I have a couple of friends who work in Farringdon and when we were deciding where to go for a long overdue catch up Ibérica was suggested. I had never been but had heard good things and my friend goes there pretty much every week and raves about it!
After a couple of glasses of prosecco at The Fence, a bar just minutes away, we walked over to Ibérica for dinner. It was a Thursday night and there was a lovely atmosphere in here, everyone was busy chatting away and drinking good wine, knowing the weekend was only hours away.
We let our friend order a round up of her favourite items on the menu…
The first round of food to come out was a selection of three meats and three cheeses – bad blogger, I didn’t note down the ones we had, the only one I can categorically say we had was manchego, which I love! They definitely don’t scrimp on the selection boards – there was so much to try. This came out with padrón peppers with maldon salt, and toasted bread with tomato which is one of my favourite tapas to order, so simple but so satisfyingly delicious.
Then came out one of my favourite dishes of the night, the asparagus, manchego, onion confit & truffle oil toast. This is amazing and must be ordered! I was sceptical when we were told to order but I’m so glad we did – there is the perfect balance between the truffle and manchego that came through to compliment the asparagus. I thought it would be too rich but I was completely wrong. Next up were Ibérica’s serrano ham croquettes which were extremely gooey and cheesy, and terribly moreish.
Octopus a la gallega with potatoes & pimentón de la Vera arrived next. I was very happy to see this on the menu having spent summers as a child in Galicia enjoying this dish. The octopus was juicy and perfectly seasoned with the paprika. Then came my other favourite dish of the night – twice cooked lamb, marinated cherry tomatoes and red peppers. Oh, it was incredible! The flavour packed into the lamb was rich and kept you wanting more and more, it went very well with the sweet cherry tomatoes.
We obviously had to finish off with Churros! You are served three so one each for us – the perfect sweet treat to end the evening on.
The menu is created and by Executive Chef Nacho Manzano who holds three Michelin Stars for his celebrated restaurants Casa Marcial and La Salgar, Asturias, Spain. So no wonder the food is good!
We had a great evening of good food and good wine – there are a few locations in London so I’m sure I’ll be back again soon.
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