Where to go in London for a Glass of Great Cava

Words by

Sphere Editors

12th September 2024

Two things that go hand-in-hand are tapas and Cava. Where there is great tapas, you will *hopefully* find great Cava. From our experience, this is certainly true. We have brought together six spots dotted around London as THE places to go for a great glass of Cava. Not all tapas bars, but all with a Spanish side to their menu - and wine list.

Before hitting the bars of the British Capital, where does the Cava come from? Join Nina Caplan on Spanish soil as she searches for the Best Cava in Spain.

Noble Rot

Cava is the perfect pairing with many of the dishes on the menu at Noble Rot

The trio of excellent London restaurants owned by Dan Keeling and Mark Andrew MW are justly famous for their superb wine lists, so it is no surprise to find Raventós wines here. They also serve Pago de Tharsys, a Cava produced near Valencia. Andrew says he admires the winemaker’s commitment to organic and sustainable farming “that yields wines with succulent orchard fruit flavours and fantastic, mineral-driven precision.”

With locations in Bloomsbury, Soho and Mayfair, find more and book via noblerot.co.uk

Pizarro

The mosaic-fronted bar of Pizarro

José Pizarro has been delighting the UK with his wonderful Spanish food for 25 years, and he hasn’t lost his native insouciance. In his Bermondsey restaurant, all sparkling Spanish wines are listed under Cava, although Gramona and Raventós i Blanc are no such thing — nor is the terrific Colet Navazos, which has opted for the Penedès DO.

Located on the cobbles of Bermondsey Street, find out more and book via josepizarro.com

Arros QD

The bright and relaxed interior of Arros QD, Fitzrovia

This superb fine-dining restaurant in Fitzrovia, overseen by three-Michelin-starred Valencia chef Quique Dacosta, is the place to try Recaredo’s elusive Turó d’en Mota, from a single vineyard planted in 1940 and now ploughed by horse. To accompany this or other wines from his impressive list, there are delicacies cooked on the open grill, and many delicious iterations of Dacosta’s particular obsession: paella.

Find out more and book via arrosqd.com

Barrafina

Barrafina, with locations around London, is a great place to stop in for a brimming glass (or bottle) of cava

Known for its vibrant atmosphere and delectable Spanish tapas, Barrafina also takes pride in its impressive cava offerings. The bar menu features a curated list of the sparkling wine, including the crisp and refreshing Freixenet Cordon Negro and the elegant Segura Viudas Brut Reserva. Each choice complements their flavorful dishes perfectly, making it an ideal destination for a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience. Whether you're unwinding after a busy day and want a glass bubbling in your hand or are heading out for a momentous meal.

With locations in Covent Garden and Soho, learn more and book barrafina.co.uk

Parrillan

Put your cheffing skills to test at Parrillan and grill your own seafood

Not far down the family tree is Parrillan, the sister restaurant to Barrafina. Aimed at those seeking a more interactive, but equally as Cava-fuelled, meal out in London. Offering a more relaxed al fresco setting, Parrillan sets itself apart by allowing guests to grill their own premium meats, seafood, and vegetables at the table. The cava menu at Parrillan is thoughtfully curated to pair perfectly with the smoky flavors from the grill, featuring options like the bright and zesty Juve y Camps Brut Nature and the refined Vilarnau Brut Reserva. This makes Parrillan a distinctive spot for cava lovers who appreciate a laid-back yet refined outdoor dining experience.

Learn more and book via parrillan.co.uk

As the sister restaurant to Barrafina, a similarly curated list of Cavas is also at hand

Sabor

Sabor has a rustic ambience, with bare-brick walls and counters paved with vibrant mosaic tiling

Sabor brings the authentic flavours of Spain to the heart of the city with an ambiance that is warm and inviting. Evoking the feeling of being in a cosy tapas bar somewhere a touch more south than Heddon Street (its actual location). With an open kitchen and communal seating, Sabor is a spot that brings everyone together. A standout dish is the Pulpo a la Gallega, a perfectly tender octopus served with olive oil, paprika, and potatoes. This dish pairs beautifully with bubbling Cava options on the menu, such as the mineral-rich Raventós i Blanc Blanc de Blancs or the fruity Gramona Imperial Brut. This nook in Soho ensures an authentic Spanish dining experience that's truly memorable, every time.

Find out more and book via saborrestaurants.co.uk