This Wednesday, I wrapped up warm and braved the blustering wind and rain up Crouch Hill to find refuge in red wine and tapas. I was pleasantly (and very) surprised to find some of the best Tapas in London accompanied by impeccable service and a great wine list to boot. Since going, I've discovered that the chef is indeed Pablo Rodríguez López, ex Morito super star so it makes a lot of sense that it would be this great.
I wasn't prepared to review so I took some iPhone snaps for your viewing pleasures.
Crisp cava and ice-cold beer.
Exposed brick work and specials scribbed on the blackboard - obviously...
Salt cod croquetas which were perfectly cooked and satisfyingly flakey in the middle (see second picture). I had mine with a dab of tabasco...
Chorizo bursting with spicy red juices.
An array of beautiful vegetable dishes including spinach with pine nuts and Pico - a mixture of courgette, aubergine and tomatoes cooked much like a ratatouille. This was my favourite bit about Bar Esteban (apart from the dessert). It is rare for tapas restaurants to have as good and non greasy a selection of vegetable accompaniments to the meats and grease that tapas is so famous for. These were perfect.
Finally, the star of the show: a perfect crema catalana with a brittle burnt sugar topping and creamy nutmeg-spiced filling. So good.
I am something of a Crouchy snob. It is sooo far away from civilised public transport options and a little too luvvy for my liking on a Sunday morning (prams everywhere). However Bar Esteban makes it worth the journey, or you know, if you're in the area pop in. They have tables but also space at the bar, so they'll be able to accomodate you in some way.
Website here, call in advance or try your luck.
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I wasn't prepared to review so I took some iPhone snaps for your viewing pleasures.
Crisp cava and ice-cold beer.
Exposed brick work and specials scribbed on the blackboard - obviously...
Salt cod croquetas which were perfectly cooked and satisfyingly flakey in the middle (see second picture). I had mine with a dab of tabasco...
Chorizo bursting with spicy red juices.
An array of beautiful vegetable dishes including spinach with pine nuts and Pico - a mixture of courgette, aubergine and tomatoes cooked much like a ratatouille. This was my favourite bit about Bar Esteban (apart from the dessert). It is rare for tapas restaurants to have as good and non greasy a selection of vegetable accompaniments to the meats and grease that tapas is so famous for. These were perfect.
Finally, the star of the show: a perfect crema catalana with a brittle burnt sugar topping and creamy nutmeg-spiced filling. So good.
I am something of a Crouchy snob. It is sooo far away from civilised public transport options and a little too luvvy for my liking on a Sunday morning (prams everywhere). However Bar Esteban makes it worth the journey, or you know, if you're in the area pop in. They have tables but also space at the bar, so they'll be able to accomodate you in some way.
Website here, call in advance or try your luck.
Bar Esteban Crouch End Crouch Hill Tapas best tapas in London best tapas in London best tapas in London best tapas in London Best London blog best London blogBar Esteban Crouch End Crouch Hill Tapas best tapas in London best tapas in London best tapas in London best tapas in London Best London blog best London blog Bar Esteban Crouch End Crouch Hill Tapas best tapas in London best tapas in London best tapas in London best tapas in London Best London blog best London blog Bar Esteban Crouch End Crouch Hill Tapas best tapas in London best tapas in London best tapas in London best tapas in London Best London blog best London blog Bar Esteban Crouch End Crouch Hill Tapas best tapas in London best tapas in London best tapas in London best tapas in London Best London blog best London blog Bar Esteban Crouch End Crouch Hill Tapas best tapas in London best tapas in London best tapas in London best tapas in London Best London blog best London blog Bar Esteban Crouch End Crouch Hill Tapas best tapas in London best tapas in London best tapas in London best tapas in London Best London blog best London blog Bar Esteban Crouch End Crouch Hill Tapas best tapas in London best tapas in London best tapas in London best tapas in London Best London blog best London blog Bar Esteban Crouch End Crouch Hill Tapas best tapas in London best tapas in London best tapas in London best tapas in London Best London blog best London blog Bar Esteban Crouch End Crouch Hill Tapas best tapas in London best tapas in
