City: Hilton Head, SC

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (843) 681-8590

Address: 11 Northridge Plaza

Description: Ever wanted to try something a companion is eating but felt self-conscious taking it from him or her? When you dine at the Tapas, such behavior is not only acceptable, it’s expected. Tapas are appetizers in Spanish cuisine, and the small dishes served at this cozy, elegant bistro in Northridge Plaza off William Hilton Parkway between mile markers 4 and 5 are perfect for sharing. Don’t be overwhelmed when you see the menu of more than 50 items. Each colorful presentation is prepared on small plates, almost like an appetizer so treat each dish as it is an appetizer. For instance, if you’re dining with three other people and each of you orders three different selections, you may be tasting up to twelve different dishes. A word of warning if you’ve never dined at a tapas restaurant: Keep a mental tally of the meal as you go along so the final bill won’t be shocking. Among the dishes you might try are the veal Antonia (tenderloin of veal sautéed with garlic and mushrooms deglazed with sherry), and lobster seafood cake, served with sweet potato french fries and tangerine-balsamic drizzle. The Tapas, although housed in a shopping center, is filled with surprising ambience. The ceiling is filled with a multitude of hanging wicker baskets, which makes it feel a little like being outside. The 56-seat restaurant is open for lunch Tues through Fri, and for dinner nightly; reservations are strongly suggested.