Not all “Spanish” restaurants or tapas bars truly offer REAL Spanish delicacies. This is why I’ll be taking you around London with a list of the 20 best SPANISH restaurants in London.
There are over 300 good Spanish restaurants in London. The qualities are good and guaranteed to give you quite the experience.
You can say these businesses are doing their best to serve you and put just you first because it is all about you.
What does thinking of Spanish food make you envisage? For me, it’s a feeling of nostalgia. Enjoy hearty, traditional recipes with classic paella and Iberica pork whilst sipping on a cold Cerveza.
Don’t worry; chances are that less than 10 minutes away, you will find the perfect spot that will transport you back to Espana. Also, you may want to check out our article on the best Portuguese restaurants in London or the best Filipino restaurants in London for an additional dining experience.
Now, let’s dive into the meat and juice of the details now, shall we?
Table of Contents
Top 10 Best Spanish Restaurants In London 2022
I’m excited to share with you our review of the 10 best Spanish restaurants in London. Some of these belong to groups such as Ibérica, Hispania, Cambio de Tercio and more.
1. El Norte
El Norte is my new favourite classic Spanish restaurant in London. This restaurant and bar are situated on Mayfair’s Dover Street.
Traditional dishes include octopus lamb chops, croquetas, patatas bravas, prawns, and truffle omelette. They serve tomato, asparagus, white chocolate and pistachio, oxtail meatballs, filet mignon, and more.
The bar offers sangria. They have unique beverages I’d never tried.
Londoners love El Norte’s delicious meals and art deco layout. It’s romantic for couples and great for groups.
Post-pandemic, El Norte has impressed Londoners. It’s one of London’s most romantic Spanish restaurants because of this.
The bar, as well as the restaurant area, are in a pleasant, spacious setting, great for a business lunch or an evening drink.
El Norte celebrates Northern Spanish cuisine with modern recipes. Desserts, late-night cuisine, wine, and cocktails are served. Book beforehand to be escorted to your table.
El Norte’s Spanish interior charms me immediately. Spacious, sleek, and stylish.
The restaurant has tasselled lighting, chestnut-green carpets, and whirling banquettes.
Wine bottles are elegantly displayed, while guitar pops create the mood.
This is one of few London spots open until 1.30 am. Our professional crew reviewed El Norte upon opening and was impressed; we’re sure you’ll agree.
- Address: 19-20 Dover St, London W1S 4LU, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 20 3154 8182
- Website: www.el-norte.co.uk
2. Barrafina
Barrafina restaurants are a group of Spanish, tapas bars, operated by brothers Sam and Eddie Hart. It is not just one of the best spots for Spanish delicacy seekers; it’s among the best that we have been to.
Due to the central location of Barrafina (in Soho), it can be difficult to get a table due to its popularity, so allow some wait time just in case..
However, it is worth the wait, as you can enjoy dishes inspired by Mallorcan and Catalan cuisines such as coca Mallorquina (a Mallorcan-style pizza) and a wine list full of Spanish bottles.
The kitchen is wide open, allowing diners the opportunity to see their food prepared by a team of expert chefs. What’s better than that?
Sam and Eddie Hart were inspired by Cal Pep (Barcelona) to create this bar where Iberian ham dishes, potato omelette, fried squid, and octopus are served to the London masses.
It’s a bar with 23 stalls in the heart of London’s Soho. Just go, sit down and enjoy; it’s as simple as that. The kitchen was once managed by Nieves Barragán, a Spanish chef from Bilbao.
Editor’s Note: As of 2019 Nieves Barragán started working on her restaurant, Sabor. Barrafina now has four locations in London.
- Address: 26-27 Dean St, London W1D 3LL, (Plus additional locations)
- Phone: +44 20 7813 8016
- Website: www.barrafina.co.uk
3. Aqua Neuva
Aqua Neuva, located in the middle of the West End, is also one of London’s best Spanish restaurants. Foods here range from £30 to £80, and you can find a selection of Mediterranean, European and Spanish food on the menu.
Their special diets are vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. This is not just a destination for filling your stomach; it’s famous for its roof terrace that lets you soak up the view of the West End of London.
