London recently recorded temperatures of 26 degrees Celsius, surpassing Barcelona’s highs and creating ideal conditions for Mediterranean-style dining. Tapas and petiscos offer the perfect way to savor small plates outdoors during these rare warm spells.
Exclusive Tasting Menus
Chef Victor Garvey’s Mater1a in Notting Hill delivers an innovative sixteen-seat experience inspired by Japanese techniques and raw ingredients. The intimate space resembles a stylish Tokyo alchemist’s lair with symbolic decor and live DJ sounds. Diners encounter cryptic menu clues, starting with ‘March in five bites’ featuring exceptional seafood like tear-inducing scallop dishes and prawn dumplings with salmon roe. Highlights include Joselito ham stew with truffles, A5 wagyu slices, and a trolley service showcasing Sicilian tomatoes and Japanese strawberries transformed into sorbets and mousses. The £175 per person tasting menu leaves guests exhilarated.
Location: 115 Westbourne Grove, W2 4UP. Bookings: Available online.
Fusion Small Plates
Le Nusa: Indonesian-French Delights
Newly opened Le Nusa blends Indonesian and French flavors on the Strand. Backed by celebrity owners, the serene space features Javanese music and standout dishes like Nasi Goreng Le Nusa with smoked beef brisket, fried rice, sambal, and prawn crackers. Desserts shine with chewy Dadar Gulung and Biscoff Klepon. Starters from £10, mains from £12.50.
Location: 227-228 Strand, WC2R 1BE. Bookings: Available online.
Med Salleh: Malaysian Specialties
Med Salleh’s latest Kentish Town outpost excels in Ipoh and Penang-inspired dishes. The flaky roti canai stands out as London’s finest, paired with rich curries. The Ipoh hor fun soup, made with chicken stock and prawn-infused oil, impresses with its depth—add soy and chili as suggested. Street snacks from £7.90, claypot specials £16.90.
Location: 320 Kentish Town Road, NW5 2TH. Bookings: Call to reserve.
Premier Tapas and Petiscos Spots
Lírica at The Cumberland Hotel
This Marble Arch venue offers bold Spanish tapas. The perfectly balanced tortilla achieves ideal runniness, while ham and manchego croquetas provide a creative twist. Finish with rich Basque cheesecake. Tapas from £6.50.
Location: The Cumberland Hotel. Bookings: Available online.
Bar Douro
Tucked under London Bridge arches, Bar Douro specializes in authentic Portuguese petiscos. Seafood leads with octopus salad and bacalhau à Brás salt cod hash. Pair with Vinho Verde. New lunch deal: bifana sandwich and beer for £10, Thursdays to Sundays. Plates from £5.
Locations: London Bridge and City. Bookings: Available online.
Brindisa Tapas
Multiple locations feature sunny terraces, especially Battersea. Classics like croquetas, olives, and seafood abound, but the layered tortilla with alioli captivates. Try pollo con hinojo chicken. Classics from £8.
Locations: Battersea, London Bridge, Soho, and more. Bookings: Available online.
