Blending the bold, sun-soaked flavours of the Mediterranean and Mexico, Condesa Tapas, Wine & Cocktail Bar is a vibrant Covent Garden gem that’s been drawing food lovers since 2012. Whether you’re stopping in for small plates and cocktails with friends or seeking a lively spot for a romantic dinner, this buzzing corner of Maiden Lane delivers charm and flavour in equal measure.
The menu champions seasonal ingredients and bold, well-balanced flavours, offering a rotating selection of tapas designed for sharing. Specials might include chorizo and octopus pil-pil with confit potato, salmon tiradito with mango gel, spicy ponzu and dill, or lamb barbacoa terrine with vibrant salsa verde. You’ll also find pork belly carnitas tacos, spicy tuna tartare, black rice with squid and a range of vegetable-led plates such as grilled heritage carrots with chipotle piquillo confiture, roasted miso cauliflower and hummus tostadas with pumpkin seeds.
There’s also a curated selection of cheeses and charcuterie, including six-month matured sheep’s cheese and jamón ibérico, with olives, almonds and fresh breads to round things off. The dessert, Tarta de Santiago – a traditional almond cake served with coconut foam – provides a sweet, simple finish to a flavour-packed meal.
The drinks menu is equally considered, featuring a broad range of wines, beers, gins and house cocktails such as spicy margaritas, pear negronis and chestnut vanilla Manhattans. It’s the perfect place to begin or end a night out in the West End.
Inside, Condesa is cosy and atmospheric, with bar seating around the open kitchen, low lighting, rustic wooden tables, wine displays and warm textures. Intimate yet energetic, it’s ideal for a sociable evening of food, drink and lively conversation.