First was the town’s first-ever upscale Indian restaurant, Saffron Indian Bistro. Now, Oro Valley can add another culinary first to its growing list: a restaurant devoted to the small-bite Spanish-influenced tapas.

But Angelina’s Ristorante does not live on tapas alone. The spacious eatery, which opened in early June in a corner strip mall spot at 12152 N. Rancho Vistosa Blvd., also tosses gourmet pizzas and entrees in the mix. You’ll also find an international hodgepodge of culinary delights served to the backdrop of live jazz bands on the weekends and belly dancers during the week.

Tapas are the quintessential sharing food — small plates that afford a bite or two, almost like a menagerie of appetizers. The idea is to share a few over Angelina’s impressive menu of signature martinis. T heir tapas come in seafood such as lobster, shrimp and calamari; Louisiana-style crab cakes; and jambalaya. Most are priced between $7 and $12.

For reservations, call 742-9595. — Cathalena E. Burch