Aqua Nueva

Aqua's upmarket Spanish eatery is predictably sleek and glamorous, although the food is sufficiently accomplished to hold its own. Low-lit black tables are arranged beneath an arched, copper-clad ceiling, while the menu of show-stopping tapas ranges from ultra-traditional pan con tomate and patatas bravas to glazed veal cheek with pickled mushrooms or poached cod fillet atop fennel purée. Respect for ingredients and presentation is evident throughout, from melting black-ink seafood croquetas presented in mussel shells to deep-pink raw tuna rolls, stuffed with a confit tomato and almonds, then studded with pomegranate (a riot of colour and texture). There are also larger plates of grilled octopus or perhaps Ibérico secreto pork, but our advice is to stick with the smaller, more adventurous tapas. Big bills come as standard, but the striking black-and-gold bar provides a more wallet-friendly alternative with its evening snack menu, array of cocktails and a terrace overlooking Regent Street.

Set in a dramatic space on the top floor of the former Dickins & Jones department store in the heart of London’s West End, Aqua Nueva offers diners the very best of traditional and modern Spanish cuisine with a captivating rooftop terrace and stunning bar.

Its super central location makes it an ideal spot for numerous occasions, which is easily accessible via a short walk from Oxford Street station. Step inside to a paradise of sleek surroundings. Underneath the arched ceiling, which is accentuated by curved strip lights, the main dining area offers a variety of seating that allows for privacy (at circular booths) or a buzzing dining experience (separate square tables). Dark mahogany furnishings create a warm yet smart feel while brick-style tiles create the feeling that you’re sitting in a train station. There are also a handful of partially covered rooftop terraces, ideal for drinks and weekday lunches.   

The menu revolves around refined, contemporary Spanish cuisine. Classic plates include oxtail and avocado empanadas and spiced crab tostadas, while signature tapas dishes include beef short rib with potato gratin, and chimichurri, confit piquillo peppers with romesco and Marcona almonds, Bacalao tacos with taramasalata and black seafood alioli croquetas.

On Saturdays, it serves its free-flowing brunch, a grand feast that's made for sharing and includes unlimited cocktails (or bubbles at an extra cost).

To complement Aqua Nueva’s food offering, the bar has created an innovative cocktail menu for its destination bar that opens onto the terrace. If you fancy stopping by for drinks and nibbles, discover a broad range of cocktails featuring Japanese-inspired ingredients, such as a Shiso Sour made with whisky, shiso leaves, lime juice, egg white, sugar syrup, and an Aqua Martini made with vodka, yuzu juice, orange juice, sake syrup, egg white.