The foods they offer are utterly delicious, and the waiters are super friendly! The treatment is beautiful, and professional as well as makes you want to come back for more.
Jose Miguel, the waiter, chef Antonio and Head Chef Yahir Gonzalez at Aqua Neuva all deserve a special mention They deliver what is promised, are attentive and provide impeccable service.
Starting with the location, which is very romantic and the service is exceptional. On the right evening, you might also come across the waiter José who will explain all of the dishes available to you, providing you with that feeling of being well looked after..
Aqua Neuva is sophisticated, and has a lot of charm; plus the music accompanies the atmosphere perfectly. The terrace is where you might want to spend your evening.
If you love attention, this is where you get it because the team here takes their time to explain and even give suggestions if you have too many good dishes on the menu you want to try.
However, you have to make a reservation about three days before. But if you can’t make it, simply cancel your reservation two hours ahead of time.
- Address: 5th Floor 240 Regent Street, (Entrance 30 Argyll St) W1F 7EB, London W1B 3BR, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 20 7478 0540
- Website: www.aquanueva.co.uk
4. Hispania
Hispania is still a relatively new eating space among the restaurants and tapas bars in the British capital. Several Spanish partners (including Javier Fernández Hidalgo, former partner of Ibérica) launched Hispania in 2013 spring.
It’s a restaurant of almost a thousand square meters, located in London’s financial district, a stone’s throw from the Bank of England.
As a gastronomic advisor, they have Marcos Morán, chef at Casa Gerardo in Prendes (Asturias), where he manages the business with his father, Pedro Morán.
The Asturian chef has designed the menu, which is carried out daily by Iván Ortiz and Neftalí Cumplido.
Here’s where to get dishes such as migas sautéed with garlic sausage and low-temperature egg or a ‘crunchy cheese bite’.
It’s a young team making a niche for themselves in a market as broad and complex as London.
It’s conceived as a business for clients from the business and financial sectors. Hispania opens early in the morning for breakfast and lunch, while it closes at night and on weekends.
In the London restaurant, they offer, among others, paella or black rice, but all in the concept of tapas, designed to share. The services at the kitchen are fast due to the popularity of the place and the pace of life of Londoners.
- Address: 72-74 Lombard St. London EC3V 9AY.
- Phone: +44 20 7621 0338, +44 20 7621 0338
5. Iberica Marylebone
If you want to transport yourself to Spain for a few hours, Ibérica is one of the places to consider. Founded in 2008 by Marcos Fernández, the Ibérica group has seven restaurants in the United Kingdom.
They have in Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds and London, where you can find four of them (Marylebone, Farringdon, Canary Wharf, and Victoria). The one in Canary Wharf has a terrace with a pretty funky concept and a beach bar.
Its Executive Chef and gastronomic advisor, Nacho Manzano, has three Michelin stars.
Ibérica Marylebone has just celebrated 13 years in London. In addition to having Asturian Nacho Manzano as gastronomic director, it also has César García as the chef responsible for the Ibérica kitchens.
When you go to Ibérica, the kitchen aims to give you a decent image of Spanish cuisine. The objective is to show the most authentic flavours of Spanish cuisine under a mixture of the traditional and the contemporary.
Since Ibérica was conceptualized and opened, it has dealt directly with producers to import Spanish products.
Each place, elegantly decorated by the Barcelona designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán, has a unique and creatively designed structure.
When you look at its interiors, you can find everything from mosaics to imitated tapas bars in Andalusia to old maps, paintings and pots that celebrate Asturian Celtic heritage.
Without compromising quality or the product, Iberica seeks to prepare the dishes as quickly as possible.
However, if you want to bring a change to your taste, then you can also find some of the best steak restaurants in London.
- Address: 195 Great Portland St, London W1W 5PS, United Kingdom.
- Phone +44 20 7636 8650
- Website: www.ibericarestaurants.com
6. Cambio De Tercio/Change Of Third
Cambio de Tercio is one of London’s leading Spanish chefs. The company’s first location opened in 1995.
