Cuisine: Spanish, Tapas
Price: ££
If you’re looking for Spanish tapas in the vibrant buzz of Soho, Tapas Brindisa’s tribute to the busy bodegas associated with Spanish cities is a good shout. The restaurant offers a delicious selection of tapas, bar snacks and traditional Spanish comfort food with ingredients sourced from Spain.
Being based in Soho, it is also the ideal place for people watching and a great lunch spot. Even with a flurry of people busily passing by, it nonetheless manages to maintain a feeling of calm as you sit and observe from the terrace. Despite Tapas Brindisa being a chain, it still feels authentic, although I can only speak for the Soho branch, having not visited any other Brindisa restaurants.
Décor/atmosphere
The small shopfront almost feels like you’re about to enter someone’s home, as does the welcome from the staff. The interior is intimate and cosy. You can choose from seats looking out of the window at the Soho bustle, by the bar or take a pew on the comfortable sofas to the rear. The conservatory with its open kitchen is also ideal for private dining. As with most continental dining, there are also a few tables directly outside. The Spanish bodega theme continues on the raised terrace with bar stools, tables made from beer barrels and large parasols. All that’s needed is the Spanish weather.
Food & Drink
The food provides a substantial offering with a mixture of vegetarian, fish and meat dishes. Do not leave here without trying the Galician octopus with capers, smoked paprika and olive oil – it is delicious. The Gambas Al Ajillo (chilli and garlic prawns) are perfect with some bread to soak up the delicious sauce, and the padrón peppers with rock salt are plenty and very moreish. All of it tantalizes the taste buds, and the dishes could easily be eaten by one (especially the octopus!), but tapas is all about sharing. Also recommended is the Catalan ‘coca’ flatbread with tomato & garlic, which I enjoyed even though not a tomato fan, and it’s not tapas unless you have the fluffy patatas bravas with spicy tomato sauce, aioli.
As for drinks, I could drink the sangria by the jug – it’s lovely and refreshing! This Soho bodega also offers a selection of organic sodas, Spanish sherries, artisan wines, beers, vermouth and cocktails. All of which goes down nicely with either tapas, the Iberian charcuterie or artisanal Spanish cheese board.
When thinking of Spanish desserts, churros come to mind for many, but for something different, try the homemade Basque-style burnt cheesecake. I thought I didn’t like cheesecake before I ate this one, but it changed my mind – beautiful!
Service & price
The service has a personal touch, is friendly from the entrance and has good energy. The team are helpful, sprightly and professional.
Prices come in at around £35 per person.
Overall
Tapas Brindisa, Soho is a good choice at any time of day but especially for lunch if you happen to be working or shopping in the area. I especially love the terrace in the warmer months, from where you can sit and observe the hustle and bustle of Soho.
Address: 46 Broadwick Street, London W1F 7AF
Book a table here