Restaurant Review: T’ahpas 529 – A Spanish Tapas Gem in Melrose

📍 529 Franklin St, Melrose, MA 02176

T’ahpas 529 is bringing authentic Spanish flavors to the North Shore, serving up classic tapas, rich paellas, and indulgent desserts in a cozy, brick-lined atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned tapas lover or a newcomer to Spanish cuisine, this spot has plenty to offer. Just make sure you come hungry!

🥖 Charcuterie Board (8/10) A well-balanced assortment of cured meats and cheeses from New England’s finest artisans, complemented by fig jam, olives, and spiced pecans. This board is perfect for sharing, offering a mix of savory, creamy, and nutty flavors in every bite.

🥓 Dátiles (8/10) Bacon-wrapped medjool dates stuffed with marcona almonds and drizzled with a blue cheese aioli—a bold and unexpected flavor combination that works surprisingly well. Think of bacon-wrapped scallops but with a rich, sweet twist from the dates.

🍞 Pan de Casa (9/10)Their warm rosemary focaccia is a simple but absolute must-order. Lightly crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with sea salt flakes and olive oil, it’s the perfect bread to pair with all the other rich, saucy dishes.

🦐 Gambas al Ajillo (8/10)These sautéed shrimp come swimming in a garlicky olive oil infused with dried guindilla peppers. They’re tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked, with just a hint of heat that doesn’t overpower the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

🧀 Queso de Cabra (9/10)If you love goat cheese, this dish is for you! A panko-crusted, golden-fried ball of creamy goat cheese is paired with Pedro Ximénez honey, giving it a perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors. One of the best bites of the night!

🥟 Chicken Empanadas (8/10) Two crispy turnovers filled with seasoned chicken and served with a smoky chipotle aioli. While the filling was a bit dry, the aioli saved the dish by adding a much-needed creamy kick. Still fresh, flavorful, and worth a try.

🥔 Croquetas de Jamón (8/10) Crispy bolitos of serrano ham served with a tangy, slightly spicy brava sauce. Simple, but an easy must-get—you really can’t go wrong with.

🦑 Frutti De Mare (8/10)This squid ink pasta dish with mussels, clams, shrimp, and calamari was the biggest surprise of the night! Squid ink can sometimes be overpowering, but this one had a perfectly balanced, subtly briny flavor that let the seafood shine. If you’ve been hesitant to try squid ink pasta, this is a great introduction!

🔥 Paella Alicante (10/10) – The Star of the Night! If you order only one thing, make it the paella. This seafood-packed dish is filled with shrimp, calamari, clams, and mussels, all simmered in a deeply flavorful, saffron-infused rice. I don’t know where else on the North Shore you can get paella this authentic and delicious—do not leave without trying this!

🥩 Churrasquito (5/10) Unfortunately, this grilled minute steak with chimichurri was way too salty—a total salt bomb that overpowered the steak’s natural flavors. The meat itself was decently cooked, but the excessive salt made it difficult to enjoy. I really wanted to love this one, but I’d skip it next time.

Desserts:

🍩 Churros (8/10)These crispy, golden-brown churros are dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with a warm hazelnut fudge sauce. They’re light, not too oily, and perfectly crunchy on the outside with a soft center—a solid dessert choice for anyone with a sweet tooth.

🥧 Pecan Tart (8/10) This house-made pecan tart topped with vanilla ice cream is like pecan pie in mini format, but even more buttery and indulgent. The crust was flaky, the filling rich and nutty, and the cold ice cream balanced out the sweetness beautifully.

Final Thoughts:

🍽 Food: 9/10 – Delicious, well-executed Spanish flavors, with the paella, queso de cabra, and squid ink pasta as must-tries.

🏠 Ambiance: 7/10 – Cozy, brick-walled setting, perfect for date nights or intimate group dinners.💰 Affordability: 7/10 – A little on the pricier side, but the quality and portion sizes justify the cost.

T’ahpas 529 is a top-tier tapas spot in the North Shore, serving some of the best paella around. If you’re a fan of Spanish food—or just great food in general—this place is absolutely worth a visit!