We’ve been meaning to dine at Andanza Tapas Bar on Weston Street, London SE1, for a while now. While roaming around the back streets of London Bridge Station looking for a place to eat on Friday evening, we spotted a table for two on the pavement that was calling our name. We rushed to sit down before anyone else could nab the seats and finally got to try the Tapas. If you’re looking for Spanish Tapas near London Bridge, somewhere to eat lunch near Guy’s Hospital or the best places for dinner in SE1, book a table at Andanza.
Andanza is an intimate Spanish tapas bar serving cute Pintxos bites and tasty Tapas to couples and small groups of friends socialising in SE1.
Andanza Spanish Tapas Menu
The menu features a selection of fish and meat Pintxos. Pintxos means ‘to pierce’, a small portion of food with a cocktail stick, so it’s easy to pick up and eat while you are socialising. Think super cute morsels that are gone in a couple of bites. My partner tried the Crab with Lemon Aioli piled high on a piece of bread. It was gone in a flash!
Other fishy Pintxos are Sardines with Pineapple Salsa and Mustard, Pil Pil Tempura Cod with Potatoes and Vinegar Sauce (similar to fish and chips) or the Txuleta Steak Tartare with Fried Quail Egg. Meaty Pintxos are Mini Hamburgers with Manchego Cheese and Chimichurri, Foie Gras with Sweet Sherry Reduction, Iberico Jamon with Pistachio Cream Or Iberico Pork Loin with Blueberries, Honey and Lavender.
Snacks and nibbles include classics like Pan Con Tomate, and I can report that the bread was fresh with a beautiful crust, rich tomatoey topping and sprinkling of chives. Bread with Olive Oil or with Aged Steak Fat Butter is another option. Add a Mixed Cheese and Honey Salad, a bowl of Gordal Olives (the large green ones), or Marcona Almonds to satisfy your hunger pangs.
We shared a selection of vegetarian Tapas options starting with Padron Peppers, which were piping hot. I burnt my lip and then had to wait a few minutes to let them cool down.
Patatas Bravas is one of my favourites, and it’s interesting to see how different tapas bars make theirs. These were small cubes dusted in paprika (I think) with a tomatoey dipping sauce on the side. They were pretty good because the potatoes weren’t smothered in aioli.
Another firm favourite is Tortilla. I asked for ours to be well cooked, and it was, so thanks for that! It was on the small side, which was good as I was feeling stuffed at that point. A couple of days earlier, we had discussed our habit of over-ordering and said we weren’t going to do it again, but we did!
The star dish for us was the Courgette Flower filled with Goats Cheese, Figs and Truffle Honey. This version had a memorable, delightful creamy filling. If you’ve ever tried stuffing a courgette flower, you’ll know how difficult and messy it is. That’s why I like to order one if I see it on the menu.
Ask about the Croquetas of the Day, which could be fish or meat. Fish fans may like to try Anchovies with Garlic Oil, Black Rice with Baby Squid and Cockles, Galician Octopus with Confit Potatoes or Garlic Prawns with Chilli Salsa. Other meaty Tapas includes Spiced Sausage with Chilli Jam, Beef Fillet and Foie Gras with Oloroso Sauce or Basque Steak on Toast.
Don’t forget to check out the Manchego Cheese, Charcuterie or Jamon Plates to share with your partner or friends. Our Manchego Cheese Plate had Quince Paste, Grapes and Mini Bread Sticks.
Even though we felt full when we heard the Dessert was a Basque Cheesecake, we couldn’t resist. It’s baked at a high temperature to form a caramelised top that looks burnt. Don’t worry; it doesn’t taste burnt, and I think it makes the Dessert look impressive.
Our final bill without drinks seemed expensive, but we over-ordered, and you will probably be more reserved than we were. Pintxos are £7-9, Nibbles and Snacks are £3-8, Tapas is £6-19, Cheese and Meat Plates cost £7-26, and the Dessert was £6. The Stuffed Courgette Flower was the most expensive dish at £14. Drinks include Spanish wines along with beers, spirits and cocktails.
Andanza Tapas Bar, Weston Street, London SE1 Information
To find out more about the tapas bar, visit the Andanza Website. The restaurant address is 66 Weston Street, London SE1 3QJ. London Bridge station is a short walk away, and Borough is also convenient. The current opening times are noon until 11 pm every day. Andanza is an excellent option for an intimate lunch or dinner with your partner or a small group of friends. The interiors are rustic with a traditional Spanish tapas bar vibe. I prefer to eat my Tapas on one of the street tables with more room. It’s perfect for people-watching, especially as there is a pub opposite. Service is brisk, and the dishes come out fast, so try to slow it down if you can. It gets booked up, so make a reservation to avoid disappointment.
While in the area, you may want to read my Ten Things To Do In London Bridge article.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about restaurants where I had a good experience. I recommend you further research as restaurant standards fluctuate, as do opinions. Please check if the restaurant is still in business and the opening times before you go. If you discover this restaurant has closed, contact me to remove it from my blog.
