Mother's Day dinner on Saturday night was a huge disappointment. The restaurant was extremely crowded and so loud we could barely have a conversation. To make things worse, they seated us in what felt like a hallway instead of an actual dining area. The sangria was just okay, nothing memorable, especially for the price. The food overall was bland and overpriced. The gambas tasted like boiled shrimp sitting in flavorless oil with no seasoning or depth at all. Croqueta were mushy. The lamb arrived undercooked and had to be sent back. For a special Mother's Day dinner, this was a really poor experience from start to finish. Definitely not worth the money, and we won't be back! read more

Alma de España is exactly what its name promises--the soul of Spain, beautifully brought to life. Every dish feels intentional, from the classic tapas executed with precision to the seasonal selections that show real respect for ingredients and timing. This isn't just a menu; it's a conversation between tradition and creativity. Alma de España doesn't rush you. It encourages you to slow down, savor, and connect--exactly the way great food "Alma de España -- The soul of Spain, shared." is meant to be enjoyed. read more

Alma de Espana - Bar seating with an amazing view - Spanish Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

There are several good places to eat in Southside Village and this is no exception. We loved the carpaccio, gambas al ajillo, croquetas de jamon, cordero con romesco, and the pulpo. I am still dreaming about the lamb. The beverage list is beer and wine only. Had a delicious Spanish red blend. Service was good. The space is intimate, didn't seem to get super busy until later in the evening. read more

What a great meal we had at Alma! The food is very high quality and delicious. We had the charcuterie platter -- three cheeses, three meats, and lots of yummy olives, plus this scrumptious guava paste and marcona almonds. Pair that with some wine and you've got the best appetizer! Then we shared the chicken paella which was top notch. The service was great and the atmosphere is lovely. It's pricey (about $144 for both of us with tip) so we won't go often, but will definitely savor it for a special occasion. read more

We were sad to see the old vegan restaurant go, but this has been a huge upgrade from a food standpoint. Totally opposite kind of food, but delicious! The chef is serious about his food. Real life, Spanish tapas here!! We started with the appetizer plate of cheese and meat, which were top quality. We moved on to the gumba/shrimp and broccolini, as well as the carpaccio. Everything was top grade. Service was really good and not rush They didn't do much to the interior, and they didn't have to. They did put up one big mural of a Spanish scene. It's actually very lovely My only complaint is the noise level. I hope they do something about it. It was quite difficult to hear in there, even though the crowd thinned out as the night wore on. Acoustical panels would help! Highly recommend for the food, and happy to see a vibrant scene in here full of people. read more

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Phenomenal from start to finish! A 3 hour meal. Each succulent moment was divine. The Tapas plates (shared) brought flavors and visual happiness! We ended with Paella Ibiza = our way! We added grilled octopus. Perfect!. Our server was a delight. He knew each wine, each tapas, the entire menu! Our dessert, burnt cheesecake with guava sauce, well let's just say I am still dreaming about it. We topped the night off with Don Zoilo Sherry - compliments of the fabulous chef and owner Elier. We will be back! So much more to try! And the prices are reasonable! Love! read more

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Alma de Espana is a gem where you will find great food, beautiful prepared and also a great atmosphere. Excellent and very warm service. Loved it read more

Personally-- love classic well executed Spanish cuisine This is not classic nor well executed Croquetas (Jamon) mushy overly creamy/soupy -- JAMONLESS Lobster gazpacho pulpy tomato -- missing one ingredient - LOBSTER Salad - soggy bagged Romaine - creamy tasteless dressing Gambas - 5 tiny frozen shrimp served in a GREASY broth ($24) Decent Albariño Very noisy Expensive for a very mediocre product read more

Authentic Spanish tapas. Good selection of Spanish wine & sangria without added sugar - not too sweet! They use imported European flour - all tapas were great as well as the paella. Nice service and atmosphere. read more

Delicioso, buen servicio , precios justos por la calidad q ofrecen. He visitado España en varias ocasiones y amo su comida...... Nada más parecido a la auténtica comida Española que la del Chef Elier y su equipo. Felicidades y volveré read more

Wow, where to start? Everything we had was beyond exceptional. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful while choosing dishes. Food came out fast and plated beautifully. We will be back soon. read more

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We had a great dinner at Alma de Espana. Started off with the octopus, which was perfectly prepared. Then had the classic paella.

Last night, looking for a restaurant for light dinner after a happy hour event, we found Alma de Espana on S Osprey Avenue...WoW! This small, cozy tapas restaurant offers the best small plates I've eaten in a very long time. We had Gambas Al Ajillo - - 5 large prawns served with grilled bread to sop up the wonderful sauce. We were going to stop after ordering the lollipop lamb chops, grilled to perfection and tender Iberico pork ...but we couldn't resist the Pulpo a la Gallega served with crispy potatoes. The chef is incredible! Can't wait to go back and try the Paella...Opened just 7 months ago, highly recommend dining at this local gem before the news goes viral! read more

Our server, Clavolia, was excellent, as were each of the dishes we ordered. Sangria delightful. We went on the day before Valentine's Day, and all the tables had vases of fresh red roses. Indoor and outdoor tables were available. Everything well decorated, comfortable, and immaculate. Gem! read more

Disappointing. Overpriced and undervalued. Croqueta de Seras were beautiful but bland And uninteresting. Paella de Valencia was greasy and sad. On the plus side, a roast beet dish and a grilled mushroom dish were delicious tapas. read more

