menu available, plus an array of delicious small (and large) plates to share, all of which are made with locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Diners say the place is perfect for a special occasion and rave about decadent dishes like clams with sliced garlic and toast, and a charcuterie board piled with pork rillettes, assorted salumi, and chorizo.
Set up by a group of friends who loved their holiday to Seville so much that they wanted to bring a taste of Spain back to Detroit, La Feria gets rave reviews for its delicious, reasonably priced tapas and lively, welcoming atmosphere. Guests enjoy sampling a variety of classic hot and cold tapas dishes, from savory croquettes to fresh, vibrant salads. The playful, colorful setting makes it a perfect spot for socializing with friends, and the menu encourages sharing so everyone can try a little bit of everything.
Çka Ka Qellu serves a menu of traditional Albanian and Kosovan small plates in its rustic-style restaurant, which regularly wins rave reviews from diners. Popular dishes include mantia (veal-stuffed dumplings), tava kosi (lamb and rice baked with yogurt and eggs), and traditional Albanian grilled meatballs with onions, crushed red peppers, and herbs. There are also two sister locations in New York City.
Customers say the charcuterie board at Quench Taps and Tapas is worth the visit alone, but they also love the excellent made-from-scratch small plates. Run by husband-and-wife team Jeff and Angie Cline, the restaurant prides itself on using organic ingredients. Customer favorites include the blackened shrimp with mango sauce, the charcuterie board, and the baked Caprese dip with warm bread.
The perfect place for a date or night out with friends, cozy Dallas restaurant Rye serves a tempting menu of American small plates. It gets fantastic reviews from customers; some even go as far as saying that the restaurant has served up the best meal they've ever had. Popular dishes include burnt orange and bourbon braised pork lollipops, beef cheek tacos, and Icelandic hot dogs made with delicious wagyu beef. Want to go all-out? Try the chef’s menu (choose from seven, nine, or 11 courses).
Hip Fernson has become a favorite spot in Sioux Falls for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious small plates, which are perfect for sharing with friends. The space includes a modern, relaxed taproom area and a sunny patio, making it ideal for casual hangouts. Fans rave about the chicken tenders, as well as the fried Brussels sprouts, pimento-stuffed pretzel bites, and indulgent loaded fries. With its fun, social vibe and crowd-pleasing dishes, Fernson is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.
The Fool’s Lantern is a lively, welcoming spot where it’s easy to settle in and stay a while. With its casual vibe and friendly service, it’s the kind of place people love for catching up with friends over a relaxed meal. The menu is all about sharing, with crowd-pleasers like tenderloin sliders, spanakopita, avocado deviled eggs, crispy Brussels sprouts, and generous charcuterie boards, plus a handful of creative sandwiches and dips to round things out.
Since opening in March 2021, Bendi Wok n' Bar has received rave reviews for its Asian cuisine, with a menu featuring small plates, pad Thai, curries, and stir fries. Highlights include Korean ribs with gochujang barbecue sauce, pork and vegetable egg rolls with a sweet chili sauce dip, tempura shrimp with panang curry, and crab Rangoon wontons with cream cheese. Diners also rate the chilled-out atmosphere, R&B music, and inviting décor.
Plonk is a lively spot where guests can enjoy a menu of flavorful entrées and shareable small plates in a stylish, welcoming setting. Highlights include duck confit terrine, a roasted beet and herb salad, and a ploughman’s board piled high with cheese and savory bites. The restaurant also features a lovely rooftop patio, and a private cellar is available for events, making it perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. There’s a second location in Bozeman.
La Boca regularly features on ‘best of’ restaurant lists, and it's remained consistently popular since it was opened by James Beard Award–nominated chef James Campbell Caruso in 2006. Diners rate the great service, fantastic food, and lively, European wine bar–style atmosphere. The New York Times says its menu, which changes seasonally to make the most of local ingredients, is filled with ‘modern reinventions of classic Spanish cuisine,’ so expect plenty of creative twists on old favorites.
Housed in a former mortuary, Linger is a lively restaurant and rooftop bar serving a menu of global small plates. Diners love the inventive menu – especially the steamed bao buns filled with BBQ duck, pickled cucumber, and scallions. Other favorite dishes include hot honey sweet potato fries, lemongrass potstickers, and vegan sliders featuring a delicious blend of mushroom-onion jam, pickle, and garlic 'aioli.'
