The guide to the best tapas in London

The guide to the best tapas in London

Spain's popular tapas dishes are favourites all over the world, so it's no wonder that they've also gained a loyal following in the culinary mecca that is London. The small plates are the perfect accompaniment to sociable meals with friends and family, letting you share a variety of Spanish delicacies while sipping a fine vintage or refreshing cocktails. We've put together a selection of the best spots for tapas in London – a tapas board of tapas bars, if you will – to help you find your next spot for a nibble. Read on to discover the best tapas restaurants in the city.

Daniel Sheppard, Content Writer UK, Thatsup Daniel Sheppard, Content Writer UK, Thatsup
Daniel Sheppard
  1. The best tapas restaurants in London
    1. 1
      Barrafina Top-notch tapas
    2. 2
      Tapas Brindisa Bodega vibes
    3. 3
      BiBo Andalusian cuisine from renowned chef
    4. 4
      Boqueria A taste of Barcelona
    5. 5
      El Pirata Award-winning Spanish restaurant
    6. 6
      Moro & Morito Tapas from all over the Mediterranean
    7. 7
      The Little Taperia Traditional and modern tapas
    8. 8
      Salt Yard Where Spain and Italy meet
    9. 9
      José Pizarro The Godfather of Spanish cuisine in the UK
    10. 10
      Barrica & Copita Convivial tapas bars
    11. 11
      The Tapas Room Genuine Basque and Spanish wines and beers
    12. 12
      Cambio de Tercio Rafael Nadal's favourite
    13. 13
      Escocesa Seafood specialists
    14. 14
      Lobos Unabashedly carnivorous
    15. 15
      Lurra Bask in the glory of Basque grilling
    16. 16
      Sabor Two floors of Michelin-starred cooking
    17. 17
      Donostia Upmarket Basque tapas
    18. 18
      Parrillan If you want something done, do it yourself
    19. 19
      Ibérica Authentic Iberian fine dining
    20. 20
      Bar Tozino Jamón jamón
    21. 21
      Twist Connubio Tapas with an international twist
    22. 22
      L'Oculto Descended from one of the most popular tapas spots in town
    23. 23
      Bar Douro Tapas from across the border
    24. 24
      Mar i Terra Laidback, familial ambiance
    25. 25
      Tranga Galician restaurant and market
    26. 26
      The Port House Candlelit and intimate
    27. 27
      Hispania The biggest home of Spanish gastronomy in Europe
    28. 28
      Broken Eggs Total tortilla
    29. 29
      Bar Kroketa Crunchy and satisfying
    30. 30
      Penelope's Tapas with a twist
    31. 31
      Jamon Jamon Classic recipes

The best tapas restaurants in London

Barrafina Dean Street Barrafina Adelaide Street Barrafina Borough Yards Barrafina Coal Drops Yard Barrafina Drury Lane
Barrafina Dean Street
barrafina.co.uk
Barrafina Adelaide Street
barrafina.co.uk/restaurants/adelaide-street
Barrafina Borough Yards
barrafina.co.uk/restaurants/borough-yards
Barrafina Coal Drops Yard
barrafina.co.uk/restaurants/coal-drops-yard
Barrafina Drury Lane
barrafina.co.uk/restaurants/drury-lane
Barrafina Drury Lane
@barrafinalondon
Barrafina Adelaide Street
@barrafinaadelaidespecials
Barrafina Dean Street Barrafina Adelaide Street Barrafina Borough Yards Barrafina Coal Drops Yard Barrafina Drury Lane

Top-notch tapas

The concept that has won the Barrafina group acclaim is simple. You sit behind the bar around an open kitchen area, observing the chefs as they prepare the luxurious tapas dishes – tortillas, Iberian pork cheeks, ham croquetas, patatas bravisimas and more. Each restaurant also has its own daily specials, and you can complete your meal with an array of drinks, including fine Spanish wines and sherries.

