Castro’s Tapas & Bar

Named after its owner-operator and chef extraordinaire Richard Castro, this Riverside Market top-floor restaurant is an experience not to be missed. Castro’s Tapas & Bar was one of the first spots to open its doors in this unique location and occupies the pride-of-place corner spot of the building, complete with a large balcony overlooking the city with a view of the Port Hills in the distance. Fitted out with a colourful and quirky interior, most evenings the restaurant is filled with people, and what better place to gather with friends and family than this?

The food at Castro’s is a love letter to the cuisine of Richard’s childhood. Hearty, authentic paella is the star of the show here, as are the namesake dishes of the restaurant and the various tapas available for every palette and dietary requirement. Dishes are brought to the table in the order they are made, so you can expect to enjoy a continuous stream of food while you chat and savour the company you're in. Appropriately enough, the core ethos of Catro’s is to provide people with a comfortable place to come together, share delicious food and, most importantly, spend time with one another. 

The sizable space of the restaurant enables large groups to fit in with ease, yet a number of perfectly intimate nooks on offer make tables of two feel right at home as well. And if you happen to be after a space for a very large gathering, take note that the entire restaurant can be hired for private functions. A hit with after-work drinkers and young ones are the foosball tables near the bar, where a match or two will keep things thrilling and fun. 

The balcony is a favoured spot during weekends and evenings if the weather is fine, but if the weather gods are not playing ball, it’s best to book a table as this popular restaurant fills up quickly.