Reineta
My recent date night at Reineta and its sister restaurant, Rayuela, was an experience that felt both refined and effortlessly inviting. My fiancée and I began our evening at Reineta, where the atmosphere was warm and relaxed, setting the perfect tone for an evening of vibrant Spanish flavours and thoughtful pairings. Though we were there for a romantic night out, it was lovely to see others celebrating birthdays, motherhood, friendship, and various milestones—Reineta truly offers a space for all kinds of special moments. Rayuela, too, provides a beautiful space for such occasions, making it an ideal venue for any celebration.
Reineta is a wonderful spot for breakfast, lunch, or a simple, delicious dinner, and it also makes for an excellent place to enjoy a pre-drink or cocktail before heading to Rayuela for your main event.
For our pre-dinner drinks, we enjoyed the exquisite 1847 Solera sherry, which set the mood perfectly and made for an intriguing start to the evening…
Rayuela
After our drinks, we ventured two doors down to Rayuela for the main meal. We started with rose prawns, oxtail tacos, and green peppers—each dish was succulent and full of life, a true celebration of Spanish culinary craft. The oxtail tacos stood out with their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the green peppers offered a deliciously savoury punch that perfectly balanced the richness of the other dishes.
In the spirit of true Spanish dining, we “hopscotched” across the menu to explore our mains. We opted for an underrated cut of pork, grilled octopus, and the classic patatas bravas. The pork was exquisitely juicy and flavoursome, the octopus grilled to perfection with just the right amount of char, and the patatas bravas were a wonderfully crispy complement to the meal. Each bite transported me straight to Spain, with bold, fresh flavours that were both satisfying and exciting.
For dessert, we shared a Spanish cheeseboard featuring a cheese that had recently won “Best Cheese of 2021.” Its rich, creamy texture and subtle, nuanced flavours made it a standout. I also enjoyed a delicious chocolate fondant-style Spanish dessert—decadent and indulgent, it was the perfect sweet ending to the evening.
A standout feature of the evening was the personalised cocktail experience. The team took the time to ask about our preferences, and throughout the night, we were treated to thoughtfully crafted cocktails that truly catered to our tastes. I particularly enjoyed a festive version of a Long Island Iced Tea, called the Santa Iced Tea—refreshing and perfectly balanced. I also savoured a divine tiramisu cocktail, which was indulgent and absolutely perfect.
In a Nutshell
Both Reineta and Rayuela are a true reflection of Miguel Morales’s dedication to curating the finest Spanish cuisine in London. Whether you’re stopping in for a casual breakfast, a leisurely lunch, a delicious dinner, or a pre-dinner cocktail, both restaurants offer a unique, memorable experience that’s easy to love. Be sure to keep an eye out for Reineta’s wine tastings throughout the year—ticket prices are redeemable against wine purchases, making them an exceptional value. I’m already looking forward to my next visit to explore more of the exceptional offerings they continue to create.