Barrafina, Tapas Bar, London

Barrafina
Tapas Bar, West End, London

This is my favourite place to have tapas in London. There is a non reservation policy which you rarely find in London. The evening usually starts with queuing for one of the precious seats at the bar, but this period is so delightful because you can start off with a glass of wine or sherry, and some small tapas on the side.
Already "warmed up", the actual meal is delightful. I particularly like watching the cooks preparing my dish right in front of me, as there is an open kitchen behind the bar. The food is excellent, fresh and tasty. Great atmosphere!

Barrafina
54 Frith Street,
London,

W1D 4SL

www.barrafina.co.uk

Califa

This upscaled version of a taco stand no doubt sets the standard for quality tacos and impeccable service. Located in hip Condesa, A favorite for discerning afterparty munchers, Califa is open from around mexican lunch time (2:00pm) until late/early in the morning (5:00am).

Appetizers include "jugo de carne"; a delicious thick and spicy beef broth and "frijoles charros"; a soup-like preparation of beans with bacon, onions and peppers sided with freshly made "tostadas"; tortillas grilled to a crunchy state.

Favorite specialties include thin sliced grilled steak on a fresh-made tortilla topped with grilled cheese. To compliment your tacos you can always depend on ripe and flawless avocados and seasoned grilled onions. An assortment of freshly-made salsas are diligently set at the table upon arrival.

Tacos al pastor and gringas are the spicy mexican version of middle eastern shawarma; a 50 pound skewer of thin-sliced pork rubbed with spicy achiote that rotates side to a grill that slowly cooks to perfection the outer layer of the skewer. Top that with grilled cheese and onions and you have a gringa.

Vegetarian options include grilled cactus leafs and a variety of molten cheese combinations like mushrooms or peppers.

Caramel custard and sweet pot coffee round up a perfect late night meal.

Altata 22 (Alfonso Reyez near to Nuevo Leon)