Iberica Victoria Restaurant Review: Authentic Spanish Tapas & a New Spring Menu

Right now I feel like life has me in a very special place and for so many reasons. Most importantly, after 10 years of being together, me and my partner are finally tying the knot. Over the last few years we’ve travelled across the world to places we never thought we would and when it comes to dining – we’re eating out like nothing is stopping us. By day I’m also working for a company I absolute adore. I wouldn’t have it any other way and I only hope it continues over the years. With that said one of my favourite things in life is Spain and everything it has to offer which led us to dinner at Iberica in Victoria. One of London’s much-loved restaurant groups.

Located within the relatively new Zig Zag Building of Victoria, Iberica still looks rather lovely inside and feels quite new, but some areas could do with a little TLC such as the staircase and some of the material chairs – tapas is clearly quite a messy business! We took a seat upstairs, ordered a glass of our favourite Manzanilla sherry and took far too long deciding on what to eat from the tantalising menu.

To whet our appetite while deciding what to order, two of our favourite dishes arrived and transported us back to Jerez in Southern Spain, a place we frequently visit each year. Excellent pan con tomate, which is toasted bread smothered in a tomato, olive oil and garlic – sprinkled with sea salt. As well as a plate of very addictive boquerones, which is anchovies marinated in vinegar. Both paired beautifully with our remaining sherry.

Another favourite of mine and something I order in every Spanish restaurant I eat in is a plate of padron peppers. Scorched on the pan, drizzled in olive oil and sprinkled with more sea salt. Another must order is the trío of Jamones Ibéricos which are of the finest quality and will give you the opportunity to try a selection of Spain’s best jamons from the black Iberian pig.

The most addictive thing on the menu and one you should most certainly order two portions of (otherwise you’ll be fighting each other off) is the chorizo lollipops. The batter is light and golden, the chorizo smokey & soft and the unusual pear aioli dip is so good you’ll want more. A bargain too priced at just £6.

Two dishes I believe are brand new to their spring menu are those pictured above. Iberico pork pluma (the finest pork you’ll ever eat) was perfectly cooked and had that lovely texture it always offers, cutting through like butter and its slightly fatty texture offering lots of succulency. It was served with some rosemary potatoes and mojo rojo sauce, the latter I’d have like a little more of. While I absolutely adore Iberico pork, on this occasion I actually loved our chicken dish even more so. Chunks of confit crispy chicken thigh (no bones), served on a bed of romesco sauce and topped with chopped hazelnuts. I loved everything about this dish, from the flavours and seasoning, to the different textures from all of the ingredients.

We finished up on two classic Spanish desserts, both of which we had absolutely no complaints about. Addictive churros were golden and crunchy, with not an ounce of oil in site. Dipped into that melted chocolate I only wished I was sitting under the Spanish sun. Equally as good, if not better in fact was the caramelised Spanish rice pudding. Sweet, creamy and crunchy. The perfect way to end our long sherry scented lunch.

We had a really lovely time at Iberica Victoria and have now firmly added to our list of Spanish restaurants to eat in when we’re craving a slice of our second home in Andalucia. If you’re looking for an authentic taste of Spain which won’t break the bank then you’ll love Iberica Victoria and in the warmer months you can sit outside on the terrace, instead basking under the British Summer sun.

NB: Our meal was complimentary. All views are as always, my own. My views are not influenced by anyone other than my own palate and slightly poor eyesight.