  • 26-27 Dean Street, Soho 10 Adelaide St, Covent Garden 2 Dirty Lane, Southwark Stable St, King's Cross 43 Drury Ln, Covent Garden
    Barrafina Dean Street
    26-27 Dean Street, Soho
    Barrafina Adelaide Street
    10 Adelaide St, Covent Garden
    Barrafina Borough Yards
    2 Dirty Lane, Southwark
    Barrafina Coal Drops Yard
    Stable St, King's Cross
    Barrafina Drury Lane
    43 Drury Ln, Covent Garden
  • Barrafina Dean Street
    barrafina.co.uk
    Barrafina Adelaide Street
    barrafina.co.uk/restaurants/adelaide-street
    Barrafina Borough Yards
    barrafina.co.uk/restaurants/borough-yards
    Barrafina Coal Drops Yard
    barrafina.co.uk/restaurants/coal-drops-yard
    Barrafina Drury Lane
    barrafina.co.uk/restaurants/drury-lane
  • Barrafina Dean Street Barrafina Adelaide Street Barrafina Borough Yards Barrafina Coal Drops Yard Barrafina Drury Lane
Tapas Brindisa Soho Tapas Brindisa Battersea Tapas Brindisa London Bridge Tapas Brindisa Richmond Tapas Brindisa South Kensington Brindisa Kitchen Bar
Tapas Brindisa Soho
brindisakitchens.com/restaurant/tapas-brindisa-soho
Tapas Brindisa Battersea
brindisakitchens.com/restaurant/tapas-brindisa-battersea
Tapas Brindisa London Bridge
brindisakitchens.com/restaurant/tapas-brindisa-london-bridge
Tapas Brindisa Richmond
brindisakitchens.com/restaurant/tapas-brindisa-richmond
Tapas Brindisa South Kensington
brindisakitchens.com/restaurant/tapas-brindisa-south-kensington
Brindisa Kitchen Bar
brindisakitchens.com/kitchen-bar-borough
Tapas Brindisa Soho Tapas Brindisa Battersea Tapas Brindisa London Bridge Tapas Brindisa Richmond Tapas Brindisa South Kensington Brindisa Kitchen Bar

Bodega vibes

The Tapas Brindisa joints strive to provide London with a taste of Spain’s sincere hospitality, authentic food and wine. They use sustainable ingredients, sourced from Spain, to prepare classic tapas such as Padron peppers and marinated anchovies, cheese and charcuterie boards, grilled delicacies and mores. The wine list features a selection of all-Spanish bottles, and you can also try different cocktails and aperitivos here.

  • 46 Broadwick St, Soho Battersea Power Station, 26 Circus West Village, Vauxhall/Battersea 18 Southwark St, Southwark 5 Whittaker Ave, Richmond 7-9 Exhibition Rd, Kensington Borough Market, Unit 51 Jubilee, Winchester Walk, Southwark
    Tapas Brindisa Soho
    46 Broadwick St, Soho
    Tapas Brindisa Battersea
    Battersea Power Station, 26 Circus West Village, Vauxhall/Battersea
    Tapas Brindisa London Bridge
    18 Southwark St, Southwark
    Tapas Brindisa Richmond
    5 Whittaker Ave, Richmond
    Tapas Brindisa South Kensington
    7-9 Exhibition Rd, Kensington
    Brindisa Kitchen Bar
    Borough Market, Unit 51 Jubilee, Winchester Walk, Southwark
  • Tapas Brindisa Soho
    brindisakitchens.com/restaurant/tapas-brindisa-soho
    Tapas Brindisa Battersea
    brindisakitchens.com/restaurant/tapas-brindisa-battersea
    Tapas Brindisa London Bridge
    brindisakitchens.com/restaurant/tapas-brindisa-london-bridge
    Tapas Brindisa Richmond
    brindisakitchens.com/restaurant/tapas-brindisa-richmond
    Tapas Brindisa South Kensington
    brindisakitchens.com/restaurant/tapas-brindisa-south-kensington
    Brindisa Kitchen Bar
    brindisakitchens.com/kitchen-bar-borough
    Tapas Brindisa Soho
    020-753 416 90
    Tapas Brindisa Battersea
    020-732 477 34
    Tapas Brindisa London Bridge
    020-735 788 80
    Tapas Brindisa Richmond
    020-810 388 88
    Tapas Brindisa South Kensington
    020-759 000 08
    Brindisa Kitchen Bar
    078-521 342 32
  • Tapas Brindisa Soho Tapas Brindisa Battersea Tapas Brindisa London Bridge Tapas Brindisa Richmond Tapas Brindisa South Kensington Brindisa Kitchen Bar

BiBo

Andalusian cuisine from renowned chef

Celebrated chef and restaurateurs Dani García's Shoreditch outpost BiBo is located in the basement of the Mondrian Hotel. Inspired by the flavours of Andalusia, the stylish restaurant serves contemporary tapas dishes such as cod fritters, fried chicken brioche and porcini croquetas, as well as one of the most Instagrammable paellas out there. You can also drop by on weekends for a Spanish brunch feast.

Boqueria

A taste of Barcelona

Boqueria is named after a famed food market in Barcelona. The contemporary restaurant draws on Spanish culinary tradition and quality ingredients, sourced straight from the country, to serve authentic tapas such as Spanish tortilla, chorizo with cider, Padron peppers and more. There’s also an array of Spanish wines and sherries to enjoy beneath the harvest baskets hanging from the ceiling.

