Tapas Brindisa London Bridge — Restaurant in London

I’m writing this with genuine respect for the Brindisa brand.

As a restaurateur with long-standing experience in this field, I have a good understanding of London’s gastronomic landscape, from Spanish and Italian to Japanese and Asian concepts. I follow the industry closely, from brands to suppliers, and Brindisa has always been one of those names I’ve respected deeply: as an importer, as a Borough Market retailer, as a supplier, and as a restaurant operator.

Recently, I saw your promotion for the chorizo sandwich. Because of that, I went all the way from Victoria to Borough Market with a colleague specifically to try it. We sat down at your Borough Market restaurant with the intention of ordering that sandwich.

Now, I understand that Brindisa runs two different formats on that site: the retail and charcuterie counter where the bocadillo-style sandwiches are sold, and the seated tapas restaurant. In the moment, it’s not easy for a guest to distinguish which item belongs to which operation, especially when both are under the Brindisa name. From a customer’s perspective, I see a Brindisa promotion, I arrive at a Brindisa space, and I naturally expect to be able to order that product.

Instead of a simple clarification such as, “That particular sandwich is only available at the retail counter, but here’s what I can offer you now,” the person managing the floor spoke in a tone that was dismissive, almost as if I was wrong to ask. The attitude was essentially, “Do you even know how this works? Who orders a sandwich in a full restaurant?” That kind of interaction is unacceptable, not just to me, but to anyone visiting your establishment for the first time.

For me, the issue was never the absence of a menu item, but the way a guest was spoken to. I travelled there because of Brindisa’s own marketing, sat in a Brindisa-branded space, asked for a Brindisa-promoted product, and was made to feel as if I’d done something inappropriate.

As someone who knows how carefully Brindisa has built its brand, its sourcing, its authenticity, and its heritage, it was honestly surprising to see a representative on the floor speaking to guests in that way. Such interactions don’t just lose a sale; they harm the perception of a respected brand that has spent decades earning trust.

I’m sharing this in good faith because I genuinely like what you do and want to see the brand live up to the high standards...

Arrived with 2 small children at 4:20pm and restaurant was approx. 20% full. I didn't have a reservation as I wasn't aware they took bookings. Was greeted by a very unprofessional and unfriendly front of house who was extremely rude. She informed me that if I didn't have a reservation, the restaurant was fully booked. I looked at all the empty tables and asked politely, "you're fully booked but have all these empty tables?". Her response "yes, bookings from 5pm so unless you only spend 30mins on a table, we are fully booked". We walked 2 metres away from the restaurant and my gut instinct was to check the website and guess what, they had a table available for 4:45pm! With two hungry and tired 5 year old kids, I booked the table and went back to the restaurant. I politely informed the same front of house host that we had a table booked and she pulled out a tablet to "check". She then proceeded to say that she had to check whether the table was "ready". It was beyond ridiculous when the restaurant barely had more than 15 people seated and countless empty tables. She came back and seated us at 4:30pm and the attitude/tone in which she spoke, was beyond hideous.

I have never come across a host that has been so unprofessional and can only put it down to the fact that we were turned away without a "booking" because I was alone with 2 small children. The tapas was very average and not worth the expense. If you're in the area, Jose on Bermondsey Street is far better quality and service is always amazing. Barrafina in Soho also much better.

Amazing how restaurants like this keep such unprofessional people employed. The host was rude, arrogant and totally power tripping. Had I not been with the children, I would have confronted the host but did not want to get into an argument in their presence.

I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone dining children. There are better restaurants in the same location with courteous staff and better food. Completely overrated by...

I am well aware times have changed and Brindisa is not what it used to be, the food is still delicious, and there is where the positives ends, the waiting staff have interrupted our conversations countless times in the 2 hour catch up that I have with 2 of my dearest people with whom I have not shared a meal in a long time. We used to get together at Brindisa for many years and we were all more than happy to have conversations with the staff back then. Today we were basically rushed the entire time, when we ordered the pork belly the waiter decided it was “too fat” for us and that we would prefer the solomillo wellington instead, if you know of Spanish food or any food at all you’d know those are very different dishes, he “suggested” that dish not once but three times, of course we ended up not having either, so nobody won, shame. As I mentioned the food was delicious, but the prices and the lack of attention (please don’t ask me if I’m finished when I’m speaking and my friends are still eating, that’s just manners at their basics, guys) are not going to make me come back. Every glass and plate was almost removed just before being completely empty, and also there’s the universal cutlery code for “I’m finished”, if you and you’re boss don’t know it I’m sure you can google it) the bill was produced in front of us without request, and when I tried to pay I was rushed back onto my table making it really awkward for my guests and myself to witness. When we were getting ready to leave, the waiter was desperately standing next to my elderly friend who was taking her time to pick up her stuff. I said “you can certainly give us another minute” to which he replied through his teeth “yes of course” without moving a centimetre away. Awkward. Again. Manners. Again. Brindisa is no longer the pleasant chilled Spanish experience it used to be. Oh well, another reason to stay in, spend less, cook more and entertain friends the way they...