Tipped

Fancy Fino has flair

September 03, 2008

We are very big fans of Barrafina so we decided to try their sister restaurant Fino in Fitzrovia. The food was indeed delicious and matched the quality of the Barrafina tapas bar. We enjoyed some lovely jamon and manchego followed by four massive prawns (more like mini lobsters). A few meat dishes - lamb cutlets and guinea fowl - were simple (ala plancha) but yummy.

The service was great as well. They have an extensive spanish wine list, with many varieties I was not familiar with. But our waitress chose a fabulous red for us based on my description of what style we liked. Very impressed.

So overall we had a great meal.... but I found it quite expensive. In my opinion the extra cash for sitting restaurant style is not justified compared to the lively, intimate and fun atmosphere of the tapas bar at Barrafina, especially since the taste and quality of the food is almost identical. For a little less money and a better atmosphere I will be sticking with Barrafina; you just need patience when there is a queue!

Tags: cuisine: spanish tapas

Michelin Spanish - Ole!

October 03, 2007

Great Michelin star Spanish food. The prices are a bit steep for tapas, but the food is excellent. Also be sure to try out the sangria.