Chic-yet-rustic Spanish tapas restaurant Amada has been wowing customers with its delicious offerings since it opened in 2005. It's consistently voted a Philadelphia must-visit, and diners rate the fun ambiance and excellent service, as well as the range of Andalusian-style tapas dishes. Menu highlights include crab-stuffed peppers, lamb meatballs, ham croquettes, garlic shrimp, and calamari. As well as a spacious dining and bar area, there’s a chef’s table overlooking the open-plan kitchen.
A cool spot with local artwork on the walls and a sunny patio, Cellar + Plate is known for its flavorful tapas and creative small plates. Every dish is designed to delight the palate, making it easy to mix and match for a fun, shareable dining experience. Favorite menu choices include roasted Brussels sprouts with walnuts, goats' cheese, and maple balsamic, as well as Cellar Sliders: brioche buns filled with seasoned beef, caramelized onions, bacon-fig jam, and Boursin cheese.
Diners say that the intimate V. Mertz is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion thanks to its precise attention to detail and excellent food – especially the small plates. Housed in a century-old building in Omaha's historic Old Market Passageway, the location is as pretty as the menu is impressive. Dishes have included wagyu beef tartare, seared foie gras with sweetcorn panna cotta, watermelon salad, and poached octopus with fermented carrot and pickled apple.
Crush Bistro receives rave reviews for its standout selection of small plates, making it a favorite spot for relaxed dining in Anchorage. Menu highlights include an indulgent eight-cheese baked mac 'n' cheese, savory prosciutto-wrapped dates, and classic deviled eggs. The bistro also offers a popular 'take and bake' selection of pre-prepared dishes, perfect for an easy, high-quality meal at home. Next door, a specialty shop makes it easy to pick up gourmet items to enjoy later
Modern Mediterranean spot Pinky’s only opened in 2021, but it’s already regarded as the place to go in Richmond for a seriously good meal. Diners love the large, airy restaurant, the relaxed atmosphere, and the tapas-inspired menu. Dishes have included seared yellowfin tuna with crispy serrano ham, crab and sherry risotto, burrata with walnuts, apple, and arugula, and Pinky’s classic meatballs: beef, chicken, and lamb served in San Marzano tomato sauce with shaved garlic.
Sip is a stylish neighborhood spot that pairs a chic, sleek interior with a lively, upbeat atmosphere. Customers rave about the inviting vibe and the well-curated menu of small plates, which are perfect for sharing. The selection of bite-sized dishes includes crowd favorites like sticky maple-glazed wings, classic shrimp cocktail, sweet potato cakes with a creamy sage sauce, and crispy deep-fried cauliflower bites. With its buzzy energy and satisfying, flavor-packed food, Sip has become a popular choice for casual gatherings and relaxed nights out.
With a menu based around two of the most shareable (and crowd-pleasing) foods around, this Little Rock restaurant is all about unpretentious small plates in a fun and trendy setting. It may only have opened in fall 2023, but it's already made a big impact on the city's dining scene, offering craveable dishes like a fontina, Camembert, and rosemary fondue, and a platter featuring fresh stracciatella cheese, spicy pistachios, basil, and warm cauliflower flatbreads.
Bar Brava teams up with a rotating roster of talented chefs to create one-of-a-kind menus that keep the dining experience fresh and exciting. Recently, the cozy neighborhood spot hosted chefs Tony Gao and Mike Yuen for their Jook Sing pop-up, where they gave Chinese American classics a clever Midwestern twist. Highlights included a peppery hotdish studded with cheese curds and tofu, a rich crab Rangoon dip, and salt and pepper chicken wings.
Billed as a ‘casual haven for grown-ups,’ Taste serves an amazing selection of drinks alongside an ever-changing menu of delicious tapas – which you can enjoy while listening to live music. Opened in 2017 by married couple Clint and Ginger Hahn (the head chef), Taste is renowned for its cozy ambiance, excellent service, and inventive menu. Popular dishes include Spanish meatballs with Manchego cheese and burrata, steak tacos, and a decadent charcuterie board.
Diners rate the atmosphere and service at Blackbird Woodfire – and they love its menu of tapas dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and salads, all of which are perfect for sharing with a big group of friends. Its small plates selection is simple and effective, with dishes such as house-made hummus, Mediterranean meatballs, marinated olives, and melted provolone with peppers, oregano, and freshly made bread. Customers also rave about the ‘create your own’ pizza option.
