Iberica
Spanish Restaurant in Marylebone
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8 / 10 from 1 review
Address
195 Great Portland Street
Marylebone
London
W1W 5PS
195 Great Portland Street
Marylebone
London
W1W 5PS
Telephone
020 7636 8650
020 7636 8650
Cuisine
Spanish
Spanish
Region
Marylebone
Marylebone
Opening Times
| Monday |
Open 11:30 - Closes 23:00 |
| Tuesday |
Open 11:30 - Closes 23:00 |
| Wednesday |
Open 11:30 - Closes 23:00 |
| Thursday |
Open 11:30 - Closes 23:00 |
| Friday |
Open 11:30 - Closes 23:00 |
| Saturday |
Open 11:30 - Closes 23:00 |
| Sunday |
Open 12:00 - Closes 16:00 |
All In London Review
the place positions itself as an art and cultural centre as well as a top Spanish gastronomic experience
The place is a little inaccessible – a bit of a walk from Oxford Circus – but a large, imposing building on the corner of Great Portland Street and Devonshire Street. Through the large glass windows you can see various levels of activity – the place positions itself as an art and cultural centre as well as a top Spanish gastronomic experience.
The ceilings are high – and we could just about see the upper Minstrel’s Gallery area where more diners were happily chatting. It’s white and modern and my colleague took a fancy to the arty but functional wooden chairs with a neat metal loop in the back (she obtained the name of the designer/supplier on her way out).
There’s a counter with a selection of hams hanging enticingly as well as a line of holders with numerous delicious looking hams in position. To the rear of the restaurant there is a glass cheese and wine room (we didn’t see anyone go in there though) and one wall had shelves stocked with all manner of items for you to buy and take away.
The staff welcomed us warmly – and we were well looked after by Joanna who didn’t appear fazed by us getting up and down a lot to talk to our nearby friends, nor when some of them pulled up a chair to join us for a while. We were given some water – in chunky glasses – and our glasses of wine arrived. We had been tempted by the bottles of Rioja (from £34.80) but we were driving.
I simply had to try some of that ham and so we started with a selection of cured meats (£12.30) which arrived on a wooden platter – the beef slivers were particularly good. And there was a huge amount of meat! Meanwhile my colleague tucked into the olives (£2) with anchovies.
I was encouraged when asked how I wanted my traditional Spanish omelette (£4.65) and was delighted when an entire round arrived. Less impressed that my request for it to be firm hadn’t been interpreted as well done. I despise runny tortilla – maybe I’m a heathen but that’s how my Spanish chef ex-husband from Galicia taught me to cook it about 30 years ago.
We both raved about the Foie salad with muscatel jelly and pedro Ximenez (£7.20) with my companion declaring it the dish of the evening. Dark leaves, hazelnuts and pineapple pieces with a sweet dressing. I admit that I was bowled over by it too. My favourite dish though was a chickpea puree with chorizo, pancetta and tomato salad (£5.90) presented on a pretty square dish.
The Padron peppers with Maldon salt (£6.90) were as expected – warm, not too spicy and with that satisfying crunch from the salt. The potatoes with brava sauce arrived in a large dish and the sauce was creamy with sufficient kick to be noticed. My grilled prawns were large and with their legs on (the finger bowl arrived a little later) – there was a hint of the chilly garlic and sherry vinegar dressing (£6.90).
We were having such a good time that we decided to have desserts. My companion selected the Creamy Guanaja chocolate (70%) in olive oil and apricot sorbet (£4.60). All she could say was “Wow!”. My Cream caramel "Tocinillo" with yoghurt ice cream and crumble (£4.10) – which arrived on a flirty fluted dish – was incredible. There ought to be a law against serving such “rude food”!
Fresh mint tea and espresso coffee rounded off our evening.
I hope to return to try out the Sunday paella (from £13.80 per person for vegetable, £16.20 for chicken and £19 for seafood). Apparently, they are opening a new restaurant soon – in Canary Wharf – I’ll definitely be trying that one out – and maybe I’ll get to try that paella on that occasion.
Reviewed by KimT
Published on Nov 14, 2011
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