Craving those sun-soaked Spanish flavours? While we can’t all jet off to a Barcelona tapas bar tonight (if only!), London’s vibrant Spanish food scene is serving up serious Mediterranean magic.
Imagine golden paella studded with saffron-kissed seafood, crispy croquetas that transport you straight to Madrid’s bustling markets, and sangria that tastes like a warm evening in Seville….YUM!
Our city’s love affair with Spanish cuisine has blessed us with everything from hidden family-run gems to sleek modern spots that would make any abuela proud.
Skip the airfare – whether you’re planning a date night at a cosy corner table or gathering your favourite people for a feast of shared plates, London’s Spanish restaurants deliver all the warmth and flavour of the Iberian peninsula.
Let’s explore where to find that authentic taste of Spain, right here in our own backyard.
1. Barrafina
Dotted across London like culinary landmarks, Barrafina’s five locations each capture the essence of modern Spanish dining.
The story began in Soho’s Dean Street (still charmingly walk-in only), before spreading its wings to Covent Garden’s Adelaide Street and Drury Lane, then northward to Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross.
Their newest addition brings that signature Barrafina magic south of the river to Borough Yards.
Each space follows the same winning formula: an inviting open kitchen complemented by an elegant marble-topped bar, where those distinctive red leather stools offer front-row seats to the culinary show.
Watch as chefs expertly grill scarlet gambas rojas to perfection or plate up their signature arroz de carabineros – a rich, seafood-laden rice dish that puts ordinary paella to shame.
While most locations now welcome bookings, they always keep space for spontaneous drop-ins – because sometimes the best Spanish evenings are the unplanned ones!
Address: Multiple locations, see all here.
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2. Iberica
Iberica is the OG Spanish food destination that’s been charming London’s foodies since before “small plates” became everyone’s Instagram obsession.
This place doesn’t just serve Spanish food; it practically teleports ingredients from the Iberian peninsula to your plate. Think jamón carved from acorn-fed pigs in the hills of Spain, cheese that’s been aged to perfection in century-old caves, and seafood so fresh you can practically taste the Mediterranean.
Behind every dish is a story of passionate Spanish producers – from the family-run olive groves that supply their liquid gold to the coastal fishermen who hand-pick the day’s catch.
It’s this obsession with authenticity that’s earned Iberica its crown as one of London’s most trusted Spanish spots.
Address: Multiple locations, see all here.
3. El Pirata Detapas
Tucked away in Mayfair’s elegant streets, El Pirata Detapas is that rare gem – a family-run spot that’s managed to keep its soul (and its secret recipes) intact for over two decades.
While the neighbourhood may be fancy, this place feels like walking into your favourite aunt’s kitchen in Valencia.
Their paella has reached almost mythical status among London’s Spanish food lovers, and for good reason – it’s the kind of dish that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of London life.
Each pan comes with that perfectly crispy socarrat (that’s the prized crunchy bottom layer, if you’re wondering) and rice that’s absorbed generations of culinary wisdom.
The tapas menu reads like a greatest hits of Spanish comfort food, each plate carrying 25 years of “we know exactly what we’re doing” confidence.
Address: 5 – 6 Down Street, Mayfair, London W1J 7AQ
4. Copita
Wandering Soho’s bustling streets, you might miss Copita if you blinked – but locals know this intimate hideaway is London’s answer to those cosy corner bars you fell in love with in Barcelona.
Tucked away from the neighbourhood’s usual suspects, this intimate spot has mastered the art of Spanish soul food – minus the airfare and with all the charm.
The menu is a choose-your-own-adventure of tapas delights. Sure, they serve the classics (their grilled octopus might be the best this side of the Mediterranean), but it’s the bold moves – like their legendary pig’s cheek – that have turned curious first-timers into devoted regulars.
Address: 27 D’Arblay St, London, W1F 8EN
5. Jose Pizarro
If Spain had a love letter to London, it would probably look a lot like Jose Pizarro’s restaurants.
Nestled in the cool cobbled streets of Bermondsey and amid Broadgate’s sleek city vibes, these spots have mastered that magical sweet spot between neighbourhood gem and destination dining.
That acorn-fed Ibérico ham, sliced so thin it practically melts on your tongue or the Galician octopus – perfectly grilled and kissed with olive oil, it’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and momentarily believe you’re sitting at a sun-drenched table on the Spanish coast.
Address: Multiple locations, see all here.
6. Camino
Think of Camino as your Spanish food passport – with four locations sprinkled across London, you’re never too far from your next tapas fix. Each spot feels like stepping into a slice of Spain, minus the three-hour flight.
The menu is like greatest hits album of Spanish cuisine, starring share-worthy tapas that’ll have everyone reaching across the table (warning: your fork may need to defend territory!).
But let’s talk about their crown jewel – the Tarta De Santiago. This dreamy almond tart is as light as air, elevated with crunchy turrón and a sophisticated Oloroso Sherry sauce that’ll make you close your eyes and sigh.
It’s the kind of dessert that turns first-time visitors into regulars.
Address: Multiple locations, see all here.
7. Lobos
Step into Lobos and you’ll understand why in-the-know foodies keep this place in their back pocket.
The kitchen team here doesn’t just cook – they craft each dish with an almost obsessive attention to detail, hunting down the finest ingredients from both local suppliers and Spanish artisans.
There’s something wonderfully unpretentious about the space, even though it could easily show off. Think weathered wooden tables that have hosted countless animated conversations, walls dressed in bold Spanish art that catches your eye mid-bite, and the kind of lighting that makes everyone look like they’re on holiday.