Food came out almost all together and very quickly, The crispy potatoes were not crispy and we got charged $5 for a few pieces of bread. We were so close to the couple next to us we could hear their entire conversation. read more

This new tapas restaurant in the Southside Village blew us away. They have only been open for a month so we were expecting maybe a few glitches. But everything that we ordered was superlative. They get bonus points from us for being attentive to gluten issues. We ordered and shared: Gazpacho con Langosta, Gambas al Ajillo y Pechuga Grillada, Tortilla Española, Patatas Bravas, Atún en Escabeche, Cordero con Romesco. After filling up on appetizers we shared one order of Branzino a la Donostiarra so that we would have room for dessert. We shared Flan de Chocolate y Ron, Tarta de Queso al Estilo Vasco, Helado de la Casa (chocolate). The flan was the lightest we had ever tasted. While the fare was hearty, it was not heavy. The chef has a light touch. Regarding a previous review which mentioned a table in the hallway, that "hallway" is a breezeway with a charming wrought iron gate at either end. There are only tables for 2 in the breezeway. Great place for a date. read more

Although what was ordered was good, the prices were not justified. We had terrible service and the prices are outrageous. We seem to be the only customers who won't be returning. read more

Wonderful evening. Food was very good and tasty. Service spot on. Atmosphere warm and welcoming. A bit pricey though. Ar first glance I thought the menu was limited but as I got j to it there was so much to choose from. We were a party of 6 and ordered just a bunch of tapas. The staff added a few items so everyone could experience the food without cutting things in half. Really accommodating. LOVE THIS PLACE. read more

Excellent food. Great service. Authentic!! we shared the paella and croquettes and octopus as tapas. It was phenomenal.!

This is easily the best Tapas restaurant in the Sarasota area. We will definitely return, the staff is helpful with ordering, and they're very attentive. I think those who are disappointed with Alma need to give it another chance. They are on top of their game now! read more

We arrived on time for our group reservation and were promptly seated at a table with friends. The ambience was energized, loud, well lighted and fully crowded indoors in the main room and bar seats. The covered alley type breezeway outside had available seats at seven o'clock Saturday evening. The hospitality by server Carla was helpful and above average though difficult at times to follow her recommendations and verbal responses in the loud capacity environment. Water and alcohol beverages were served and appeared to be a typical price/ amount/ value. The menu offered many delicious flavorful Spanish tapas and paellas. We ordered four tapas to share as a couple and each was delicious and well prepared. Our dessert was a sensual chocolate flan in rum sauce that delighted the taste buds. The dinner was different, delicious and presented wonderfully. Our night out with cherished company was a nice experience and we all enjoyed our meals together at Alma de Espana on S Osprey in Southside Village where free parking is available including valet parking nearby around the block and in front and in back of the restaurant. The two restrooms were in use and not available to us before, during and after our meals for some unknown reason. read more

Have been back several times and continue to be impressed. Owner/Head Chef Elier and team are welcoming, super attentive and producing Tapas that is just superb. Andres our server on each trip has been outstanding. Every visit has been terrific! If I were to offer one criticism it would be the acoustics. It can be a little noisy. Other than that, it's a weekly go to for us. We are looking forward to the potential of a chefs table venue in the months ahead. read more

So good! Andrea helped us find the best items to order. The gambas Al Ajillo and the tortilla española were amazing. Churros the best we ever had. Cute Spanish vibe. read more

Sorry, I can not comment on the food. We had a 7:00 reservation but they could not seat us for 30 minutes unless we wanted a table in the outside hallway. We had to go elsewhere. Why take a reservation if you can not accommodate it within a reasonable amount of time? read more

To the point, the $50+ "traditional paella valenciana" was awful. No chorizo and hardly any rice (which tasted burnt). We ordered 3 tapas and the paella for two at the same time. The tapas came out quickly and were good. Then we continued to wait (30+ minutes). They finally came over to our table and brought us a togo bag for our unfinished tapas. After no communication and waiting longer we assumed the waiter forgot our main dish and wed be getting our check. It would have been fine at that point. We were full enough and ready to go. After waiting even longer, seeing the chef walk around to other tables, the waiter came over and said our dish was on its way. So we asked for it to be placed in a to go bag. We had been there for two hours. We understood it takes a little long to prepare but they had more than enough time. The small box should have been our indication it was not gonna be good. When we got home this was a huge disappointment! This place is new and def has some kinks to work out. Stick with tapas and you may have a good evening. Be prepared for a loud crowd. They have no noise canceling whatsoever. read more

Alma de Espana - The paella. Mostly chicken, no chorizo, burnt rice, small box for a $57. - Spanish Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

All delicious, excellent service and pleasant atmosphere. Super recommended to go with friends or family. I'll definitely be back soon.

Absolutely lovely! An intimate, stylish restaurant that makes you feel warm and relaxed. Simple, fresh ingredients are elevated to elegance that give this place a posh feel for a good price. Highly recommend the carpaccio and the alleyway seating that makes you feel like you're vacationing in Grenada. Will return. read more

we can not believe the positive reviews. our party of 4 was excited, we heard all about the chef's culinary background & experience. major disappointment as far as food and authenticity..and yes 'the' chef prepared our food..we saw him. not at all recommended from any in our party. waste of time & money. read more