I really don’t need much in life – just good mates, a nice glass of wine, and tapas that don’t taste like they’ve come from a Tesco meal deal.
I’m just saying there are places that are brave enough to charge £12 for a sad-looking chorizo, calling it “rustic.” And really, I admire the audacity.
Of course, I don’t want my fellow foodies to fall into a trap, thinking that every tapas restaurant is worth lining up for. True, London does have a lot of places that can make you curious. But those actually worth lining up for? That’s an entirely different list.
Trust and you’ll thank me later for this list.
1. Barrafina Dean Street
– Media credit iamkerem
Website: http://www.barrafina.co.uk/
Address: 26-27 Dean St, London
Price: $$
Barrafina just knows how to do Spanish Tapas right. The place is almost always full, and it’s sometimes a miracle just to get seated. Who could blame the patrons, though? Everything from the vibe to the food is authentic.
The anchovy tapas alone are worth waiting for, with their deep salty flavour that instantly wakes up your palate. The shishito peppers were also worth checking out. It’s mild and sweet, with a soft, juicy texture inside.
The pork Iberico cutlet is always a delight. The taste and texture are like a cross between pork and dry-aged steak. The naturally marbled fat keeps the meat moist, allowing for a tender yet crispy sear.
Pro Tip: If you’re able to, score a seat at the bar during lunchtime. It just feels less crowded, and it’s a nice spot to eat, even if you’re alone.
2. José Tapas Bar
– Media credit josepizarrorestaurants
Website: https://josepizarro.com/venues/jose-tapas-bar-bermondsey/
Address: 104 Bermondsey St, London
Price: $$
José Tapas Bar is my favourite spot whenever I want to enjoy great service and great food. Their selection alone is amazing – think jamon iberico, prawns and chilli garlic, and patatas bravas.
I do like the fried goat cheese with honey, as it easily pairs with red wine on a good sunny day. The cod fritters were also delicious, with a texture that pretty much glows in golden flakes. The fish itself isn’t briny but beautifully seasoned.
The place is small, but it does remind me of Spain’s gorgeous tiny villages. There’s just enough room to comfortably chat without shouting. Plus, it’s an open kitchen layout, so you can easily watch as the chef prepares food in front of you.
Pro Tip: Outside is a nice spot to enjoy your food, but seating is limited. By 5:00 PM, there’ll be enough room inside. It might be nice to consider if you’re dining with friends.
3. Sabor
– Media credit sabor_ldn
Website: http://www.saborrestaurants.co.uk/
Address: 35-37 Heddon St, London
Price: $$$
Sabor is one of my go-tos whenever I want to enjoy a more refined dining experience. It is pretty expensive here, but the quality of food and ambience more than make up for it.
Though their main courses aren’t a favourite, their tapas selection definitely hits the spot.
One of my usuals includes their tortilla gallega, an omelette made with potatoes and onions. It’s a Spanish classic that easily impresses with its well-packed ingredients that just burst in the mouth.
I also love the seafood rice here. It’s not fishy at all and almost had the same texture as risotto. The bits of seafood are just right and now overpowering, which I find best when paired with a glass of wine.
Pro Tip: There’s an upstairs area at the place, but the tables can be small for a group (it’s just right for a solo diner). Also, take note that the downstairs area is walk-in only – try to arrive as early as you possibly can!
4. Tapas Brindisa
– Media credit brindisa_tapas
Website: https://www.brindisakitchens.com/restaurant/tapas-brindisa-london-bridge/
Address: 18-20 Southwark St, London
Price: $$$
Tapas Brindisa never disappoints with its selection. For tapas, I absolutely love their olives stuffed with orange segments. The sweet-and-salty contrast is always a great starter, and it refreshes the palate for more savoury options.
There are many others I can recommend: gambas, squid, and potato bravas. Everything tastes well-balanced and never greasy. I always like their presentation too, keeping it simple and easy to take quick bites.
The place also cooks some of the sauciest pork bellies you’ll ever taste in your life. With an order or two of some strong margaritas, I can’t see why you won’t have a great time here. Just be prepared with the bill!
Pro Tip: For a dining experience more authentic to the Spanish cuisine, try and score a table at their outdoor terrace. It feels a lot less crowded there, so do consider it when the weather is pleasant.
5. Copita
– Media credit copitasoho
Website: http://copita.co.uk/
Address: 27 D’Arblay St, London
Price: $$
Copita doesn’t hold back when it comes to flavours – everything I’ve ever tried here was delicious and well-prepared. I absolutely loved their peppered steak, with just the right amount of smokiness and tenderness to it.
To match, the truffle goat cheese offered a nice balance of saltiness. The heirloom tomatoes and artichokes also offer a nice balance of refreshing flavours. Overall, I think it’s best if you order 4 tapas and up to really get the best of everything.
