Amada is the real deal, a tapas bar with Serrano hams hanging from the ceiling, sangria macerating in small oak barrels along the bar and a constant stream of lusty little plates issuing from the kitchen. Check out chef/owner Jose Garces' cocas, thin flatbreads with toppings like duck, figs and Cabrales; sizzling chorizo a la plancha or the house specialty, roast suckling pig. Cassandra Brown makes wine pairing easy by offering all 40-odd wines on her list by the glass, from obscurities like Txacoli Itsas Mendi from the Basque country to classics like La Bastida 1998 Rioja Reserva. Biweekly flamenco performances complete the scene.

—Melissa B. Monosoff

Amada, 217 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA; 215-625-2450