Cambio de Tercio, a group with four businesses, opened it. Cambio de Tercio, Tendido Cero, Tendido Cuatro, tapas and paella, and Capote & Toros, ham and sherry bar.
La Rioja’s Abel Lusa owns the group. Lusa said they couldn’t be adventurous at first because they were unknown.
Once the restaurant was full, they started serving modern food. As the first Spanish restaurant in London, they’ve grown.
Cambio de Tercio and other restaurants serve modern English and Spanish food. Alberto Criado oversees Cambio de Tercio’s modern cuisine.
It’s a restaurant, but they emphasize concepts. They opened a sherry bar to support London sherry. Spain and the UK are the world’s largest sherry consumers. Cambio de Tercio is defending it.
Bright, modern interiors match the restaurant’s exciting food. The menu features a variety of complex dishes.
Visitors can enjoy a Wagyu beef tapas platter and more.
- Address: 163 Old Brompton Rd, London SW5 0LJ, United Kingdom.
- Phone: +44 20 7244 8970
- Website: www.cambiodeterico.co.uk
7. Jose Pizarro
‘Godfather’ or ‘king of tapas’ are some of the names given to the popular Spanish foodpreneur and chef José Pizarro, thanks to his popularity in London. He owns the restaurant branded in his name, and it’s one of the best restaurants In London.
He has an authentic crack for Spanish cuisine, which you can enjoy in any of his three restaurants in London. These include José Tapas Bar, Pizarro Restaurant, and José Pizarro Broadgate.
With more than 18 years in the English city, Pizarro is one of the culinary references for Spanish food in London. Likewise, Jose Pizarro is the most mediatic Spanish chef in the United Kingdom, and among his television appearances, Saturday Kitchen on BBC1 stands out.
Furthermore, in May 2014, José was chosen as one of the ‘100 Spaniards’, a prestigious award that showcases the 100 best Spaniards from around the world.
It doesn’t end there; this Spaniard is the author of four cookbooks: Seasonal Spanish Food (Kyle Books, 2009), Spanish Flavors (Kyle Books, 2012), Basque (Hardie Grant, 2016) and his latest work, Catalonia.
Jose Pizarro and his restaurants have acted in the proper role of ambassador of Spanish cuisine in the British capital. He describes himself as a cook who bases on very traditional cuisine.
At his Jose Pizarro restaurant, he offers breakfast meals, wine, beer, dessert, and late-night drinks and tapas. On the menu, you’ll find food such as pluma Iberica with baked potatoes, tortilla de patatas, King prawns with chilli and garlic, Sangria, beer and more.
- Address: 194 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3TJ, UK.
- Phone: +44 20 7378 9455
- Website: www.josepizzaro.com
8. Camino King’s Cross
A trip through Spain, from north to south, in the summer of 1984 was the inspiration for creating this project, Camino.
Its founder and managing director, Richard Bigg, noted that the landscape, the people and the lifestyle made a great impression and left a burning need to recreate a piece of Spain in London.
The first Camino opened its doors in 2007, and since then, they have been learning and evolving. Its executive chef, Spaniard Nacho del Campo, uses premium seasonal ingredients to create bold and fresh tapas.
This group has different locations in London: Kings Cross, Blackfriars, Monument, Shoreditch and Bankside.
Camino prides itself on staying true to its Spanish roots. To keep the food to a high standard, staff are regularly sent to Spain for training and apprenticeship.
Chef Nacho del Campo worked to create a menu inspired by Spain’s diverse culinary culture, presented in a modern style.
The restaurant offers diners Cornish monkfish wrapped in bacon with a leek gratin and romesco sauce. Spanish wines, brunches, platters, and tapas are all abundant here.
Guests can also order roasted suckling Segovian pig at least 48 hours in advance. It has the traditional style of an environment, which features a wood space and informal brick decor. The terrace also makes it a place to be.
- Address: The Regent Quarter 3 Varnishers Yard, London N1 9FD, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 20 7841 7331
- Website: www.camino.uk.com
9. Tapas Revolution
Tapas Revolution has different locations in the United Kingdom: Westfield, London; Birmingham, Grand Central; Kent, Bluewater; Sheffield, Meadowhall; Newcastle, Eldon Square; and Bath, Southgate.