If you want to try something a little more into the seafood fare, try their softly-cooked scallops that almost melt in your mouth. The bacon-flavoured sauce makes it more divine.
Pro Tip: Want to avoid the crowd? The best time to arrive is around 6:00 PM. Tables are mostly empty by then.
6. Salt Yard
– Media credit saltyardrestaurants
Website: https://www.saltyard.co.uk
Address: 54 Goodge St, London
Price: $$
Salt Yard offers a stunning menu of some of the most delicious Spanish dishes I’ve ever tried in London. I always come back here for their Iberico ham. It’s rich, buttery, and has a nice fatty taste that lingers in the mouth.
The jamon croquettes are perfectly crispy on the outside, made even creamier with bechamel sauce. The patatas bravas are super addictive, and I often find myself ordering another plate of these after devouring the first.
If you want something with a bit more kick, you can’t go wrong with their prawns in chilli oil. For something a little heartier, though, the braised beef is the perfect way to start your meal.
Pro Tip: The wine selection in Salt Yard is a lot larger than that of other restaurants in the area. Take the time looking through options and asking for recommendations – you’re pretty much spoiled for choice!
7. Bar Kroketa
– Media credit bar_kroketa
Website: https://kroketa.co.uk/
Address: 21 Beak St, Carnaby, London
Price: $$
I enjoy this cosy Spanish restaurant for its wide-ranging menu and great selection of vegetarian options. They offer figs, padron peppers, pan con tomate, and pepper tortilla.
I also really liked their lamb dish here (though it leaned more towards Moroccan than Spanish). The spices are nice, and the meat is deliciously tender.
If you’re more into seafood, the crab toastie might be for you. The crab meat is generous and packed. You can definitely taste a mild sweetness, too, so you may want to reserve it for last.
The moment I first tasted their mushroom croquettes, I was hooked. It’s creamy and rich with a deep umami flavour. The squid ink croquettes are another great option. Smooth and savoury, it’s genuinely so addictive for seafood lovers.
Pro Tip: Compared to a few options in this list, Bar Kroketa is definitely on the more accessible side. I recommend ordering at least 6 tapas plates, as it wouldn’t hurt your pockets that much!
8. Morito
– Media credit moritotapas
Website: https://www.morito.co.uk/
Address: 32 Exmouth Market, London
Price: $$
With its rustic setting and casual venue, Morito is the perfect laidback spot for friends. The prices are reasonable for every tapas option, plus their wine list includes a lovely selection of natural, orange wines.
There are many things you can try, but I have a few regular orders here. One is their aubergine that’s drizzled with honey, and the other is their golden patatas bravas – the smoky tomato sauce alone is enough to make me come back.
The overall vibes of the place are also fun, making it feel like you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean all of a sudden. There’s soft music, good lighting, and a spacious dining space that makes group gatherings
Pro Tip: What makes this location even more fun is that there’s a Danish pub right in front. Eat something fancy here before making the trip across for some draft beer.
9. Dehesa
– Media credit dehesasoho
Website: https://www.dehesa.co.uk
Address: 25 Ganton St, Carnaby, London
Price: $$
Dehasa always has me coming back for tapas-style meals that won’t break the bank. The cod fillet is one of my favourites here. Its flaky, tender fish is elevated by its richly seasoned sauce.
The croquetas were just as nice with their golden, crisp shells and luxurious, creamy filling. Even the olives were good – they’re plump and briny, with a satisfying saltiness that awakens the palate.
The place itself was wonderful. It has a nice, quiet buzz that’s made lively by the sound of hushed conversations. The entire place is inviting, with a wine cellar and private dining area that’s ideal for more intimate meet-ups.
Pro Tip: If you’re coming during a relatively hot day, I recommend taking a table upstairs. It’s a bit stuffy downstairs and uncomfortable during crowded hours. There’s also a terrace for outdoor dining.
Pro Tip: If you’re coming during a relatively hot day, I recommend taking a table upstairs. It’s a bit stuffy downstairs and uncomfortable during crowded hours. There’s also a terrace for outdoor dining.
10. Ember Yard
– Media credit emberyardrestaurant
Website: https://www.emberyard.co.uk/
Address: 60 Berwick St, London
Price: $$$
Ember Yard offers an excellent range of tapas options. There are plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options, too, so they definitely cater to a wide range of diners.
For options, I have to give the crown to their chorizo dish. The signature paprika taste really shines through, and the slightly crisped edges give it a satisfying charred bite.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with their Jamón Iberico. It’s luxuriously rich and nutty, with the kind of marbled fat that simply melts in your mouth.
Whenever I want something light, I end up with their bean salad. The beans are tender but firm, and the hints of herbs and olive oil really give it a rich taste.
Pro Tip: No need for reservations – you’ll be surprised at how little the crowd is during lunchtime. Don’t take this for face value, though – the food here is great; it’s just occasionally empty considering the prices.
