If there’s one memory I will always cherish from my visit to Spain in 2024, it would be my day in Palma de Mallorca. There are two ways to enjoy this coastal city. The first is by exploring its Moorish-influenced labyrinthine Old Town with its stunning Gothic architecture. The second is by lounging on its beautiful Mediterranean beaches. The wanderlust in me decided to do both in a single day—city first, then the beach.

To end the experience, my companions and I gathered for a shared meal on the boardwalk of Palma Nova Beach. Tapas and paella graced our table, and pitchers of white sangria were passed from hand to hand as conversation drifted. It's the kind of easy day by the beach anyone would love to have. That’s why, whenever I get a chance to savor tapas and drink sangria, I’m instantly transported back to that golden day by the sea.

That chance came pretty recently. But instead of a sunny day and rolling beach waves, the experience unfolded against the setting sun, warm ambient lights, and the soft strains of Spanish music in one of the busiest spots in Makati City. It was definitely not the same, but the food—and the way it brought everyone together around the table—felt strikingly familiar. And that’s all thanks to Las Flores.

On May 25, the contemporary Spanish restaurant hosted an evening of quiet indulgence for its guests. While it is tempting to enjoy Las Flores’ offerings inside its Greenbelt 3 location, the alfresco seating feels like the natural choice as the day gives way to dusk.

On display were some of the restaurant’s newest and most beloved offerings. Our evening started with plates of tapas. The Croquetas de Jamón Ibérico and Croquetas de Chorizo are bite-sized delights that pack distinctive Spanish flavors. Delicately crisp, they offer the right balance of savory richness and sweet-salty notes from the cured meats. The Chipirones Andaluza, a crowd favorite, spotlights golden baby squid lightly coated in flour and deep-fried until crispy, best enjoyed with a dip in kimchi mayo.

Dining at Las Flores wouldn’t be complete without sampling its paellas. For the evening, we had the Paella Pollo y Cerdo, featuring chicken drumsticks, pork ribs, and French beans. We paired it with the Costillar de Cerdo, another house favorite that brings to the table a rack of baby back ribs coated in homemade barbecue sauce.

But the highlight of the evening was what the bar poured into our glasses. The same focus, intention, and Spanish flair evident in the food are reflected in the carefully crafted drinks. There’s the cocktail selection, which spotlights thoughtfully curated pours to suit a range of preferences: the crisp Daiquiri, the relaxed elegance of a Whisky Highball, and the bold sophistication of a Manhattan.

Something especially suited for sharing is the restaurant’s original blend, Sangria Roja, thoughtfully crafted to balance fruit, depth, and refreshment in every sip. At Las Flores, sangria flows generously with its daily after-hours offering. From 5 to 8 p.m. daily, guests can enjoy unlimited pours for P495. Whether paired with tapas, shared plates, or simply good company, it’s an experience that perfectly complements the rhythm of the evening.

“It is refreshing, vibrant, and perfect for sharing,” says Las Flores bar manager Byron Mayo. “With our free-flowing sangria campaign, we want to create a lively experience for our guests by combining fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and an enjoyable social atmosphere.”

Before saying our goodbyes, we closed our journey through Spanish flavors with a serving of warm and comforting Churros con Chocolate. It is nice to find a spot in the metro where, even on the busiest workdays, time seems to slow down with shared meals and drinks. It may not have been Palma de Mallorca, but Las Flores captured the same spirit of lingering conversations, generous pours, and the simple joy of gathering around a table.