A Flirtatious Tango of Spanish Flavours
Ready for a passionate dance with Spanish cuisine in the heart of Soho?
As soon as you walk in, Bar Kroketa sets the mood with its cozy, dimly lit vibes. They’ve got that rustic decor, Latin pop tunes in the background, and the staff’s all chill and friendly, like you’re straight-up in Barcelona.
And then, their drinks menu sets the stage for a seductive Spanish soirée. You can sip on exquisite Spanish wines, indulge in a classic sangria, or let their creative cocktails work their magic on your senses.
What I Ordered:
Hats off to them for putting together such a tempting menu. They’ve got everything, from mouthwatering croquettes to those fancy pinchos boards and seriously delicious grilled dishes.
Plus, they’ve strategically placed these menus all over the restaurant, making them visible from outside on every street. They certainly know how to run a successful operation.
Now, get this: their kitchen is small, but they’ve got it down to a science with just two top-notch chefs. It’s pretty damme impressive!
Black squid ink, alioli kroketas
As my tiny tapas-sized fork pierced the crispy, dark shell, I encountered a satisfying crunch. Beneath it, I found a silky interior that oozed with rich, velvety goodness.
Now, let’s delve into the flavor, where these croquettes truly shone. The essence of the ocean enveloped my senses as the delightful saltiness and umami notes of the squid ink hit me.
King prawn, prawn head alioli kroketas
When I dug into that croquette, the outside just crumbled away, revealing this smooth, creamy filling that was pure indulgence.
The richness of those prawn heads was all locked up in that creamy center, giving this deep, briny vibe that totally tickled my taste buds.
Jamón, migas kroketas
I won’t dwell on the beautiful texture, as it’s just as superb as other croquettes, but this one delivered a rich, savory punch that resonates with the essence of Spain.
The migas, a traditional Spanish breadcrumb mixture, added a delightful crunch and an earthy, nutty undertone that complemented the jamón beautifully.
*Tortilla of the day
Sometimes, it’s the simplest dishes that leave the most lasting impressions, and the Tortilla at Bar Kroketa is a prime example.
One bite into this Tortilla, and you’ll discover a delicate balance of textures—neither too soft nor too hard—nothing short of perfection.
And the flavor? It was remarkable with the use of good oil. This dish offered me an authentic taste of Spain that truly speaks to the soul.
Crab toastie, house pickle
So, I took a big bite of the Crab Toastie. The Perfectly toasted golden-brown bread was all crunchy, which was a nice contrast with the tender crab meat inside.
It has this great sweet and delicate flavor of the crab meat, however, a bit more seasoning or some zesty aioli would’ve made it even better.
Now, those house-made pickles? They’re, seriously, the best pickles ever! They’ve got this tangy, slightly spicy kick, and they’re super crispy. They served as a brilliant accompaniment to the richness of the crab.
Pisto, tomato, courgette, pepper
The vegetables were cooked to perfection, offering a tender, slightly crisp bites that keep their natural textures. While some dishes of this kind can end up too oily, this one was wonderfully balanced.
The dish was served with a side of house-made bread, which was the perfect accompaniment. Its crusty exterior gives way to a soft, airy center that’s perfect for sopping up the flavorful juices of the Pisto.
Chargrilled baby gem, roasted peach, hazelnuts, goat’s curd
The baby gem lettuce, kissed by the grill, showcased a tantalizing smoky char. I definitely loved the roasted peach. It had this sweet caramelized thing going on outside, with juicy, soft goodness inside.
Oh, and those toasted hazelnuts…Total nutty crunch! Then the creamy goat’s curd just brought it all together, all smooth and velvety-like.
*Coconut & strawberry kroketa
Biting into this croquette transported me to the heaven! The exterior was wonderfully crispy, offering an initial crunch that gave way to the creamy, luscious filling.
Then the flavor of this croquette was a tropical symphony. The coconut, with its sweet and nutty profile, took the spotlight. It provided a rich, creamy base that harmonized beautifully with the sweet and slightly tangy notes of strawberry.
Malaga ice cream sandwich, PX
Bar Kroketa just kept wowing me with its cool take on Spanish desserts. It was a sweet Andalusian dream, mixing tradition with some serious creativity. You won’t forget this one.
When you take just a bite of the raisin ice cream sandwich, it might come off as a bit too sweet, but hold on, here comes the PX sherry sauce, and that’s when the real magic kicks in. This sauce, guys, it was top top. It’s got this deep sweetness with hints of oak that just amp up the whole dessert.
Conclusion:
Bar Kroketa is a hidden treasure in Soho where you can have an affair of Spanish flavors, where each dish invites you into a culinary tango. While the prices are reasonable, the intensity of taste makes it an irresistible indulgence.
Reservations are your ticket to this Spanish rendezvous; trust me, you’ll want a seat at this seductive table. https://kroketa.co.uk/reservations
Whether you’re in the mood for an intimate tête-à-tête or a lively gathering with your close amigos, this spot has the ambiance to match. You might even want to set a dress code to complete the Spanish experience.
