Having got over the brittle trendiness of its early years, Cigala seems to have settled into position at the superior, sophisticated end of the London tapas-restaurant scene. Decor of white walls and pale wood is unfussy and mellow. Vinophiles can enjoy an exceptional, adventurous list of modern Spanish wines - and they're not all at hefty prices either - that's notably strong in sherries, rosés and high-quality Catalan regions such as Priorat and Montsant.

Located between Russell Square and Holborn, Cigala is a dream come true if you’re craving authentic Spanish food. Owner and chef Jake Hodges was one of the founders of the legendary Moro in Clerkenwell, so it’s no surprise that his own eatery is very popular with London’s foodies. The menu features classic Spanish dishes like hearty pork, chorizo and bean stew; prawns with garlic and chilli; and delicious paella with monkfish. The friendly service and stylish décor make Cigala the ideal setting for mid-week dinners with friends and family. At lunchtime, you can pop in for a few dishes from their traditional tapas menu and a glass or two from the excellent wine list. We know you’ll be back for more!

Wealthy media & lawyer types favour it for long, unhurried lunches, while locals prefer to soak up its warm neighbourhood vibes in the evenings. The smart, airy ground-floor dining room is all polished wood & linen. It sets the scene for chef/patron Jake Hodges (one of Moro’s founders) to deliver dishes created from judiciously sourced ingredients. Cured meats from Teruel or Extremadura might be served ahead of marinated anchovies or chicken livers pan-fried with onions & sherry. A paella for two comes with chicken & chorizo, or monkfish, prawns & clams. There’s also an ochre-hued basement tapas bar.

Wine List: The engaging notes make Cigala’s list a pleasure to browse. This continues to be one of the capital’s best all-Spanish selections, split roughly 50/50 between the established regions & the up-and-coming. Sherry by the glass is a speciality. Reasonable mark-ups help make the restaurant a great place to come & experiment.