Homeboy and I were delighted to find La Fabrica tapas restaurant had opened up on Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park, London N4. We popped in for a bite to eat and were extremely impressed with the décor, service and the food which is traditional Southern Spain tapas served in a contemporary way. If you’re searching for the following – tapas food, Spanish restaurant London or North London restaurants do give La Fabrica tapas restaurant a try.
Restaurant Interiors
I had a chat with the owner, David Jimenez, who opened up this restaurant in mid-December 2014. David comes from Malaga and has been residing in London for ten years and Finsbury Park for six of those years. Before becoming a restaurateur, David imported Spanish produce and wines into the UK so is an authority of both subjects. It has been a lifelong ambition to open a restaurant, and he saw a gap in the culinary market along Stroud Green Road, which is Finsbury Park’s food strip. With his Spanish childhood chef friend (Fran) on board, David found premises a stone’s throw from his home and realised his dream.
La Fabrica Tapas Restaurant Menu
With David’s experience of importing produce from Spain, you can expect only the best quality food offered within his establishment. The fresh produce is locally sourced, whereas the meat, cheese and alcohol come from Spain. The menu features traditional tapas and additional speciality dishes which are mostly from the Andalusian vicinity.
Manchego Cheese Salad
Vegetarians (that’s me!) can enjoy Spanish omelette, potatoes with brava or aioli sauce, pan-fried green peppers, mushrooms with garlic and grilled asparagus with manchego cheese shavings.
Spanish Omelette
Vegetarian regional specialities include Seville style spinach and chickpea stew and Malaga style fried aubergines with sugar cane and honey. There’s also a beetroot or manchego cheese salad.
Malaga Style Fried Aubergines with Sugar Cane and Honey
Meat eaters can feast on ham croquet, grilled chorizo with piquillo peppers, meatballs in almond sauce, chicken livers with red onion and sherry vinegar and capers, black pudding stuffed peppers, wild boar cheeks and lamb cutlets with grilled courgette and aubergine. Fish and seafood dishes include prawns with garlic and chilli, fried squid on a bed of rocket with tartar sauce, white anchovies in olive oil and vinegar with parsley and garlic, fried squid, squid ink rice, grilled baby squid and Canary Island style grilled octopus with baby potatoes.
Fried Squid on Rocket with Tartar Sauce
Desserts are homemade and include a traditional almond tart with hazelnut cream, and almond mousse, a crème Brulee Catalan style, chocolate fondant and of course chocolate Churros which we couldn’t resist trying. They also have a selection of Sophie’s Homemade Ice Cream – chocolate honeycomb, coffee and ginger plus vanilla yoghurt and mango sorbet.
Chocolate Churros
David is a wine enthusiast and is keen for locals to experience some of his Spanish varieties. He offers many wines by the glass to encourage trial and is eager to recommend new options to his customers. He is glad to see locals enjoying tapas the Spanish way by sitting at the bar and ordering a plate to enjoy with a good glass of vino. David also stocks a selection of organic wines, sherry and an excellent Spanish beer called Alhambra Premium.
La Fabrica Tapas Restaurant Interiors
The restaurant is large inside. It extends quite far and is open plan but with three distinct sections. The front part has separate dining tables in metal with red chairs. There is an expansive bar lined with stools. Walls are exposed red brick, and the floor is wooden with pattern tiles interspersed for interest.
Front Restaurant Interior
The middle area has a couple of large tables for big groups of friends to enjoy a dinner party. Head towards the back where there is more seating and a change in decor with painted wood panelling on the walls and hooks above so you can keep an eye on your coat.
Middle and Back Restaurant Interior
The interiors are modern with a light industrial touch, and even though the space is quite ample, it has a nice cosy feel. I enjoyed our experience; it’s a typical taste of Spain in the heart of Finsbury Park, and I’ve booked it for my birthday dinner!
La Fabrica Tapas Restaurant Information
Restaurant Exterior
Cuisine: Spanish tapas with Southern Spain emphasis
Website: La Fabrica Tapas Restaurant Stroud Green Road
Address: 45 Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park, London N4 3EF
Near: Finsbury Park
Open: Check the website for current opening times
Wi-Fi: Yes
Décor: Light industrial
Reservations: Best to book, you can do this via the website
Author: Homegirl London. Photography: Homegirl London. Thanks: David the owner and Homeboy for accompanying me.
