Paper Palate

The weekly fix of recommended restaurants in the Times heads to Spain for the top ten Tapas restaurants. They list Moro, up in Exmouth Market, which both Cooksister and the Passionate Cook were most disappointed with in a recent visit. Two establishments are listed outside of the capital – one in Brighton the other in Whitstable.

Tapas Brindisa 18-20 Southwark Street, SE1 “It gets busy at lunchtimes, but that’s no surprise given the friendly staff, good value for money and great all-Spanish wine list.” [website]

Barcelona Tapas Bar y Restaurante II, Unit 1, 15 Street Botolph Street, EC3 “The free nibbles during happy hour, friendly staff and pleasant background music make you almost believe you are in Spain” [details]

El Pirata, 5-6 Down Street, W1 “Tightly packed tables, brightly coloured paintings, wonderful Spanish staff, a buzzy atmosphere and arguably the best tapas in London combine to make this tucked-away Mayfair haunt the eatery of choice for many” [website]

Fino, 33 Charlotte Street, W1 “appears both welcoming and sophisticated, which is also a fitting description of the food” [details]

Garcia Bar and Tapas, 246 Portobello Road, W11 “Although many diners use the place for a quick snack, it’s best experienced at siesta pace over a glass or two of Rioja” [details]

Pintxo People, 95-99 Western Road, Brighton “This new Brighton venture brings big city pizzazz to the south coast” [website]

Salt Yard, 54 Goodge Street, W1 “The buzzy ground-floor and more romantic basement dining rooms share a simple, stylish look, while friendly staff give advice on food that is an interesting mélange of Spanish and Italian flavours rather than conventional tapas” [website]

Williams and Brown Tapas, 48 Harbour Street, Whitstable “This small but perfectly formed tapas bar is a branching out for the owners of Williams and Brown deli further along the high street” [details]

William IV, 786 Harrow Road, NW10 “This Kensel Green gastropub serves terrific tapas” [details]