From tapas and regional Spanish dishes to mouth-watering delicacies slow cooked in the wood-fired oven, it’s easy to see why Sabor on Heddon Street has gained its star star. Find out what to order from the saliva-inducing menus crafted by Chef Director, Nieves Barragan.
Where should I eat at Sabor restaurant in Heddon Street?
Upstairs, the snug El Asador offers an open kitchen for a touch of theatre. Here, you can share memorable dishes that have been cooked low and slow in its Castilian wood-fired oven or traditional Galician pans. Advance booking is recommended to avoid missing out, but walk-ins are sometimes available.
The ground floor hosts two spaces for walk-ins only. Prop yourself against a table at the relaxed and more budget-friendly Bar, which serves up tapas dishes that pair neatly with sherries, gins, vermouths and wines. The Counter is the place to try exciting small plates, regional specials and top-quality seafood while chatting to the chefs.
What to pick from the Sabor restaurant menu?
1. Segovian Suckling Pig
Splash out for a special occasion (or let’s face it, you’ll find any excuse) by ordering Sabor’s Segovian Suckling Pig. Only served upstairs in El Asador, this signature dish is cooked using traditional methods in its wood-fired oven, because why tamper with perfection? For added spectacle, it’s carved up using a plate to emphasise how melt-in-the-mouth the flesh is – just wait for that sound as the plate cracks through the crispy skin.
2. Croquetas
Sabor elevates one of Spain’s most humble bar snacks to Heddon Street hedonism. Bite through the crispy outer coating of these croquetas to reveal a gooey interior featuring flavours such as prawns or ham – you’ll struggle to stop ordering plates upon plates of these tasty morsels.
3. seafood rice
Hit up your Insta feed with pictures of this colourful dish of delights from the sea at El Asador. A more refined take on traditional seafood rice dishes that you’ll find at chiringuitos (rustic beach bars) throughout Spain. It’s fair to say this orange-hued sharing dish is a bit of a showstopper.
4. Arroz Negro
Downstairs at The Counter, meanwhile, a great alternative is Arroz Negro (black rice), which is the toast of the table across much of Catalunya and Valencia. Enjoy this squid-ink-infused rice dish topped with a punchy aioli and the chef’s regularly changing choice of fish – whether tempura monkfish, squid, or rock shrimp.
5. Churrasco de Cordero
Served straight from the wood-fired oven in El Asador, just a whiff of these moreish Churrasco de Cordero will tantalise the tastebuds. Sourced in Spain, these lamb ribs are full of flavour, giving you a meaty slap in the chops to remind you what lamb should really taste like.
6. Octopus
Octopus is present across all Sabor menus; whether at El Asador, where the tender tentacles are served the traditional Galician way with paprika (Pulpo a Feira), or Canary Islands style with mojo rojo and baby potatoes at The Counter.
7. Tortilla
A true Spanish classic, tortilla (often referred to as Spanish omelette in English) is a comforting hug on a plate. Simple ingredients such as egg, potato and onion combine in a Classic Tortilla, or opt for the Txistorra Tortilla featuring Basque sausage – wherever you’re dining you won’t miss out, as there are options on each menu.
8. Seafood specials
Do a deep dive into Sabor’s seafood selection for all sorts of delights, whether oysters, scallops, razor clams or langoustines. Direct from Spanish shores, these tasty treats feature regularly on the menus and are cooked delicately and simply to make the seafood sing (well, not literally, obviously).
9. Tapas from the bar
The beauty of tapas is you don’t need to order it all in one go. Order a drink, pick a few plates, and before you know it you’ve tasted the whole menu… But, if you want to earmark a few to start, our top tips include Camarones Fritos (fried shrimp), Mejillones en Escabeche (mussels in escabeche sauce), and Iberian ham. While you’re waiting, why not order some Marcona almonds to enjoy with a crisp glass of Manzanilla?
10. something for after...
Thankfully for the sweet-toothed, the Spanish also love their puddings. Sabor’s desserts range from doughy and indulgent Bombas de Chocolate, to the sharpness of Rhubarb Tartaleta and the more unusual pairing of Goat’s Cheese Ice Cream with Liquorice Sauce. If cheese in its usual form is more your thing, nibble on a selection of Spanish favourites alongside quince jam.
How about the drinks?
Match these must-try dishes with wines, cavas, sherries and spirits spanning Spain from Sabor’s drinks list. For something a little different, pick the Basque country’s famous semi-sparkling wine, txakoli, which will leave a slight tingle on your tongue. Or mix it up with a cocktail, whether that holiday favourite sangria, a coffee and almond Old Fashioned or a G&T using gin flavoured with those little green peppers, Pimientos de Padrón.
For more ideas, plan pre-dinner drinks at one of Regent Street’s best bars, find more tips on where to eat on Heddon Street, or seek out stunning lunch spots in the neighbourhood for a daytime treat.