Goya — Restaurant in London

I went in for a basic tapas meal and was severely disappointed. The manager of the establishment was very rude and the food was nowhere close to authentic Spanish tapas. I ordered the peppers, patatas bravas, calamari and pan con tomate which are all basic tapas dishes. The peppers was the only thing I could finish. The bravas sauce did not taste right and neither did the tomato on the bread (the bread was not even toasted and was soggy from the tomato). I had to send the calamari back because the texture was so off, it was so slimy (not in the normal way) and the batter was tasteless. I politely asked the waiter if I could send it back, I had only ate half of one piece. He understood and took the dish away. Shortly after, the manager came up to me demanding the reason as to why I am sending it back. I replied it did not taste fresh, he then disputed me saying it was fresh and that I had already ordered it. I then refused to eat it to which he very rudely replied saying that 'you can send it back but I know it's fresh'. I honestly don't write reviews but this exchange made me so uncomfortable as I didn't like majority of the dishes, I was being lenient by only complaining about one of them and to be met with such attitude is unacceptable. He then started complaining about me in Spanish (which I understand) and as I was alone, I felt so uncomfortable, I quickly asked for the bill and left. All the other staff were lovely and polite and the rude attitude solely came from...

The word “tasteless” - and to some degree “expensive” - sums up the experience at best.

We ordered the Grilled seafood platter and paella with seafood and chicken.

For the sake of ease, I will list up pros and cons with the food and overall experience, starting with the pros:

Nice and clean area. The restaurant itself has a cosy Spanish-like atmosphere. The size of the portions are also quite alright albeit expensive. Rice in the paella was cooked well.

And, unfortunately, the cons list is a little longer: Literally everything on our table didn’t taste anything. Honestly, really nothing. The salmon tasted the same as what I’d guess was supposed to be squid and chicken.

The mussels were severely overcooked. I often make them myself and it’s commonly known that mussels shouldn’t be “boiled”, but rather just steamed. I’d guess the one we got were boiled for at least 15 minutes and put in the oven at the end.

The vegetables were completely tasteless. Without exaggerating, I’m truly impressed on how they managed to get potatoes and carrots to taste the same - like air.

We waited around 40 minutes for the food to arrive.

Our total ended at 84 (including service charge of 10%) which I would consider expensive compared to what we got.

Staff were by no means unfriendly, but not service minded either.

All in all, not a good experience, that I would not recommend. Even at 50-55£ this isn’t good fod. Just «cheap(er) tasteless and bad...

I have been here several times. The only reason is that it’s the only restaurant on Lupus street. So if you’re hungry or want to take a friend for a quick meal it’s the only option.

About the food and the restaurant. 2 big problems 1- the food 2- the staff - especially the Portuguese guys who works there for like 20 years. (I ask myself how some businesses in london endure so long by giving horrible service)

The food is not Spanish at all. I’m half Brazilian/half Spanish. And I am a foodie. So I spend a good deal of my time eating out and looking for options where to eat. The food is sad. Not well seasoned nor presented. Extremely expensive. But the jewels of the crown are the service. These gentlemen excluding the South American Spanish speakers who are nice. They spend half of the time serving the clients and half of the time apologising for the food and the behaviour of the elder Portuguese men who work in the restaurant for 400 years. They treat both us clients horribly and their staff. They speak to the clients shouting from far away about tables and do not listen to you at all.

I really hope that some nice restaurants emerge on this area soon. I love here and hate to go to Victoria to eat when I need. Bad experience and I’m not coming back anymore even if I don’t have other...