Restaurants

In the heart of bustling Portobello Road, this is a café in the traditional sense of the word – pop in for coffee and pastries or a simple bite to eat. It’s an easy stop for bands of shoppers or locals, but you can feel equally comfortable alone in these surroundings. On our visit, a selection of empanadas and tortillas was on display in the glass-fronted counter, along with paella, fabada and other cooked dishes, ready to be plated and popped in the microwave. Plump boquerones and salad were also available, but there isn’t a vast choice overall, so García isn’t somewhere for a special occasion. Decor is simple and functional, with a few sepia photos to pull it together. The main point of interest is the collection of Spanish products on view behind the counter. Next door is certainly worth a visit; R García offers a range of Spanish supermarket favourites, from biscuits to shampoo, and its deli counter has a tempting array of meats and cheeses that’s not to be missed.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009