Skip to main content

A little about us…

Sol y Sombra has been Dundee’s most popular tapas bar since it opened in 2011. Born out of a love for Spanish food and culture, we have created a menu of fresh, authentic and simple tapas. The aim is to recreate the feel of a typical Spanish family meal, so everyone has to share and enjoy the meal as one.

Sol y Sombra’s name comes from the Spanish words for sun and shade and refers to different types of seats one can purchase at bullfights. The cheap seats are Sol, and are in the full sun, whereas the most expensive seats are Sombra and are fully shaded. A Sol y Sombra ticket has some shade and some sun throughout the day. 

A little history…

Our building has had a rich history in the hospitality business. Built in 1842, the building was the Lorne Bar until 1969. In 1969 Dundee footballer, Bobby Cox, bought the Lorne Bar and renamed it the Sliding Tackle. Two of the supporting beams in the cellar are recovered wreckage from the Tay Rail Bridge Disaster of 1878.

It was bought over in 1975 and renamed the Ferry Inn, which it was until Phil and Joanna started Sol y Sombra. In the summer of 2024 Kelly and Paul Fairweather bought the business to compliment their other two restaurants; The Selkie, Dundee and The Ferry Selkie. Since buying the business there has been a huge investment in the building to keep the character and charm of    Sol Y alive and well.  Whilst there have been some changes the team and suppliers remain the same, ensuring that we continue to build on the proud history of Sol Y Sombra. 

4 star ratingThe food we ordered was lovely however as all dishes arrive at the same time I think that the food should be served on hot plates , food was cold before we could finish them , this would make a huge difference.
read more
mbf58
27/09/26
5 star ratingHad a meal out in the new Velvet tide last night with my husband & his dad & girlfriend. We fancied something different to the usual curry night we always do! And we couldn’t have made a better choice than here! Staff really friendly & welcoming, cosy & comfy atmosphere. We ordered a variety of dishes to share- we tried some of the fish/seafood, meat & vegetarian options- everything tasted amazing! Highlights were the hake & butterbean, scallops, steak tacos and garlic mushrooms! Everything was cooked to perfection too. The team were all very attentive making sure we were ok throughout our meal & checking we were enjoying everything. We were given a discount on our bill as the waiter stated it was felt some of our food had come out slower but we did not notice this at all as had plenty & were too busy enjoying it all! This was a nice touch though & shows the high standards & care for customers . We will definitely be recommending & be back soon! No pictures as too busy eating it all!
read more
wendycU8629JJ
09/08/26
5 star ratingFirst time here since it changed from Sol y sombra and we were not disappointed. Went at 6.30 on a Thursday night. The downstairs area was quite busy but I had asked to be seated upstairs which is quieter. Just how we like it. We ordered 3 small plates each and a bread board. Also a bottle of wine. The food was exceptional as was the service by our friendly waitress. Will definitely be back X
read more
SUSANMC1965
27/08/26