Harden's says
Overlooking the Thames in the South Bank Arts Centre, this new Gallician-inspired tapas spot from Jack, Harry and Matthew Applebee has a strong focus on fish – as expected from a family whose fish stall has developed over the past 25 years into a prominent Borough Market fixture.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“A step above the chains that proliferate on the South Bank” is how fans see this “nice tapas bar” in the South Bank Centre itself (with outside terrace): they say it serves “surprisingly good tapas in such a tourist area” – “a miracle considering the location”. But “are they coasting on the basis of initial reviews in the press?”. In aggregate, ratings in our annual diners’ poll are very indifferent here this year, with too many reports of “rather confused service” and “uninspiring” cooking.
Summary
Need a bite near the Southbank Centre? This new Galician-inspired tapas spot at the foot of the centre itself, complete with outside terrace, opened in February 2023. It is run by Jack, Harry and Matthew Applebee, who run the Applebee’s at Borough Market (see also). Stylewise, the appeal is far from cutting edge, with almost-retro decor and with Spanish cuisine that’s not designed to wow the fooderati. But amidst the anonymity of the area, our early reports say it creates good vibes: “very new...very good... family welcome absolutely perfect... tapas are fresh and plentiful... a great addition to the South Bank!” (And The Observer’s Jay Rayner is a fan too. In a June 2023 review he blessed its “extremely solid and pleasing take on the Spanish repertoire” and he too notes its “personal” style: “You do not sense the dead hand of head office, as you might in the surrounding places”).
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at La Gamba?
Unit 3, Royal Festival Hall,, London, SE1 8XX
La Gamba Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Food quality really stand out by comparison with what else is on offer in and immediately around the Festival Hall. Tapas not quite up to the best in London but offers a good range of choice - and everything clearly fresh and home made so no reason why it could not get there! Portion sizes were a bit unpredictable (some a bit small - and not entirely in line with their L, M and S menu indicators) but we did not leave hungry! I'd happily go again."
"Good addition to the Southbank which mainly has chain restaurants. Went with a vegetarian friend so mostly focused on the vegetarian offerings but the octopus was my favourite. Best patatas bravas ever! And the mushroom croquettes were excellent too. Service started off very well but tailed off later."
"Went early, but at least three dishes not available. Service slow and rather confused—server did not understand when we ordered in properly-accented Spanish dishes listed in Spanish on the menu! Food decent but not inspiring. Wine list would be improved by including some carafes."
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £19.95 |  |
|
 |
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £9.30 | £20.80 | £9.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £25.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.50 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
Unit 3, Royal Festival Hall,, London, SE1 8XX
Opening hours
| Monday | 11 am‑11 pm |
| Tuesday | 11 am‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 11 am‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 11 am‑11 pm |
| Friday | 11 am‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 11 am‑11 pm |
| Sunday | 11 am‑11 pm |
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