The Best Tapas Restaurants in London

For a more classic tapas place, José in Bermondsey is renowned for its high-quality ingredients. Chef and owner José Pizarro began his London career with a job at Spanish food importer Brindisa, so his access to the best Spanish hams and cheeses is top of the line. Expect a vibe similar to that in a tapas bar in Spain: no bookings, doors wide open, a lot of standing, and packed to the brim.

Lobos Meat and Tapas, which translates to ‘wolves’ in English, has a focus on meat, which comes from the famed British supplier Ginger Pig, or in the case of Iberico, directly from Spain. Let the naturally fatty, flavour-explosive hidden cut of Iberico pork melt on your tongue. Or go for some pan-fried monkfish and a classic tortilla.

Donostia serves up Basque cuisine, which includes dishes from the city of San Sebastián, home to countless Michelin-starred restaurants, and a gastronome’s must-visit destination. This translates to foie gras pintxos with walnuts and PX vinegar, crispy-fried cod cheeks with squid-ink aioli, and natural Basque cider. The owners started out in the wine import trade, so you’re safe to expect quality with every glass.

Across the street from sister Donostia, Lurra is a Basque grill restaurant with a buzzy atmosphere. There are daily specials such as spinach croqueta with spring onion aïoli, and then there’s a charcoal-grilled 14-year-old Galician steak, which beef geeks go crazy for. Fish and seafood lovers can feast on grilled octopus with piquillo peppers or Cornish monkfish with muscatel and garlic sauce.

Spanish for ‘Scottish,’ Escocesa takes many of its finest seafood ingredients from Scotland while creating dishes from the land of tapas and flamenco. You might find crisp and creamy salt-cod croquetas, Shetland razor clams, or Ullapool mussels a la plancha on the menu. Enjoy Spanish-inspired cocktails to go with them, such as La Goya Manzanilla sherry with lemonade, lime, and mint.

It’s the first tapas restaurant to obtain a Michelin star in London and one where you can watch the shareable Spanish food being made. With an open kitchen and a marble-topped bar, watch chefs at work while sipping on one of the finest Spanish cavas, sherries, or wines. A daily changing specials menu means you’ll never get bored of Barrafina’s exquisite tapas.

For a more rustic feel and dishes you won’t find anywhere else, Sabor is the tapas place in London to visit. A clear favourite is the runny tortilla with salted cod, and for dessert, a rhubarb and mascarpone tartaleta. Sabor is the offshoot of Chef Nieves Barragán Mohacho who spent the best part of the last decade as executive chef at Barrafina.

Tapas that take inspiration from North Africa and the Middle East – we were already sold by the concept alone. The tapas and mezze bar Morito serves up bite-sized food in earthen clay dishes, for a meal that tickles all your senses. Think dishes like crispy aubergine, whipped feta, and date molasses, or lamb chop with anchovy and paprika butter.