The Sardine Can brings Spanish tapas to Gastown

A new Spanish tapas restaurant has opened in Gastown. The Sardine Can (26 Powell Street) is owned by chef Andrey Durbach and his business partner Chris Stewart—the same duo behind restaurants La Buca, Cafeteria, Pied-À-Terre, and the Commissary.

The Sardine Can is a nod to the small tapas restaurants of Madrid and Barcelona, serving up over a dozen classic Spanish tapas dishes on its regular menu, with daily chalkboard specials and an all-Spanish drinks list.

Plates range from $2.50 to $15 and include Tostas de sardinas, which is smoked sardines on toast; Piquillo rellenos de bacalao, roasted piquillo peppers stuffed with salt cod; Chorizo con Jerez, chorizo sausage cooked in sherry; and Arroz La Bomba, Valencian rice with paella bits. Desserts include a savoury-sweet chocolate terrine with chili, olive oil, and sea salt; and a baked caramel custard.

The restaurant, which has a view of Maple Tree Square, is open from 3 p.m. daily.

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