Brought to London by the Salt Yard Group, Opera Tavern is a buzzy tapas bar and restaurant in the heart of Covent Garden designed to transport guests straight to the bustling bars and restaurants of Spain and Italy. The space spans two levels: downstairs, discover striking prints, a stylish bar, counter seating and a communal table, while upstairs the main dining rooms offers a warm ambience conducive to a convivial and relaxed atmosphere.
Head chef Lukazs Kielbasinski and his team have created a menu of exciting Spanish and Italian-inspired tapas plates, using the best seasonal ingredients for maximum flavour. The menu is divided into charcuterie, cheese and snacks to start, followed by fish, meat and vegetable-based dishes. Start things off with the likes of padron peppers, flatbreads with herb butter, Marcona almonds as well as a selection of cured meats and cheeses. Main tapas plates, meanwhile, include crispy Iberian pork belly with Judion beans and chargrilled baby leeks, courgette flowers with goat’s cheese and lavender honey, and Cornish crab tortelloni with lobster bisque, fennel and seaweed powder. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert, which includes Nutella doughnuts served with ricotta whipped cream and raspberries.
The drinks menu includes an extensive list of regional wines and Mediterranean-inspired seasonal drinks, from Spritz’ to long drinks. There are plenty of classics to choose from – think negronis, sangria and Aperol Spritz – while seasonal creations include one called Fresh From The Garden featuring absolute blue, basil, strawberry infuse and lime juice.
Do note that both set lunch menus and group offerings are also available, with the restaurant able to accommodate everything from speedy business lunches to relaxed gatherings with loved ones.
The Salt Yard Group was founded by Sanja Moll and Simon Mullins and now includes six restaurants across London, all of which celebrate Spanish and Italian food and drink.