According to its chef and founder, Omar Allibhoy, Tapas Revolution’s story began with drawing a T on the map of England and travelling on a motorcycle for two weeks, cooking for everyone they met along the way.
In addition, within their philosophy, they highlight that food, like life, is best shared with friends and loved ones. And tapas are the embodiment of sharing. Eating from the same plate enhances conversations, encourages adventurous eating, and brings people closer together.
Tapas Revolution is one of the best food spots in London. It’s beautiful as their food is tasty.
Types of cuisine offered here include Mediterranean, European, Spanish, and Catalan food.
On the menu, you’ll find ham croquette, broken eggs, chorizo with cider, meatballs in sauce, and honey lemon chicken wings. You can also order Moruno skewers with picón mojo.
Diners commented about Tapas Revolution’s excellent food quality and waiter’s attention, especially with the excellent attention that Katerina and others give. She’s a very beautiful host that’s quite friendly and talkative, very polite and attentive to details.
Are you one of those who enjoy a good chat, as well as a good-tasting meal? Do not hesitate to visit Tapas Revolution. I think it’s a magical place that reminds you of being at home.
- Address: Westfield Shopping Centre, The Balcony, London W12 7SL, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 20 8743 9934
- Website: www.tapasrevolution.com
10. StreetXO London
After years of uncertainty, David Muñoz opened his food shop in London, and he has risen out from the horizon for his unique servings.
StreetXO London is an underground space and a geek spot in the elegant neighbourhood of Mayfair. Its offers are a Spanish fusion, both for the product and the preparations.
Although to understand their food culture, you have to know the cuisine well because their dishes go beyond the typical Spanish food.
I’m talking about unusual shrimp omelette and saffron alioli. Rossejat with black noodles, prawns and squid seasoned with chilli sauce.
Japanese grilled pigeon (robata) with Manchego crumbs. Chorizo from León and the superb “la Pedroche” style croquettes.
So, StreetXO London is where to get foods with Spanish flavours under an Asian guise, or something like that. Their foods are accompanied by unique cocktails, which have been well received in the British capital.
Everything here is great except for a couple of things. Some have been complaining that the music is too loud. This could be perfect for a few drinks and a snack at night, but not for a meal.
Also, they always have people waiting; queues of more than half an hour and sometimes you can’t reserve.
Several diners have complained about the long dining tables. The setting seems like you’re eating on the scaffolding of a construction site!
Regardless, it is worth eating there because the dishes are exquisite. It’s a modern as well as an elegant restaurant.
You can order cocktails, Peking Dumplings, Jalapeño oysters, and croquettes. The socarrat served is also very tasty, and finally, the Lasagna can drive you crazy.
Half of the staff were Spanish, so there was no language barrier to understanding the sophisticated dishes.
- Address: 15 Old Burlington St, (Mayfair)
- Phone: +44 20 3096 7555
- Website: www.streetxo.com
Top 20 Best Spanish Restaurants In London 2022
Aside from Spanish cuisines, you may also check our article on the best Peruvian restaurants in London and discover more delicious food for your taste buds!
I’m not done; next, I’ll show you the rest of my list of the best Spanish restaurants in London England. They may not be as popular as the first 10, but you’ll love their pricing and other perks.
11. Sagardi
Sagardi is a Basque restaurant that you can also call a butcher’s shop located in Shoreditch. Iñaki López de Viñaspre and his team are determined to show the world the Basque grill and they have succeeded at that.
Their food could not be simpler: pinchos at the bar and traditional Basque cuisine in the dining room. Cod omelette, chilli peppers, a good steak, Cantabrian fish, and more.
In the multiracial, the young as well as the gastronomic neighbourhood of Shoreditch, to the east of London, they have found their place in the British capital.
Their objective is to spread the Basque gastronomic culture. Their cuisine is simple.
They respect the product, the producer, and the diners to the maximum. Sagardi loves fire and likes to cook on the grill.
