London is a melting pot of irresistible food from all over the world, but if you want to experience exceptional Spanish cuisine, then there’s one place to go – Arros QD in Fitzrovia.
Arros QD has a fascination with fire, thanks to founder Quique Dacosta whose wood-fired paellas have been causing quite the stir since the restaurant opened in summer 2019.
The two floor restaurant is impressive. Black moody décor and industrial style ceilings are styled with feminine touches. Twinkling lights, hanging chandeliers, plants and accented orange chairs make for the perfect setting in which to watch the action in the huge open kitchen. If you love the theatre of it all, then make sure you ask for a table in full view of the action because this is where flames fly, smoke swirls and that gorgeous campfire smell emulates, as pan after pan of perfect paella is served up to hungry diners.
Although made with locally sourced ingredients, the Valencian inspired paella is the must-order here, with each gigantic pan made to share. Whether you’re going for the Valenciana (rabbit and chicken), spicy crab or the brand new smoked eel dish, the charming waiters will tell you that most of the flavour is in Dacosta’s extra special stock. They’ll also tell you that in order to get the tastiest part of the paella, you’ll have to scrape the bottom of the pan and indeed this is where you’ll get the incredible flavours, rich and oh so delicious.
Having just had a revamp to the Arros QD menu, you’ll find a selection of dishes divided up into Raw, Soil, Land and Sea. Some of the new additions include broccolini tender stem with an addictive golden peanut butter based and slightly spiced mojo rojo Spanish sauce, served with crispy crumbs of garlic. Scallops are beautifully presented in their shells and oozing with a perfectly balanced combo of saltiness, smoke and a hint of spice.
The Galician octopus – a feast for the eyes with its flash of luminous smooth green avo contained just a glimmer of heat. Pretty pink dots added to the beauty of the plate and added some flavour to the perfectly grilled seafood, charred and smoky, but beautifully tender. Although not a new dish, I just had to go for the beef cheeks (again). Just as I remembered, they fell apart at the slightest touch, soft and luxurious with a rich sauce made from meat juices and honey and marinated for what seems like it could be forever.
As is always the way at Arros QD, there’s never any room for dessert once you’ve eaten a full paella! Another glass of their easily gluggable red – Domaine de Fontbonau, was the perfect end to another amazing meal.
Check out their brand new menu now and get your table booked for a Valencian feast this Christmas!
