Bibo

Taste of Andalusia

Lobster seafood rice

Great quality Spanish cooking is hard to come by in London, there are many Spanish restaurants around but few do it to a level that can rival its homeland. Located inside the modern and trendy Mondrian Hotel in Shoreditch, Bibo appears to be a Spanish restaurant that means serious business. Chef Dani Garica had 3 Michelin stars to his name with his Restaurant Dani Garica in Marbella, which is now closed. He is now working on many casual concepts around Spain as well as aboard, including Bibo in London, offering a taste of Southern Spanish cuisine in Shoreditch. Bibo's menu is mostly small tapas plates with some large sharing dishes from the grill and rice session.

Shrimps in garlic oil

Poached octopus

Iberico ham coquette

The shrimp cooked in garlic and olive oil is a classic tapas dish, and it was done faultlessly, it had a bold garlic taste that worked with the sweetness of the prawn, and it was cooked just right. The grilled Iberico pork was super tender with a rich meaty taste and was finely seasoned, but the side of potatoes that came with it was a touch and didn't add much to the dish. The main event lobster rice was very enjoyable, the rich umami taste was sensational while not overly salty. The native lobster was moist, and I found the dehydrated broccoli very interesting with a crisp-like texture and smoky aroma.

Grilled aubergine and broccoli

Tuna stew

Grilled Iberico loin with carrots

I found the cooking at Bibo was at a high standard without a doubt, the restaurant clearly is using some pretty fine ingredients and turns out inviting Spanish flavours. Both the food and setting of the venue clearly mean Bibo going for the premium casual level so it seems going for a Michelin star is not really on Bibo's agenda at all. Just good quality Spanish food in a fashionable East London hotel. And I got to say not many other places in London can do good Spanish seafood rice as good as Bibo.

Food 3.5/5

What I paid: 
£72 per person with a glass of wine

Average cost without drinks and services:
£60

45 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PT

https://www.sbe.com/restaurants/bibo/shoreditch