When tapas is on my mind, my go-to restaurant in Winter Park is Bulla Gastrobar. Known for their delicious small plates made up of Spanish cuisine, Bulla has managed to integrate delectable dishes from the southwest corner of Europe into a fun social eatery. As I made my way into the restaurant’s Winter Park location, I quickly took note of their Spanish-inspired decor. Mediterranean colors and accents filled the room, and the smell of spices from the open kitchen penetrated the establishment’s air. I felt as though I’d taken a quick trip around the Iberian Peninsula. Once I was seated, I used my iPhone’s camera to scan a barcode on the restaurant’s contact-less menu.

Bulla, and many other restaurants within Central Florida, have put into place precautions in order to ensure their guests’ safety. Contact-less menus, spaced-seating, and temperature checks were just a few additives that Bulla decided to implement. Once our orders were in, our drinks and food promptly began to arrive. First up was a Sangría Blanca, a fruity mixture of strawberries, blueberries, peaches, and sparkling wine; it was accompanied by a Spanish Old Fashioned—one of my favorite Bourbon cocktails.

Next was a series of small plates that consisted of sautéed garlic shrimp, Pintxos—which came with cumin marinated pork loin skewers, mojo verde, and Greek yogurt—and savory grilled octopus.

The main course, which also concluded the night, was a Truffle Carbonara that was comprised of linguini, wild mushrooms, bacon, garlic cream, green peas, and a 63-degree egg.

It isn’t too late to try some of Bulla’s delicious tapas dishes. And trust me when I say, you don’t have to travel to Spain to taste it. – David Plowden, David’s Manor.

View Bulla’s Winter Park menu Here!