Southbank, Spanish Restaurant Guide

Many a Londoner has enjoyed their first taste of tapas at this “always very busy” and crowded Hispanic fixture, opposite the Young Vic theatre (a stalwart launched in 1987). The tapas are “reasonable” rather than brilliant, it’s fair to say, and a popular innovation is “paella cooked outside on the pavement” in warmer weather.

“Authentic tapas in rustic surroundings under the arches in Southwark” helps make this an extremely popular “old favourite” for many in our annual diners’ poll. “It feels unchanged over 20 years, with classic, tasty dishes much better than the ordinariness of the setting might lead one to expect; and with the boss always around to greet you and chat like he has over the years”. “Prices are reasonable, including the keenly priced wine list, described in idiosyncratic terms (such as ‘Ollie Reed in a bottle’)”.

“Forget hopping on a budget flight to the famous Cal Pep in Barcelona…” – the original inspiration for the Hart Bros’ genius small group of tapas pitstops – “… here in London you can sit at the counter, with the fun of watching mouthwatering tapas being prepared in front of you, so delivered piping hot (and best is the unbeatable fresh fish cooked ‘a la plancha’)”. “From the greeting to the explanations of the dishes, service is knowledgeable and caring”; there’s “a good choice of Spanish wines and sherries”; and the “superb” overall formula has made them one of the most popular destinations in our annual diners’ poll for almost 20 years now, even if the feeling has grown that “merely a small selection of dishes can incur eyewatering bills”. Top Tips – “the best atmosphere is had eating perched on a stool at the counter, but the Adelaide Street branch does have comfortable table seating downstairs”. On the Menu – “specific praise for the mojama”; “especially lovely prawn stuffed tortilla, seabream and the crisp aubergine with honey”; “tasty rabbit paella”; “squid croquetas are a perfect combo – crunchy on the outside, unctuous within”. “Shout out for the basics: lovely oils, bread etc…”

“Forget hopping on a budget flight to the famous Cal Pep in Barcelona…” – the original inspiration for the Hart Bros’ genius small group of tapas pitstops – “… here in London you can sit at the counter, with the fun of watching mouthwatering tapas being prepared in front of you, so delivered piping hot (and best is the unbeatable fresh fish cooked ‘a la plancha’)”. “From the greeting to the explanations of the dishes, service is knowledgeable and caring”; there’s “a good choice of Spanish wines and sherries”; and the “superb” overall formula has made them one of the most popular destinations in our annual diners’ poll for almost 20 years now, even if the feeling has grown that “merely a small selection of dishes can incur eyewatering bills”. Top Tips – “the best atmosphere is had eating perched on a stool at the counter, but the Adelaide Street branch does have comfortable table seating downstairs”. On the Menu – “specific praise for the mojama”; “especially lovely prawn stuffed tortilla, seabream and the crisp aubergine with honey”; “tasty rabbit paella”; “squid croquetas are a perfect combo – crunchy on the outside, unctuous within”. “Shout out for the basics: lovely oils, bread etc…”

“Enjoyed sitting at the bar in Borough Kitchen…”; “a great place near the South Kensington Museums…”; “a great site on the banks of the Thames in Richmond” – it’s often the handy situation, “casual atmosphere” and affordable prices of this Hispanic group that generates interest amongst diners. “The food is of a reasonable standard”, but considering they are run by the UK’s premier Spanish food importers, performance is notably “chain like”, with “nothing spectacular” food-wise and “average service” often the end-product.

2022 Review: This “great little tapas bar with simple service” at the edge of Borough Market is “a place where the food speaks for itself” – which may be a good thing, since its “cramped” accommodation inside a Victorian railway arch is “decidedly grotty”. There’s a definite meat bias to the menu, although the “squid with black rice is particularly good”.

“This small, unassuming restaurant is a favourite haunt” in Soho, featuring “imaginative, unfussy and tasty food”, with “attentive service in a buzzy environment”. Founders Cameron Emirali & Luke Wilson are “lovely people” who “get everything right”, so “the ambience is fun, with everyone enjoying themselves”. Top Tip – “it’s worth sharing plates to get twice as much pleasure for the same price”.

