
Small World Restaurant and Tapas Bar
A cozy Torquay gem offering a unique, international twist on traditional Spanish tapas in a warm, stone-lined dining room.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Small World Restaurant and Tapas Bar

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cozy Torquay gem offering a unique, international twist on traditional Spanish tapas in a warm, stone-lined dining room.
"Experience a truly memorable meal with creative tapas, exceptional service, and delightful surprises."
Book in Advance
High demand means tables fill up quickly; booking ahead is essential for this popular spot.
Weekday Visits Recommended
For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during weekdays or off-peak hours.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Spanish Tapas
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+44 1803 431010
Address
11-13 Abbey Rd, Torquay, TQ2 5NF, United Kingdom
Website
smallworldtapas.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Innovative Tapas Creations
Experience a unique twist on Spanish tapas, blending traditional flavors with global influences for a truly memorable meal.

The 'Book of Meat'
A highly recommended antipasti book filled with diverse, delicious meats from Spain, Italy, and Devon.

Unique Desserts
Indulge in delightful and creative desserts like the 'Egg Box' with mystery flavors or 'Tipsy Oranges'.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in Advance
High demand means tables fill up quickly; booking ahead is essential for this popular spot.
Weekday Visits Recommended
For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during weekdays or off-peak hours.
Don't Miss Specials
Ask about daily specials or Bride Group discounts for potential savings.
Explore the Menu
Be adventurous and try the innovative dishes; the chefs are always experimenting with delicious creations.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in Advance
High demand means tables fill up quickly; booking ahead is essential for this popular spot.
Weekday Visits Recommended
For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during weekdays or off-peak hours.
Don't Miss Specials
Ask about daily specials or Bride Group discounts for potential savings.
Explore the Menu
Be adventurous and try the innovative dishes; the chefs are always experimenting with delicious creations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Small World Restaurant and Tapas Bar is celebrated for its creative and delicious tapas, offering a unique blend of Spanish and international flavors. Diners consistently praise the friendly and attentive service, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. While the food is a major highlight, some reviewers note the restaurant's limited opening days.
"Went here for my wife’s birthday dinner and they had a little hand written Happy Birthday sign up at the table. The staff created us really warmly and service was with a smile at all times! Food was simply epic, it’s a beautiful menu of Spanish classics and some fusion dishes mixed with Asian flare. No wonder this place was fully booked out!"
Albert Lau
"The tapas was so delicious with lots of flavour and good quality ingredients. A very artistic touch with food too. Nice relaxed atmosphere. Very friendly service with advice offered on the dishes if you were unsure. The extra bonus is there's plenty of free parking outside after 5 pm so you can park close to the restaurant. Lovely independent restaurant would recommend 🙂"
Maria Weymouth
"Tapas with a little twist.
We love our tapas restaurants but we've not come across one quite like this little gem.
Whilst searching online we came across this place.
The menu looked interesting with some unsual dishes.
They also had a midweek offer of 2 tapas and 1 side for £20. Plus 2 for £14 cocktails.
So we thought,lets give it a try and booked a table.
The restaurant is located in the town, about a ten minute walk from the hotel we were staying at.
On arrival we were shown to our table in the window.
Whilst deciding on the menu we ordered a couple of cocktails.
We had to kick off with the Bread Bag.
Homemade bread served in a bag,which you have to rip open to release the smokey scent of roasted garlic and rosemary.
Followed by Brixham scallops served with Spanish beef black pudding.
Then grilled padron peppers hung on a tree with a side of allioli.
The next dish was Asian brisket croque monsieur.
That's not very Spanish is it?
Slow cooked beef brisket marinated in an asian inspired sauce,sandwiched and fried in beef dripping with gruyere cheese served with a mushroom and marmalade dipping sauce.
OMG.This was absolutely insane.
The flavours were incredible. A knockout dish.
After that a book was placed in front of us.
We had totally forgot we had ordered the
Book of meat - alicious.
It's literally an anti-pasti book filled with some of the most delicious meats sliced fresh and placed in the pages.As you flick through,theres different delights from Spain,Italy and Devon.
Served with homemade bread and oil.
We finished with an affogato and coffee.
This was a tapas with a difference and a great find.
Front of house Ollie was very charming and the chef dished out some exceptional food.
We shall certainly return next time we are down this way and would urge anyone to give this small independent the support it deserves."
Guys Who Dine
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Small World offers an international take on tapas, with creative dishes and a cozy atmosphere that blends Spanish and global influences.
Yes, booking is highly recommended as the restaurant is very popular and often fully booked.
The 'Book of Meat' is a standout, and reviewers also rave about the Argentinian red prawns, scallops, and unique desserts.
Yes, the restaurant is vegetarian and vegan-friendly, with clearly labeled options on the menu.
The restaurant has limited opening days, often only open three nights a week. It's best to check their schedule.
Bride Group members can receive a 15% discount. It's worth asking about any other specials.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Best Restaurants in Torquay - Top 12 Places to Eat– South West Mag
Small World is a charming eatery located in Torquay, offering traditional Spanish sharing plates in a warm and cosy atmosphere. As soon as you walk into the stone-lined dining room, you’ll feel like you’ve left England behind and stepped into Spain. The relaxed vibe of Small World makes it ideal for those looking for an intimate dining experience with their friends or family.
Restaurants
Offering an international take on tapas, Small World is a family-run restaurant and tapas bar in the idyllic seaside town of Torquay. Designed for sharing, the varied menu spans from Spanish classics, to sizzling flame-grilled meats and signature Small World recipes. Bride Group members and guests get a 15% discount so don't forget to ask for it.
Top 10 Restaurants in Torquay | Blog
Small World serves a Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine and the atmosphere is relaxing. This restaurant is known for sharing as “sharing is loving and we love food” This restaurant is vegetarian and vegan friendly as well as gluten-free friendly and can be found on 11-13 Abbey Road, Torquay TQ2 5NF England
10 Best Restaurants & Places to Eat in Torquay, South Devon
Small World Tapas is a hugely popular and award-winning restaurant located in the centre of Torquay, just away from the harbour front. Serving Spanish food and dishes from all over the world, this is a must-visit if you’re a fan of tapas and sharing plates.
Torquay | Area Guide
Our particular favourite restaurants are Indi-Yang, Small World and The Elephant. For live music we’d suggest checking out Twenty One, Offshore, Otto and Rock Garden.
How to spend the perfect day in Torquay
Dinner at Small World restaurant and tapas bar in Abbey Road or at the Brasserie at the Meadfoot Bay hotel in Meadfoot Sea Road.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit