London recently experienced temperatures of 26 degrees Celsius, surpassing Barcelona’s heat. This warm spell offers an ideal opportunity to savor tapas and petiscos, the Portuguese small plates, at top venues. Discover standout riverside locations like Bar Douro, along with innovative newcomers such as chef Victor Garvey’s Mater1a and the Indonesian fusion spot Le Nusa. Additional highlights include Med Salleh’s new Kentish Town outpost, praised for its heavenly soft beef dishes.
Premium Tasting Experiences
Mater1a in Notting Hill
Chef Victor Garvey presents Mater1a, a compact 16-seat venue emphasizing raw ingredients and influences from Japanese kitchens. The space evokes an stylish alchemist’s lab with symbolic decor and live DJ sounds. The wax-sealed tasting menu features cryptic hints, starting with ‘March in five bites’—a series of exceptional seafood bites. Highlights include a poignant scallop preparation, prawn dumplings with salmon roe, Joselito ham stew enhanced by truffles and croutons, and premium A5 wagyu. Ingredients arrive via trolley, such as Sicilian winter tomatoes and Japanese strawberries, transformed into creative sorbets, mousses, and jellies. Priced at £175 per person. Located at 115 Westbourne Grove, W2 4UP. Reservations available online.
Le Nusa: Indonesian-French Fusion on the Strand
Le Nusa brings Indonesian-French cuisine to London, backed by celebrity influences. Nestled between the West End and City, it provides a serene escape with Javanese music. The signature Nasi Goreng Le Nusa stands out, featuring smoked Kupang-style beef brisket, fried rice, sambal luat, and prawn crackers—subtle, sweet, with tender beef. Desserts shine, including chewy Dadar Gulung and Biscoff Klepon. Starters from £10, mains from £12.50, sides from £4. Address: 227-228 Strand, WC2R 1BE. Book online.
Premier Tapas and Petiscos Venues
Lírica at The Cumberland Hotel
Lírica delivers bold Spanish tapas with creative twists at Marble Arch. Opt for small plates like the perfectly balanced tortilla—runny yet firm—and innovative ham and manchego croquetas. Finish with rich Basque cheesecake. Atmosphere lacks vibrancy due to minimal light, but flavors excel. Tapas from £6.50, large plates from £14.50. The Cumberland Hotel. Reservations online.
Bar Douro in London Bridge
Bar Douro under railway arches showcases authentic Portuguese petiscos beyond peri-peri chicken. Seafood excels: delicate octopus salad and bacalhau à Brás salt cod hash. Pair with Vinho Verde from the extensive wine list. New lunch deal: bifana sandwich and Super Bock beer for £10, Thursday to Sunday. Tapas from £5. London Bridge and City locations. Book online.
Brindisa Tapas
Brindisa’s Battersea terrace captures maximum sun, buzzing with efficient service. Classics include croquetas, olives, seafood, and a standout thin-layered tortilla with alioli. Larger options like Pollo Con Hinojo chicken feature wild garlic sauce. Save room for chocolate-orange tart or churros. Classics from £8, seasonal from £12.50, sides from £4.50. Multiple sites including Battersea, London Bridge, Soho. Reservations online.
Malaysian Highlights
Med Salleh in Kentish Town
Med Salleh draws from Ipoh and Penang flavors in its cozy 30-seater. Exceptional roti canai pairs with curry, while Ipoh hor fun soup boasts a rich prawn-infused broth—enhance with soy and chili as suggested. Street snacks from £7.90, claypot specials £16.90, rice dishes from £14.90. 320 Kentish Town Road, NW5 2TH. Call to reserve.
Exciting Food Deals and Pop-Ups
SushiDog opens at Westfield Stratford on April 11, offering free Signature menu items to the first 100 customers, 50% off April 11-12, spin-the-wheel prizes, and exclusive totes.
Zula Burger launches the Mi Goreng Cheeseburger April 13-May 11, featuring noodles, crispy shallots, pickled vegetables, fried egg, and sambal—20 daily.
Honey & Co. debuts on Great Portland Street: daytime bites, evening Mediterranean wines and grilled skewers.
Morley’s and Roti King collaborate April 9-12 in Brixton Village with nasi goreng topped by wings, sambal, and egg.
PYO in the City emphasizes organic salads like Avo & Chips or Salmon Pintxos, plus breakfast options.
Forest Feast’s April 9 Matcha Nail Bar offers free manicures, iced matcha, snacks, and DJ—tickets required.
Theatre Pick: Summerfolk
The intimate musical Summerfolk runs at Southwark Playhouse Borough from April 3 to May 16, starring Poppy Gilbert and Stuart Thompson. It explores a couple’s relationship amid space and time shifts. Tickets from £28.
