Reviews
January, 2008
by Edward Schneider
The Washington Post
In London, Three Kinds of Cool
“There was a different kind of buzz at Tapas Brindisa... the buzz of a bar-restaurant full of people really happy to be there. Brindisa is an importer, wholesaler and retailer of top-quality Spanish products, and that is what marks its no-reservations tapas joint: the Spanish hams, sausages, olives and cheeses were the best I’ve had outside Spain, and better than most I’ve eaten there. Cooked dishes, too, were bright in flavour and not so elaborate that the fine ingredients were submerged. Lots of chefs talk about showcasing their produce, but Brindisa actually does it.”November, 2007
by Emma Sturgess
The London Lite
Join in a food fiesta
“This legendary enclave of all food Spanish has been whetting palates for 20 years. Its tapas bar near Borough has mastered the casual approach – no bookings. You can stand at the bar, throw back some sherry and olives and stride into the night.”June, 2007
by Elisabeth Luard
The Independent
100 Best Restaurants
“A Spanish corner of Borough Market that is the benchmark by which all others must be judged."March, 2006
by Mathew Norman
The Guardian
Tapas Brindisa Restaurant Review
“Tapas Brindisa....the restaurant wing of the fabled supplier of fancy Spanish edibles...is as close to a truly authentic tapas bar experience as you’ll find in Britain....If that was the moment we fell in love with this noisy, bustly place...the succession of dishes that followed only deepened the emotion.....almost every one confirmed the seemingly obvious, yet seldom observed, culinary truth that there’s almost nothing better than wonderful basic ingredients cooked simply and accurately.”January, 2005
by Tessa Boase
The Telegraph
Tap into cool Espana
“Lively, stylish bar with fanatical insistence on simple, authentic ingredients.”December, 2004
Time Out
Hot Tables
“This little tapas bar sells outstanding Spanish food at fair prices.”December, 2004
by Jay Rayner
The Observer
Tapas Dancing
“Small portions and numerous options....Brindisa’s Spanish bar is a must for foodaholics...the food really is as good as it gets for tapas: the rich slices of ham served warm as they should be; hunks of savoury salt cod in crispy batter with aioli and country bread.....deep –fried Monte Enebro cheese with a sticky dribble of honey....I really can recommend the food.”November, 2004
by Terry Durack
The Independent
Groove Armada
“...quality modern tapas has finally arrived in Britain....The Gran Reserva Joselito shoulder is stunning- nutty, complex, with a deep lived-in flavour. The grills with country toast...could each be a light supper. Grilled squid with alioli is a charmer – the squid is grilled quickly until tender and smoky, the tentacles crisp, the alioli gentle. So is just-wilted baby spinach tossed with raisins and pine nuts..and gambas al ajillo...sweet, garlicky prawns, served still sizzling in a little terracotta pot, the integrity of the dish caught by perfect timing at the stove. I love this little place. It is simple and casual, but built on quality, with wonderfully compatible flavours....it’s a joy, the sort of place you could drop into twice a week – or twice a day – if only for a Cruzcampo beer and those fabulous broad beans.”November, 2004
Time Out