Tapas Brindisa South Kensington

£8 - £32 / Spanish, Vegetarian options

7-9 Exhibition Rd, London

Opening hours

12PM-12AM

Sunday 12PM-11PM
Monday 12PM-12AM
Tuesday 12PM-12AM
Wednesday 12PM-12AM
Thursday 12PM-12AM
Friday 12PM-12AM
Saturday 12PM-12AM

Authentic Spanish Vibes, Impeccable Tapas Delight

Ah, Tapas Brindisa South Kensington—a culinary oasis where the Mediterranean temperament graciously intersects with Victorian London glitz. Positioned a nod’s length away from the ubiquitous red-brick of South Ken station, it's as vibrant as the crowds that swarm its terrace in pursuit of salted-inked heights of squid risotto and croquetas smoother than crème brûlée. As I made my clandestine entry (yes, alongside half of Chelsea it seemed), I had the good fortune of being whisked to a table that afforded me a delightful controversy view of servers in constant picturesque manoeuvre. The ethereal hum of conversations lulled into the ambience, setting just the right tone for what promised to be gastronomical wonders or, shall we say—misadventures serait plus approprié?—of sorts.

Ah, but what quirks it unmasked! Experience has blessed its kitchen patrons with masterpieces; the grilled octopus stood gently sunbathing in lemon finery, while its beef counterpart paraded a humility so rare, it should’ve stayed hidden. But sainthood remains elusive here; granted, one does forestall their thirst with the inoffensive Verano Verde cocktails, but don’t blink lest you miss service d’un certain dynamisme français missing in action. Yet Khushi and Saakshi outwait the missteps with divinely timed aplomb. Hasta luego, dear readers, for herein lies the whimsical and wondrous adventure of dining at Brindisa—and yes, maybe even with a smile (or few grains of condescension) accompanying that mandatory £60 investment. — Penelope Savory