It’s like that perfect neighbourhood spot you stumbled upon during your last trip to Madrid – but right here in London.
Address: Multiple locations, see all here.
8. Sabor
Visit Sabor and you’ll understand why this Michelin-starred gem has London’s food lovers buzzing. At the helm is culinary powerhouse Nieves Barragán Mohacho, whose passion for her native Spain shines through in every carefully crafted dish.
Think of it as your gastronomic tour through Spain’s most delicious corners – from Galicia’s ocean-fresh seafood to the hearty flavours of Basque Country.
Each plate tells a story of traditional techniques meeting the finest ingredients, creating magic that earned this Mayfair hotspot its well-deserved star.
Address: 35-37 Heddon St, London W1B 4BR
9. El Norte
El Norte has earned its sparkling reputation the authentic way: incredible food, staff who treat you like long-lost family, and an atmosphere that hits that sweet spot between sophisticated and wonderfully welcoming.
Their menu is what food dreams are made of! Think impossibly creamy croquettes that melt in your mouth, and a cherry pistachio gazpacho that’s both traditional and totally unexpected. Their truffle tortilla? A masterclass in elevation of the classics.
But the real showstopper is their premium “Vaca Rubia Gallega” steak, cooked to perfection on hot stone.
Address: 19-20 Dover St, London W1S 4LU
10. Salt Yard
Salt Yard is where Spanish passion meets Italian flair, creating the kind of food love story we’re all here for. With six gorgeous locations sprinkled across London (from the buzz of Soho to the foodie heaven of Borough Market), they’ve mastered the art of bringing Mediterranean sunshine to our city, whatever the weather.
You can expect the both of best of both worlds: Spanish tapas culture mixed with Italian culinary genius, all celebrating the seasons’ finest ingredients.
The result?
Dishes that make you feel like you’re simultaneously lounging in a Barcelona tapas bar and sitting in a cosy Roman trattoria – without leaving London.
Whether you’re popping into their West End spot for a spontaneous aperitivo, planning date night at their Fitzrovia location, or meeting friends for a feast at Westfield White City, each venue has its own personality while serving up that same magical Mediterranean soul.
Pro tip: their handcrafted cocktails are the perfect starting point for your Spanish-Italian adventure!
Address: 42 Brendon Street, Marylebone, London, W1H 5HE
11. Tapas Brindisa
Tapas Brindisa has become London’s worst-kept Spanish secret.
Let’s start with the menu, which reads like a passionate foodie’s Spanish bucket list. Yes, you’ll find the non-negotiables done beautifully like their perfectly crispy patatas bravas), but venture further and you’ll discover some real treasures.
Their jamón ibérico is sliced so thin it’s almost transparent, while the gambas al ajillo arrive in a cloud of fragrant garlic that’ll make everyone at neighboring tables wish they’d ordered it too.
For the detail-lovers, their anchoas del cantábrico come from Ortiz – basically the rock stars of the anchovy world – whose generations-old methods in Cantabria produce some of Spain’s finest hand-filleted anchovies.
And don’t even think about leaving without exploring their wine list. It’s a masterclass in Spanish viniculture, featuring everything from easy-drinking favourites to bottles that’ll make wine aficionados weak at the knees.
Address: Multiple locations, see all here.
12. El Ganso Café
Tucked away in Broadway Market’s creative buzz, El Ganso Café is that rare gem where incredible Spanish food doesn’t mean emptying your wallet.
Think golden, perfectly-crispy patatas bravas that hit all the right notes, and paella portions generous enough to make you wonder if they’ve secretly hired someone’s Spanish grandmother in the kitchen.
This charming spot feels like stumbling upon a neighbourhood café in Valencia – relaxed, welcoming, and refreshingly unpretentious. It’s the kind of place where you can linger over tapas without watching the clock (or your bank balance).
Address: 59 Broadway Market, London, E8 4PH
13. La Farola
La Farola is a charming café-bistro strikes that perfect balance between neighbourhood gem and destination dining – comfortable enough for a lazy weekend brunch, yet special enough for those “just because” celebrations.
Their menu is a beautiful blend between traditional Spanish comfort food and creative modern twists. Their showstopping dish: the Arroz Negro combines dramatic jet-black rice stained with squid ink, perfectly cooked seafood, and a generous swirl of homemade aioli that cuts through the richness just right.
Add a scatter of bright gremolata and a snow of aged parmesan, and you’ve got a dish that’s practically begging to be photographed.
Address: 101 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 1QN
14. Maresco
Maresco is where farm-to-table meets Barcelona soul. Their chef’s dedication to local ingredients means every dish tells a story, from perfectly charred padrón peppers to melt-in-your-mouth jamón.
Plant-based friends, you’re in for a treat too!
Forget sad side salads – Maresco’s vegan tapas game is strong. Think smoky grilled artichokes drizzled with local olive oil, plump marinated olives bursting with garlic and herbs, and crusty tomato bruschetta that could convert even the most devoted carnivore.
The kind of food that makes you want to linger over one more glass of rioja and order just one more plate!
Address: 21 Romilly Street, London, W1D 5AF
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Whether you’re dreaming of your last holiday in San Sebastián or planning to impress someone special with an evening of tapas and tempranillo, these are the best Spanish restaurants in London that prove you don’t need a plane ticket to experience authentic Iberian magic!
From intimate date-night corners to vibrant spots perfect for sharing plates with your favourite people, each restaurant brings its own slice of Spanish sunshine to our city streets.
