What Is Italian Tapas? Discover the Best Italian Share Plate Experience at Compà Mt Hawthorn
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Have you ever looked at an Italian menu and thought, “I wish I could try a little bit of everything?” If so, you’re not alone. That’s something we get told all the time at Compà Mt Hawthorn.
As we prepare and serve Italian share plates every day, so we’ve seen firsthand how this style of dining brings people together around great food. So, in this blog, we’ll explain what Italian tapas are, how they differ from Spanish tapas, and what you can expect from an authentic Italian share plate experience.
What Is Italian Tapas?
Italian tapas are small, shareable dishes inspired by Italy’s long-standing tradition of eating together.
Instead of everyone ordering their own dinner, the table shares a range of meals, which means everyone gets to experience different flavours and find new favourites. It’s informal, convivial and, in our opinion, one of the best ways to taste real Italian food.
Although the term ‘Italian tapas’ has become popular in recent years, the tradition itself is anything but new.
In Italy, dinners generally kick off with “antipasti”, a variety of starters containing cured meats, cheeses, veggies, shellfish and artisan breads. Venetians meet over “cicchetti”, little, bite-sized delicacies to be savoured with a glass of wine before dinner.
Different regions may use different names, but the philosophy remains the same:
Great food is even better when it’s shared.
We love to see tables ordering a variety of foods, passing plates around, discovering new favourites and enjoying the experience together rather than racing through a dinner.
Italian Tapas vs Spanish Tapas: What’s the Difference?
Both styles of dining encourage sharing; they’re inspired by completely different culinary traditions.
The major variation is the ingredients and the regional influences on those ingredients.
Italian share plates feature fresh fruit, artisan cheeses, quality cured meats, seafood, handcrafted sauces and recipes passed down through the generations. Every dish reflects the traditions of the region it comes from, making each plate a little taste of Italy.
Why More People in Perth Are Choosing Italian Share Plates
There’s something different about sharing a meal.
The table is loaded with bright plates, and instead of waiting for one big dish to come out, everyone reaches for something new, and conversations organically flow, and every few minutes someone exclaims, “You have to try this one.”
That’s exactly why Italian share plates have become so popular across Perth.
They’re perfect for:
- Romantic date nights
- Family dinners
- Birthday celebrations
- Catching up with friends
- Corporate dinners
- Weekend lunches
- Special occasions
At Compà Mt Hawthorn, our menu is designed with this sort of dining in mind. Whether you’re dining for two or ten, our share dishes make it easy to sample distinct regional flavours together.
Dishes You Will Find on an Italian Tapas Menu at Compa
One of the best things about Italian tapas Perth is that no two tables need to have the same experience.
Some visitors create their lunch around fish; others combine cured meats, cheeses, crispy snacks and comforting classics. That is the beauty of sharing: you get to have a little bit of everything.
Being the best Italian restaurant in Perth, here’s a taste of what you’ll find at Compà.
Warm Italian Share Plates
If it’s your first visit, we often recommend starting with a few warm dishes to share.
Some of our guests’ favourites include:
- Polpette della Nonna: home-cooked meatballs with thick tomato sauce
- Provolone e ‘Nduja: melted provolone with spicy Calabrian ‘nduja, served with crostini
- Salsiccia Calabrese: pan-fried Calabrian sausage with capsicum and onion
- Gamberi Siciliana: prawns with garlic and chilli, with fried eggplant
- Capesante con Crema Zafferano & Timo: pan-fried scallops finished with a creamy saffron and thyme sauce
Each dish has been created to highlight the local flavours that inspire our cooking, giving everyone at the table a chance to delve in.
Fresh Antipasti and Cold Share Plates
No Italian feast feels complete without a beautiful antipasti selection.
Italian cooking is about fresh and uncomplicated ingredients, and these meals allow the quality to speak for itself.
Some favourites include:
- Burrata with premium prosciutto
- Beef carpaccio with rocket, parmesan and honey mustard
- Antipasto all’Italiana featuring artisan cured meats, Italian cheeses, marinated mushrooms, olives and fresh focaccia
These are the kinds of dishes that pair perfectly with a glass of Italian wine while you settle into the evening.
Crispy Italian Favourites
Our crispy share plates are always among the first dishes to disappear from the table.
Guest favourites include:
- Arancini Tomato & Cheese
- Primo Sale Honey-Fried
- Fiori di Zucca (Fried Zucchini Blossoms)
- Calamari Fritti with Zucchini
Italian share plates are all about the balanced, flavour-filled eating experience that comes with the perfect combination of crispy bites, fresh antipasti and warm meals. ## Pair the Experience with Italian Wine
Complete the Experience with Italian Wine
Whether it’s creamy burrata, fresh fish, rich Calabrian tastes or homemade pasta, the proper wine can enrich every meal.
If you’re not sure what to choose, our team is always delighted to offer a pairing depending on what you have ordered. It’s all part of creating the warm, authentic Italian dining experience we love to share with our customers.
Visit Compà Mt Hawthorn and Discover Why It’s Among the Best Italian Restaurants in Perth
The best way to understand Italian tapas is to experience them around the table at Compà Mt Hawthorn.
Join us for:
- Authentic Italian share plates made for sharing
- Handmade pasta and regional Italian favourites
- Carefully selected wines to complement every meal
- A warm, welcoming setting for date nights, family dinners and celebrations
FAQs
How many Italian tapas should you order per person?
A reasonable rule of thumb is 2-3 share plates per person, then pasta or another larger dish if you want a full meal. It’s also worth ordering in stages so everyone at the table gets to sample different items.
Are Italian tapas served as a full meal?
Yes, they are; each dish is smaller than a main, so sharing a few plates easily makes up a complete and enjoyable meal. Most people like to have antipasti, something warm and pasta and then finish with something sweet.
What is the difference between antipasti and Italian tapas?
Antipasti are the traditional Italian starters you’ll find at the beginning of a meal. “Italian tapas” is a modern way of describing Italian share plates inspired by antipasti and regional small dishes like cicchetti. They are both meant to be shared and enjoyed together.
Where can you enjoy authentic Italian tapas in Perth?
For real Italian tapas in Perth, Compà Mt Hawthorn is a fantastic place to start. The cuisine is all about sharing and features antipasti, homemade pasta, handcrafted pizza and regional Italian flavours in a casual and welcoming ambience.