El Quijote

Authentic home-style cooking offering bite-sized tastes of Spain washed down with an excellent selection of regional wines.

The 2019 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

The word rustic can sound alarm bells when it comes to restaurants. In the case of El Quijote, however, this is no euphemism; there is simply no better way to describe the charms of this cosy, wood-lined Spanish eatery, where cart wheels double as chandeliers and flower pots as sinks. A largely Spanish clientele suggests you're in for a real flavour of Spain. Further evidence comes in the form of an ambitious wine list spanning many Spanish regions and a tapas menu featuring some serious artisan produce. While tried and tested favourites are subtler and more accomplished than the norm, go for the regional specialities like revuelto de setas del bosque, essentially a deconstructed wild mushroom omelette, packed with flavour. The signature Ibérico pork is pink and oh so tender, with straw-thin chips providing a delicate but salty accompanying crunch. Dismiss dessert at your peril and, at the very least, enjoy a throat and heart-warming speciality sherry.