I’ve been to Brindisa’s branch in Richmond a number of times since my first visit in August 2022 for lunch. It’s become one of my very favourite restaurants. Set on the riverside close to Richmond bridge, it has the most wonderful setting with views across and down the Thames. The first time I went, on a sunny summer’s day, my friend and I sat outside on the terrace but when I booked a table for last night, I chose to sit inside. It’s got very autumnal here in London over the last week or so!

Brindisa Tapas first opened their doors 20 years ago at their flagship restaurant at Borough Market, London Bridge. There are now six locations in London, offering fabulous Spanish food. It’s become a favourite of mine for lunch with friends as I don’t like to eat a big meal at lunchtime, and choosing a few tapas to share is perfect. In the evening, there’s a great atmosphere and apart from the gorgeous food it’s fun to sit in such a lively and friendly place. 

Last night’s ‘event’ was my son’s birthday. Well, actually his birthday was last weekend, which he celebrated with his family and friends, but despite him now being father to three lovely boys, his mother still likes to take him for a birthday treat! I asked him where he’d like to go and our other favourite restaurant, The Palomar, was mentioned too. But once it was decided a Saturday evening was the best time for us to go out, he settled on the local Brindisa, where he’s been with his wife and they like it just as much as I do.

We’d booked a table for 7pm and when we arrived it was already busy. We were warmly welcomed and taken to a table and asked if it was okay. As I looked around, I said yes, but that I’d always sat the other side of the restaurant before. I wasn’t actually complaining but I’d didn’t like it quite as much and had also noted a large and quite noisy party nearby. Our friendly host smiled and asked if we’d like to sit the other side; she’d go and check there was a table. It was so swiftly done with no sense of it being a problem and quickly we were taken to a table – the other side! – where I’d sat before and I thanked her and said it was perfect.

Our waitress turned out to be just as helpful; not in an over-the-top way, but simply in a nice, friendly way. Water was brought while we looked at the menu. There was no plan as such; we were sharing tapas. We looked at the menu and started putting together an order of things we’d both like. When the waitress came to take our order, she said she’d stagger things a bit so it didn’t all come at the same time and I asked if our ham and tostadas could come first. No problem. This earns Brindisa many brownie points from me: I don’t like it when restaurants insist that sharing plates will come in the order they’re ready and I have no say – without a fuss – about what that order will be. Brindisa got it absolutely right and nothing was hurried and dishes came two at time, allowing us to enjoy each dish properly.

I always want some Pan con tomate (£7) to begin in a tapas restaurant and I knew Jonathan would like to have some of the Jambon ibérico de bellota (£14).

The tomato bread was lovely: fresh tomato, perfectly seasoned, on top of toasted bread that was nicely crisp on the outside and soft in the middle. The ‘hand-carved 100% acorn-fed Ibérico ham from Señorio de Montanera, picos rústicos’ was truly special. Ibérico ham is a king of hams; it’s expensive and a treat but really, no other ham compares to its glorious flavour and texture.

Next came Gambas al ajillo – king prawns, chilli, garlic, olive oil (£13.50). These were so tasty and perfectly cooked so still tender. Our ‘side’ of Remolacha asada – heritage beetroot, red & yellow fleshed watermelon, chilli, lime, house dressing (£9.50) came too. We ended up saving this – going with the flow more than a decision – till last. It was a fabulous salad, bright-flavoured and a good chilli punch to it. 

Another classic I like to have is Patatas bravas – fried potatoes, spicy tomato sauce, aioli (£8.50). You can’t really see it in my photo but the potatoes lay on a deliciously spicy tomato sauce. With it we had Panceta de Cordero – rolled belly of lamb, Fabas de Lourenza beans, salsa verde (£26). This was the ‘main’ we’d chosen. Happily there were two thick slices of the lamb so easy for two to share. It was gorgeous, so tasty and tender. 

Brindisa do wonderful, creative vegetable dishes and I always find something special whenever I go. This time we had Coliflor a la plancha – chargrilled cauliflower, Verdina bean purée, crispy cauliflower leaves, chimichurri (£15.50). It tasted as good as it looked. I said to Jonathan that I think cauliflower is an underrated vegetable but I’ve had it prepared in some very exciting ways at Brindisa. I do like my meat and fish, but the vegetable dishes at Brindisa are so amazing, so creative, that even a carnivore could happily eat there and not miss the meat!

We’d eaten quite a bit but it was all done in a leisurely way, with time to enjoy each dish and good conversation. Our waitress was lovely and so helpful all the way through. When she cleared away our last dishes and asked if we wanted dessert, we hesitated. Did we have room? Maybe we could look at the menu? Maybe we could share a dessert? But then the waitress went away and soon came back carrying a plate with a slice of Basque cheesecake with a candle alight on top. I’d forgotten that when making the booking, they asked if it was a special occasion and I’d ticked the box for birthday. Earlier in the day, I wondered if perhaps I shouldn’t have done. Sometimes restaurants can get a bit OTT with birthdays and make such a big thing of it everyone in the restaurant looks round. But this was nicely and quietly done and appreciated all the more for such sensitivity.

I couldn’t resist teasing the waitress that I’d had the famous Basque cheesecake at La Viña in San Sebastián. Would this one live up to that high standard? It did! It was glorious – soft and smooth like La Viña’s, and Brindisa had added a lovely sauce of ‘rhubarb and lime zest’. 

I had an espresso with the dessert and we’d drunk Estrella Galicia 0% alcohol beer with the meal. It was all fantastic. Such a wonderful meal in a vibrant and brilliant restaurant – and of course the great company of my son.