Carmen

Carmen is an institution on London’s dining scene, and has been serving outstanding Spanish food since it first opened its doors back in 1996. All these years, the owners have done their best to “stay true to their roots in Seville”, working hard to transport their customers all the way to southern Spain by providing the same fare and ambiance.The menu is a lengthy list of the country’s most traditional tapas dishes, including Spanish omelet, Padrón peppers, Cabrales cheese croquettes, pisto (similar to ratatouille), patatas bravas (fried potato squares in a spicy sauce), and garlic mushrooms. Carmen also serves paella and a variety of fish dishes, among them grilled squid, marinated anchovies, octopus and garlic prawns, and meat dishes as well, such as chorizo cooked in red wine, pincho moruno (chicken skewers), and presa Ibérica (Ibérico pork shoulder). In authentic Spanish fashion, these dishes are tapas and, therefore, they are made for sharing.The wine list includes a wide range of options from Spain’s top winemaking regions, including Jumilla, Bierzo, Toro, Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Galicia, offering the perfect selection for pairing with their delicious tapas. Guests can also indulge in any of their liqueurs, brandies and sherries.Carmen has a loyal following, many of whom rave about the warm atmosphere, the diversity of dishes, and the value for money.