My favourite Spanish restaurant in Melbourne..

would have to be the Robert Burns hotel – by a mile.

Don’t be put off by the name which sounds about as Spanish as mashed potato but it is authentic, delicious and best of all has an awesome casual atmosphere.

We went for dinner last night with some friends and boy did we have a feast;

Jamón Ibérico, Croquetas de jamón, Gambas al ajillo, Pescadito frito en adobo, Caldereta de cordero, Baked button mushroom with thyme & goats cheese and Paella negra con alioli.

To translate: Spanish ham, ham croquettes, garlic and chilli prawns, lightly fried marinated flake, spring lamb stew, mushrooms and squid ink paella with cuttlefish, scallops.

It was all amazing – I think the prawns and the paella were my highlight though.

The service is fantastic, the prices are good and they have a great outdoor area at the back – perfect for a few sangrias on a warm summer evening.

My apologies for the lack of photos but we ate it all too quickly!

Check out the Robbie Burns website for menus and pics. ¡Buen Provecho!