Spain has one of Europe's longest coastlines and a correspondingly strong seafood tradition, from Galician octopus and Basque grilled fish to the prawns, mussels and squid that go into a proper paella or a plate of gambas al ajillo. Seafood tapas like boquerones (anchovies), pulpo (octopus) and gambas are staples on most Spanish menus rather than an occasional addition, and a Spanish restaurant is one of the more reliable places in London to find genuinely varied shellfish and fish dishes outside a dedicated seafood restaurant.

Spanish food in London spans everything from small tapas bars built around sharing plates to larger restaurants serving full paella and grilled meat or fish as a main course. Regional variety matters here too: Galician cooking leans heavily on seafood and octopus, the Basque Country is known for pintxos and grilled fish, and Valencia is the traditional home of paella, so a menu's regional lean shapes what's actually on offer.

Across London's 14 spanish restaurants in our directory, the highest concentration is in Westminster (4), Haringey (2), Lambeth (2), Camden (2), Southwark (2).

Sharing plates and paella

Expect small plates such as patatas bravas, jamon, croquetas and tortilla espanola alongside larger dishes like paella, grilled fish or seafood stews, often ordered to share across the table rather than as individual courses. Sherry and Spanish wine lists are common, and many restaurants keep a separate, shorter menu for weekday lunch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Spanish food the same as tapas?

Tapas is one way of eating Spanish food, small shared plates rather than individual courses, but it's not the only format. Many Spanish restaurants also serve full-sized mains like paella or grilled fish alongside a tapas selection.

What's typically in a paella, and is it always seafood?

Paella varies by region. The Valencian original uses rabbit and chicken rather than seafood, while paella de marisco is the seafood version built around prawns, mussels and squid, and mixed versions combine both. It's worth checking which style is on the menu if you have a preference.

Where can I find a spanish restaurant in London?

We list 14 across London, with the largest concentration in Westminster (4 restaurants). Use the filters above to narrow down by borough or price.