A Shining Star in Mount Pleasant
When Como Taperia opened its doors in 2018, it wasn’t long before it quickly became one of the most talked-about new dining hot spots in Vancouver. Their name appeared frequently in conversation on social media food blogs, often popping up on numerous “Best Of” lists.
The Spanish-inspired tapas bar on Main Street in Mount Pleasant is the brainchild of longtime local bartender Shaun Layton and business partner, Frankie Harrington. In 2018, it was declared by Air Canada as being “Number 2 of the Best New Restaurants in Canada” and has been endorsed by the Spanish Embassy as an “Offi cial Restaurant of Spain.”“That means a lot,” says Layton
“Even more than the accolades, when Spaniards and guests who have been to Spain, come in and say COMO makes them feel like they’re in Spain is an amazing compliment.”
“We never envisioned winning all these accolades when we first opened our little tapas bar. We were mostly just excited to bring something new to the city. We put a lot of energy and love into COMO and to see it received so favorably among diners is a humbling experience.
“Even more than the accolades, when Spaniards and guests who have been to Spain, come in and say COMO makes them feel like they’re in Spain is an amazing compliment.
”Inspired by numerous trips to the Southwestern European nation, COMO pays homage to the classic, standing room-only tapas bars of Barcelona and Madrid with a modern, fun twist on traditional Spanish fare.
“It’s just like being there,” he says. “Small tapas are served from the custom cases we imported from Barcelona and are filled with ready-to-eat small bites. “It has a lively tapas bar that can be elbow-to-elbow at times, and an open kitchen with chef’s counter seating and a dining area.
”Being one of Vancouver’s star bartenders by trade, you can rest assured that Shaun Layton has the beverage program on point.“We’ve got premium gins with unique tonics, a great selection of sherry and an ever-changing and innovative wine list.
”COMO also boasts Spanish beer on tap alongside a rotation of local craft beer, cocktails and Spanish vermut (vermouth) – on tap
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Shaun Layton with Chef de Cuisine Rafael Racela
“COMO pays homage to the classic, standing room-only tapas bars of Barcelona and Madrid with a modern, fun twist on traditional Spanish fare.”
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“We also have many Spanish twists on classic-style cocktails and some drinks you may normally only find in Spain.
”Half a dozen years into operation and the accolades continue. COMO Taperia is one of only a handful of Vancouver dining spots to be recognized by the coveted Michelin Guide in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Not bad for Layton’s “little tapas bar.
”The Michelin certifi cation is an honour bestowed upon very few restaurants. To achieve the prestigious Michelin status speaks volumes to COMO’s quality and level of service.
“Our front of house team is so strong and full of great talent and our Chef Rafael Racela and his crew are putting out incredible food every day. It’s so awesome to see them get the recognition they deserve.”
To stay true to brand, Layton journeys to Spain regularly to maintain the authenticity.
“We travel to Spain at least once a year and bring some of our core team members,” he says.
“Seeing their faces light up when we bring them for the first time to places that really inspired Como, like ‘ElXampanyet’ in Barcelona, or ‘Sala de Despiece’ in Madrid, is an amazing feeling.
“We come back after and do a tasting menu event each January based on our trip – it’s called ‘Taste Our Travels.’ This year’s trip we are exploring the Basque Region.”COMO Taperia, 201 East 7th Avenue at Main Streetwww.comotaperia.com P
