I was out exploring Clerkenwell with my friend Alan when we decided to pop into the super cute Morito Tapas Bar for lunch, which is also a mezze bar. We fancied something tasty to nibble on and wanted to sit down, so this was ideal. It’s situated next door to Moro which is the sister restaurant serving Moorish Cuisine. If you’re looking for places to eat in Exmouth Market, tapas bars in Clerkenwell or lunch in Clerkenwell, the Morito Tapas Bar is a must.
“Super cute Exmouth Market tapas and meze bar serving delicious dishes in cosy and charming surroundings,” Homegirl London
Morito Tapas Bar Menu
The menu is always evolving, so check online before your visit. It features Spanish and North African tapas/mezze which is excellent quality. Sit yourself down on one of the stools and order a few nibbles. You can sample Padron peppers, olives, roasted almonds or a bread basket with harissa. Starters include lamb broth with lamb dumplings, ham and chicken croquettes, cumin quail eggs or jamón ibérico bellota. I opted for the leek, lemon thyme and romano pepper tortilla, which was delicious and very comforting.
Lemon Thyme and Romano Pepper Tortilla
I also ordered a couple of other veggie options which were so good. The fried chickpeas were crispy and came with chopped red onions. Who knew that fried chickpeas could taste this amazing. I also went for the crispy aubergine and whipped feta with sweet date molasses. I could eat this every day. I wanted to order more but had no room left. I also wanted to try the patatas bravas (potatoes), the hispi cabbage with garlic and chilli oil and the beetroot borani (Iranian yoghurt dip) with feta garnished with dill and walnuts. For a concise menu, I was pleased with the veggie selection.
Fried Chickpeas
When we were there, they were having a seafood festival. Alan tried the cured mackerel with roasted cauliflower and coriander, which was superb. It was a marvellous mix of flavours with fresh mackerel chunks partnered with the roasted cauliflower. Other fish dishes are along the lines of turbot with jewelled couscous flavoured with harissa. Or pastirma (cured beef) cod with beetroot and labneh (Lebanese cream cheese). Seafood wise it was clams with fennel Spanish rice or octopus with sumac.
Cured Mackerel with Roasted Cauliflower and Coriander
Meat dishes included lamb chops spiced with cumin and paprika, slow-roasted pork belly with churrasco (grilled meat) or spiced lamb with aubergines. They also had chicken with braised spinach and pancetta. If you have the room, you can order a dessert. The Malaga raisin ice cream sounded tempting as did the chocolate and olive oil mousse with hazelnuts. Or you can opt for cheese which is always a great way to finish any meal! Drinks include Alhambra Especial (beer), Isastegi Sidra Naturala (cider), homemade ginger beer and fresh lemonade, along with brandy and tequila.
Morito Tapas Bar Interiors
This tapas bar is situated at Exmouth Market, which is a pedestrianised street. They have a few tables and chairs outside on the pavement, which is a pleasant place to sit and watch the world go by. Inside the dining area is small yet charming and cosy. There are a few high stools in front of the glass frontage so you can people watch as you eat. If you are there solo or with a friend, you can sit up at the bar counter. The other tables are for four people. It’s quite tight on space so you will get to know your neighbours!
Restaurant Interior
Decoration wise it’s a tad rustic come industrial with wooden floors and plaster walls. The bar has a flash of bright orange. Other than that, it is quite sparsely decorated, which suits the space. I found it charming and adorable, a cool place to visit with your lover to share a few plates of tapas for lunch or supper.
Morito Tapas Bar Information
Restaurant Exterior
Cuisine: Tapas and Mezze
Price: Around £5-8 a dish
Website: Morito Website
Address: 32 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QE, there is another Morito restaurant on Hackney Road
Near: A short walk from Angel Tube Station (Northern Line), also Farrington Train Station (Thameslink) and Barbican Tube Station (Circle, Hammersmith and City and Metropolitan Lines)
Open: Check online for current opening times
Wi-Fi: Yes
Décor: Cute, slightly rustic, slightly industrial combination
Seating: Tables and chairs outside on the pedestrian street, inside they have room for around thirty
Toilets: One toilet right at the back of the restaurant
Reservations: You can book lunch reservations but not dinner (they take your mobile number and call when a table is available)
Service Charge: Discretionary 12.50%
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. Thanks: Alan, for dining with me.