El Pirata

Award-winning Spanish restaurant

A renowned tapas restaurant in Mayfair, El Pirata is known for providing quality food at good value. Its popular set lunch includes a choice of two tapas with bread, aioli and a soft drink, while the main menu features a wide array of tapas, including cheeses and charcuterie. You can complete your meal with one of the more than 140 Spanish wines on offer. On Saturdays, they also do brunch.

Morito Hackney Road – Tapas
Morito Hackney Road
Morito Hackney Road – Tapas
Morito Hackney Road
Morito Hackney Road – Tapas
Morito Hackney Road
Morito Hackney Road – Tapas
Morito Hackney Road
Morito Hackney Road – Tapas
Morito Hackney Road
Morito Hackney Road – Tapas
Morito Hackney Road
Morito Hackney Road – Tapas
Morito Hackney Road
Morito Hackney Road – Tapas
Morito Hackney Road
Morito Hackney Road – Tapas
Morito Hackney Road
Morito Hackney Road – Tapas
Morito Hackney Road
Moro Morito Hackney Road Morito Exmouth Market Downstairs at Morito
Moro
moro.co.uk
Morito Hackney Road
moritohackneyroad.co.uk
Morito Exmouth Market
morito.co.uk/index.php
Downstairs at Morito
moritohackneyroad.co.uk/morito-downstairs
Moro
@restaurantmoro
Morito Hackney Road
@moritohackney
Morito Exmouth Market
@moritotapas
Moro Morito Hackney Road Morito Exmouth Market Downstairs at Morito

Tapas from all over the Mediterranean

Having pioneered Moorish cuisine in London, Moro and its Morito offshoots serve tapas from all ends of the Mediterranean, resulting in the intriguing mingling of different culinary traditions. Classic Spanish tapas such as boquerones and Padron peppers rub shoulders with kofte, dolma and more, letting you plan out your own flavour cruise.

  • 34 Exmouth Market 195 Hackney Rd, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets 32 Exmouth Market 195 Hackney Rd, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets
    Moro
    34 Exmouth Market
    Morito Hackney Road
    195 Hackney Rd, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets
    Morito Exmouth Market
    32 Exmouth Market
    Downstairs at Morito
    195 Hackney Rd, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets
  • Moro
    moro.co.uk
    Morito Hackney Road
    moritohackneyroad.co.uk
    Morito Exmouth Market
    morito.co.uk/index.php
    Downstairs at Morito
    moritohackneyroad.co.uk/morito-downstairs
    Moro
    020-783 383 36
    Morito Hackney Road
    020-761 307 54
    Morito Exmouth Market
    020-727 870 07
    Downstairs at Morito
    020-761 307 54
  • Moro Morito Hackney Road Morito Exmouth Market Downstairs at Morito
The Little Taperia – Tapas
The Little Taperia
The Little Taperia – Tapas
The Little Taperia
The Little Taperia – Tapas
The Little Taperia
The Little Taperia – Tapas
The Little Taperia
The Little Taperia – Tapas
The Little Taperia
The Little Taperia – Tapas
The Little Taperia
The Little Taperia – Tapas
The Little Taperia
The Little Taperia – Tapas
The Little Taperia
The Little Taperia – Tapas
The Little Taperia
The Little Taperia – Tapas
The Little Taperia
The Little Taperia – Tapas
The Little Taperia
The Little Taperia – Tapas
The Little Taperia
The Little Taperia – Tapas
The Little Taperia

The Little Taperia

Traditional and modern tapas

Simple yet elegant in style, The Little Taperia brings Spanish charm to Tooting, as well as a tantalising array of authentic Spanish delicacies. The menu spans a wide range of classic tapas, from Manzanilla olives and Padron peppers to croquetas de jamón, grilled octopus, patatas bravas and more. You can also find more unusual options here, such as the Spanish take on the Scotch egg, made with blood sausage and piquillo peppers.

Salt Yard Salt Yard Borough Salt Yard Tapas Bar
Salt Yard
saltyard.co.uk
Salt Yard Borough
saltyardborough.co.uk
Salt Yard Tapas Bar
saltyardgroup.co.uk/restaurants/salt-yard-tapas-bar
Salt Yard Tapas Bar
@saltyardrestaurant
Salt Yard Borough
@saltyardborough
Salt Yard Salt Yard Borough Salt Yard Tapas Bar

Where Spain and Italy meet

There might be a couple of countries between Italy and Spain, but you wouldn't know it at Salt Yard. At this charcuterie bar and restaurant the culinary traditions of both countries overlap in the form of small plates, with jamón sitting side-by-side with mortadella, pecorino with Manchego, and courgette flowers with patatas bravas. The buzzy spot also offers seasonal cocktails, aperitifs, regional wines, sherries and other tipples to complement your meal.

