Tour de Tapas, a Downtown La Mesa restaurant offering “Euro Small Plates & Sips” with Spanish, French, and Italian influence, opened its doors in December 2024. A concept from City Tacos founder Gerry Torres, his Southern Californian group of City Tacos celebrated its 10th anniversary of opening its first City Tacos in North Park.
Tour de Tapas takes Torres back to his roots in fine dining.
“Outside of my native Mexico, I am most passionate about Southern Europe,” Torres said. “The flavors of tacos can only be outdone by the flavors inspired by those beautiful countries. Keeping the prices as low as possible in these times is especially important to me, too, and I hope everyone will find great value in what we have to offer. There’s a little something for everyone.”
Torres said that in three months, Tour de Tapas has received a lot of praise from the community.
“The restaurant is focused on bringing high quality at a value. This was done on purpose so that we are able to cater to our community by doing something that is a little bit nicer and does not break the bank. We feature the cuisine of Spain, France, and Italy. Our wine list is also composed of wines from these countries. The wine list was also done in a way so that we could combine the best juice for the money instead of the best-known labels. People seem to be enjoying this. They can go out to dinner and not break the bank, have a great meal at an affordable price. These small plate formats in which we serve allow for people to experiment with multiple dishes and share things in a more of a family atmosphere. It also gives them the opportunity to spend as little or as much as they want,” he said.
Torres said the menu does not tie patrons into a particular item cost, like with entrees for $60 to $70.
“At the end of the day, you end up spending $200 to $300 for your dinner. We are trying to keep this under $100, have a great meal, a great bottle of wine, for people to really enjoy eating out whether it be a Monday or Tuesday, or a Saturday night,” he said.
All but three of the dishes on the menu are less than $20.00, and selections include Pulpo con Chistorra (Spanish-style octopus), Patatas Bravas, Poulet Cordon Bleu, Gamberetti e Pinoli (sauteed shrimp), Salmon Burre Blanc, and Pesce Alla Livornese (sauteed rockfish). Other menu highlights are Filetto al Vino Rosso (filet mignon) and Costillas de Cordero (panko crusted grilled rock of lamb lol¬lipops).
The wine list features more than 30 selections almost exclu¬sively from Spain, France, and Italy. There are four offerings from California wineries, while sangria, draft beers, and coffee are also aailable.
Tour de Tapas also offers pasta dishes and Spanish paella, along with Soupe a L’oignon (tradition French onion soup), salads, and curated charcuterie. Desserts include Crepes Suzette, Crema Catalana (Spanish custard), and Mousse au Chocolat. Torres plans to expand the menu in the coming months to include dishes like carpaccio, entrecôte, escargot, and gazpacho.
Torres said he chose The Village because he has had the privilege of serving La Mesa for 23 years, opening his first Italian restaurant called Tiramisu Trattoria with his business partner for a decade, with his partner staying on for another decade after that.
“While that was happening, I was operating and opening the City Tacos group,” he said.
Torres is now running eight City Tacos, Tour de Tapas, and a small commissary kitchen which provides for the group of restaurants, and purchases in bulk, and distributes.
“That is one of the reasons why I am able to keep my prices low, because I am utilizing my purchasing power from the City Tacos brand. And all our staff as far as upper management is concerned to operate and manage this operation,” he said.
Torres said he believes Tour de Tapas is a “baby in its infancy” and sees it growing and thriving.
“The menu is basically a glimpse of what we will be preparing in the future. I have about 10 years in Italian cuisine, 22 years is restaurant ownership. I am blessed to have a fantastic team around me,” he said.
Torres said along with his chef and general manager, Tour de Tapas is their “little jewel” and plan on making this restaurant shine.
Tour de Tapas is located at 8323 La Mesa Boulevard. For more information, visit www.tourdetapas.com.
