Casa Manolo, Clapham Junction — Restaurant in London

Hi,

I’m want to start off by saying that I truly love your restaurant – I love the food, the events, the people, the atmosphere. I’ve even found myself buying gift baskets from you guys for valentines, anniversaries and Father’s Day. Which makes this note harder to write. I don’t like leaving bad reviews but after the events last night, I feel I have to.

Four weeks ago, I made a reservation to book a table for 2 for the Flamenco show on November 16th at the Clapham location at 8pm as advertised online. I even spoke to two different people yesterday (November 16th) during the day who confirmed my reservation.

To my surprise, I arrived at the restaurant last night 10mins before my reservation was due to start and your staff found it amusing when I said that I had a reservation. They told me that more people had shown up than they had anticipated so they decided not to honour reservations, especially because they didn’t want to feel bad for telling people not to sit at tables because they were reserved. They even said I should have come earlier, even though my reservation was not till 8pm. For a second, I thought they were joking but sadly they weren’t. I was told that I could just stand in the packed restaurant and watch the show. This to me showed lack of seriousness as a restaurant and from the staff.

I didn’t book a table just to watch the show. I booked a table to have dinner. And for the issue to be dismissed just like that is incredibly frustrating, as a long-standing customer, especially when I did exactly what I was told through your ad - make a reservation weeks ago. In the restaurant industry, priority is always be given to those who actually took the time to make reservations and planned on attending weeks in advance, not to those who just turn up last minute.

In the future, please don’t advertise to book a table and then decide not to honour the reservations. This is called bait and switch and it’s considered not good business practice. You are a restaurant, so it shouldn’t be unusual to put “reserved” signs on tables. People are used to that.

Last night was supposed to be a fun night for my mom who was visiting from the States. But instead, we felt pretty dismissed and were left scrambling trying to find a restaurant to have dinner last minute on a...

Very disappointing experience, not at all genuine Spanish cuisine. To be avoided.

Went with a group of friends to celebrate our birthdays, hoping for a fun tapas night. After reading the reviews and good ratings we were excited.

Sadly what we got was far from what we expected. The place was an average eatery just off the high street (should’ve known better, but hey ho, only myself to blame for that). The atmosphere was that of a cafe you go out for a quick bite for lunch rather than an evening out. The music…oh the music. It was metal rock, and quite loud. When we asked the waiter very politely to please turn it down, it was met with a resigned nod for an answer, but of course ignored. At the suggestion of some Latin or Spanish music, the answer was a shrug of shoulders and “that’s what people listen to over here.” Having been to lots of Spanish places, never heard such a thing! And not sure Clapham is particularly known for the metal-loving crowds, but who am I to disagree?

Determined to have a good night still, we ignored the music and ordered some food while we waited for the rest of the party. Sangria was average. But the food…oh dear. The patatas bravas were awful, not sure how they get to call them that! It was cubed fried potatoes with spicy tomato ketchup drizzled over. Let me tell you my reader, don’t let them fool you! That is not patatas bravas!! The octopus was clearly out of a tin and barely warm, and the callos a la Madrileña (tripe) were disappointing.

Luckily for us, the rest of the party arrived and promptly whisked us away to another restaurant nearby which was delicious. The night was saved!

In their defence, the meats and cheese on the counter looked delicious and genuine, but at this point we weren’t prepared to spend any more of our hard earned money only to be disappointed. And maybe, only maybe, all the food we didn’t order could’ve been delicious. Not sure I’ll ever...

From the moment I stepped into Casa Manolo, I was greeted with warm hospitality that set the tone for the evening. The ambiance is a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern elegance, making it feel both cozy and sophisticated.

The food? Absolutely exceptional. Every dish was prepared with obvious care and passion. The tapas selection was a standout — bursting with authentic flavors that transported me straight to Spain. The jamón ibérico practically melted in my mouth, and the patatas bravas were the best I’ve ever had — crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfectly spiced.

The main course was equally impressive. I had the seafood paella, and it was cooked to perfection — the rice flavorful and tender, the seafood fresh and plentiful. Each bite felt like a celebration of traditional Spanish cuisine.

The service was impeccable: attentive without being intrusive, with staff eager to share recommendations and insights about the dishes. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, and the sangria was deliciously refreshing.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a fun evening with friends, or simply to indulge in outstanding Spanish food, Casa Manolo is a must-visit. I can’t...