The queues are endless and fans clamour for somewhere to perch at Barrafina’s gleaming L-shaped marble counter, but patience is amply rewarded at this no-bookings tapas star – flawless cooking is a given. Your money might go further in Spain, but who cares when the chefs can dole out dazzlers such as oozing tortillas and milk-fed lamb kidneys to go with picks from a knockout Spanish wine list. Also check out Barrafina’s branches at Dean Street, Drury Lane and King’s Cross.
Spanish cuisine is a many splendored thing. From the excellence of tapas – why have one dish when you can have five? – to big meaty stews and that most iconic of dishes; the paella, this is food that comes packed with depth and flavour. Try fine alfresco at Parrillan in Coal Drops Yard, or pull up a seat at The Counter at Sabor, Nieves Barragán Mohacho’s Michelin-starred Mayfair hotspot. If all you want is simply a sensational snack – like the almighty bite-size gilda – you'll also find options on this exhaustive list, which features veterans of the Iberian scene; meat-loving Lobos Soho, Basque champion Donostia in Marylebone and Waterloo veteran Mar i Terra.
From tapas to more traditional regional dishes, here are the best restaurants in London for authentic Spanish food.