‘Tapa was the last place we ate before I went into labour and the first place we went back to with our two-week old’

Locals have paid tribute to a much loved Edinburgh tapas restaurant after its owner announced it is set to close after 17 years of business.

Tapa on Shore Place opened in 2009 and soon established itself as one city’s favourite haunts for Spanish cuisine - beloved as much for its relaxed, neighbourly atmosphere as for its top notch tapas.

On Wednesday, owner Daniel Shearon took to Instagram to announce the sad closure of the Shore restaurant, which he said was the result of ongoing health problems and recent business challenges.

He said: “For those of you that don’t know me personally, in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I contracted Sepsis and now live with the long term effects of the invasive operations required to defeat the infection. 0/10. I would absolutely not recommend Sepsis.

“But you’d be forgiven for not knowing about it as it coincided with the period of time that the restaurant was closed under COVID-19 restrictions and, truthfully, because I find it really difficult to talk about.

“In addition to this, the last period of time has been incredibly challenging for the business and I cannot continue to carry the demands of the restaurant much longer, so, although, I have been discreetly trying to sell the business recently, with no sale forthcoming, I’ve had to make the big boy decision that Tapa will close on Saturday 3rd of October 2026.

“I’m heartbroken. Tapa was - in every possible way - my dream, but, we’ve had a cracking run at it and I’m determined that the end shouldn’t be a sad affair, so, if you’re free over the next week or so, I’d love it if you stuck your head in and join me in celebrating the last 17 years.”

Heartfelt tributes from Leith locals and restaurateurs from across the city have poured in over the last 24 hours, with dozens saying they were “absolutely gutted” by the loss.

One devastated resident said: “I’ve had three of my leaving nights in Leith at Tapa, and will never forget you giving me a voucher for my fundraiser when I was recovering from cancer.

“The restaurant will be sorely missed by us all.”

Locals said they were “absolutely gutted” by the closure

Another regular said: “So sad to hear this, you have always been brilliant at accommodating all my family’s foody needs.

“A few years ago Tapa was the last place we ate before I went into labour and the first place we went back to with our two-week old, and we’ve managed to get a table to pop on this evening so will be bringing the now-toddler for one last Thursday Club,”.

“I still remember the first time I came to Tapa with an ex boyfriend who loved it,” said another. “We broke up, but I continued to love the restaurant and have since came back with my now husband.

“You created a magical wee place.”

Beyond local fame, Tapa won several industry awards throughout its 17 years - including being crowned Spanish Restaurant of the Year at the Scottish Restaurant Awards in 2024.

It was also rated five stars by Time Out, which dubbed the restaurant a hidden gem which had become “essential” to the historic Shore district.