Named after Woody Allen’s Barcelona movie, this Catalan eatery is hot and stylish,

W hat I’ll never forget about Woody Allen’s 2008 movie Vicky Cristina

Barcelona were the scenes between Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz. They were electric, steaming; their synergy was so scorchingly hot I was surprised the screen didn’t spontaneously combust.

VickyCristina’s, the restaurant in Durban’s trendy Florida Road, is almost as sexy. Crystal chandeliers; an eclectic collection of photos and mirrors in rococo-style gilt frames hanging on a red, padded wall; dark pressed ceilings; walls covered in black gloss tiles; even the staff are exotic. It’s not surprising that the restaurant was a finalist in the 2013 Boschendal Style Awards.

VickyCristina’s is a homage to the flavours of Spain. This means garlic — plenty of it — ham, chorizo, herbs, spices, nuts, and of course tapas — small offerings of a variety of foods, historically an accompaniment to drinks. At VickyCristina’s the tapas range is extensive, the portions healthy. I ate there with three friends chosen because of their hearty appetites. With tapas, the more people at the table, the more dishes you can sample and share.

We didn’t do too badly with nine dishes between us: baby calamari in a crispy coating; grilled cumin and paprika spiced chicken skewers; spiced beef meatballs crumbed in almonds and sitting in a green pea sauce; chicken skewers with a sublime lemon, garlic and chilli sauce; slow-braised lamb, with cumin, cinnamon, raisins, sultanas and almonds (utterly moreish as well as Moorish); garlic prawns; and a couple of other dishes that didn’t make it to my side of the table.

We couldn’t ignore the signature dish, the coca, a Catalan flatbread that looks like a pizza but is lighter and more delicate, topped with an array of vegetables and meats. VickyCristina’s cocas are delicious; we chose a “Cristina” which was scattered with chorizo, marinated figs, toasted almonds, pomegranate and rocket.

Tapas are new to Durban but this way of eating — sharing a variety of dishes — is familiar to many of us and VickyCristina’s has been an instant hit. It’s sophisticated but laid back, and you are as likely to find a table of book-club mommies as a glamorous crowd of 20-something black diamonds. There is salsa dancing four nights a week and flamenco on Fridays.

I call it a fine night out and I have not yet tried the paella or the aniseed-scented pork belly with apple, so I am compelled to return.