  • 54 Goodge St, Fitzrovia Winchester Walk, Southwark Westfield Shopping Centre, Ariel Way, Hammersmith and Fulham
    Salt Yard
    54 Goodge St, Fitzrovia
    Salt Yard Borough
    Winchester Walk, Southwark
    Salt Yard Tapas Bar
    Westfield Shopping Centre, Ariel Way, Hammersmith and Fulham
  • Salt Yard
    saltyard.co.uk
    Salt Yard Borough
    saltyardborough.co.uk
    Salt Yard Tapas Bar
    saltyardgroup.co.uk/restaurants/salt-yard-tapas-bar
    Salt Yard
    020-763 706 57
    Salt Yard Borough
    075-853 387 48
    Salt Yard Tapas Bar
    020-816 111 18
  • Salt Yard Salt Yard Borough Salt Yard Tapas Bar
José Tapas Bar Pizarro Restaurant José Pizarro Broadgate Circle José Pizarro at the Royal Academy of Arts Poster Bar by José
José Tapas Bar
josepizarro.com/venues/jose-tapas-bar-bermondsey
Pizarro Restaurant
josepizarro.com/venues/pizarro-restaurant-bermondsey
José Pizarro Broadgate Circle
josepizarro.com/venues/jose-pizarro-broadgate
José Pizarro at the Royal Academy of Arts
josepizarro.com/venues/jose-pizarro-royal-academy-arts
Poster Bar by José
josepizarro.com/venues/poster-bar-jose
José Tapas Bar Pizarro Restaurant José Pizarro Broadgate Circle José Pizarro at the Royal Academy of Arts Poster Bar by José

The Godfather of Spanish cuisine in the UK

Renowned chef and restaurateur José Pizarro operates various tapas spots around town, from his cult joint on Bermondsey Street to the refined restaurant on the first floor of the Royal Academy of Arts. Pizarro’s restaurants are famed for his simple and authentic tapas, as well as an impressive array of fine Spanish wines and sherries to go with your meal.

  • 104 Bermondsey St, Southwark 194 Bermondsey St, Southwark 36 Broadgate, The City/City of London Royal Academy Of Arts, 6 Burlington Gardens, Mayfair Royal Academy Of Arts, Ground floor, 6 Burlington Gardens, Mayfair
    José Tapas Bar
    104 Bermondsey St, Southwark
    Pizarro Restaurant
    194 Bermondsey St, Southwark
    José Pizarro Broadgate Circle
    36 Broadgate, The City/City of London
    José Pizarro at the Royal Academy of Arts
    Royal Academy Of Arts, 6 Burlington Gardens, Mayfair
    Poster Bar by José
    Royal Academy Of Arts, Ground floor, 6 Burlington Gardens, Mayfair
  • José Tapas Bar
    josepizarro.com/venues/jose-tapas-bar-bermondsey
    Pizarro Restaurant
    josepizarro.com/venues/pizarro-restaurant-bermondsey
    José Pizarro Broadgate Circle
    josepizarro.com/venues/jose-pizarro-broadgate
    José Pizarro at the Royal Academy of Arts
    josepizarro.com/venues/jose-pizarro-royal-academy-arts
    Poster Bar by José
    josepizarro.com/venues/poster-bar-jose
    Pizarro Restaurant
    020-737 894 55
    José Pizarro Broadgate Circle
    020-725 653 33
    José Pizarro at the Royal Academy of Arts
    020-730 059 12
    Poster Bar by José
    020-730 058 21
  • José Tapas Bar Pizarro Restaurant José Pizarro Broadgate Circle José Pizarro at the Royal Academy of Arts Poster Bar by José
Copita Barrica
Copita
copita.co.uk
Barrica
barrica.co.uk
Copita
@copitasoho
Barrica
@barricatapas
Copita Barrica

Convivial tapas bars

Siblings Barrica and Copita are inspired by the tapas bars of Spain and offer a casual atmosphere for sharing tapas and sipping drinks. At Barrica, the culinary highlights come courtesy of a bespoke charcoal grill, while the fare at Copita hints at Moorish influences. Both restaurants have a seasonal menu that includes classics such as patatas bravas, and they both offer carefully considered drinks lists with plenty of Spanish wines and sherries.

