Restaurants

A smattering of Alhambra-style tiling, a terracotta colour scheme and the odd potted plant give Laxeiro a homey, honest feel. This unassuming little restaurant is busy most days. On our visit we found it hard to resist the paella with its immense prawns, but went instead for the classic tapas, which were verging on raciones in portion size and perfect for a large group. An authentic tortilla was potatoey and eggy in all the right places, while skinny-cut calamares were far from rubbery. Cochinillo, irresistibly tender suckling pig, came with a gentle tomato and apple sauce, while salty pimientos de padrón were handled with care. Our only criticism concerns the sad-looking patatas bravas which, though nicely flavoured, had probably been sitting around too long. The wine (and sherry) list sticks to Spain, and jugs of sangría are available for sharing. Service is at times sketchy, but staff are in general all smiles. Judging by the queues on Columbia flower-market day, this reliable family-run joint is clearly a success.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009