Tooting, Spanish Restaurant Guide

“Reliably tasty small plates and a jolly vibe” make this “inventive” and “friendly” tapas bar near Tooting Broadway “a great meeting place any day of the week”. It was opened 11 years ago by ex-food journalist Madeleine Lim and restaurateur Hikmat Antippa, who also owns nearby Turkish spot Meza.

“Authentic Basque cooking served on small plates, so you can sample a range of full-flavoured dishes” is found at the back of Tooting’s Broadway Market at this venture from founder, artist Cristina Ruiz, and head chef Jorge López. If you have yet to taste Spain’s famous Txuleta steak from retired dairy cows, this might be the place to do it – a plate here costs as little as £15.