In my opinion, they offer the best steak in London with a taste of Spain. It’s where you can also have excellent croquettes, octopus, seasonal artichoke, and Basque poured cider.
You’ll enjoy their mushroom croquettes, txistorra (also called Chistorra), black pudding and the Galician premium. They’re all cooked without spoiling the product, maintaining its original flavour.
I repeat they have the best txuleta steak in London. Expensive, yes. But it’s worth it; until the last cent!
But you can save money with our Eating In London V.I.P Membership.
They have Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish waiters who will give you the Mediterranean atmosphere. The only negative point is the grilled octopus was too hard and could be improved.
- Address: Cordy House, 95 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3BS, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 02038020478
- Website: www.sagardi.co.uk
12. Eneko Basque Kitchen & Bar
Eneko Kitchen is a perfectly adapted Basque corner in London that I also heartily recommend. Eneko’s goal to go out and conquer the world began in Thailand but has found its home in London.
The Basque kitchen and bar are owned by Chef Eneko Atxa. Head chef Edurne Martín also helps in keeping with the elegant cuisine presented by the Biscayan chef.
The kitchen also has head pastry chef Alice Serafini. So, Eneko is a place to get food, drinks, and pastries.
Eneko Atxa is not committed to tapas but to haute cuisine and the tasting menu. The location of the kitchen close to One Aldwych hotel, and just a stone’s throw from Covent Garden, makes it a favourite of many.
The kitchen has always helped bring the Basque spirit closer to Spanish Londoners. Its aim is for them to learn to love Spanish products.
Tasty meals range from the traditional corn stalk to baby squid. Textured cauliflower or beet tartar can be found here. Txacoli and cider are not lacking on the wine list.
They also serve the great risotto with mushrooms. Their meat is very tasty, and the desserts are also delicious.
The price of wines is a bit high as in the rest of London and even the UK.
However, one side perk you may like is that it’s superbly located close to must-sees, attractions, shows, etc.
The kitchen has a nice and cosy design, with fantastic gastronomy. Their staff offers guests good attention and friendliness.
- Address: One, Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 20 7300 0300. Average price: £90
- Website: www.eneko.london
13. Boqueria
Inspired by the Sant Josep de la Boquería market in Barcelona, this gastronomic group is known for their good food and good wine.
The tapas restaurant is dedicated to bringing Spanish delicacies close to Spanish in diaspora working, living or having leisure in the British capital.
Boquería is characterized by its authentic Spanish dishes and recipes of great quality, with a contemporary serving.
It was included in the Michelin guide in 2013 and 2014 and received the Tripadvisor certificate in 2013. It was also the 2014 London
Restaurant Good Food Guide Readers winner and the 2012 Best Cheap Eats Award winner.
In my opinion, it is the best Spanish tapas restaurant in London. The waiters are very friendly and willing to help.
It’s highly recommended for ex-pats who miss Spain and for English folks who want to discover quality Spanish food.
You’ll find Spanish tapas of the highest quality with good wines and a good atmosphere. I recommend having their bravas, croquettes, squid, as well as coca bread with tomato.
You’ll also like their salmon with avocado!
Their scrambled eggs with ham, accompanied by cool Verdejo wine, is also a great combination at Boqueria.
Many diners who also left reviews about their experience at the restaurant were pleasantly surprised at the service: attention, speed and sympathy, knowing the menu perfectly and professionalism.
- Address: 192 Acre Ln, London SW2 5UL, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 20 7733 4408
- Website: www.boqueriatapas.com
14. Brindisa
Brindisa undoubtedly serves some of the best tapas in London, and it’s one of the best Spanish restaurants on London bridge.
However, it is primarily an importer of Spanish foods, including hams, cheeses and other Iberian mainstays, to London and the UK.
It produces traditional recipes in a cosy atmosphere, decorated with photographs of the beautiful Spanish countryside on fiery red walls.
The ham served as such or drizzled with oilseeds and olive pomegranate is a real treat. The chicken livers, combined with toast, are succulent and crisp.
The workers are very friendly, the restaurant is well designed, and they serve delicious tapas and ice cream.
