Restaurant REVIEW

iberica, 140 st vincent st, glasgow

1 LOCATION

In the heart of Glasgow on the corner of St Vincent Street and Hope Street in a lovely old Victorian bank building. Central and classy.

2 FIRST IMPRESSIONS

It’s a weekday in January and the place is packed, which must be a good sign. The decor is trendy, stylish and a bit eclectic with comfy booths, oversized lampshades and cured hams strung over the deli counter.

3 SERVICE

Initially a bit slow, but the restaurant was very busy and it was done with a smile. The food came quickly after we ordered.

4 MENU

A diverse feast of authentic Spanish cuisine. There’s a wide selection of tapas, sharing paella dishes and meats cooked on a Josper grill. But Iberica’s trump card is its deli counter packed with thinly sliced, cured Ibérian and Serrano hams, artisan cheeses and olives. The wine selection is massive and served by the glass, 500ml carafe or bottle.

5 TASTE

The food is fantastic. We start with a tasting platter of wafer-thin, sliced dried meats which taste divine paired with slender triangles of tasty Spanish cheese. For tapas, our ham croquetas are filled with exceptionally smooth and creamy mash and smoky Serrano ham. The fun chorizo lollipops are big chunks of meat smeared in chili jam and deep fried to perfection. The favourite is a succulent, twice-cooked lamb that was pink in the middle and so tender it fell apart at the mere touch of a fork. Heaven.

6 PRICE

A bit costly but they do a £13.95 deal for three tapas and a glass of wine.

7 AMBIENCE

Warm, busy and friendly.

8 SOMETHING SPECIAL

It’s all about the Ibérian ham. Try a Trío de Jamones platter for a taste of the best.

9 TOILETS

Clean, fancy and spacious.

10 VERDICT

Amazing food and wine selection in a fabulous setting. Perfect for special occasions. 17/20