Restaurant of the week

Tinto Tapas Bar, 1 Boyd St, Largs

Location

Tucked away on a corner in the scenic seaside town of Largs, it is the perfect retreat after a walk along the shoreline.

First impressions

Lots of traditional tapas restaurants can feel a little trite in their attempt to ape Spanish customs and decor, but due to Tinto’s small size and elegantly subtle references to Spanish culture, it immediately feels authentic and cosy as soon as you cross the threshold.

Service

Our waiter was friendly and helpful, and able to give us recommendations on what wines went best with our dishes. Again, Tinto’s small size worked to its advantage, as the servers were not rushed off their feet trying to cover the needs of lots of tables.

Menu

The a la carte menu offers a variety of dishes, allowing diners to indulge in their love of classic dishes while experimenting with unusual plates they may have not tried before.

Taste

We were treated to a versatile array of flavours, which all managed to retain something of the smoky, rich essence that makes Spanish cuisine so singular. My favourite was the seemingly humble berenjena, thinly sliced aubergine fritters and Spanish honey. The morcilla, braised Iberian black pudding with apple and onion chutney, was deeply delicious.

Ambience

Tinto’s small space adds to ambience and, instead of feeling cramped, it feels private – even romantic. It’s the perfect location for a special occasion like a birthday dinner or anniversary.

Price

You get a lot of flavour for your buck. The food is extremely high quality, at a very reasonable price.

Paella is a Valencian dish made from rice and prawns or chicken. The dish takes its name from the wide, shallow pan used to cook the dish on an open fire.

Tinto’s small size creates a cosy atmosphere