Breaking news
Harden's survey result
Summary
“Just wonderful: fresh… lively… exciting and always interesting!” – that’s this year’s worst (!) report of many lauding Nieves Barragan and José Etura’s phenomenal slice of Spain, just off Regent Street. “A seat at the counter, if you can snag one (get there early, or be prepared to queue – it’s well worth it) transports one to Andalucia or Castile, and the assured food is as good as it is there”. Or “eat upstairs at the El Asador dining room” (which is bookable nowadays). “Seating can be a little cramped but it all adds to the atmosphere”. Top Menu Tip – “crisp piglet never disappoints”.
Summary
“A little bit of San Sebastián in the heart of the West End” – “grab a seat at the counter and watch the magic unfold in front of you” at Nieves Barragan and José Etura’s tapas bar (ground floor) and ‘Asador’ (first floor), an “all-time-favourite” which – despite the travails of the era – “just goes from strength to strength as one of the strongest Spanish restaurants in London”. “Top-notch Iberian food is served with élan” – “heart and soul-filling, happy and warm, tear-inducing dishes” – and service is “so lovely and welcoming”. “Limited bookings mean that there is always a queue to get in from when the doors open at lunch” and “the queue can be long”. But “it’s pleasing to hear that there are now bookable small tables upstairs”, as many feel that “the Asador has got better now they have replaced the sharing benches with a proper arrangement”. Top Tip – Asador means BBQ of a complete animal, and “if you crave suckling pig, this is the place!”
Summary
“Seats at the bar provide both theatre and delicious bites” at Nieves Barragan and José Etura’s smash hit, tucked off Regent Street, which is now four years old. You can also eat on communal tables upstairs in the ‘El Asador’ dining room. The “superb, modern tapas” (“focussed on seafood, with some Spanish-sourced specialities”) are “heavenly”, it’s well-known for its suckling pig, and the “atmosphere is energetic and warm”. (A shout-out also to their Dine At Home nationwide delivery: “the most innovative during lockdown” for numerous reporters.)
Summary
“Just thinking about it is making my mouth water!” – Nieves Barragan and José Etura’s “bustling, casual and friendly” three-year-old, tucked off Regent Street, is establishing itself as one of the West End’s brightest stars: “a guaranteed first-class food experience with a lot of fun thrown in”. “The downstairs bar serves modern tapas, including the beloved carabineros and croquetas. Upstairs at the communal tables, you’ll feast on traditional dishes like suckling pig, cooked in an Asador (wood-fired oven)”. Both locations score a big thumbs up: “not cheap, but what an utter treat to have well-executed, passionate, uncomplicated cooking of Spanish classics in the middle of London”.
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 Sabor?
35 Heddon St, London, W1B 4BP
Restaurant details
Sabor Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Went here for birthday celebrations and came with high expectations having looked at reviews. Started with the special tuna loin served raw with a classic Asian sauce, along with some croquetas and calsets. For mains we got a quarter pig, a special large whole brill and a mix of the sides. The tomato ventresca was the favourite. Portions may have been a little small for the price but overall everything delivered as expected, immaculate suckling pig and definitely worth coming for. "
"A fabulous meal which had flavours dancing across our tongues. We sat at the bar and had the joy of seeing our food being prepared, as well as exceptional service. Plus our dietary intolerances were catered for effortlessly. Well worth a visit. We will be back. "
"Great location and such a nice atmosphere. Wonderful to sit at the counter and watch the busy service being executed to perfection. The food was just amazing and really good value. "
"Tapas"
"Appallingly mean portions. £20 (including service) for a tiny portion of tuna, etc. Probably very good but hardly enoigh to taste. Used to be good. Now a tourist trap. Ambience is for outsude table in dingy alley."
"Very buzzy and popular (be prepared to queue!). Sit at the counter to watch delicious small plates being prepared but don’t get too carried away as the bill quickly mounts up"
"The counter at Sabor was fabulous. The Cuttlefish Papardelle & Manchego Pesto was wonderful followed by Piquillo Croquetas with Manchego Cheese Tasted a Txistorra Tortilla but the Gem Salad, Botarga, Manchego & Pine Nuts was wonderful. We finished with the delightful Rhubarb Tartaleta. All the wine pairing were spot on RAVENTOS E NIT ROSE was exceptional."
"The counter at Sabor was fabulous. The Cuttlefish Papardelle & Manchego Pesto was wonderful followed by Piquillo Croquetas with Manchego Cheese Tasted a Txistorra Tortilla but the Gem Salad, Botarga, Manchego & Pine Nuts was wonderful. We finished with the delightful Rhubarb Tartaleta. All the wine pairing were spot on RAVENTOS E NIT ROSE was exceptional."
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £25.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
35 Heddon St, London, W1B 4BP
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
Best Spanish restaurants nearby
Italian restaurant in Soho
Spanish restaurant in St James's
Spanish restaurant in Westminster
Best similarly priced restaurants nearby
British, Modern restaurant in Soho
British, Traditional restaurant in Mayfair
Indian restaurant in Soho
