Last Updated on August 17, 2026
Traditional Tapas at Brindisa
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Spanish food and, in particular, Tapas culture is now firmly embedded in British food culture. If I had a pound for every time a waiter asked to tell me about their “small plate sharing concept”, I’d have more money than I do now. But back in 1988 when Monika Linton started the Brindisa group to showcase the finest Spanish food produce, the country’s gastronomic footprint in Britain was negligible. The group has grown from a wholesale business to include one of the initial retail stalls in Borough Market, a Spanish cheese and charcuterie delicatessen in Balham, and tapas bars and restaurants in London Bridge, Richmond, Soho, South Kensington, Battersea, and Borough Market.
We went to review the South Ken outpost, situated close to the tube station and perfectly placed for the locals, museum goers and shoppers who keep the area buzzing. The interior is classic Spanish style, lit by hanging lamps and lined with tiles, strings of garlic, hams and bottles of wine.
We sat outside in the cool and watched the world go by while drinking a well-made Campari Soda and a refreshing, citrussy Agua de Valencia, an authentically Valencian blend of Gin Mare, Finlandia vodka, blood orange and bitter lemon shrub and cava.
We started with a couple of snacks, some moreish, salty Galician Padrón peppers with their piquant kick, and the “Croquetas del Día”, served hot and crisp from the fryer oozing Manchego cheese and Piquillo peppers.
Brindisa has a strong selection of mid-priced Spanish wines. We tried a classic Albariño from Bico da Ran, Rías Baixas, Albariño, full of citrus notes with a hint of aniseed. More herbal was an intense Verdejo from Bodegas Naia, Rueda.
A main of Carrilleras Ibéricas was robust and tasty. Tender melt-in-the-mouth Ibérico pork cheeks came with pickled Figueres onions, pickled turnip, fennel and a meaty Ibérico broth.
Merluza Con Gazpacho Verde, Cornish hake in a pea and mint gazpacho, was a more refined dish. The hake was beautifully seared, the flesh flaky, with the gazpacho having a fresh vinegary tang.
A side of Ensalada De Lentejas, an earthy salad of lentils, smoky Lodosa peppers from Navarre in northern Spain, goat’s curd, and the sweet crunch of caramelised hazelnuts, complemented the main dishes effectively.
Arroz Negro, black rice, is one of my favourite dishes. This version was made with top-quality Illa de Riu Bahía rice, squid ink, squid, lemon, and a rich, unctuous alioli. It was still moist and loose with a deep, satisfying umami flavour. It all got eaten up!
Tarta De Abuela, a traditional “grandma’s dessert” was served tableside in what was a fun piece of table theatre. It was like a chocolate Tiramisu and had more calories than was good for me, but who cares?
The Brindisa restaurants have an advantage over their competition through access to premium Spanish ingredients, which elevates their food offering. With friendly service, conveniently located restaurants, and a menu that avoids clichés, they are an excellent choice for traditional Spanish tapas in London
Brindisa Tapas
Phone: 020 7590 0008
Address: 7-9 Exhibition Road, SW7 2HE
Leave a Reply