The restaurant, which is located in Borough Market, is perfect to eat some tapas on a sunny Sunday. The prawns are also quite good!
Meanwhile, the tapas, although delicious, is not the same as in Spain, which is loose. But their Iberico ham is very good.
The croquettes, the ham, the tortilla and the sausage are quite tasty. But the amount they serve is relatively small.
So, to be able to eat, you have to spend a fortune. The drink is costly as well.
But I liked that the very attentive staff spoke perfect Spanish. All in all, it’s a place to feel at home for at least a while.
However, note that Brindisa does not accept reservations. Also, as I mentioned, nothing on their menu is cheap, but in London nothing good is!
- Address: 18-20, Borough Market, Southwark St, London SE1 1TJ, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 20 7357 8880
- Website: www.brindisakitchens.com
15. Copita
Outfitted with soft lighting and chocolate-coloured outside tables, Copita is great for a quiet, maybe even romantic, dinner.
The place is right in the centre of Soho, serving up exquisite small plates of tapas. Here, you can have pork cheeks slow-cooked in sherry, duck egg yolk with piquillo peppers and white truffle, or an aubergine stew.
Copita also has an extensive list of Spanish wines. After the main courses, the desserts come in similarly small sizes, and customers are allowed to sample a few.
For dessert, they also serve carrot cake with curry yoghurt, which was strange but nice.
Certainly, it’s a nice modern restaurant with casual seating in the heart of Soho.
Like tapas, everything comes out when it’s ready, so you can order as needed. You can have garlic baby squid and mushroom croquettes.
Their courgette omelette is great, the crispy pork belly with apple sauce is very fatty, and the chicken with harissa is some of the highlights at Copita.
The place is very well designed and decorated; and very important, they have very good separation between tables.
This isn’t easy to find in London, where you always hear the conversation from the next table. It is a significant factor for business meals.
It also has a bar where you can quietly have a bottle of wine before eating or a drink afterwards.
- Address: 27 D’Arblay St, London W1F 8EP, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 20 7287 7797
- Website: www.copita.co.uk
16. El Pirata of Mayfair
A modern and experimental space, El Pirata is popular in the world of Spanish food. This restaurant uses fusion cooking techniques to bring out the best in flavours.
Among the many fans of the restaurant are Sienna Miller, Noel Gallagher, and Gordon Ramsay. Dishes like crispy fried calamari with paprika offered by El Pirata will tempt any guest’s palate.
The food is accompanied by a large selection of wines to choose from. You can have all kinds of Spanish food here, from tapas to paellas.
They have more traditional dishes such as fabada, meatballs, Andalusian squid, and everything a Spaniard can imagine.
You’ll have wines from all over Spain to select from at a reasonable price at the level of London. Everything is expensive if you compare it with Spain.
Another important point to consider is that all its staff speak and understand Spanish perfectly. So, it’s a great place for Spaniards who are yet to master the language.
One thing I also like about El Pirata is that it’s a place located just about 300m from Buckingham Palace.
Still, you can dine on a menu for £25 per person. The dishes do not have much quantity, but you’ll have a lot of items in the dishes.
It is a large restaurant, with two floors and it’s very well decorated. The basement is cosier than the top floor. They have a section of the menu for vegetarians and Spanish wines and beers.
Reservations are almost essential as it is always full and only open for dinner service. The waiters are very friendly, and the food tastes like what you get in Spain.
- Address: 5 – 6 Down St, London W1J 7AQ, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 20 7491 3810
- Website: www.elpirata.co.uk
17. Mesón Don Felipe
In the lively neighbourhood of Waterloo, an area full of train stations is Mesón Don Felipe. This is one of the first tapas bars in London. That is probably why I think it deserves a place on the list of the top Spanish restaurants in London.
The restaurant first opened its doors in 1987. The selection of tapas includes garlic prawns, fried fish, spinach with pine nuts, and even the legendary Iberian ham.
Close to Waterloo Station, this bustling little inn brings the best of Spanish tapas and wines to London. This is where you can have good
Spanish food at a very affordable price in London.
