Sometimes we ponder the absence of tapas bars in Leyton and Leytonstone. Brilliant though many of our diverse restaurants are – be they Thai, Pakistani, Indian, BBQ, Chinese, Mexican, Turkish and more – what about those cute little bodegas where you can pull up a stool and perch at the counter? The only Spanish restaurants, in fact, we can remember are the short-lived La Rioja on Leytonstone High Road (which had previously been a more successful bakery) and the long-gone Sangria on Leyton High Road.
Sure, there are two decent Portuguese joints on that same thoroughfare – the lovely La Palmeira (reviewed here) and Oceano (reviewed here), while a fancier version is Mar & Terra just off Lea Bridge Road. And of course Orford Tapas in Walthamstow Village is an institution that serves tasty enough fare – although, despite several enjoyable visits, I’ve never quite been inclined to rave about it.
Don Francisco y La Luna has been on the hitlist for a while, and so finally, on a sweltering early September Saturday afternoon, the bf and I took refuge in its rather elegant burgundy interior, sitting just inside, the air-con rumbling, with a view over the pavement terrace and bustling high street.
There’s a main menu of tapas classics and a list of specials (such as solomillo with truffle), slightly pricier, but well worth it. There are also decent vegetarian options, as well as paella, albondigas, lamb cutlets, gambas – all your tapas faves, no less.
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Without hesitation we ordered the signature octopus a la gallega, a butter-soft tentacle on a creamy mash with smokey paprika (pictured below). Meanwhile, yellow-fin tuna and avocado tartare (pictured above) was creamy and zingy in equal measures.
Often a Spanish restaurant can be judged on their pan con tomate and here it had the necessary thwack of garlic. And a huge plate of padron peppers were some the tastiest we can remember (apparently they’re delivered from Spain each week; we’ll have to forgive the air miles).
On a scorcher of an early September afternoon, it was all washed down with chilled rose; otherwise it would be red wine all the way.
The interior, with its houseplants, simple furnishings, oil paintings and low-lighting all added to the rustic-village vibes. Suddenly, with the friendly, efficient service and a few impromptu post-prandial drinks, we realized we’d spent the best part of the afternoon there. And yes, outside, it was still boiling hot.
As the days cool, and the rain kicks in, we’re planning a return visit soon to what might just be the area’s best tapas bar. Oh, and it’s in a great part of Walthamstow too, right down by St James’s and Crate, as well as the new branch of Tottenham’s beer-and-pizza joint True Craft.
Plates from £3.50-£22 a dish. Find Don Francisco Y La Luna it at 18 High St, London E17 7LD, more info here.
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