London is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, and Spanish cuisine is no exception. The city boasts a wide range of Spanish restaurants, from traditional tapas bars to contemporary eateries that highlight Spain’s culinary traditions. With so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to start.
In this article, readers will discover the best Spanish restaurants in London. Whether they’re looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a plate of patatas bravas or an elegant restaurant to indulge in a multi-course tasting menu, this guide has got them covered. Along with recommendations for the top Spanish restaurants in the city, readers will also find practical tips for exploring London’s vibrant culinary scene.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- London offers a diverse range of Spanish restaurants, from traditional tapas bars to contemporary eateries.
- This guide provides recommendations for the best Spanish restaurants in the city, along with practical tips for exploring London’s culinary scene.
- Whether readers are looking for a casual spot to enjoy some tapas or an upscale restaurant for a special occasion, this guide has something for everyone.
Best Spanish Restaurants in London
Barrafina
Barrafina is a small chain of Spanish tapas bars with restaurants in Soho and Covent Garden. The restaurant offers a range of traditional tapas dishes such as tortilla, Iberico pork cheek, gambas al ajillo, and pan con tomate. The vegetable dishes are also excellent, with sophisticated choices like queso fresco and romesco-based dishes on the menu. Barrafina stands out for its seafood dishes, particularly the scallops and grilled octopus. The wine list is extensive, with prices on premium bottles going pretty much as high as you want.
Galicia
Galicia is located on Croydon high street and has been around since 1996. The restaurant has established a superb reputation for tapas and an extensive main menu which contains everything from paella to steaks and fish dishes. The tapas menu includes fresh favourites like marinated artichokes with jamón, gambas al ajillo, monkfish kebabs, and fabada, among many others. Galicia offers relaxed and informal vibes, suitable for all-comers, from singles to couples, families, and friends.
Tapas Brindisa
Tapas Brindisa is another small group of coveted Spanish restaurants with multiple locations across London. The menu varies depending on whether you’re at one of their restaurants in South Kensington, Battersea, Richmond, Soho, or London Bridge. The tapas menu features sublime dishes such as cider-cooked chorizo, grilled asparagus with Romesco sauce, chipirones, Padron peppers, various grilled meats and seafood, and fresh vegetable dishes. The extensive wine list is selected to complement the food, and the atmosphere is lively but relaxed — resulting in authentic Spanish restaurants with a characterful social buzz.
Parillan Borough Yards
Parillan Borough Yards is a Spanish restaurant located in the heart of Borough Market and offers a range of grilled meats and seafood cooked over an open flame. Chefs cook super-fresh dishes the traditional way, over open wood fires, with dishes like grilled fish, Galician steaks, and plenty of seasonal vegetables featuring heavily on the menu. On the terrace, guests can cook their own dishes over mini parillas (grills) – a really unique tapas experience for spring and summer. The atmosphere here is really laid back, especially on warm days when you can enjoy the terrace to its fullest.
Maresco
Maresco is a newcomer among the Spanish restaurant scene in London. It has quickly become known for serving authentic Spanish cuisine with locally sourced ingredients from across the UK. The seafood here is sublime, so if that’s your thing, then this tapas bar offers some exquisite dishes that marry authenticity and creativity with top ingredients. The menu changes often, but if the Fiduea with Langoustine just so happens to be on when you visit, drop everything and order a portion to share. The bar is compact with a relaxed buzz to it, just what a traditional tapas bar should be.
Pizarro
Pizarro is a Spanish restaurant in Bermondsey that serves a range of traditional Spanish mains. The pica dishes include croquettes and Padron peppers. The wine list is absolutely colossal, spanning eight pages of stunning cava, reds, whites, and roses, sherry, and authentic Spanish liqueurs and spirits. Pizarro is a high-quality tapas joint with a great mixture of authentic dishes and modern twists on all your favorites. The roomy rustic environment has plenty of space for singles, couples, and groups of any size.
Camino
Camino has multiple locations across London, including King’s Cross, Monument, and Shoreditch. The menu features a massive selection of meat, seafood, and vegetables, as well as tapas dishes such as Spanish omelette, patatas bravas, and chorizo al vino. Add to this larger dishes like exquisite grilled steak, Arroz Negro, and seafood paella, and it’s no wonder Camino is raved about so much. The meat and cheeses here are incredible, and the steaks are tremendously indulgent. The desserts are also excellent, like the indulgent Galician chocolate al’orujo.
Iberica
Iberica is a group of Spanish restaurants with multiple locations across London, including Canary Wharf, Marylebone, and Victoria. Iberica’s flagship restaurant in Marylebone has a superb reputation with a stunning interior designed by Spanish architect Lázaro Rosa Violán. The Michelin-starred chef’s lovingly crafted menu is a real treat for tapas fans, with classic dishes like patatas bravas and croquettas mixed with more creative dishes like marinated monkfish and wild boar fideua (pasta paella). A wonderful array of cheeses and cured meats completes this epic
Practical Tips for Exploring The Best Spanish Restaurants
When exploring the best Spanish restaurants, keep in mind that some venues may focus solely on tapas while others offer larger meals. However, tapas is flexible and allows you to choose as little or as much as you want. Sharing dishes is common practice, and many tapas bars offer large plates in addition to small plates, which may offer better value for money. Be sure to check the menu before deciding on a restaurant to ensure it meets your dining preferences.