In Short
From Japanese gastropubs to slider bars in Castleberry Hill, the concept of “tapas” has gotten overused in Atlanta to the point of confusion. True Spanish-style small plates are tough to find but the Iberian Pig--a warm and rustic restaurant in the Decatur--singlehandedly fills the void. Named after the prized black ham of Spain (jamon iberico), the restaurant delivers elegant-but-affordable tapas the way they should be; one part charcuterie and cheeses and one part heavy, hearty hors d’oeuvres. The namesake jamon lives up to its billing: buttery, nutty, almost melt-able slices served with an espresso aioli. Potatas bravas-style potatoes are diced, fried and slathered in tomato salsa and gooey cheese while chorizo, octopus and peppers tempt in multiple plating options. Sure, they’ve got a good burger and solid main courses, but so do hundreds of Atlanta restaurants. Go with tapas, they’re actually worthy of the name.