Galicia

Ignore the reviews screaming that the food is 'scandalous' or, conversely, ''to die for'. It's definitely neither of those. Galicia is a Spanish neighbourhood tapas bar. You don't get food that's 'to die for' in those joints, but nor do you expect too. If you did you'd whinge that it was scandalous.

For the record I recently had the garlic prawns which, according to a previous reviewer, were 'to die for'. Frankly mine were bad - they'd been left in the freezer far too long and were mushy inside with freezer burns on the outside. However, other items like the ham, whitebait, squid etc were all fine.

The place has character. The waiters are gruff but they don't mess about and if you chuck a few words of Spanish at them they lighten up. I'd recommend Galicia to anyone wants to experience a decent but nostalgic Spanish tapas dining experience. There's good and bad in that obviously. Oh and it's pretty cheap.
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nick
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Thursday, August 21, 2008

Been here about five or six times, with a variety of people and I must say, I really don't get the bad reviews. The place isn't glamourous but it has a great, authentic atmosphere. It strikes me that if your restaurants can only be 'fabulous' then I think you're rather fatuous. Sure the waiters are a little dour but treat them like people not peasants and you'll even get a smile - and I've never been kept waiting too long for food either.

Of the food. the paella is a good main stay, the serrano ham is good and I can't think I've ever had anything bad there.
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Neil
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Monday, August 04, 2008

I certainly recomend this bar..it is incredibly amazing and it is just like being in Spain. I'm from Galicia and i certainly know what the food should be like. the waiters are more patient than in other restaurants, no rudeness is found there, so if at least you are going to comment on the service - do it right, you have no idea of what it takes to manage a restaurant of that high quality. Please, before critizicing go inside.
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Patricia
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, July 07, 2008

Shocking place! The service was passable, but unexceptional.

The real barometer of a restaurant however, is the food, and here is where this place totally falls down. Ordered a variety of tapas as a starter. The tortilla was dry and quite obviously microwaved (possibly two or three times judging by its "bounce" factor). The paella ordered as a main course was nothing short of scandalous. No taste, no substance and little content. Being of Spanish descent, I was quite comfortable in sending back both items of food with little or no comeback from the restaurant. The point is though, that it partly sours the night. Do not come here if you want good food.
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Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 0
Monday, July 07, 2008

The food is terrible and nothing compared to the food in Spain. The waiters have no idea what they are doing and the toilets are disgusting. God knows what the kitchen looks like. Honestly, don´t go there!!!
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F.L
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Tuesday, July 01, 2008

I can´t believe the previous review. Well, if you don´t like Spanish food that´s fine but Galicia is the most authentic Spanish bar I have seen ever outside Spain.

I have been once and it was like almost being in Spain. They were extremely patient with our booking (we were about 30 mins late) and the staff was very helpful and friendly (they managed to get more Estrella de Galicia when they first told us it was sold out).

I highly recommend it! You can even spot some celebrities there!!
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crispan
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Friday, June 13, 2008

Go somewhere else. It's a waste of time and money.

Dishes are bland and distinctly lack taste and freshness.

Sauces are made from stock and ready made ingredients rather that than fresh ingredients, they all taste and look the same. Wine is dissappointing, some awful, and service rude. When I asked a waiter whether the garlic shrimp was made from fresh garlic the answer was that he was only a waiter not a chef and he walked off.

Booked table was not available for 25 minutes after we arrived, incidentally

Do not bother, honestly.
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Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 4
Monday, March 31, 2008

Fantastic, authentic restaurant. It doesn't pretend to be posh or to have a Michelin star, what you see is what you get and that's what makes it great. Great selection of tapas - their garlic prawns are to die for and some delicious home made desserts - the tiramisu is truly wonderful. They also have a great selection of Spanish wines that just beg for a little platter of manchego cheese to finish things off.

This place is a gem and beats a lot of the other Spanish chains that are now popping up all over London. A truly great place for a quick vino if you're shopping in Portobello market.... maybe a plate of some Jamon and queso too!
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Veronica
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, March 04, 2008

The atmosphere is lovely as well as the entirely gallician staff. Good place to sit down for a nice glass of wine. I am spanish and I know what good spanish food is. Unfortunately, this is not. The food is greasy and not fresh.
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Sara Hammersmith
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 5
Friday, February 15, 2008

Excellent restaurant with all the "small things" you like from a spanish restaurant. Athmosphere is great, the staff is very funny and the fishfood was very well executed. Try the Lubina when you visit this restaurant.

The best meal i had in a long time. 10 pluses in all kategories. And i will say 11 for value for the money...

Björn, Sweden
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Björn Carlsson
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, January 30, 2008