Gonza's Spanish Tapas

The Story Behind Our Tortilla Española

The origins of the Spanish omelette are a bit hazy, woven into a tapestry of history and legend. Records from The Chronicles of the Indies suggest that egg omelettes emerged around 1519, crafted by both Spaniards and Aztecs. Meanwhile, potatoes entered the scene later when Francisco Pizarro brought them from the Americas to Europe in 1537—initially as animal feed. Back then, anything grown underground was deemed unfit for humans, mistaken for poisonous. It took nearly 200 years for potatoes to win acceptance as food. The Spaniards, confusing them with sweet potatoes due to their look, dubbed them "potatoes"—a name that stuck.

When did eggs and potatoes unite to form the iconic Spanish omelette? Theories abound. The earliest known reference comes from an 1817 document to the Court of Navarre, describing Pamplona locals enjoying “two or three eggs in an omelet for five or six,” stretched with potatoes and breadcrumbs to make it hearty. Another tale credits a resourceful Navarre peasant who, one winter night, hosted Carlist general Tomás de Zumalacárregui (1808-1835). With only eggs, onions, and potatoes on hand, he whipped up an omelette. The general was smitten, later spreading its fame among his troops as an affordable, nutritious staple. Like many traditional dishes, the Spanish omelette was born from necessity, not novelty.

Our Tortilla Española proudly ranks as Spain’s second most beloved dish. With just three ingredients—eggs, potatoes, and onions—it’s simple yet irresistible. The magic lies in blending eggs with potatoes to create a thick, fluffy, moist texture that defines its Spanish character. In Spain, it’s savored any time of day, sliced into wedges and shared. We’ve reimagined it as individual servings, perfect for solo diners or those who prefer their own portion.

We’re also challenging the American norm of eating omelettes fresh off the stove. In Spain, the Tortilla Española shines at room temperature or even days later—a versatility we’re excited to share. Introducing this idea hasn’t been easy, but we’re thrilled to see it catching on.

Our Mission:

To cook for you as we would for our own family—with care and unwavering quality.

Our Values:

To serve with excellence, honoring the customers who fuel our growth, while delivering a top-notch product that respects our heritage.