El Faro Spanish Restaurant & Tapas Bar

El Faro is a Spanish inspired restaurant and tapas bar with an intimate and rather relaxing atmosphere.


Whether it is a quick pre theatre meal, romantic dinner or letting your hair down, you will love the mojitos caipirinhas sangria Spanish wines, beer & funky music.

El Faro consistently receives accolades for its sumptuous green lip mussel pots, tapas, organic beef and vegetarian dishes.
Are you wondering where tapas originated?
Tapas" is castellano for "lid" and it is probable that tapas came about as a result of king Felipe the 3rd introducing a law in an attempt to curb the increasing levels of alcohol abuse in Spain. The law stated that when one purchased a drink (typically from a tavern, called "taverna" in Spain), the bartender was to place over the mouth of the mug or goblet a cover or lid containing some small quantity of food as part of the purchase of the beverage. The client was to consume the food before he or she was allowed to remove the lid and consume the beverage. In this way there was an immediate effect in the reduction of violent brawling and destructive behaviour that tended to result from people getting too drunk far too quickly. It did not reduce the excessive alcohol consumption so much as slow it down and was intended to reduce the social harm that was occurring.



El Faro is open for lunch, dinner & Tapas Mon-Sunday
09 365 1111
Down the end of the cobblestone lane opposite Smith & Caugheys on Elliott St Auckland CBD