LA GAMBA

Located on the bustling Southbank, La Gamba is an exciting new tapas destination from the from the brothers behind Applebee’s Fish in Borough Market.

Taking inspiration from traditional Spanish recipes from all over the country, the menu largely showcases dishes and cooking techniques from the north-western Galician region of Spain where their Head Chef Juan Cabarcos grew up.

With around 1,500km of coastline, it comes as no surprise that seafood dishes feature heavily on the menu, as well as hearty plates, world-renowned cheeses, and delicate almond-based sweets, that the region is famous for.

The menu opens with a Picoteo section - which roughly translates as pecking or nibbling - that includes Galician padron peppers with smoked sea salt; Boquerones with olive oil, garlic and parsley and Sourdough with Iberico Sobrasada and goat's cheese.

The tapas are the main event at La Gamba and there is a wide range of high-quality meat and fish options available, with much of the fish and seafood being sourced from the UK via Applebee’s.

Dishes include Iberico ham croquettes ; Picanha Steak with piquillo salsa and a truffle and potato puree; Arroz de Marisco - a baked dish of seafood ricein a rich bisque; and Gambas al Ajillo - fresh prawns cooked in garlic. The standout dish however has to be the moreish, juicy St Austell mussels and chorizo. Salty, creamy and packed with flavour, you'll need some bread to mop up the sauce.

Finish with some hot, crispy churros or burnt basque cheesecake for the ultimate Spanish feast.

Warm and welcoming, La Gamba's interiors are stylish and modern with accents of rattan and a neutral colour palette. If you are lucky enough to visit on a sunny day, the terrace is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of Spanish wine or beer from the carefully crafted drinks menu to enjoy while overlooking the Thames.

La Gamba also offers a fantastic fixed 2 course lunch menu for just £19.95 per person.

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