Originally published on Broadsheet.

Spanish films, Spanish food, Spanish wine.

Just seen a Spanish film and feeling inspired? Or trying to set the mood before you head to the cinema? We know where to go.

Any self-respecting Spanish restaurant has an array of tapas on offer, and in Melbourne, MoVida is proudly flying the flag. After watching Benicio del Toro battle miscommunication, bureaucracy and angry Balkan locals in black comedy A Perfect Day, some share plates might be exactly what you need to restore your faith in conversation.

If you’re feeling unsettled (or devastated) after Magical Girl, a Spanish-noir thriller about a father’s attempt to fulfil the strange dying wish of his 12-year-old daughter, a visit to Bar Lourinhã will lift your spirits. The pocket rocket on Little Collins is warm and welcoming, and has a killer drinks list.

If it’s meat you’re after, venture further afield. Spanish is also the official language of Argentina, so why not visit San Telmo for a steak cooked on the parrilla (a traditional Argentine grill). It’s a fitting feast to prepare for El Cinco, a belated-coming-of-age comedy about a professional footballer at the end of his career.

Bomba translates as “bomb”. It also means fried potato balls. But in Melbourne, it’s a trusty Spanish joint near the top of Lonsdale Street. Fill up on some hearty classics to stop yourself drooling all the way through Cooking Up a Tribute, a documentary about current San Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurant El Celler de Can Roca. When you can’t fly there yourself, dinner and a movie is the next best thing.

See our full MIFF Food and Film Guide here.

Broadsheet is a proud media partner of the Melbourne International Film Festival.