Well-presented tapas in a unique setting

By Phoebe Ferris-Rotman

A one-minute walk from Leicester Sqaure tube station is the unassuming sign for Spanish tapas restaurant Salvador & Amanda, but walk down the stone-walled staircase and you are confronted with an impressive red-lit basement with a cavernous tavern-like feel. The decor is a mismatched collection of wooden tables and booths at slightly different levels, red leather sofas and walls filled with colourful stained glass panels or gold-frames pictures of Salvador Dali, Spanish movie stars and traditional bull fighting posters.

Unfortunately, the food was not as impressive as the chatty and candlelit atmosphere and interior design, though some dishes stood out. The garlic prawns were slightly raw in the middle and the balsamic vinegar served with bread tasted severely acidic. The thinly sliced tuna carpaccio was a bit over peppered and tasted a bit bitter. On the other hand the green asparagus with rock salt and romescu was delicious as was the red peppers stuffed with tomato, garlic and herbs and pan-friend baby chorizo which came served in a sweet little skillet.

The presentation of the food was well done, service was fast and friendly and the location is fantastically central. On Fridays & Saturdays there are club nights which go until 3am.

More info: SALVADOR AND AMANDA