Salt Yard

One of the big debates in culinary London seems to centre on experimentation and pushing the boundaries of food (think ‘foam’, ‘reduction,’ ‘surprise’ ad nauseum) versus an emphasis on high quality fresh ingredients, prepared simply yet to perfection. Salt Yard definitely makes a strong case for the latter. The very mention of tapas often, to my mind, conjures a potential minefield outside of Spain. Far too regularly, dishes are prepared badly (or simply appalling; once at Floridita, limp tomato and garlic bread sticks unfortunately in my memory) or restrauteurs resort only to the tired clichés (such as meatballs or patatas bravas). Moreover, tapas – increasingly too an overused term and excuse for restuarants to offer the diner small over-priced dishes – affords the opportunity either to be bold and experimental or horribly traditional. Fortunately, Salt Yard does not disappoint. It does not try and do anything too complicated and what it does, it does exceptionally well, with an emphasis on the fresh and the high-quality. Furthermore, my dining comrade and I were delighted by the egality of the menu for it was quite rare, but very much appreciated that there were a roughly equal number of meat, fish and vegetarian options. Staff were helpful and indicated that six dishes (conveniently two of each) would be an appropriate lunch for two people, and this proved to be the case. While it would be possible to fault the order in which the dishes came (they were brought to the table when ready, and there was quite a big gap between some of the dishes), each was prepared to perfection. Salt Yard pulled off the trick of tantalising me with each dish, leaving me wanting more, but then lifting me up again with the next offering. The crispy soft shell crab, fennel salad and piquilo ailoli was among the best I have ever had. Other positives: a good range of sherries (manzanilla went perfectly with our food) and tables adequately spaced (despite it being a small location). Would definitely return and London needs more places such as this.

By far one of the best tapas restaurants in central London. i often eat here with clients, and friends, and find the food delicious.
The service is great, the staff never rush you to leave the table, which you can often find in central london restaurants, and they are always on hand to help with any questions. on may occasions i havent even looked at the menu and just asked for the amount and dishes they reccomend, and I have never been dissapointed.
I would reccomend anyone who comes to try the courgette flowers, and if you miss the pork belly you are missing out. The menu was refined a few years back to the best of the previous menu, there is little i wouldnt order.

The best tortilla I've eaten in London.
You could easily spend, spend, spend here
but if you order carefully you can eat really well
without giving the bank manager a heart attack
The wine list looked amazing but we had cava cocktails to start
and then enjoyed some spanish beer.
pimientos de padron, courgette flowers, cod cheeks,
jerusalem artichoke puree with porcini mushrooms was so flavoursome I almost had a vegetarian conversion moment – ALMOST!

I always go to Salt yard when my best friend is in town. It is our treat. we get sat in a corner, order many many plates, lots of bubbles and eat till we want to pop. Signature dishes for me is the pork belly, courgette flowers, croquets, wow I could go on and on… finish with some pedro Ximenez and churros…yummy!
It is always good, service is attentive but not intrusive. I love it and will be back. price wise, for my pocket it is a treat, so I will be seeing them on my birthday!

At Salt Yard, the tapas dishes were brought out one at a time so we could appreciate the flavour of each plate individually while it was still hot. The downside of this, however, was that, due to the slightly slow service, there were some longer than necessary gaps between some dishes – although the wait was generally worth it.
Salt Yard is best known for its courgette flower stuffed with goat's cheese and drizzled with honey – trying this innovative dish at Taste of London was what prompted me to a night out at Salt Yard restaurant. The only disappointment on this occasion was that one of our two flowers was missing its goat's cheese stuffing, which is sloppy at these prices.
The roasted scallops with chickpea puree and crispy serrano was stunning in flavour and texture, but, like all quality scallops dishes, too small.
The butternut squash gnocchi with sultanas, pinenuts, brown butter and sage added a Spanish twist to the standard Italian sage and butter pasta sauce. It was bursting with flavour and I'll be trying this one at home as they published the recipe online.
The tender ox cheek, served with a polenta with a texture half way between porridge and risotto, was another homely buttery hug of a dish.
Overall the food was excellent and each dish was carefully created and beautifully served.

Could not disagree more with previous review.Pretty much as good as eating in San Seb tho a little more expensive,inclined to stick with the fish,love the salmon tartare with quails egg and the padron peppers.Prefer to sit at bar as tables a bit too close together,Bar/wine lady fun,they should have a Txakoli by the glass,otherwise one of my favourite places.

Quite simply this is not a very good restaurant!

The food is very, very expensive for the quality on offer – the charcuterie in particular is, in my opinion, absolutely rubbish.

The service offhand, the basement is dingy and small. The wine list is bland in the lower regions and overpriced in the upper echelons.

I left incredibly disappointed having gone there with high hopes.

Lots of dishes to choose from and the same for the wine list which was good. Serving staff ok…we were not rushed at all. The food tasted great but there was just not enough on the plates when they arrived. Felt a little ripped off as the portion sizes were pitifully small and at least £7 – £8 per plate this left a slightly nasty taste in all our mouths. We wouldn't go back. If you want delicious tapas and lots more on your plate then try Iberica at Regents Park, much better value and equally delicious.

A rival to Finos, Salt Yard on Godge Street has all the food quality at a slightly lower price. I very much enjoyed the restaurant setting downstairs, and each dish was presented perfectly with emphasis on quality. My first expereince of courgette flowers with honey and I'm a definite convert. Staff attentive and friendly, making it well-worth another visit. An extensive wine list is available, and that which we tried was superb. Highly recommended.

Last minute dash to find a restaurant on a Friday night and we stumbled across this delightful little Tapas place; healthy portion sizes at a reasonale price, decent selection – there is one dish in particular that I would go back for, sausage in this fabulous sauce. Staff were a little non responsive and careless with the dishes and the venue itself is rather cramped but the food certainly went a long way in making up for it!