I recommend that you order no more than two tapas at first per person as the quantity of food here is a bit generous.
First, you can order meatballs and then patatas bravas that are freshly made, escalivada, padrón pepper, and more.
And it is worth mentioning the great wine and beer list, such as Estrella Galicia, Mahou, 1906, etc., all at very affordable prices.
On the other hand, chicken and seafood paella are available from Monday to Friday for lunch, starting at £2.95. They serve you this in Tupperware.
But what I liked the most was the dessert, such as the cheesecake with berries, Catalan cream and the Santiago cake with ice cream.
The staff here speak Spanish and English, are super friendly, and Santiago and Nuria stand out.
The location is in Waterloo, which has bus stops 171, 176,168,68, and 59, and the subway stops at Waterloo, next to the river and Big Ben.
- Address: 53 The Cut, London SE1 8LF, United Kingdom.
- Phone: +44 20 7928 3237
- Website: www.mesondonfelipe.co.uk
18. Morito
The little sister of Moro, a restaurant right next door, Morito is a tapas bar operated by the same team. While lunchtimes can be reserved, dinner is served on a strict order basis.
The restaurant is very popular, so it is important to arrive early to avoid disappointment. The dishes are typically Spanish, with fish as well as cured meats.
Moreover, there are also several sweet dishes, such as Malaga raisin cream as well as the chocolate mousse with olive oil.
With the same quality as at Moro, you’ll get lower prices. Going there is perfect for a Saturday dinner of tapas and a Spanish beer in the centre of London.
The croquettes served are homemade, and they are perfect.
They serve delicious beetroot among other usual sweet tapas, like chorizo, prawns as well as pan con tomato. They offer friendly efficient service.
Morito is a real winner on a street that has plenty of choices, especially from the Moro restaurant that is next door.
Every Sunday throughout October, Morito holds its Fiesta de Marisco. This kicks off with a cocktail party followed by fabulous seafood tapas dishes.
Mussels, octopus, squid, sea bass and scallops are among the prepared dishes, and the flavours are excellent.
The cafe is usually packed to bursting, giving it a great atmosphere. And owners/chefs Sam and Sam Clark explain the menu before the party starts.
- Address: 32 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QE, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 20 7278 7007
- Website: www.morito.co.uk
19. Salt Yard
This restaurant, associated with the equally popular Ember Yard, is a high-class deli bar. It focuses on the importance of sourcing its cured meats.
Unlike some of London’s other Spanish restaurants and tapas, Salt Yard is a far cry from the buzzing Brindisa or El Morito. The highlight of their menu comes in the form of delicate zucchini flowers stuffed with honey cheese.
Every month, the Salt Yard publishes a recipe book, allowing customers to go home and make their dishes. How thoughtful!
Here is where you can eat good ham croquettes, octopus, Iberian prey, chicken, and leeks with goat curl cheese. You wouldn’t be happier.
The waitresses are very nice and speak Spanish. On the ground floor, you can see the team preparing the food.
They offer a good selection of Spanish-Italian tapas, all very tasty, great three-course meals with complimentary prosecco.
There is also a good selection of wines. Their Montepulciano Brindisi is excellent!
However, this isn’t the place for budget diners. They’ll be disappointed with the size of the plates.
The fish and meat dishes are quite expensive for the amount of food on the plate.
The Padrón peppers are also very expensive, as well as the courgette flower and the asparagus.
Certainly, the food is tasty, however, the quantity on the plate was questionable for many diners. So, I think this is not the place to come if you’re hungry.
- Address: 54 Goodge St, London W1T, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 20 7637 0657
- Website: www.saltyardgroup.co.uk
20. Bar Esteban
Bar Esteban, located in North London, brings sunny Spain to cloudy London.
It’s a bar and restaurant specializing in traditional tapas and typical dishes, alongside a host of more contemporary specialities with exciting twists.
The casual Spanish tapas restaurant in Crouch End is inspired by the Brooklyn dining culture of New York City.
The menu includes dishes such as ham or cod croquettes, charcuterie boards, and crispy tomatoes and chickpeas.
