The 11 Best Spanish Restaurants in London for 2024

Written by
Sam Morrison
October 1, 2024

0

min read
Craving some patatas bravas? Send your taste buds to San Sebastián with this list of the 11 best Spanish restaurants in London. From pimientos de padrón to croquetas de jamón, Ambls got answers. ¡Vamanos!

1. Bar Kroketa

£
European, Spanish/Tapas
⭐️
4.3/5

Bar Kroketa is a cosy restaurant in Soho serving up—you guessed it—croquettes. But croquetas aren’t the only things they focus on. They have plenty of other traditional Spanish snacks and drinks—like boquerones and tortilla. No need to dress up, either. The ambiance is laid back, vibrant, and warm—giving you a taste of authentic Spanish bar culture in the heart of London’s Soho restaurants .

“It’s a small little tapas bar located right in Soho adjacent to Kingly court. You can’t miss it, and you shouldn’t miss it.”
“A hidden gem near Carnaby Street.”

2. Tapas Brindisa

££
European, Spanish/Tapas
⭐️
4.2/5

No prizes for guessing what’s on offer at Tapas Brindisa. It’s your foodie go-to for delicious, authentic tapas that transport you to the heart of Spain. It’s not just the food either.

Brindisa hosts live music and a lively atmosphere that comes second only to the bodegas they draw inspiration from. You can expect artisan beers, sherries, and wines paired with impeccably sourced food. Súper rico.

Delicious Spanish dishes, friendly staff and cosy atmosphere!”
“Literally the food was so good and the service was great.”
“I was honestly surprised by the quality of the typical product they have- excellent Padrón peppers. The tapas we ordered were as if they were made in Spain. Fast and very friendly service.”

3. Ibérica

££
Mediterranean, Spanish/Tapas
⭐️
4/5

You don’t get more Spanish than imported tiles, dark woods, and Goya prints. Fresh ingredients, extensive wine list and a menu full of flavours from across the Spanish peninsula. From food to drink to decor, authentic all-around. Ibérica simply never gets old.

“Food and drink were all very nice, special shout out for the fried chorizo lollipops, which I think took the crown.”
“Traditional tapas and some with a modern twist. We were pleasantly surprised with how good some of the dishes are, particularly the tortilla with sobrasada, the marinated anchovies and the croquettes.”
“A nice take on classic spanish dishes. One of my favourite tapas restaurants.”

4. Parrillan Borough Yards

Mediterranean
⭐️
4.5/5

Nothing says Spain like meat, seafood, and veg cooked a la plancha (on the grill). Adjacent to the famous Borough Market, Parrillan is the ideal spot to unwind and relax over delicious food and drinks. Cooked just the way you like it—enjoy your meal underneath the Victorian brick railway arches. Bring the whole family! Furry friends too, it’s one of those dog-friendly restaurants in London.

“What a way to treat a sweet tooth with savoury tendencies.”
“The crab croquettes were fantastic, the prawns lovely and sweet and the iberican pork melts in your mouth. The portions overall are a bit small but more generous than tapas standards.”
“It connected me to my Spanish heritage.”

5. Aqua Nueva

£££
European, Spanish/Tapas
⭐️
4.3/5

Aqua Nueva serves contemporary-style Spanish food in its sleek and classy main dining room and rooftop terrace making it one of our favourite fancy restaurants in London. But that’s not all—a stunning atmosphere, live music, and a cocktail bar all make it the full package. Their small plates—packed with Spanish specialties—are designed for sharing, and the mains are just what you’d expect from a classy Spanish restaurant.

“The modern Spanish cuisine served here is a true delight for the senses. From the beautifully presented tapas to the expertly crafted cocktails, each dish and drink is bursting with flavour and creativity.”
“This stunning rooftop will create an instant, serene escape from the crowds and busyness of Oxford Street. The staff are exceptionally professional and attentive. The food is deliciously crafted and served with flair. A gem, a stone's throw from Oxford Circus tube.”

6. Seabird

£££
European, Spanish/Tapas
⭐️
4.3/5

Located near Southwark, Seabird is one of those seafood restaurants in London to write home about. And you’ll feel like you need to write home, with this coastal escape! Bring a date, business client, or in-law for Mediterranean food to remember. Best to make a reservation for dining.

“Not your standard hotel in London with a rooftop restaurant like this. Stunning views and vibes were great.”
“This was a great place to celebrate a birthday. I’m always looking for lively bars, bravas tapas, and vegan options.”
“Absolutely loved our dinner at Seabird. The food was exceptional - the flavours were out of this world.”

7. Arross QD

£££
European, Spanish/Tapas
⭐️
4.4/5

Renowned Spanish chef Quique Dacosta brings his multiple Michelin stars and innovative approach to traditional Valencian cuisine and lays it out on the table at Arross QD. Go for the Payoyo goat’s cheese, black ink rice, oysters or topside beef tartare. Really, the list of hits goes on. Experience the evolution of delicious tradition.

Authentic and fantastic paella. The starter is also delicious. The atmosphere is so amazing.”
“We had a pleasant dinner experience at this restaurant. The atmosphere was welcoming. The cocktails were a delicious start to the evening.”
“I truly enjoyed the paella here, but my highlight is their Basque country Cheesecake.”

8. Bibo Shoreditch

££
European, Spanish/Tapas
⭐️
4.3/5

Bibo Shoreditch offers a lively, chic atmosphere set in the Mondrian Hotel. Serving a modern Spanish menu, it's a great spot for a trendy Saturday brunch in Shoreditch. With a focus on sharing plates and Spanish-inspired dishes, it’s a great place for any kind of date. A colourful  tapas restaurant with creative cocktails in a cool area.

