Harden's survey result
Summary
“A little bit of San Sebastián in the heart of the West End” – “grab a seat at the counter and watch the magic unfold in front of you” at Nieves Barragan and José Etura’s tapas bar (ground floor) and ‘Asador’ (first floor), an “all-time-favourite” which – despite the travails of the era – “just goes from strength to strength as one of the strongest Spanish restaurants in London”. “Top-notch Iberian food is served with élan” – “heart and soul-filling, happy and warm, tear-inducing dishes” – and service is “so lovely and welcoming”. “Limited bookings mean that there is always a queue to get in from when the doors open at lunch” and “the queue can be long”. But “it’s pleasing to hear that there are now bookable small tables upstairs”, as many feel that “the Asador has got better now they have replaced the sharing benches with a proper arrangement”. Top Tip – Asador means BBQ of a complete animal, and “if you crave suckling pig, this is the place!”
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”.
For 32 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
"Appallingly mean portions. £20 (including service) for a tiny portion of tuna, etc. Probably very good but hardly enoigh to taste. Used to be good. Now a tourist trap. Ambience is for outsude table in dingy alley."
"Very buzzy and popular (be prepared to queue!). Sit at the counter to watch delicious small plates being prepared but don’t get too carried away as the bill quickly mounts up"
"The counter at Sabor was fabulous. The Cuttlefish Papardelle & Manchego Pesto was wonderful followed by Piquillo Croquetas with Manchego Cheese Tasted a Txistorra Tortilla but the Gem Salad, Botarga, Manchego & Pine Nuts was wonderful. We finished with the delightful Rhubarb Tartaleta. All the wine pairing were spot on RAVENTOS E NIT ROSE was exceptional."
"The counter at Sabor was fabulous. The Cuttlefish Papardelle & Manchego Pesto was wonderful followed by Piquillo Croquetas with Manchego Cheese Tasted a Txistorra Tortilla but the Gem Salad, Botarga, Manchego & Pine Nuts was wonderful. We finished with the delightful Rhubarb Tartaleta. All the wine pairing were spot on RAVENTOS E NIT ROSE was exceptional."
"The counter at Sabor was fabulous. The Cuttlefish Papardelle & Manchego Pesto was wonderful followed by Piquillo Croquetas with Manchego Cheese Tasted a Txistorra Tortilla but the Gem Salad, Botarga, Manchego & Pine Nuts was wonderful. We finished with the delightful Rhubarb Tartaleta. All the wine pairing were spot on RAVENTOS E NIT ROSE was exceptional."
"What can I say my best dining experience of the year. The highlights being the Sea Trout special & the Goat’s Cheese Ice Cream & Liquorice Sauce."
"Up to its usual high standards. Seating can be a little cramped but it all adds to the atmosphere. Cooking is assured and the crisp piglet never disappoints. Prices have sky rocketed but there again in London where has not."
"Nieves Barragan carries on delivering the very best in Spanish food and hospitaility."
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £25.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
35 Heddon St, London, W1B 4BP
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| 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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