Harden's survey result
Summary
“Seats at the bar provide both theatre and delicious bites” at Nieves Barragan and José Etura’s smash hit, tucked off Regent Street, which is now four years old. You can also eat on communal tables upstairs in the ‘El Asador’ dining room. The “superb, modern tapas” (“focussed on seafood, with some Spanish-sourced specialities”) are “heavenly”, it’s well-known for its suckling pig, and the “atmosphere is energetic and warm”. (A shout-out also to their Dine At Home nationwide delivery: “the most innovative during lockdown” for numerous reporters.)
Summary
“Just thinking about it is making my mouth water!” – Nieves Barragan and José Etura’s “bustling, casual and friendly” three-year-old, tucked off Regent Street, is establishing itself as one of the West End’s brightest stars: “a guaranteed first-class food experience with a lot of fun thrown in”. “The downstairs bar serves modern tapas, including the beloved carabineros and croquetas. Upstairs at the communal tables, you’ll feast on traditional dishes like suckling pig, cooked in an Asador (wood-fired oven)”. Both locations score a big thumbs up: “not cheap, but what an utter treat to have well-executed, passionate, uncomplicated cooking of Spanish classics in the middle of London”.
Summary
“Just thinking about it is making my mouth water!” – Nieves Barragan and José Etura’s “bustling, casual and friendly” two-year-old, tucked off Regent Street, is establishing itself as one of the West End’s brightest stars: “a guaranteed first-class food experience with a lot of fun thrown in”. “The downstairs bar serves modern tapas, including the beloved carabineros and croquetas. Upstairs at the communal tables, you’ll feast on traditional dishes like suckling pig, cooked in an Asador (wood-fired oven)”. Both locations score a big thumbs up: “not cheap, but what an utter treat to have well-executed, passionate, uncomplicated cooking of Spanish classics in the middle of London”.
Summary
Ex-Barrafina executive head chef, Nieves Barragán Mohacho, and José Etura’s yearling off Regent’s Street, comprises both a downstairs floor with tapas counter and a “wonderfully buzzy” upstairs room with shared tables, which revolves around the open kitchen’s asador (wood-fired oven). Both come recommended, with reporters “blown away” by the “delightful service”, “outstanding” food and upstairs the “fabulous experience of cooking right in front of your eyes”. But, while fans predictably say “move over Barrafina”, ratings have a way to go yet to rival their former employer. Top Menu Tip – “finally, suckling pig just like you get in Spain” from the asador.
For 31 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
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Restaurant details
Sabor Restaurant Diner Reviews

"Pure theatre at the counter. Having visited previously we were more streetwise on what dishes to order. The beef was unbelievable."

"First visit here. Lively place with really friendly involved staff who are mostly Spanish and love food. The upstairs is reservable and both ground and first floors are really noisy so if this bothers you, ask for a quiet place. That is why ambience is marked down . The other reason is the Q code wine list - no paper option. The waited came with a tablet to show us which was fine, The food menu is a small piece of paper with specials on a blackboard put on the table. We had an amazing Monkfish tempura (salted and soaked first) then Octopus - a speciality demonstrated to applause in the open kitchen with a whole one being dangled for us. Also a cuttlefish wrap and aubergine in pepper sauce. Deserts are not strong here nor in spain generally but we did enjoy a cuajada - cheese presented as creme brulee - "

"Fab food, a bit noisy, friendly staff. Pulpo a la gallega, monkish tempura, aubergine with pepper sauce, cuttlefish with pancettta, cuajada with honey, albarino. "
Prices
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Wine per bottle | £32.00 |
Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
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Service | 12.50% |
35 Heddon St, London, W1B 4BP
Opening hours
Monday | CLOSED |
Tuesday | CLOSED |
Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
Sunday | CLOSED |
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