NOW EXPERIENCING:La Pinta
Drinks Directory|Melbourne – North|Great tunes|Good for groups

La Pinta

791 High Street, Reservoir, VIC, 3073
Phone
0492 818 032
Website
lapintareservoir.com.au
Instagram
@la_pinta_reservoir

Read time 4 Mins

Posted 13 Sep 2022

By
Larissa Dubecki

This pocket-sized gem of a tapas bar is a convincing expression of all things Spanish – with a strong foundation of great drinks and eats, and welcoming staff, it’s a fun package.

Image of bar counter at La-Pinta
Why you goThis little gem of a tapas bar is a reason to set your GPS for Reservoir. Packing drinks and food you’d find in San Sebastián or Barcelona, it’s a convincing expression of all things Spanish right on High Street. Opened in 2020, the space was once a classic espresso bar and, wisely, little has been done to it apart from adding a huge horseshoe-shaped bar ringed by seats. Even the quirky murals on the wall are original, which gives it a lived-in and loved feeling that no amount of money spent on designers can buy.
Why you stayIt’s warm and welcoming, authentic and heaps of fun. Partly that’s thanks to the space, which oozes character. Partly it’s the buzz of a kooky-good music playlist adding its own flavour – the sound system might swing from fey French pop to a reggae version of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”. Yes, it’s cool. But the bottom line is the strong foundation of great drinks and eats file it firmly under “the complete package”. 
Image of women on counter at La Pinta
Image of dishes at La Pinta
What drink to orderYou know you’re in solid Spanish hands when there’s vermouth on tap. Not just any vermouth either – it’s the crisp Banksii Rosé Vermouth from Maidenii along with the champion Victorian producer’s more classic Dry. Sticking to the theme of the perfect aperitivo, the list also has plenty of love for the sherries from Beechworth’s Pennyweight and a handful of vermouths from Spain and Italy. The wine list leans towards the sustainable and organic – Etienne Mangier’s Macedon Ranges natural sauvignon blanc and Lakey Farm’s Heathcote shiraz are both pouring from the taps – while cultish credentials are cemented by Two Metre Tall’s farmhouse ale and cider.
What to pair it withLa Pinta’s owner, chef Adam Racina, has worked the pans at the inner north’s spiritually aligned Napier Quarter and Pinotta, and you’ll quickly realise he really knows his stuff. There’s a classic tortilla, of course, and Basque cheesecake, and in between a bunch of small dishes that swing with the seasons. From a whole charry leek topped with a gooey egg yolk to beef and mutton meatballs on pine-nut purée, it’s all big flavoured, generous and well priced (no dish is more than $20, and many are less). The caveat is that you’ll pay for bread, but our advice is to shell out the $5 for a thick slab of the ridiculously good, caramel-crusted sourdough baked on site each day. It’s worth it. 
Image from outside sitting at La Pinta
Outside image of La Pinta
Why we love it It might sound corny, but there’s a whole lot of heart and soul here. The waiters will make you feel like you’re an old friend who’s wandered into their home, and they’re happy to give you a taste of a wine before you commit to a full bottle, glass or carafe. Then there’s the sustainability angle, which shines through in produce that’s as local as possible and celebrates things you might not have encountered on a restaurant menu before – like skewers of charred baby turnips, or wild Australian salmon, a much more eco-conscious (and tastier) alternative to the more common farmed Atlantic salmon from Tassie.
Regular's tipIt’s popular. Really popular. Factor in the policy of no bookings for groups under 10 and you have the perfect storm. Get there by around 6:00pm to make sure there’s a seat waiting for you at the bar.
Who to takeIt’s a great place for a low-key first date. Why? Because it’s casual but smart, buzzing but not overbearing, and the lighting makes everyone look 20% more attractive. Yep, put La Pinta firmly in the Tinder-worthy category. And you won’t have to sweat the bill too much.
Image of sitting counter at La Pinta
Sponsor logo
In partnership with Melbourne Food & Wine Festival
Authour image
Larissa DubeckiLarissa Dubecki has been a journalist for more than 20 years and specialises in reviewing restaurants and bars.
Tags
Drinks DirectoryBarMelbourneVego Food OptionsMelbourne – NorthDate nightTop notch wine listOutdoor areaGood for groupsCasual catch-upGreat tunesRestaurant
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