  • 62 Goodge St, Fitzrovia 27 D'Arblay St, Soho
    Barrica
    62 Goodge St, Fitzrovia
    Copita
    27 D'Arblay St, Soho
  • Copita
    copita.co.uk
    Barrica
    barrica.co.uk
    Copita
    020-728 777 97
    Barrica
    020-743 694 48
  • Copita Barrica
The Tapas Room Brixton The Tapas Room Tooting
The Tapas Room Brixton
thetapasroom.co.uk
The Tapas Room Tooting
thetapasroom.co.uk
The Tapas Room Brixton The Tapas Room Tooting

Genuine Basque and Spanish wines and beers

Backed by the exclusive distributors of Basque and Spanish wines and beers to London’s restaurants, you know the drinks game at The Tapas Room’s several locations around town is on point. You can buy the bottles to take home, as well as various products of Spanish origin. The tapas menu at these restaurants and bars includes charcuterie, cheeses and classics such as croquetas and Padron peppers, as well as more gourmet specialties.

  • Brixton Village, Coldharbour Ln, Brixton Broadway Market Tooting, 29 Tooting High St, Tooting
    The Tapas Room Brixton
    Brixton Village, Coldharbour Ln, Brixton
    The Tapas Room Tooting
    Broadway Market Tooting, 29 Tooting High St, Tooting
  • The Tapas Room Brixton
    thetapasroom.co.uk
    The Tapas Room Tooting
    thetapasroom.co.uk
    The Tapas Room Brixton
    0795-086 92 87
    The Tapas Room Tooting
    020-868 229 94
  • The Tapas Room Brixton The Tapas Room Tooting
Cambio de Tercio Tendido Cero Capote y Toros
Cambio de Tercio
cambiodeterciogroup.co.uk/cambio-de-tercio
Tendido Cero
cambiodeterciogroup.co.uk
Capote y Toros
cambiodeterciogroup.co.uk
Cambio de Tercio Tendido Cero Capote y Toros

Rafael Nadal's favourite

The refined, vividly coloured Cambio de Tercio in Kensington counts a courtful of tennis players among its patrons, including superstar Rafael Nadal, as well as other celebs such as Hugh Grant and Piers Morgan. Perhaps they’re hoping to find Nadal’s secret sauce for winning in the inventive tapas that fuse tradition with modern techniques and global influences, or in the award-winning wine list with supposedly the largest selection of Spanish wines in the capital. The group also includes two more casual tapas bars on the same street.

  • 163 Old Brompton Rd, Kensington 174 Old Brompton Rd, Kensington 157 Old Brompton Rd, Kensington
    Cambio de Tercio
    163 Old Brompton Rd, Kensington
    Tendido Cero
    174 Old Brompton Rd, Kensington
    Capote y Toros
    157 Old Brompton Rd, Kensington
  • Cambio de Tercio
    cambiodeterciogroup.co.uk/cambio-de-tercio
    Tendido Cero
    cambiodeterciogroup.co.uk
    Capote y Toros
    cambiodeterciogroup.co.uk
    Cambio de Tercio
    020-737 305 67
    Tendido Cero
    020-737 036 85
    Capote y Toros
    020-737 305 67
  • Cambio de Tercio Tendido Cero Capote y Toros
Escocesa – Tapas
Escocesa
Escocesa – Tapas
Escocesa
Escocesa – Tapas
Escocesa
Escocesa – Tapas
Escocesa
Escocesa – Tapas
Escocesa
Escocesa – Tapas
Escocesa
Escocesa – Tapas
Escocesa
Escocesa – Tapas
Escocesa
Escocesa – Tapas
Escocesa
Escocesa – Tapas
Escocesa
Escocesa – Tapas
Escocesa
Escocesa – Tapas
Escocesa

Escocesa

Seafood specialists

Taking advantage of the fact that the best Scottish seafood is often shipped to Spain due to low demand in the country, Escocesa specialises in seafood tapas. The open kitchen with counter seats offers an entertaining glimpse into the preparation of dishes such as garlic prawns and seabass ceviche, and there are classic small plates such as patatas bravas and jamón croquetas available as well. For a more intimate dining experience, you can sit at the tables in the back. On weekends, they also offer freshly made paella.

Lobos Meat and Tapas Borough Lobos Meat and Tapas Soho
Lobos Meat and Tapas Borough
lobostapas.co.uk
Lobos Meat and Tapas Soho
lobostapas.co.uk
Lobos Meat and Tapas Borough Lobos Meat and Tapas Soho

Unabashedly carnivorous

What Escocesa does for seafood, Lobos does for meat. Championing prime meat cuts and good wine, these tapas bars let you indulge in your animal instinct with dishes based around Iberico pork, for example ribeye steak, meatballs and marinated pork fillet. They also serve classic Spanish small plates such as tortillas, chorizo and patatas bravas.

