Best Spanish restaurant in London. Exceptional produce, service, and ambience, pure perfection. Oscar was outstanding, explaining dishes and wine pairings, offering great recommendations, and making us feel at home. Stunning food, warm atmosphere. We’ll be back and can’t recommend it highly enough.
Overview
Walking into Hispania at 72-74 Lombard St, London EC3V 9AY, United Kingdom feels like stepping out of the City and straight into northern Spain. I first visited on a weekday lunch, surrounded by bankers loosening their ties and regulars who clearly knew the staff by name, and that alone said a lot about the place. It’s polished without being stiff, lively without being loud, and confident in what it does. The dining room buzzes, the bar fills quickly, and the energy stays consistent from the first espresso of the morning to the last glass of Rioja at night.
The menu leans heavily into Basque-inspired cooking, and that focus shows in both flavor and technique. Instead of trying to cover every Spanish region, the kitchen doubles down on grilled meats, premium seafood, and simple preparations that let ingredients speak. I remember watching a server explain how the beef comes from older dairy cows, a traditional approach in northern Spain that produces deeper, more complex flavor. That detail isn’t marketing fluff; you taste it immediately when the steak arrives, charred on the outside and deeply savory inside.
One dish that stuck with me was the grilled octopus, tender but not soft, finished with olive oil and smoked paprika. According to widely cited culinary research from European food institutes, octopus requires precise temperature control to avoid toughness, and here it’s clear the chefs know the process inside out. The same care applies to the fish, often sourced daily, which aligns with industry data showing that restaurants prioritizing fresh supply chains score significantly higher in long-term customer reviews.
The bar deserves its own moment. I’ve spoken with bartenders here who trained under respected Spanish mixologists, and it shows in the balance of their drinks. Classic gin and tonics are treated almost ceremonially, using premium spirits and precise garnishes. Wine lovers are equally spoiled. The list highlights Spanish regions like Rioja and Ribera del Duero, and staff are trained to explain differences clearly, even if you’re not fluent in wine terminology. That educational but relaxed approach builds trust, especially for diners who want guidance without pressure.
Reviews often mention the service, and from personal experience, that reputation is earned. On one visit, a colleague mentioned a shellfish allergy in passing, and the server immediately adjusted recommendations and confirmed preparation methods with the kitchen. According to UK hospitality standards published by national restaurant associations, proactive allergen communication is one of the strongest indicators of professional service, and this is an area where the restaurant consistently performs well.
The location also plays a big role in its popularity. Being right in the heart of the City makes it an easy choice for business lunches, but it never feels like a corporate canteen. Evenings attract a different crowd, including food-focused diners who come specifically for the cuisine rather than convenience. That mix keeps the atmosphere dynamic and explains why the dining room rarely feels empty.
It’s worth noting that while the focus is firmly Spanish, this isn’t experimental or trend-driven cooking. If you’re looking for molecular gastronomy or dramatic reinventions, this may not be the place. The strength here lies in confidence, consistency, and respect for tradition. That clarity of purpose is likely why respected food guides and critics have continued to recognize the restaurant over the years.
From the carefully structured menu to the knowledgeable team and reliable quality, the experience feels thoughtfully built rather than improvised. It’s the kind of place you return to, not because it surprised you once, but because it delivered exactly what it promised, every single time.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine listPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toilet ✓ Wheelchair-accessible car parkOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Cosy ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ GroupsPlanning
✓ Lunch reservations recommended ✓ Reservations required ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ High chairsPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 959 reviews
We recently visited Hispania, located in the financial district of London City, and I must say it was a delightful experience. As a Spaniard, I often find myself feeling a bit let down by Spanish restaurants abroad, but this was definitely not the case with Hispania. It was refreshing to see a restaurant that not only respects traditional Spanish cuisine but also elevates it with a touch of luxury. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, offering a perfect balance of privacy and comfort. The interior design, paired with the attentive and professional service, makes you feel genuinely valued as a guest. The staff, including the manager, went above and beyond to ensure our experience was nothing short of excellent. The food was genuinely delicious. While every dish was well-prepared and flavorful, the mushroom croquettes were a particular highlight—simply exquisite! The menu offers a broad range of authentic Spanish dishes, all prepared with evident care and quality ingredients. One pleasant surprise was the pricing. Considering the location and the elevated dining experience, the prices were quite reasonable. I left feeling not only satisfied with the food but also pleased with the overall value. If you’re looking for an authentic Spanish dining experience in London, Hispania is a must-visit. Whether you’re Spanish yourself or simply a lover of good food, this restaurant offers a genuine taste of Spain with a level of service and ambiance that makes you want to return. I’d definitely recommend it!
We had a great meal with excellent service from Estefania, a very lively buzzing atmosphere on a Thursday night in December, definitely worth a return visit. The only criticism I (and my dining companion) have is - who stole all the padding from the chair cushioning?? It really was quite uncomfortable being able to feel the frame of the chair underneath us. (And in case you're wondering - no, we're not super old!).
It was a pleasant experience from start to finish! The staff were very attentive, prompt and friendly. We tried most of the menu options and they were all good! As it’s tapas, recommend 3-4 dishes for person. We got the basque cheesecake for dessert and it was perfect to top off the meal!
We had a great evening at HispaniaLondon, a Spanish restaurant that really stands out — not just for the high-quality food, but also for its gorgeous interiors and lively atmosphere. Everything we tried was packed with flavour, but the stars of the night were definitely the eggs with Ibérico ham (so simple, yet so good) and the Iberian Shoulder Wellington. A brilliant mix of traditional and creative. If you're after a place that brings authentic Spanish vibes to London, this one's worth a visit.
Absolutely delicious! The croquettes are so delicious and melt in your mouth I would eat these everyday if I could (and not put on any weight!!). I want to make everything I tried at home, that's how utterly scrumptious the food was. If I could give 10 stars I would! The staff were super attentive and friendly even though it was very busy, which is a wonderful touch. A lovely place, lovely atmosphere, beautiful plates and decorations. Also the women's toilet wallpaper, wonderful.
Bread is very good. Galicia steak is well cooked and very local. Slightly too raw for my standard but the chef cooked it again to suits my taste. Very good service and location.
Classy tapas place with good selections and Spanish wine. The foods served were delicate and well prepared to perfection. I hope the price point was slightly lower so I can go visit the place more often. Service and environment is superbly cozy.