“Amazing Spanish food in London. Ambience was brilliant and the waiters were brilliant.”
“The staff was absolutely superb. Made us feel very special as it was my partner's birthday and took extra care of us. Definitely going back!”
“In one word: Spectacular! The food was superb. We absolutely loved the harmonious fusion of flavours in each dish.”

9. Kaso Rooftop Bar & Kitchen

££
Spanish
⭐️
4.2/5

If you’re looking for authentic, traditional Spanish dishes, this is not your place. Kaso’s Mediterranean-inspired dishes may not take you to the heart of Spain, but you’ll still be thinking Picasso prints. You can find mezzes all over the menu and DJs every Friday and Saturday night. Walk-ins are encouraged, though you’ll for sure want bookings for larger parties. Terrace groove available to first come, first served.

“A lovely place for a snack and cocktail. We went on a Saturday night and they had a DJ playing amazing disco - he really brought the vibe together.”
“Staff were so friendly and helpful in guiding us in what to order based on our preferences.”
“The view was an amazingly beautiful sunset. The food was a good surprise as well”

10. Penelope’s

££
European, Spanish/Tapas
⭐️
4.6/5

From Tel Aviv to southern Spain, Penelope’s takes Mediterranean cuisine classics and delivers family-style delights to Covent Garden. Drinks and dishes are a journey through gastronomy and customers only leave hungry if they’ve stayed on for dancing! That’s right, with weekend DJs, raised platforms, and an imaginative menu behind the bar, Penelope’s brings it on.

“Really interesting menu with lots of choices. We went for 4 small plates and one large plate between 2. The octopus paella was great and the cheesecake delicious.”
“Incredible food and a really great atmosphere. DJ played throughout dinner, sax came out and then the whole place turned into a dancefloor.”
“Really nice pre theatre meal here.  Excellent quality food and service.  Highly recommend it.  We had iberico pork, shawarma chicken and the amazing cheesecake."

11. Twist Connubio

££
European, Spanish
⭐️
4.5/5

The Twist Connubio team is passionate about great food and fine wine—with the restaurant specialising in blending Spanish and Italian cuisine. It serves up both Spanish and Italian classics, as well as innovative fusion dishes that combine the two cuisines.

There’s a reason it’s one of our top Mediterranean restaurants in London—it’s a fresh take on something traditional. It’s unique, it’s flavourful, and we love it.

“We went for dinner at Twist and were blown away by how delicious every dish we ate. The food is sublime and the owner is so passionate and it shows in the food he cooks.”
“Lovely tapas and the tasting menu has great options and good value wine pairings. We ordered bone marrow which was the highlight of the evening!”
“Lovely, didn't let us down for our anniversary dinner!”
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Less FOMO, more arroz negro with Ambl

‍Feeling adventurous? Say goodbye to boring, uninspiring meals and say hello to dishes that'll knock your Spanish socks off. Ambl lets you explore new places near you while narrowing your search down depending on your specific needs. 

From piquillo peppers to date molasses, we’ve got you for the best Spanish restaurants in London. Book easy with Ambl.

Best Spanish restaurants FAQs

Are there Spanish restaurants in London that cater to vegetarians or vegans?

Looking for a Spanish dining experience that extends beyond pan con tomate? Look no further. Here’s a list of spanish restaurants in London for you:

  • Twist Connubio offers vegetarian options through its fusion approach.
  • Penelope’s includes vegan and vegetarian dishes, from the Mediterranean straight to Covent Garden.
  • Bibo Shoreditch’s chef Dani García created vegetarian-friendly tapas and dishes. 
  • Tapas Brindisa this iconic tapas location offers many vegetarian dishes and a few vegan options.

You’ve heard it before, there’s got to be something on the menu you can find! Though it’s true, it’s also nice to be tended to. We’ve got you.

Can I find gluten-free options at Spanish restaurants in London?

All of the restaurants on this list have gluten-free options. Luckily, the Mediterranean diet and a classic tapas menu is not gluten-heavy. The best news- Spanish wines are totally GF. 

Here’s a list of strategies for keeping it gluten-free at Spanish restaurants:

  • Tapas: Focus on dishes like grilled meats, seafood, roasted vegetables, and unforgettable cheese. Options like gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns), pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus), and -the quintessential- patatas bravas (though, ask for the sauce ingredients).
  • Paella: This infamous dish is often gluten-free as it’s made with seafood, chicken, or vegetables and does not contain wheat as it’s rice-based. As you may well know, it’s always best to confirm that no gluten-containing broths or additives are used.
  • Spanish tortilla: A Spanish cuisine classic and good go-to gluten free option. It’s made of potato, egg, oil and not much else! Double-check additional sauces or toppings for gluten sensitivity.
Can I find Spanish restaurants in London that offer outdoor seating?

Pork cheeks and goat’s cheese pair best with the right wine, company and setting. For balmy nights or Mediterranean daydreaming, here’s a list of the best Spanish restaurants in London with outdoor seating:

  • Parrillan Borough Yards is known for its outdoor dining setup. They offer a unique experience where diners can grill their own meats and vegetables at the table, making it perfect for an outdoor meal. (Parrilla in Spanish means barbeque).
  • Seabird not only provides outdoor seating but also stunning views of London’s skyline. Located on the rooftop of The Hoxton, it offers Spanish food with a seafood focus. Ideal for alfresco dining.
  • Arros QD has outdoor seating available, though the food prepared by their Michelin-starred Chef is what really leaves you with a sense of fresh air.
  • Tapas Brindisa at their Borough Market location has outdoor seating with a lovely, lively setting​

If you fancy Latin flavour but want to bring it westward, you can also check out one of these top Mexican restaurants in London.

Wherever you go, may the good Spanish vibes be with you. Be sure to book in advance and arrive in style at one of these best Spanish restaurants in London with your name on the list!