2024 Review: “Living up to the naturally high expectations”; this prime site within the Café Royal, off Piccadilly Circus, wins praise – albeit on limited feedback this year – for the “meticulous patisserie” you would hope for from Albert Adrià (who, back in the day, was pastry chef at his brother Ferran’s world-famous destination restaurant: El Bulli, long RIP).

“Forget hopping on a budget flight to the famous Cal Pep in Barcelona…” – the original inspiration for the Hart Bros’ genius small group of tapas pitstops – “… here in London you can sit at the counter, with the fun of watching mouthwatering tapas being prepared in front of you, so delivered piping hot (and best is the unbeatable fresh fish cooked ‘a la plancha’)”. “From the greeting to the explanations of the dishes, service is knowledgeable and caring”; there’s “a good choice of Spanish wines and sherries”; and the “superb” overall formula has made them one of the most popular destinations in our annual diners’ poll for almost 20 years now, even if the feeling has grown that “merely a small selection of dishes can incur eyewatering bills”. Top Tips – “the best atmosphere is had eating perched on a stool at the counter, but the Adelaide Street branch does have comfortable table seating downstairs”. On the Menu – “specific praise for the mojama”; “especially lovely prawn stuffed tortilla, seabream and the crisp aubergine with honey”; “tasty rabbit paella”; “squid croquetas are a perfect combo – crunchy on the outside, unctuous within”. “Shout out for the basics: lovely oils, bread etc…”

“Excellent, authentic Spanish food and wine” ensure this expansive operation across two floors of the former Lloyds Bank HQ near the Bank of England appeals to diners from beyond the City’s confines (even if it is also clearly “catering to corporate card-holders”). Its spacious and tastefully decorated premises are unusually hospitable and stylish for somewhere in the heart of the Square Mile. Top Menu Tips – “the croquettas and monkfish are especially good”.

“Enjoyed sitting at the bar in Borough Kitchen…”; “a great place near the South Kensington Museums…”; “a great site on the banks of the Thames in Richmond” – it’s often the handy situation, “casual atmosphere” and affordable prices of this Hispanic group that generates interest amongst diners. “The food is of a reasonable standard”, but considering they are run by the UK’s premier Spanish food importers, performance is notably “chain like”, with “nothing spectacular” food-wise and “average service” often the end-product.

“Every tapas-sized dish is delightful and delicious at this informal and friendly” 15-year-old Soho tapas bar. With shared counter-height tables and tiled walls, it feels pretty authentic too – and the gin-and-tonics served Spanish-style in large glasses add to the ambience. Founder Tim Luther is a former wine importer, so there’s a good range of wines and sherries, too. (There’s also a second branch in Fitzrovia, originally called Barrica, at 62 Goodge Street).

“Despite the queues, it’s worth the squeeze to get some anchovies, goats’ cheese and honey and pretty much anything else on the blackboard” at legendary Spanish restaurateur, José Pizarro’s most popular destination on Bermondsey Street: an “outstanding and consistent performer” with “sublime food and some cracking wines”. The only negative – “you just have to get over how many they can cram into this tiny outlet!”

“You are immersed in Catalan cuisine and dining culture as soon as you walk through the doors” at Nieves Barragan & José Etura’s “exceptional” destination, off Regent Street – the “Best Spanish in London hands down” according to many aficionados, down to its masterly combination of “outstanding tapas-style cuisine” (“yummy-ness guaranteed!”) and “excellent, interactive service”. “Sitting at the counter is a wonderful experience” but you can also book for larger parties or eating upstairs in ‘El Asador. Top Menu Tips – “the suckling pig… it’s an experience you will never forget”; “the cuttlefish and the monkfish dishes never disappoint”.

José P’s “busy, bustling, authentic Spanish restaurant” in his Bermondsey heartland (opposite his original tapas bar) wins consistent praise for “top-notch Hispanic cuisine (a nice mix of small and large sharing plates”), with “knowledgeable staff” on hand to “make you feel very special”. “A great place for a rowdy lunch with friends or a more intimate get-together with a partner”, it has “a wine list which encourages you to explore lesser-known Spanish varieties”. Top Menu Tip – “amazing jamon croquetas!”