London’s Gateway to the Flavours of Spain
Iberica Farringdon is like a seductive Spanish charmer, trying to pull you into its passionate culinary world. Spicy Spanish love affair, but not all the dishes got a rose. Same as dating—you win some, you lose some.
Ambiance:
The upstairs has got that whole Spanish style thing going on with blue and white tiles and cute decorations that give the place a romantic vibe, perfect for a laid-back night of good eats.
Service:
Unfortunately, I wasn’t pleased with their service. The service was notably slow. It took over 15 minutes to bring my first bottle of wine to the table, even though the restaurant wasn’t busy.
Price: ££
The price matches well with the portion and quality.
What I Ordered:
They showcased an impressive array of Spanish red wines, ranging from well-known classics to hidden gems waiting to be discovered. The wine list reads like a love letter to Spain’s diverse wine regions, from the bold Riojas to the earthy Ribera del Duero offerings.
Manzanilla olives
Trío de jamones Ibéricos
I started with simple olives and Jamones, because if they can’t nail these as a Spanish place, what’s next? A burger that tastes like a rubber? Let’s dive into the rest.
*Croquettes
The exterior was wonderfully crisp, giving way to a luscious, creamy interior. Each bite revealed a velvety, decadent filling with a rich flavor that danced between the savory notes of Iberian ham and the creamy béchamel sauce.
But they did not beat Bar Kroketa as their flavor was basic.
*Tortilla
First bite unveiled a harmonious union of flavors and textures. The interior was soft, almost creamy, with layers of thinly sliced potatoes enveloped in a velvety egg embrace. The balance of saltiness was just right, enhancing the natural sweetness of the sautéed onions.
Padrones
They missed the mark on the Padrones – those little guys are supposed to be more crispy!
Calamares fritos
The squid was disappointingly small, and that didn’t quite float my boat. Plus, I was hoping for a bit more crunch, not the flabby skin I got.
On the bright side, there was a side of aioli, a creamy garlic dip, which turned out to be a delightful companion to the calamari. That part was quite the satisfying treat.
Kudos for the marketing, though – their Instagram posts had me expecting more.
Pulpo
The artful arrangement and vibrant colors set the stage for an extraordinary culinary encounter. I was hoping for this dish to be good.
Ibérica Restaurants – Celebrating the spirit and style of our homeland.
So…The octopus was tender yet bearing a tantalizing charred crispness that only a skilled grill could achieve. Each forkful of octopus was a burst of oceanic flavor, perfectly complemented by the soft, buttery potatoes. The Pimentón de la Vera, with its smoky and slightly sweet undertones, added depth to the dish without overpowering its delicate balance.
*Chorizo lollipops
It was looking like a fun carnival treat. The chorizo itself was rich and savory, with a hint of smokiness. The pear allioli provided a sweet and creamy dip, which served as a delightful companion to the dish.
This innovative take on chorizo brought a delightful twist to a traditional Spanish ingredient. It managed to preserve the essence of chorizo while adding an element of surprise and creativity.
Mini Hamburger
The patty needed a bit of juicy love, maybe spent too much time on the grill. On the flip side, those brioche buns, while tiny, were like little fluffy clouds with a hint of toasty sweetness.
*Black rice
The rice was perfectly cooked, striking a delightful balance between al dente and creamy. The squid ink added a rich and slightly briny depth to the dish, infusing every grain of rice with its captivating flavor. And then the allioli provided a welcome contrast to the bold flavors of the dish. When mixed into the rice, it added a creamy, indulgent element that elevated the overall taste.
I wanted to crack a big smile because of the awesome taste, but darn it, my blackened tooth was keeping the party on the down-low!
Seafood paella
I’d have to say this was my least favorite dish. They advertised it as ‘Seafood Paella,’ but all I spotted were prawns, which I’d already seen in the Black Rice dish. The rice was disappointingly mushy, and there wasn’t much of it to go around. What’s more puzzling is that I had to wait a whopping 40 minutes for this rice dish – can someone explain why?
Vanilla Caramel Flan
The flan was less smoother and silkier than I had hoped for, and it lacked the rich vanilla essence I was craving. The creamy custard didn’t quite match my preference; I was hoping for it to be creamier and sweeter.
In the end, the dessert didn’t leave me craving for more.
Conclusion:
Iberica Farringdon will make your happy with its Spanish vibe, great selection of Spanish wines, and dishes that are mostly good. It can be a cool spot for a group dinner in the heart of London. If you’re a seasoned Spanish food fan, Iberica Farringdon will leave you wanting something more though.
Tips from Hanako: They have other locations as Marylebone, Victoria, or Canary Wharf. Dress Code is casual, but you can be nice if you want to impress your company.
Booking: https://www.ibericarestaurants.com/book/
Menu at Farrington: https://www.ibericarestaurants.com/locations/farringdon/food/
