Nestled on the buzzing Charlotte Street in the heart of Fitzrovia, Boca a Boca is an intimate Spanish restaurant and wine bar that serves up a mouthwatering tour of regional Spanish dishes. Founded by Ukrainian-born duo, Andrii Nikonov and Anna Gorbunenko, who opened the spot in October 2023, the restaurant follows the success of their first Boca a Boca in Kyiv. They’ve poured their love for Spain into every dish, after travelling the country to source the finest produce and wine, all of which are shipped directly from Spain. With “Boca a Boca” translating to “word of mouth,” it’s clear they intend for this place to become a favourite secret whispered among foodies. Their hospitality shines through, with much of the team hailing from Ukraine, creating a blend of warmth and culture in this cosy corner of London.
The Ambiance
Stepping into Boca a Boca feels like being welcomed into someone’s home. The warmth of the staff is infectious—my partner and I were greeted with smiles, and we were even invited to choose our table (a rare treat). Naturally, we picked a spot by the window, perfect for people-watching while we enjoyed our date night. The décor? Think natural wood, large windows letting in lots of light, and a mezzanine seating area adding a bit of drama to the cosy vibe. The murals, inspired by Salvador Dalí, pay homage to one of Spain’s most iconic artists, while the outdoor terrace gives the place a holiday feel. It’s relaxed, but there’s a subtle sophistication to the space that makes it equally perfect for a casual night out or a special occasion.
The Food
The menu is divided into five sections: from the garden, the sea, the land, arroz, and desserts—all designed for sharing. Naturally, we kicked things off with a Spanish classic: Pan Con Tomate. Now, you might think, “It’s just bread with tomato, right?” Wrong. The tomatoes, bursting with tangy sweetness, sat atop crisp yet airy bread reminiscent of focaccia. It was so simple, yet so perfect that we immediately ordered another portion. It’s light, fresh, and the type of dish that makes you close your eyes and just savour every bite.
Next up: Patatas Bravas. These weren’t your run-of-the-mill patatas bravas. The potatoes were soft on the inside, perfectly crispy on the outside, and topped with a generous slather of garlicky aioli and smoky paprika. Comfort food at its finest.
Then we dipped into the sea with a seasonal ceviche—delicate sea bass, so fresh it tasted like it had been plucked straight from the ocean that morning. The sharp citrus balanced beautifully with the sweetness of the fish, creating a zingy, refreshing bite. The Galician octopus was equally divine. Tender chunks of octopus paired with buttery confit potatoes and a dash of smoky pimentón—each bite was a flavour bomb.
Croquetas de Jamón Ibérico were next—perfectly golden, crisp on the outside with a luxuriously creamy centre, punctuated by the rich, nutty flavour of the jamón. We couldn’t resist ordering a second round. Then there was the Beef Tataki. The thinly sliced beef, served with seasonal figs and a vibrant tomato dressing, was a dance of textures and tastes—the sweetness of the figs, the tang of the tomatoes, and the richness of the beef creating the perfect bite.
Of course, we had to try the Jamon Iberico—it’s almost a crime not to. Sliced so thin you could see through it, the ham melted on the tongue, each bite rich, savoury, and utterly addictive. And because we couldn’t resist, we finished with a Rib Eye Steak. Aged 35 days, the steak was cooked to perfection—juicy, tender, and served with crispy Potatoes Panaderas stacked in thin layers. It was pure, simple decadence.
For dessert, we indulged in the Basque cheesecake with sage and blackberry, a creamy, tangy delight, and the rich dark chocolate cremeux, served with caramelised Marcona almonds and a drizzle of olive oil—because why not?
The Drinks
Cocktails? Of course. Boca a Boca’s drink menu is just as enticing as the food, with a selection of expertly crafted cocktails and an impressive wine list that celebrates the best of Spain’s winemaking heritage. I started with the Piña Picante, a playful mix of tequila, pineapple, coriander, and just the right amount of chilli heat to kick it. My partner opted for a classic Sangria, full of bold red wine flavours and the sweetness of mixed fruit. The wine list is a celebration of sustainability, showcasing Spanish and international wines. We opted for a bottle of 12 Lunas Tinto 2020, a blend of cabernet sauvignon, tempranillo, and syrah, which was full-bodied and smooth, with lovely notes of ripe red fruit and the warm kiss of French oak.
The cocktail list is full of intriguing options we didn’t get a chance to try but were tempted by. The Boca a Boca Martini is a sophisticated take on an espresso martini, blending Ketel One Vodka with Pedro Ximénez and espresso coffee for a sweet and slightly bitter finish—an ideal after-dinner treat. Another standout was the Maraschino Gimlet, a refreshing concoction of Xoriguer Gin, fresh lime, maraschino syrup, and cherry.
The Verdict
Boca a Boca is a hidden gem, offering an authentic taste of Spain. The food is exceptional, the atmosphere welcoming, and the service flawless. Whether you’re a tapas lover or a curious foodie looking for your next favourite spot, Boca a Boca won’t disappoint. Just be prepared to leave with a belly full of happiness and a lingering urge to return.
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All imagery courtesy of Boca a Boca London.