Casa Asturiana Spanish Restaurant

Put two of my favorite countries together, Australia and Spain, and you’ve got me hooked. Thanks, Casa Asturiana, in central Sydney, for offering this Spanish gal a vast variety of Spanish tapas and dishes to keep stomachs muy alegre.
The bi-​level restaurant is located in a Spanish quarter featuring several other dining establishments with comida de España, near the Town Hall train and down the street from the Metro Theatre. I had some delicious tapas at the fun outdoor Spanish-​style street seating there recently, a spot I was delighted to learn features flamenco dancing Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m.
I loved seeing the juxtaposition of the Spanish and Australian flags both on the menu and inside — it just made my heart happy. Indoors is classy dining, with Spanish-​style decorations and artwork surrounding dining tables and the bar. Outdoors is much more casual, but I always love taking advantage of gorgeous Sydney summer weather.
The sangria is a must-​have. I drank a half-​litre (about four 4-​ounce glasses) myself, and it was chock full of fresh fruit pieces and had the perfect balance of fruity flavors.
Casa Asturiana offers full paella and seafood entrees, but I’d go for tapas, perfectly-​sized dishes to share for a party of two or more.
The Pulpo al Ajo Arriero, or braised octopus in olive oil, garlic, paprika and vinegar, was a hearty portion for two that I heard was delicious and not overly chewy like octopus can be.
I was hoping for some Spanish manchego cheese, but this eatery with northern Spanish cuisine didn’t have it on the menu. The server accommodatingly brought out a dish full of tasty feta bites, which I really enjoyed.
Definitely get the Champiñones a la Plancha, which are barbecued whole button mushrooms with white wine garlic and parsley. Spanish mushrooms are my favorite mushrooms because they’re juicy and perfect to pop in your mouth.
The Patatas Alioli, lightly fried potatoes covered in a warm garlicky mayonnaise sauce, were also plentiful and delicious. I know it might be a little weird to eat mayo with potatoes, but it’s big in Spain — and here in Sydney, mayo is also popular.
The order of Spanish bread was a little different than the crusty pan con olive oil I was expecting. It came covered with tomato sauce and herbs, and the two giant pieces were, again, great to share.
For all this food and sangria, plus a beer, it was only $ 75 AUD, what I’d consider a great value for such a feast. I loved that my server, who was from Colombia, greeted me in Spanish. It was refreshing to experience such a Spanish-​friendly atmosphere in Sydney, where I haven’t seen many Spanish restaurants. I’d love to go back and check out the flamenco, one of the most beautiful dance art forms in the world, plus to get some of their delicious-​sounding desserts, including tiramisu and churros.

Service was soo slow, my garlic bread got forgotten, when I came over and remind, the manager told me (arrogantly) «it’s good! Good that you come and complain» (I didn’t come to complain, just simply ask maybe my bread got forgotten?)
It’s a 40 minutes wait for tapas, I think They went to the market to get my shrimp when I ordered them
Food is good though but not worth it

Thus place was pleasant with friendly staff. The food was good and the Sangria had a but of a punch.
Overall very good and I would recommend.

Great tasting Jamon & chorizo, highly recommend

The Spanish quarter around Liverpool street has got some tough competition (not to mention Encasa up on Pitt street). But over the years I’ve found myself wandering back to Casa Asturiana. It’s just the right distance from Event Cinemas on George Street — a good pace to pick apart a film as you pick at some delicious tapas.
The restaurant is split over two levels and has an invitingly homey feel. The staff are all smiles — and Spanish, so it’s a good place to practice your Español. Upstairs I’ve enjoyed a friend’s birthday party — where we were able to feast on the tapas menu and revel in sangria.
My favourite things to order include: Baby eggplant, patatas bravas (of course), calamari, meatballs and chorizo. I’ve yet to be disappointed by the taste or the quick service. Ironically, tapas isn’t always the cheapest dinner going, but there is still something lovely about sharing with friends.