Tapas Revolution Newcastle at intu Eldon Square | Menu Review & Recommendations

Our holiday to Spain last year basically revolved around food. Our mornings would be spent brunching on our terrace and our evenings spent eating the most delicious seafood in one of the many restaurants along the harbour. Apart from the food we prepared ourselves, there wasn't much tapas to be had if I'm honest - in Spain tapas tends to be served in a bar alongside drinks rather than a restaurant so when I noticed another tapas restaurant opening in Newcastle claiming to be the real deal my eyes did roll a bit.

But then I received a Press Release for Tapas Revolution and I have to say my interest was piqued. Tapas Revolution promises to 'bring authentic Tapas to the UK' with the following concepts: 

• Ingredients are sourced from small, artisan producers in Spain & freshly prepared
• There will be a Spanish-inspired cocktail list developed by Cocktail Trading Co 
• Gin Tonics will be served in a traditional Copa de Balon (balloon glass)
• Celebrity Spanish chef Omar has developed a menu from his own family's traditional Spanish recipes

Tapas Revolution Newcastle Opening Hours

You'll find Tapas Revolution in the new Grey's Quarter of intu Eldon Square. They will offer all day dining across the following hours:

• Monday - Saturday 9am - 11pm
• Sunday 10am - 10pm 

You can browse Tapas Revoution's Menus here

Tapas Revoloution Newcastle | Menu Recommenadations 

I have visited Tapas Revolution twice now, once for breakfast (we paid) and another to sample their Estrella beers and Tapas with a few North East Bloggers (complimentary). It has to be said, I was so impressed with Tapas Revolution on both visits and I am already planning my next trip. Chef Omar is so passionate about Spanish food and providing real quality produce for the people of Newcastle to enjoy. He has handpicked all of his artisan suppliers from Spain and you won't find anything ordered in from a catalogue. With just 6 restaurants, Tapas Revolutions doesn't feel like a chain and with Omar overseeing the restaurant on-site to ensure high standards, you can't help but admire his passion. 

Tapas Revolution Newcastle | Breakfast Recommendations

We love a good breakfast so naturally this was the first thing we tried. You can read more a full review of breakfast at Tapas Revolution over on Steve's blog here and I will share a few highlights. 

Steve's Huevos rancheros con chorizo was incredible. Priced at only £6.95, this dish will really set you up for the day. The chorizo is sourced from the Asturias area of Northern Spain and you really can taste the authenticity. 

I love, love, love the churros from Tapas Revolution. Priced at £4.50 they are cooked to order so expect a 10-15 minute wait. It is so worth it though! They are light and crispy and served with the most delicious chocolate sauce. If I was at home I would have actually used my finger to get every last drop. I behaved myself in public though. 

Tapas Revolution Newcastle | Main Menu Recommendations

Tortilla de Potato - £4.50

 I am not a massive fan of eggs so will hold my hands up and say I'm not the best person to recommend Spanish Omelette as I haven't tried it before. I was pleasantly surprised with this version though and it's now something I would order again. It didn't taste 'eggy' at all and was paired with a fantastic (and strong) garlic dip. 

Pan de la Casa - £4.25

This is my favourite dish at Tapas Revolution so far - it is a dish that really transports you back to Spain. The tomatoes, garlic and Serrano ham really are a winning combination and the quality of the ingredients is clear - I could eat this all day, every day. 

Pulpo a la Gallega - £6.95

This dish is steamed Octopus with potatoes and pimenton paprika. Now I love squid but had not tried Octopus before. I have to say it's not something I would normally choose but as it was on our table I decided to take the plunge. I am so pleased I did and am now an octopus convert! A few people said it tasted a bit like squid but I didn't find this at all. It was meaty yet sweet and had a very delicate flavour. I honestly recommend giving this dish a try if you fancy trying something new. 

Paella de Pollo - £24 for 2

When I shared a photograph of this dish on Twitter, someone commented that it looked overcooked. I will fight to the death to say that this was absolutely not the case - when you order a Paella at Tapas Revolution, you are getting an authentic Valencian Paella, Made with Spanish saffron and traditional bomba rice with beans in a traditional steel pan, the 'Socarrat' crust is one of the signs of a true paella. As soon as you dip your spoon/fork into the dish you are met with the most flavoursome and perfectly cooked rice - definitely not overcooked. I'd recommend this dish with a nice jug of sangria and you will almost feel as if you are sitting in the Spanish sunshine.

Tapas Revolution Newcastle | Drinks Recommendations

I drink my coffee black and strong and the thought of adding milk makes my stomach turn. I was very intrigued to learn about traditional Valencian coffee served at Tapas Revolution which is served with condensed milk. I am so pleased I did as it's delicious and a welcome change. It's not something I could drink every day but something I will definitely always order during a trip to Tapas Revolution (or Valencia).

Likewise, the freshly squeezed orange juice is of very high quality and recommended with breakfast. I also like that they serve Fanta Limon here - now that will transport me back to Spain! 

I had no idea there were so many varieties of Estrella - I thought there was just one type. How wrong was I though. There are actually 4 varieties of Estrella available from Tapas Revolution. The Spanish much prefer to enjoy Tapas with beer over wine and all of the Estrella in the world is produced by just one factory to maintain quality. I was intrigued to learn that non-alcoholic beers account for 11% of all beer sales in Spain (compared to a negligible amount in the UK). I gave it a try but I have to say it's just not for me but that is probably because my palette is so used to alcohol in beer and I really noticed when it was missing. I preferred the Estrella Galicia (4.7%) to the 1906 Estrella Reserva Especial (6.5%) as I found it a lot easier to drink. But again, I think that's because it's what I am used to drinking. 

If you are looking for a beer to match with your dessert or to end your meal, I cannot recommend 1906 Estrella Black Coupage. At 7.2%, this is a strong beer and something I definitely would not normally order but again, I was surprised. This is the first time I've been able to taste chocolate and coffee in a drink and it was an excellent way to end our meal. 

Phew that's a fair few recommendations but I feel like I haven't even scratched the surface yet. If you are looking for authentic Spanish food and to try quality ingredients that you won't find anywhere else in Newcastle, I would highly recommend a trip.

Have you visited Tapas Revolution yet? Let me know what I should try next.