Roman Tapas and Grill, Islington - Restaurant Review

 Away from the hustle and bustle of Upper Street, this little gem of an eatery is well worth the 10 minute walk from Highbury and Islington station. The name is initially confusing, but we realise it is named for its location, which is a leafy residential area, close to Barnsbury and Caledonian Road. Early on a Thursday evening, this eclectic yet elegant Spanish place was all ours, with a few regular locals filing in later on.

An excellent menu offered a whole range of tapas, some familiar and some not so. There is also a grill menu which we completely ignored, being enraptured by the choice of tapas, as well as some specials. The waiter was happy for us to order in stages (we had to wait for one member of our group - late as usual!). Perhaps he was very happy, as he was enjoying a glass of wine while he worked. Quite right too, as it was a rather delectable white Rioja.

We worked our way through the tapas menu, my favourites being the padron peppers and the chorizo in red wine. Importantly, my vegetarian friend was well catered for. It was all excellent, and deceptively filling too. We finished with a cappuccino ice cream - quite a hit if you haven't had caffeine for a while!

 

I will definitely be returning to sample some more of the menu here, without a doubt. A real find for a London foodie.

Padrón Peppers - pimentos asados

Chorizo al Vino - spicy sausage with a red wine glaze

Queso Frito - deep fried manchego with a red onion chutney

Patatas Bravas - fried potatoes with spicy tomato and alioli

Champinones gratinados - garlic mushrooms baked with garlic butter

Calamares - crispy calamari with spicy alioli and dipping sauce

Croquetas - with cheese and spinach

Empanadillas - homemade pastry parcels with beef

Gambas al ajillo - prawns baked in garlic

Banoffee Pie

Cappuccino Ice Cream

Roman Tapas & Grill

1A Roman Way

N7 8XG

020 7609 8034

Opening Hours:

Thu 6-10.30pm

Fri/Sat 6-11pm

Sun 11am-7pm