Aguardente brings together food and wine from its three owners’ home countries – Portugal, Guatemala, and the Azores – with stunning results. Diners say the ambiance is beautiful, the food amazing, and the service impeccable. There’s a wide menu, and dishes include codfish fritters with creamy cilantro dip, traditional Portuguese sausages, chorizo tacos, a selection of canned fish served with bread, and grilled garlic and herb lamb chops.
Casual tapas joint La Merenda serves an interesting menu of small plates from around the world. Diners love the restaurant's unique concept and sprawling patio area, and say that the customer service here is second to none. The menu spans dishes from countries including Italy, Mexico, Indonesia, and Japan, as well as some local favorites. The mushroom tostadas, butter chicken, garlic shrimp, and house-made gnocchi with braised rabbit are all impossible to resist.
Charming Eastern Mediterranean–style mezze restaurant Honey Road is loved for its fresh and flavorful food and relaxed atmosphere – and customers say every dish they try here is delicious. As well as the main restaurant, there’s a patio and bar area where you can enjoy a few drinks and snacks with friends. Menu highlights have recently included shish kebabs with cucumber and mint labneh, seared halloumi with pomegranate hot honey, fried squid in a chickpea batter, and lamb koftas with tahini hummus, golden raisins, and local cherry tomatoes.
Popular (and family-friendly) modern Italian restaurant Chrysalis only opened a few years ago, but it’s already made a big impression with its great food and welcoming ambiance. Diners say a visit here never disappoints; they recommend sharing a few of the small plates alongside one of the pasta dishes, or with some flatbreads to mop up the tasty sauces. Not sure what to order? The bruschetta, pork, beef, and veal meatballs, burrata with crispy prosciutto, and apple-pecan panzanella are all fail-safe options – and there's even a build-your-own antipasti menu that allows you to choose bite-size portions of your favorite meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
Hip Korean joint C as in Charlie is owned by three lifelong friends – and if you want a great night out with some amazing food and a super-fun atmosphere, it's the place to go. Diners love the tapas-style Korean dishes and say the service is wonderful (the staff like to make sure everyone is having a good time). The restaurant only seats 40, so be sure to book in advance. Dishes include popcorn chicken with a sweet gochujang glaze, beet hummus, mushroom bibimbap, and shrimp toast rolls.
Regular customers call Mojito Tapas Restaurant a neighborhood gem, with a great atmosphere and outstanding tapas dishes that are always cooked to perfection. Diners rate the short ribs, the tenderloin skewers, the stuffed dates, the sizzling garlic shrimp, the guacamole with plantain chips, and the chicken empanadas. There are also sister locations in Middletown, St. Matthews, and the Highlands.
Not only do customers love the relaxed atmosphere and friendly service at Central Provisions, but they also say that its small plates are beautifully presented and executed to perfection. The eclectic menu includes dishes such as bone marrow toast, a local beet salad (with avocado, green peppercorns, lemon, and Swiss chard), and fried cauliflower with feta cheese, ras el hanout spice mix, mint, and apple.
Customers say every dish they order at Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! is excellent, and they especially enjoy the lively atmosphere, friendly service, and reasonable prices. Favorite tapas-style dishes include chorizo-wrapped dates, beef empanadas, Spanish omelets, deviled eggs, and perfectly seared scallops, making it easy to share and sample a variety of flavors. Billed as Chicago’s original tapas bar, the restaurant first opened its doors in 1985 and has remained a beloved spot for casual, social dining ever since.
Cute neighborhood spot The Coupe & Flute is known for its inviting small plates menu, luxe bistro-style décor, and warm, friendly atmosphere. Diners rave about its thoughtfully prepared dishes, which are ideal for sharing and lingering over. Menu highlights include deviled tea eggs, creamy clam dip with crackers, kimchi arancini stuffed with mozzarella, and flavorful lemongrass steak nachos. Guests also recommend saving room for dessert, as the sweet offerings are a standout (the silky panna cotta earns especially enthusiastic praise from regulars).
Headed up by Masa 'Arnaldo' Gushiken, a talented Argentinian chef who's plied his trade in esteemed restaurants from California to Japan, Honolulu's El Cielo specializes in Spanish-inspired tapas. Must-try dishes include ground beef empanadas (seasoned with onions, paprika, raisins, and citrus fruits), Spanish-style French fries (topped with jamón serrano and a fried egg), and a savory truffle custard pudding that's served in a delicate eggshell. For dessert, don't miss the colorful ube Basque cheesecake, made with a purple yam native to Asia.