  • 14 Borough High St, Southwark 48 Frith St, Soho
    Lobos Meat and Tapas Borough
    14 Borough High St, Southwark
    Lobos Meat and Tapas Soho
    48 Frith St, Soho
  • Lobos Meat and Tapas Borough
    lobostapas.co.uk
    Lobos Meat and Tapas Soho
    lobostapas.co.uk
    Lobos Meat and Tapas Borough
    020-740 753 61
    Lobos Meat and Tapas Soho
    020-301 950 82
  • Lobos Meat and Tapas Borough Lobos Meat and Tapas Soho

Lurra

Bask in the glory of Basque grilling

Specialising in the charcoal and wood grilling that is characteristic of Basque Country, Lurra also sources its produce and ingredients from the region. This includes the cows that are bred to an old age instead of being slaughtered young, which impacts both the marbling and the taste of the meat. As is custom, there are different classic Spanish tapas to choose from as well, such as boquerones and croquetas. The comprehensive wine list features many fine Spanish and Basque wines.

Sabor – Tapas
Sabor
Sabor – Tapas
Sabor
Sabor – Tapas
Sabor
Sabor – Tapas
Sabor
Sabor – Tapas
Sabor
Sabor – Tapas
Sabor
Sabor – Tapas
Sabor
Sabor – Tapas
Sabor
Sabor – Tapas
Sabor
Sabor – Tapas
Sabor
Sabor – Tapas
Sabor
Sabor – Tapas
Sabor
Sabor – Tapas
Sabor

Sabor

Two floors of Michelin-starred cooking

Spread out across two floors, the Michelin-starred Sabor spans the varied range of Spanish cuisine. Sit behind The Counter on the ground floor and watch the chefs prepare an array of tapas such as piquillo croquetas and pan tomate. One floor up, the stylish El Asador restaurant focuses on Galician and Castilian dishes cooked in the traditional wood-fired oven, offering an array of upmarket tapas such as confit rabbit shoulder or grilled squid. Alternatively, pop into Sabor’s bar for a quick bite and a drink.

Donostia

Upmarket Basque tapas

Lurra’s cousin Donostia adopts a serious approach to tapas and pintxo snacks. Using quality seasonal produce, the professional chefs in the open kitchen prepare refined takes on Basque specialties, for example squid a la plancha with ink sauce and Iberico pork tenderloin. Tapas classics such as tortilla and patatas bravas are present and accounted for as well. There’s a concise selection of Spanish wines and sherries to pair with your meal.

Parrillan Coal Drops Yard Parrillan Borough Yards
Parrillan Coal Drops Yard
parrillan.co.uk/coal-drops-yard
Parrillan Borough Yards
parrillan.co.uk/borough-yards
Parrillan Coal Drops Yard Parrillan Borough Yards

If you want something done, do it yourself

Barrafina spin-off Parrillan offers a unique concept – seated on the outdoor terrace, you can cook the tapas-style dishes by yourself, on a bespoke miniature grill at your table. You can choose from different meat, seafood and vegetable specialties, such as pintxo skewers or beef sirloin. The Borough Yard branch also has an indoor area where you can let the chefs do the heavy lifting.

  • Coal Drops Yard, Stable Street, King's Cross 4 Dirty Lane, Southwark
    Parrillan Coal Drops Yard
    Coal Drops Yard, Stable Street, King's Cross
    Parrillan Borough Yards
    4 Dirty Lane, Southwark
  • Parrillan Coal Drops Yard
    parrillan.co.uk/coal-drops-yard
    Parrillan Borough Yards
    parrillan.co.uk/borough-yards
  • Parrillan Coal Drops Yard Parrillan Borough Yards
Ibérica Marylebone Ibérica Canary Wharf Ibérica La Terraza Ibérica Farringdon Ibérica Victoria
Ibérica Marylebone
ibericarestaurants.com/locations/marylebone
Ibérica Canary Wharf
ibericarestaurants.com/locations/canarywharf
Ibérica La Terraza
ibericarestaurants.com/locations/la-terraza
Ibérica Farringdon
ibericarestaurants.com/restaurants/iberica-farringdon
Ibérica Victoria
ibericarestaurants.com/restaurants/iberica-victoria
Ibérica Marylebone Ibérica Canary Wharf Ibérica La Terraza Ibérica Farringdon Ibérica Victoria

Authentic Iberian fine dining

Leaning on Michelin-starred Chef Director Nacho Manzano’s Asturian heritage, the Ibérica restaurant group spearheaded the expansion of authentic Spanish dining in London. Its venues are designed by architects to provide a sophisticated setting in which to enjoy specialties from across the Iberian Peninsula, made from conscientiously sourced ingredients and paired with Spanish wines, sherries, G&Ts and other refreshing drinks.

