Goya

It may be named after one of Spain’s most iconic artists, but there’s nothing brooding or dramatic about this good-natured tapas bar/restaurant. A cheery vibe prevails as waistcoated waiters whisk around with plates of ultra-traditional ‘comida’ for the business execs & Westminster politicos who congregate here at lunchtime. Patriotic paellas, sea bass a la plancha & duck in sherry sauce with olives & shallots complement a predictable selection of tapas taking in the likes of grilled sardines, Padrón peppers, albondigas & sautéed artichokes with serrano ham. Arched alcoves & heavy wooden chairs add to the rustic vibe in the basement dining room, while the buzz in the more relaxed ground-floor tapas bar is regularly punctuated by the sound of popping Cava corks. During the summer, the party spills out onto the street.