York’s Spanish and tapas scene is small but well-regarded, anchored by the Ambiente Tapas group’s two city-centre sites and a couple of independent names. Here are four worth seeking out.

Tabanco By Ambiente, on Walmgate, is a casual Spanish restaurant built around a brick-lined patio and a menu of tapas and sherry, taking its name from the traditional Jerez sherry bars of southern Spain.

A 4.7-star average across 928 reviews reflects strong popularity for the Ambiente group’s take on a traditional tabanco format.

Tabanco By Ambiente — 59 – 63 Walmgate, York YO1 9TY, UK | tabancobyambiente.co.uk

Ambiente Tapas’s original Fossgate restaurant is one of York’s longest-established tapas spots, a full Spanish small-plates menu in the heart of the restaurant quarter.

A 4.6-star average across a huge 2,675 reviews makes it one of the most-reviewed restaurants of any cuisine in the city.

Ambiente Tapas Fossgate — 31 Fossgate, York YO1 9TA, UK | bit.ly

Ambiente Tapas’s second York site on Goodramgate runs the same tapas-focused format as the original Fossgate restaurant, giving the group two footholds in the city’s main restaurant streets.

A 4.6-star average across 1,357 reviews shows the format has travelled well to its second location.

Ambiente Tapas Goodramgate — 14 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LQ, UK | bit.ly

Sotano – Spanish for ‘basement’ – occupies a spot on Little Stonegate, one of York’s livelier nightlife streets, with a Spanish small-plates menu built for sharing.

A 4.5-star average across 764 reviews reflects solid, consistent popularity in one of the city’s busier evening spots.

Sotano — 1 Little Stonegate, York YO1 8AX, UK | sotano.co.uk