This was my first visit to La Vina, having made my booking and seen the restaurant on the Open Table app. Aside from it offering Spanish fare, I did not know what else to expect.
I booked my table for 8pm, arrived in a torrential downpour and was greeted by a very friendly hostess. Initially I was invited to sit at a table with high stools, but as I have a leg problem, I explained this was not suitable for me. I was shown to a table towards the back if the restaurant in a slightly quitter area. This was fine by me as I was dining alone.
Once seated, I was brought food and drinks menus, and was able to see there was a wide choice on offer, as well as several daily specials.
If you want to practise or improve your Spanish, then this is the place to do it as all of the staff are Spanish speaking. Should you have children trying to learn the language, let them practise. It will really be a good experience for them. Let's say that I tried, and succeeded, and managed to get all of the food I originally ordered!
Staff interaction was brilliant and I received superb service throughout my meal.
With a Spanish menu, you'd expect a wide range of Tapas. You would not be disappointed by any means as there was so much to choose from. Main dishes, as such, were fewer in number, but they all made up an excellent list.
The following comprised my meal.
Starters
Fuet Iberico
Slices of spicy pork sausage
Queso Manchego
Slices of Spanish cheese, served with honey
Main Meal
Paella Mariscos
Seafood paella
Desert
Crema Catalana
In basic terms, a Spanish version of creme brûlée
My two starts were very tasty, and were served with slices of bread, dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
The paella for one, was extremely tasty and although it took longer to serve (you are advised that there is a waiting time of around thirty minutes whilst it is cooked - fine by me), was worth every second, as it tasted amazing. It was packed with seafood and included calamari and mussels.
My desert arrived and it was still alight (in a good way). In the candlelight it looked very impressive and I have to say, tasted delightful.
My final bill came to £33.00, with a tip as extra.
Having had a mix of great service and superb food, I was well and truly delighted with my experience at La Vina.
Would I return?
Without question I would. A definite thumbs up from me.
Would I recommend to others?
For certain I would, as you get a really good overall Spanish experience and great food to match.
To the staff of "La Vina", I have this to say.
Gracias señores y señoras en "La Viña" por la excelente comida y excelente servicio. Voy a ser volver a verte pronto. read more