El Sol Tapas Bar & Restaurant — Restaurant in Canterbury

What a truly memorable evening at El Sol Spanish Tapas! From the moment we walked in, the vibrant atmosphere wrapped us in the warmth of Spanish hospitality, making us feel right at home. With its tasteful decor and lively energy, this restaurant perfectly captures the essence of a traditional Spanish dining experience.

Ambiance and Service: The ambiance at El Sol is delightful, with colorful tiles and soft lighting creating a cozy yet vibrant setting. The playful murmur of conversations and laughter enhances the experience, making it ideal for both intimate dinners and cheerful gatherings. We were particularly looked after by Sasha, whose attentiveness and genuine enthusiasm elevated our dining experience. Her recommendations were spot-on, and her friendly demeanor made us feel like valued guests. Food Description: Now, let’s talk about the food — it’s nothing short of incredible. We started with the classic patatas bravas, octopus and boy the chorizo was perfectly crispy and accompanied by a smoky aioli that ignited our taste buds. The gambas al ajillo, sizzling shrimp in garlic and olive oil, was a showstopper, bursting with flavor and served with crusty bread that was perfect for soaking up every drop. The highlight, however, had to be the mixed charcuterie board, which showcased a selection of high-quality meats and cheeses. Each bite was a delight, harmoniously balancing rich, savory flavors. Drinks/Desserts: To complement our meal, we enjoyed a refreshing Hugo the perfect blend of fruit and wine that added a festive touch to the night. Conclusion: Overall, my experience at El Sol Spanish Tapas was nothing short of exceptional. The remarkable food, inviting atmosphere, and superb service from Sasha made this night memorable. I highly recommend this culinary gem to anyone looking to indulge in authentic Spanish flavors. I can’t wait to return for another round of...

I’m leaving this review to offer a more balanced perspective, as the current rating of 4.7/5 feels incredibly inflated and may set unrealistic expectations for future diners.

To start with the positives—the atmosphere was warm and inviting and the waitress added a lovely touch to the experience. Unfortunately, the food left much to be desired and ranked among the worst dining experiences I've ever had.

The tapas lacked authenticity and finesse, and were frankly unpleasant to eat. Nearly every dish arrived with an unnecessary slice of cucumber, which felt odd and out of place. While the octopus was tender, the mustard-heavy sauce was overpowering and clashed with the dish. The croquetas had a mushy and unappetizing filling that we couldn’t finish. The “Pardon peppers” (as misspelled on the menu) were undercooked and left a bitter aftertaste. Patatas bravas lacked the crispiness you'd expect, and both the tortilla and calamari were merely passable.

Adding to the confusion, we were told the paella was unavailable because it had “run out last night,” which seemed like a strange explanation for a new day’s service.

It’s clear that while the team may have an appreciation for Spanish cuisine, there’s a gap in authentic execution. It’s disheartening to see a cuisine so rich in tradition being heavily misrepresented—particularly when the ratings suggest otherwise. I hope this review helps others set more realistic expectations...

OVERVIEW One of Canterbury’s gems, worth a visit for the menu favourites!

PLUS Menu favourites such as the “Pulpo” and“Calamares Rellenos”, are must tries at a 5* level. Easily the best squid 🦑 I have ever had! Excellent value-for-money menu! 3-4 tapas and sides, including a desert, for around £30. Complimentary olives were of top-grade you could truly“Taste the Difference”. Very good staff service: Phil and Sophia makes sure my special orders were prepared to the highest standard. Asa’s and Sasha’s menu recommendations lived up to expectations and were based on genuine advice rather than formality. Catered to meal modification requests. The restaurant’s interior and music complimented the cuisine.

MINUS The menu favourites upheld the reputation of the restaurant, as half of the tapas were basic and bland. Although excellent in taste, the “Pulpo”and “Spinach & Chickpeas” were both overwhelmingly oily. The costillitas were overpoweringly sweet. The restaurants could benefit from a quick, hassle-free table QR code payment method.

ADVICE Walk-in lunchtime availability. However, pre-bookings are advised on Friday-Sunday evenings.

ORDER HISTORY Tapas: Pulpo Calamares Rellenos Gambas Al Ajilo Costillitas Halloumi Patatas Fritas Gambas Dinamita Patatas Bravas Sides: Spinach & Chickpeas Tomato & Onion Salad Dessert: Tarta De...