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Restaurant

MoVida Aqui

500 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Recommended by 44 people

Updated

Find MoVida Aqui

500 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9663 3038
HoursMonday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 10:30 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About MoVida Aqui

MoVida Aqui pairs the bold, punchy spirit of Spanish tapas with a roomier Bourke Street dining room that lets you actually breathe. Regulars angle for the high-top tables to settle in for crisp croquettes, tender braised beef cheek, and shareable pans of Bomba rice paella alongside a well-chilled pitcher of sangria. Late arrivals still catch warm floor guidance and tailored wine tastes, before wrapping the table in delicate crumpets and rich churros.

  • Room to Breathe: Generously spaced indoor and high-top tables offer breathing room and quiet conversation without the cramped crush.
  • Bomba Rice Paella: Unlike tapas-only counters, the kitchen turns out full-format Bomba rice paella alongside smaller shared plates.
  • Attentive Hospitality: Floor staff easily navigate dietary preferences, late seatings, and curated Spanish wine pairings without missing a beat.
RestaurantSpanishRestaurantWine Bar

What's On at MoVida Aqui

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Dine at MoVida Aqui

Why diners choose MoVida Aqui for shared Spanish feasts and gatherings

  • Shared Tapas and Full Paella Offerings

    MoVida Aqui pairs classic tapas with full-format paellas, from bomba rice to fresh seafood pans.

    The fried Calamari mini rolls and Bomba Rice Paella are a personal favourites.

    J Szyrpallo

  • Curated Spanish Wine Pairings

    The menu features a dedicated selection of Spanish wines and craft drinks guided by informed floor staff.

    They’ve got a fantastic selection of Spanish wines, craft beers, and cocktails, and the staff is super knowledgeable if you’re unsure what to pair with your food.

    Kristen

  • Spaced Seating for Intimate Catch-Ups

    Unlike cramped laneway bar seating, the room offers well-spaced high-top and dining tables for easy conversation.

    Recommend to book a high top seat, the seats are not too close so you can have private talk time.

    Kaia Geller

  • Atmosphere for Dates and Gatherings

    The moody lighting and vibrant setting create an inviting backdrop tailored for couples and social gatherings.

    The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, making it a great spot for a catch up with friends or a date night in the city.

    Amilliah

  • Warm and Attentive Floor Hospitality

    Floor staff make diners feel genuinely welcomed and unhurried, offering wine tastings and menu guidance even late into the evening.

    All the staff were very friendly, and even though we arrived close to closing time, we could enjoy dinner in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

    U

  • Authentic Spanish Culinary Character

    Dining captures the authentic culinary traditions and vibrant ambience of traditional Spanish dining in Melbourne.

    The food here was just as great as the food in Spain!

    Tim Veyret

Signature paella and beloved Spanish tapas plates

  • Paella

    今まで食べたパエリアのなかで、断トツ1番美味しかったです。旨味がすごいです。米の炊き加減も最高で、エビもプリッとした食感です。

    みかん

  • Beef Cheek

    The standout was the braised beef cheek — tender and full of flavour, but every dish was well presented and full of flavour.

    Nicholas Lim

  • Beef Tartare

    The tartare was fresh, beautifully seasoned, and packed with flavour

    Amilliah

  • Croquettes

    Croquettes (very moreish; tasty cheesy filling)

    Kimmy B

Other favorites

House sangria, traditional desserts, and vegetable sides

  • Sangria

    the sangria was refreshing and easy to drink, pairing perfectly with the food.

    Amilliah

  • Flan

    スイーツはフランを注文しました。とってもなめらかでこちらも美味でした。

    みかん

  • Cheesecake

    Cheesecake (fluffy; not too sweet)

    Kimmy B

  • Mushrooms

    a side of the mushrooms 🤩

    Sonia Hunt

Beyond the menu

Attentive service gestures that elevate dining at MoVida Aqui

  • Complimentary Spanish Wine Tastings

    Floor staff provide guided tastings of multiple Spanish wines prior to ordering to ensure pairings match your preferences.

  • Late-Seating Paella Accommodation

    The kitchen warmly accommodates full-format paella orders even when guests arrive right before the kitchen closes.

  • Proactive Indoor Seating Accommodations

    The front-of-house team accommodates walk-ins and proactively shifts guests from outdoor reservations to inside tables on chilly evenings.

  • Hands-On Menu Curation for Groups

    Floor staff step in to curate personalized multi-course tapas and paella menus when groups find the extensive options hard to navigate.

Before you head over

Practical dining advice on timing, seating, and planning your visit to MoVida Aqui

  • Order Paella Promptly

    If you are planning to order the full paella, order it right when you sit down. The kitchen can accommodate orders close to evening cutoff, but it takes time to prepare.

  • Request Spaced High-Top Seating

    For dates or catch-ups requiring private conversation, request or book a high-top table indoors, where spaced seating avoids the cramped feel of traditional laneway bars.

  • Note Stairs and Pace Rich Dishes

    Be prepared for multiple stairs leading up to the restaurant entrance, and bring a healthy appetite as rich tapas and mains like braised beef cheek add up quickly.

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