Last Updated on March 29, 2025
A Spanish Culinary Adventure in Ealing
4.0 out of 5.0 starsEaling has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, becoming a buzzing hub of shops, cafés, bars, and standout restaurants. Nowhere is this more evident than in Dickens Yard. This dynamic urban quarter has steadily taken shape, culminating in a major retail expansion in early 2024 which integrates sensitively with the surrounding historic buildings, including the Grade I listed town hall and Grade II* listed Christ the Saviour church. Among the culinary gems that have emerged from this regeneration, two Spanish dining spots, Reineta and Rayuela, are stealing the spotlight. Offering a taste of Spain in the heart of West London, these restaurants bring an irresistible mix of authenticity, innovation, and warm hospitality to Ealing’s thriving food scene.
One evening, I set out to explore both establishments, starting with an aperitif at Reineta before heading just a few doors down for dinner at its sister venue, Rayuela.
Reineta is a charming, family-run Spanish café with an outdoor terrace for sunny days. Founded by Miguel Morales, it’s simply furnished with tiled floors, wooden tables, and walls lined with wine bottles, fine sherries and Spanish deli treats. For five years, it has been a popular spot for fresh, seasonal ingredients and a warm, welcoming café atmosphere. Last October, it added a wine bar, offering expertly curated wine flights, traditional cheeses, and small-batch delicacies in a relaxed setting.
They also mix a mean cocktail, so we kicked off the evening with a classic vodka martini and a punchy margarita before diving into a beautifully curated mixed board. Rich Ibérico chorizo and lomo, smoky Idiazabal sheep’s cheese, and a layered Manchego Payoyo with Oloroso sherry-infused semi-soft goat’s cheese took centre stage, complemented by briny Cordial olives and crunchy Queen almonds from Valencia – a true taste of Spain, elegantly simple yet packed with flavour. We couldn’t resist sampling a couple of their sherries, a Spanish tradition I’m all for! I particularly loved the Manzanilla En Rama – golden in colour with an intense aroma, earthy notes, and a beautifully briny, salty finish.
Moving on from Reineta to Rayuela, you’ll find a terrace outside and a modern interior with clean lines. The light wood floors contrast beautifully with dark wood tables and orange leather banquettes, creating a warm, inviting vibe. At the rear, an open kitchen adds an extra touch of energy and authenticity to the space.
Rayuela is named after the Spanish word for hopscotch, a nod to the playful and interactive dining experience it offers. Here, meals are designed as a culinary journey, encouraging guests to explore a variety of flavours as if jumping between squares on a hopscotch court.
The menu offers a vibrant mix of traditional and modern Spanish cuisine, featuring tapas, seafood paella, Iberian pork, and wood-fired specialties. Evolving weekly, it highlights the freshest seasonal ingredients, with vegetables, meats, and fish carefully prepared to preserve their natural essence. One of the highlights is the charcoal grill – it adds a deep, smoky richness to every dish that really brings out the flavours, as I discovered.
We sampled a selection of dishes, arriving in a well-paced flow that truly captured the essence of Rayuela. Of course, no visit would be complete without trying the COVAP Jamón Ibérico carved at the table – its nutty sweetness and earthy, truffle-like richness are unforgettable. Followed by a warming cup of chicken broth, it was just the start of an evening filled with incredible flavours.
Next up, we had the crispy Croquetas del Día, with a smooth béchamel filling and a crunchy Panko coating, followed by El Pulpo two ways – tender octopus served both grilled and fried, a vibrant mix of Chontaduro and Uchucuta, blending Spanish and Peruvian flavours in two unforgettable plates.
A highlight was the perfectly crafted, crisp, but creamy leek mushroom pie with spring onions – truly delicious. Moving on to the meat courses, the charcoal grill worked its magic.
The Chuletitas de Cordero -grilled lamb chops- arrived tender, smoky, and perfectly complemented by a rich roasted garlic purée and a fiery Rocoto pepper marinade. Equally impressive was the Pluma Ibérica, the finest cut of the Iberian pig, succulent and cooked to perfection. Served alongside char-grilled broccoli and asparagus, the bold, harmonious flavours made it nothing short of a feast.
The wines were expertly paired with each dish, starting with a Lusco Albariño – a vibrant, full-bodied wine with golden hues, bursting with ripe stone fruit, pear, and zesty lemon aromas, all balanced by fresh acidity. Next came the Finca Villacreces, an inky purple, full-bodied wine with bold aromas of espresso, toasted bread, and wild blueberries.
And finally, a rather unique Basque cheesecake with wild berry compote, a delightful twist on the classic. What sets this cheesecake apart is the use of Quesos y Besos, an award-winning cheese crafted by a small, family-run artisanal business in Guarromán, Jaén, in southern Spain. This creamy blue cheese added a savoury depth to this rich and indulgent dessert, transforming it into something quite unique. I was lucky enough to bring some of this exceptional cheese home with me, and believe me, it’s been the star of many a fine lunch since!
For those craving an authentic taste of Spain in Ealing, Reineta is a true hidden gem. Whether you’re easing into the day with a leisurely breakfast, enjoying a wine tasting, or simply unwinding over a glass of something special, its warm, personal touch makes it a standout in the area’s ever-evolving food scene. When it’s time for lunch or dinner, Rayuela is the perfect spot, offering an à la carte menu, tasting menus, and set lunch options, each featuring an exciting twist on tapas and bold, mouthwatering dishes. With incredible flavours and a vibrant atmosphere, these two spots provide a seriously delicious adventure in West London’s evolving culinary scene.
Unit 9A Dickens Yard,
Ealing
London,
W5 2TD
t 07760 827713
Rayuela
Unit 9C Dickens Yards,
Ealing,
London,
W5 2TD
020 456 6659
Leave a Reply