The cozy Basque Market is tucked down a side street, but it's fast become one of the most popular places in Boise thanks to its authentic menu of Spanish tapas and incredible paella – which is cooked outside on the patio every day. The pintxos are the perfect small bites to enjoy with a drink, while other must-try dishes include Basque meatballs (beef meatballs in a rich, zesty pepper and tomato sauce), perfectly crispy calamari, and spicy citrus olives.
Customers say dining at Bin22 is a unique experience, complete with plenty of fabulous food. This cozy tapas bar can be found at the back of a bottle shop, and – despite being small – its menu is vast, with a wide selection of cheese and charcuterie, plus a long list of small plates to share with friends. Tantalizing dishes include house-made meatballs, lamb pintxos, fried artichoke with lemon-truffle aioli, and shrimp with chorizo, cherry tomatoes, and garlic.
Latin-style tapas joint Bésame combines fresh seafood from the Gulf of Mexico with bold Latin and Caribbean flavors, creating an eclectic, crowd-pleasing menu that's earned rave reviews from diners. Designed for sharing, the menu encourages guests to sample a wide range of dishes in one sitting. Popular choices include bright and citrusy Peruvian ceviche, rich crawfish queso, and tender lamb meatballs. Heartier options like paella with shrimp and smoked sausage round out the offerings, making Bésame a lively destination for adventurous, flavor-forward dining.
Casi Cielo serves a menu inspired by the flavors of Oaxaca, Mexico, using thoughtfully sourced, locally grown ingredients. Guests appreciate the wide variety of dishes designed for sharing, making it an ideal spot for sampling multiple flavors in one meal. The restaurant’s chic, modern surroundings add to its appeal, creating a lively yet welcoming atmosphere. Menu highlights include crispy plantain croquettes with Manchego cheese, flavorful ribeye steak tacos, and a truly delicious guacamole.
Located in the pretty, historic town of Livingston, The Briar Patch is a vintage-style cocktail bar modeled on the glamour of the Prohibition era – and customers can’t get enough of its great drinks, delicious tapas-style dishes, and friendly atmosphere (plus, there’s also regular live music). Menu standouts include smoked brisket tacos, pimento cheese and salmon dip, a cheese and charcuterie board, and seared tuna tacos. It’s a popular place, so make sure you book.
Restaurant and wine bar Tinker Street has a regularly changing seasonal menu of both small and larger plates. Customers can't get enough of the joint's cozy ambiance, great service, and delicious food, which is perfect for sharing with a date or group of friends. The oysters with blueberry, orange, and cardamom are highly recommended. Other menu highlights include Korean fried mushrooms, chicken skewers, and whipped ricotta with pomegranate seeds, orange olive oil, and slices of crusty baguette.
When chef John Simmons opened Firefly Kitchen & Bar in 2003, it was one of very few tapas restaurants in Sin City. With the aim of becoming the go-to place for people to unwind after work with a drink and a bite, its popularity grew and grew, and the restaurant still receives rave reviews today. Not far from The Strip, diners say it’s a must-visit, with exceptional food and a friendly atmosphere. Popular dishes include steak and mushroom skewers, and bacon-wrapped stuffed dates. There are two locations in Las Vegas now – the flagship on Flamingo, and the newer Southwest restaurant.
Touted as an ‘experience’ and ‘more than a restaurant,’ Café Tu Tu Tango offers live entertainment and resident artists alongside its menu of tapas-style small plates. Customers love the lively atmosphere, eclectic surroundings, and perfectly executed dishes. Menu favorites include sesame steak skewers, black bean hummus, grilled fish tacos, and crispy Brussels sprouts with soy-chili honey. If you’re struggling to choose what to eat, go for the set tasting menu of signature dishes – it's perfect for groups of six or more.
South American tapas joint Lechon in downtown Portland gets rave reviews for both its service and its food, with many diners describing the meals they've eaten here as the best they’ve ever had. It's located on the city's scenic waterfront, with a lovely patio area – and the décor is stunning on the inside too, with several large aquariums adding to the ambiance. Standout dishes include foraged mushrooms with Parmesan toasted brioche, Peruvian fried chicken bites, brisket empanadas, and beef short ribs.
Family-run tapas joint Cúrate won the 2022 James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality – and diners love its creative and flavorful food as much as its attentive service. The menu changes seasonally, but you can expect to find dishes such as creamy mushroom fritters, seared scallops with charred leeks, Galician-style octopus with potato purée, and honey-drizzled eggplant. Housed in a renovated 1920s bus depot, the restaurant has an open kitchen, plus a separate bakery.
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Last updated by Jessica Morris.