Socoa

The cuisine at Socoa is rooted firmly in Basque and Catalan traditions, with every dish prepared in-house using fresh ingredients. This commitment to homemade preparation elevates the tapas experience beyond what you might find at more casual establishments, while the pricing remains accessible and the atmosphere unpretentious.

The menu is structured around the Spanish tradition of sharing, featuring both individual assiettes (€5-€13) and larger planches (€19-€22) designed for communal dining. This format encourages exploration and discovery, allowing you to sample multiple flavors and textures throughout your meal. The kitchen excels at classic Basque preparations that showcase the region's bold, satisfying flavors.

Among the standout offerings, the croquetas de chorizo exemplify the kitchen's skill with traditional preparations—these golden-fried bites deliver a creamy interior infused with the smoky, spicy notes of quality chorizo. The pan con tomate, a Catalan staple, demonstrates how simple preparations can achieve perfection when executed with care and quality ingredients. The txistorras, thin Basque sausages, arrive perfectly grilled with a satisfying snap and the characteristic paprika-forward flavor that defines this regional specialty.

The menu extends beyond these classics to include a variety of tapas that represent different aspects of Basque and Catalan cuisine. The focus remains consistently on dishes that pair well with wine and encourage sharing—nothing here is meant to be eaten in isolation. Each plate is designed to complement others, creating a progression of flavors that builds throughout the meal.

The kitchen's approach respects traditional recipes while ensuring that every element is executed with precision. The freshness of ingredients is evident in every bite, from the quality of the charcuterie to the vegetables that accompany various preparations. This attention to sourcing and preparation justifies the restaurant's reputation for serving some of the most authentic Basque tapas in Paris.