  • 195 Great Portland St, Fitzrovia 12 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets Cabot Square, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets 89 Turnmill St Zig Zag, 68 Victoria St, Westminster
    Ibérica Marylebone
    195 Great Portland St, Fitzrovia
    Ibérica Canary Wharf
    12 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets
    Ibérica La Terraza
    Cabot Square, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets
    Ibérica Farringdon
    89 Turnmill St
    Ibérica Victoria
    Zig Zag, 68 Victoria St, Westminster
  • Ibérica Marylebone
    ibericarestaurants.com/locations/marylebone
    Ibérica Canary Wharf
    ibericarestaurants.com/locations/canarywharf
    Ibérica La Terraza
    ibericarestaurants.com/locations/la-terraza
    Ibérica Farringdon
    ibericarestaurants.com/restaurants/iberica-farringdon
    Ibérica Victoria
    ibericarestaurants.com/restaurants/iberica-victoria
    Ibérica Marylebone
    020-302 651 18
    Ibérica Canary Wharf
    020-302 651 18
    Ibérica La Terraza
    020-302 651 18
    Ibérica Farringdon
    020-302 651 18
    Ibérica Victoria
    020-302 651 18
  • Ibérica Marylebone Ibérica Canary Wharf Ibérica La Terraza Ibérica Farringdon Ibérica Victoria

Bar Tozino

Jamón jamón

The herd of hams hanging from the ceiling at Bar Tozino makes it pretty clear you can get your fill of jamón here. The famed dry-cured ham is carved into thin slices right at your table while you sip one of the fine Spanish vintages on offer, pretending you’re in a bodega in Barcelona instead of an archway in Bermondsey. You can also try other classic tapas dishes such as patatas bravas and king prawns at this rustic joint.

Twist Connubio

Tapas with an international twist

Putting a, heh, twist on classic tapas cuisine, this chic Marylebone eatery draws on global culinary inspiration to serve dishes such as ravioli and broccoli tempura in addition to well-known Spanish staples such as Padron peppers and jamón croquetas. They source their ingredients from sustainable producers and prep them using creative contemporary approaches. They’re also quite passionate about wine and will gladly recommend pairings for your meal.

L'Oculto

Descended from one of the most popular tapas spots in town

The successor to the beloved Little L’Oculto, generally considered to have been one of the best tapas joints in town, L’Oculto is a larger restaurant, wine bar and delicatessen. They offer a diverse array of snacks, charcuterie and cheeses, tapas and sharing dishes, for example glazed octopus and Spanish tortilla. They import a number of Spanish wines as well, including orange wine from Valencia.

Bar Douro London Bridge Bar Douro City
Bar Douro London Bridge
bardouro.co.uk/restaurants/london-bridge
Bar Douro City
bardouro.co.uk/restaurants/city
Bar Douro London Bridge Bar Douro City

Tapas from across the border

They might have a different name, but petiscos are essentially a Portuguese take on Spanish tapas, so we're throwing them in here. Decked out in the characteristic blue-and-white azulejo tiles, the Bar Douro venues provide an authentic Portuguese experience. You can observe the chefs in the open kitchen as they prepare traditional small plates such as bacalhau and smoked sausage, enjoying a glass of wine from the award-winning, 100% Portugues wine list as you do.

  • 85B Southwark Bridge Rd,, Southwark 1 Finsbury Ave, The City/City of London
    Bar Douro London Bridge
    85B Southwark Bridge Rd,, Southwark
    Bar Douro City
    1 Finsbury Ave, The City/City of London
  • Bar Douro London Bridge
    bardouro.co.uk/restaurants/london-bridge
    Bar Douro City
    bardouro.co.uk/restaurants/city
    Bar Douro London Bridge
    020-737 805 24
    Bar Douro City
    020-737 805 24
  • Bar Douro London Bridge Bar Douro City

Mar i Terra

Laidback, familial ambiance

The unpretentious Mar i Terra in Southwark emphasises congeniality and sincerity, providing a welcoming atmosphere to relax in. They source their ingredients from artisan producers in Spain, and the menu covers the full range of classic tapas dishes such as patatas bravas, tortilla, chorizo and jamón Iberico. You can complement your meal with one of the vintages from the idiosyncratic Spanish wine list.

Tranga

Galician restaurant and market

Emerging from lockdown as the refurbished Tranga, the inventive tapas joint formerly known as Trangallan is now not just an eatery but also a shop specialising in ethical Spanish products. The Galicia-inspired menu changes daily according to hyper-seasonal produce and the catch of the day, though you can always expect a selection of authentic tapas such as chorizo picante, boquerones or tortilla in addition to the other seafood and meat plates.

