Enter Las Canarias (1129 17th Ave SW) and get transported across the ocean to an easy-going, friendly tapas bar on the Canary Islands. Echoing a traditional Spanish eatery, the ambience at Las Canarias is inviting: soft low lighting, dark wooden chairs and bright red accents on the walls and seats that line the bar. Leaves dangle from the overhead trellis and flatscreen TVs eagerly await the rush of a live futbol game broadcast from Spain. A fan favourite? The signed Real Madrid jersey that hangs in an enclosed glass case from their 2011 Euro Cup victory.
Previously located in YYC’s Northwest, Owner Florin Serban and Business Partner Claudio Tarano decided to make the move to 17th Ave earlier this year. “17th has an incredibly wide and diverse clientele, we saw this as an opportunity to add a patio space to our restaurant while bringing authentic Spanish cuisine to Calgary’s inner city culinary scene,” shares Florin. “With my background in business and Claudio’s as a Spanish restaurateur direct from the Canary Islands, we wanted to expand and bring our concept to the masses,” he adds.
Offering a robust selection of authentic tapas and paella dishes, their menu includes Spanish tortillas, homemade croquettes and Galician-style octopus. If you’re looking for a quaint bite to pair with your glass of house-made sangria, their selection of Montaditos – sandwiches on tapas-sized baguettes, a Spanish culinary staple – come highly recommended. Seek refuge from the summer heat on their patio with a chilled beverage and you’ll feel like it’s your very own island oasis.
Learn about wine from various Spanish regions at their Wine and Dine evenings, or swing by on Fridays and Saturdays for drink specials, including live entertainment including Latino dancing accompanied by guitar or Spanish band. Don’t forget to take ‘Sunday Funday’ to a new level and stop in for sangria and paella at 25% off.
Stay up-to-date on all thing Las Canarias by following them online:
Instagram: @lascanariasrestaurant
Facebook: /LasCanariasRestaurant/