The food is accompanied by fantastic wines, some of which come from Spain, although there are also options from other parts of Europe.
They offer good tapas and cocktails, thanks to Matías, the cocktail maker.
The wine is great; the Rioja Blanco is smooth. All the tapas are very tasty. So are the peppers, ox cheek, beets, octopus and the crispy chickpeas.
This is local Spanish tapas bar is extraordinary in every way: excellent service, amazing white wine and cherries, and of course, delicious dishes!
You can try the octopus, the sweet eggplant, the padrón peppers, the croquettes, as well as the oysters are obviously of good quality. The croquettes were delicious.
This tapas bar is the place if you’re looking for authentic traditional Spanish food that is done right. The place had a camaraderie atmosphere.
The staff were lovely from the barman to the manager who will take time to talk to you and advise on the dishes.
- Address: 29 Park Rd, London N8 8TE, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 20 8340 3090
- Website: www.baresteban.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best Spanish restaurants in London?
Some of the best London Spanish Restaurants 2022 are Aqua Nueva, Barrafina, Copita, Camino King’s Cross, Hispania and Iberica Marylebone, to name a few. They defend the Spanish cuisine; they are ambassadors of its pantry; and, above all, they fight to dignify the ‘made in Spain’ offer. In addition, they do all this in a restless, cosmopolitan, and competitive market like London.
What is the best Spanish restaurant in London and why?
Barrafina, for me, is the overall best Spanish restaurant in London as they have been in the British capital for more than fifteen years. They earned the Michelin star in 2014 and are true ambassadors of Spanish gastronomy in London, a city with cosmopolitan gastronomic needs.
What are some Spanish restaurants that have good but inexpensive food in London?
In my opinion, Mesón Don Felipe is one of the best affordable Spanish London restaurants in the UK. Copita and Boqueria are also good-quality but cheap Spanish restaurants in London.
How do I get a good Spanish restaurant in London?
To get a good Spanish restaurant in London, first, check out my full review, which includes the reviews of the 20 best spots in the city. Another tip for finding the best one is by making a search on Google or Trip Advisor as well as reading the user reviews.
Which vegetarian Spanish restaurant must I visit in London?
Copita is one of the best Spanish restaurants in London for vegetarians, according to those who have tried their vegetarian-friendly dishes. El Pirata of Mayfair and Aqua Neuva are also ideal for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free food options.
What are the best restaurants in London for Spanish foods?
Some of the best restaurants in London for getting Spanish foods include El Norte, Aqua Neuva, Barrafina, Hispania, Iberica Marylebone, Cambio De Tercio, Jose Pizarro, Camino King’s Cross, Tapas Revolution, as well as StreetXO London.
What is the best Spanish restaurant?
According to the world’s 50 Best Restaurants awards event in 2021, Asador Etxebarri is the best Spanish restaurant. It’s the third-best restaurant in the world. Enjoy Barcelona restaurant is in the fifth position, while Elkano is also in 16th place. Mugaritz is in 14th, DiverXO rises to 20th place, and Azurmendi occupies rank 49.
Conclusion
I have shown you a selection of the 20 best Spanish restaurants in London. These belong to groups such as Brindisa, Hispania, Ibérica, Boquería and Cambio de Tercio.
These top restaurants have indigenous Spanish chefs who have received numerous awards as well as recognition from the gastronomic world.
Furthermore, if you want to go for some tapas with some beers in an informal plan with your friends, I suggest you go to Brindisa. Certainly, they can be a good option for those who wish to try a little of everything.
Read also our article about the best Italian restaurants in London and surely it will be a good read for you!
Do you want something more formal? Or you want to savour the best of Spanish cuisine prepared by chefs such as Marcos Morán or chefs who have worked in the kitchens of El Bulli.
Then I suggest you reserve your table at “Hispania”, in the City of London, where you can enjoy incredible Asturian dishes. Remember that Hispania is only open from Monday to Friday.
One of the latest entrants into the Spanish gastronomic scene in London has been the Boquería. There, you can enjoy a good menu, with reasonable prices and you’ll be attended to by very attentive and friendly staff.
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