The Port House

Candlelit and intimate

With candles, low-lighting, and wood panelling, The Port House is an intimate venue that's ideal for a romantic evening. The atmosphere is cosy and welcoming, and there's a big choice of tapas dishes. Options range from olives to patatas bravas and chicken wings, plus there's wine and port from Spain and Portugal.

Hispania

The biggest home of Spanish gastronomy in Europe

This palatial eatery is spread across a vast area of the historic Lloyds Bank building on Lombard Street, with tiled floors, elegant seating and natural light recalling the finest such establishments in Madrid. The menu, overseen by a renowned Michelin-starred chef, spans the full range of traditional tapas, with fine Spanish wines and sherries to go along. You can enjoy a drink at the grand marble-clad bar, and private dining and catering options are available as well.

Broken Eggs

Total tortilla

Homey Fitzrovia tapas restaurant Broken Eggs is a family-run business that focuses on one dish in particular - authentic Spanish tortillas with an assortment of tempting fillings. Other dishes like cheese and charcuterie platters and salads are available too to perfectly complement the eggs. This is a great spot for a sociable Spanish meal.

Bar Kroketa Soho Bar Kroketa St Christopher's Place
Bar Kroketa Soho
kroketa.co.uk
Bar Kroketa St Christopher's Place
kroketa.co.uk
Bar Kroketa Soho Bar Kroketa St Christopher's Place

Crunchy and satisfying

If you always make a beeline for the croquettes when you're having tapas, Bar Kroketa is for you. From the team behind Tapas Brindisa, this modern eatery focuses on crunchy croquettes filled with béchamel sauce and tasty ingredients. The available fillings change regularly, and other Spanish small plates are served to complement them.

  • 21 Beak Street, Soho 23 Barrett St, Marylebone
    Bar Kroketa Soho
    21 Beak Street, Soho
    Bar Kroketa St Christopher's Place
    23 Barrett St, Marylebone
  • Bar Kroketa Soho
    kroketa.co.uk
    Bar Kroketa St Christopher's Place
    kroketa.co.uk
    Bar Kroketa Soho
    020-395 488 88
    Bar Kroketa St Christopher's Place
    020-394 688 88
  • Bar Kroketa Soho Bar Kroketa St Christopher's Place

Penelope's

Tapas with a twist

Dine in elegant and vibrant surroundings at Penelope's. The cuisine at this Covent Garden restaurant is pretty vibrant, too – think Spanish tapas with a distinctive Israeli influence. Try dishes like Israeli paella or Iberico ham carpaccio served with raw tahini and pomegranate syrup whilst you sip on cocktails and enjoy an atmosphere enhanced by DJs.

Jamon Jamon Soho Jamon Jamon Belsize Park Jamon Jamon Camden Town
Jamon Jamon Soho
jamonjamon.uk.com
Jamon Jamon Belsize Park
jamonjamon.uk.com
Jamon Jamon Camden Town
jamonjamon.uk.com
Jamon Jamon Soho Jamon Jamon Belsize Park Jamon Jamon Camden Town

Classic recipes

Foodies can head to one of Jamon Jamon's locations when they're craving tapas. These cosy but stylish eateries are laden with greenery and create a cool space for a meal. A broad assortment of classic tapas are served that'll satisfy newbies as well as dedicated tapas fans. Spanish wine, beer, and sangria are also on the menu.

  • 3 Caxton Walk 177 Haverstock Hill, Hampstead 38 Parkway, Camden Town
    Jamon Jamon Soho
    3 Caxton Walk
    Jamon Jamon Belsize Park
    177 Haverstock Hill, Hampstead
    Jamon Jamon Camden Town
    38 Parkway, Camden Town
  • Jamon Jamon Soho
    jamonjamon.uk.com
    Jamon Jamon Belsize Park
    jamonjamon.uk.com
    Jamon Jamon Camden Town
    jamonjamon.uk.com
    Jamon Jamon Soho
    020-783 669 69
    Jamon Jamon Belsize Park
    020-743 842 42
    Jamon Jamon Camden Town
    020-728 406 06
  • Jamon Jamon Soho Jamon Jamon Belsize Park Jamon Jamon Camden Town

Tapas – About the guide

The best tapas in London - Our guide to the best tapas restaurants in London is updated regularly. Please let us know if you feel that we should add a tapas restaurant in London to our guide, or if you spot any errors in our guide. Have you visited any of the tapas restaurants in London we've mentioned? Don't forget to write a review on Thatsup.

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At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.