¡Niña Bonita!: New Andalusian Restaurant Brings Fiesta to Montpellier’s Saint-Roch

Montpellier’s Saint-Roch district gained a latest dining and nightlife destination on March 7th with the opening of ¡Niña Bonita!, an Andalusian-style restaurant sharing space with Deli’s Corner.

The unique arrangement sees Deli’s Corner operating as a New York-inspired sandwich shop during lunchtime, even as ¡Niña Bonita! transforms the space into a tapas restaurant and bar each evening from 6 PM to 1 AM, according to co-owner Alexandre Ribot. “From 6 PM we switch the kitchen into Andalusian mode, we start the music and the fiesta takes over the place,” Ribot stated. The décor remains consistent throughout the day, featuring flamenco dancers and posters evoking a Spanish feria.

¡Niña Bonita! aims to offer a more authentic Andalusian experience than typical tapas bars, with a menu focused on homemade recipes not commonly found elsewhere in Montpellier. Patrons can expect dishes like Pinchitos morunos (Moorish-style lamb skewers), chorizo marinated in Rioja wine, and fried aubergines with honey. The restaurant also serves Agua de Valencia, vermouth, and homemade sangria – a recipe Ribot says has been perfected over 13 years – with plans to introduce cocktails on tap, including the popular Rebujito, by May.

Ribot, who also owns the Andalusian bar La Alhambra on Rue Alexandre Cabanel, believes the concept will thrive in the vibrant Saint-Roch neighborhood. He reported that customers were already dancing Sevillanas on the restaurant’s opening night. “I’m sure the concept will perform in this already very dynamic Saint-Roch district,” he said.

According to Ribot, the name ¡Niña Bonita! – meaning “attractive girl” – is more than just a label. “It’s the face of Andalusia,” he explained. “To tell the story of the region of my childhood, I had to personify it. Deliver it that sensual side, that strong character and at the same time the warmth and sweetness of Andalusian women who, until the end of their lives, affectionately call each other ‘niña’.” He aims to convey this spirit through both the food and the atmosphere of the restaurant.

¡Niña Bonita! is currently open from Thursday to Saturday, 6 PM to 1 AM, and will expand its hours to include Tuesday through Saturday from April.