Bar Rioja

Wine bar · King's Cross

Bar Rioja

Wine bar · King's Cross

The, 3 Varnishers Yard, Regent Quarter, London N1 9FD, United Kingdom

Highlights

A cozy Andalusian-inspired bar with rustic charm, offering a delightful selection of Spanish wines and mouthwatering tapas, perfect for a date night.

The, 3 Varnishers Yard, Regent Quarter, London N1 9FD, United Kingdom Get directions

barrioja.co.uk

@bar.rioja

$$ · Menu

Reserve

@infatuation

"Bar Pepito in King’s Cross is a great place to go if you’re looking for something lowkey that involves meat and wine. This little tapas bar is ideal as a casual catch-up spot. Just make sure you bring someone who you’re comfortable taking the last slice of jamon from. With everything from a cheese platter to iberico scotch eggs, it’s a pretty solid option for when you want a bite and a drink. Or even a flight of sherry." - rianne shlebak, heidi lauth beasley

Where To Meet Up With Someone For Exactly 1 Hour So You Can Go Home & Be Alone Again

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@eater

"The black sheep in the Camino group whose Spanish-ish outlets pop up over the city, in that it’s actually good, Pepito is a sherry bar first and a cured meat, cheese and tapas slinger second, in a cute, neatly tiled space lined with bottles like books in a library. Get a flight if feeling flush, or just go for a bone dry manzanilla that tastes like raisins on a windswept beach." - James Hansen

Where to Eat Near King’s Cross Station

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@infatuation

"Bar Pepito in King's Cross is a great place to go if you're looking for something lowkey that involves meat and wine. This little Spanish restaurant is ideal as a casual date spot, or for a little get together with friends. Basically anyone you’re comfortable taking the last slice of jamon from. It’s a pretty solid option for when you want a bite and a drink. Or even a flight of sherry." - Jake Missing

Bar Pepito Review - Kings Cross - London - The Infatuation

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T Y

Google

I gave 4 star even when I give 5 star on food, service, and atmosphere because the price is a bit too high for what you get. Everything is in tiny portions and we are left hungry even after we have paid c. £90 for the meal. We were so hungry that we couldn’t go to sleep. The food tasted absolutely amazing tho. It is the same kitchen as the restaurant next door (Camino) and they even share a toilet. This restaurant has a much more intimate atmosphere which I think is better for date nights. However the space is very small compared to Camino and the tables are so close to each other. We can clearly hear what’s the gossip in the next table so I do not recommend going if you plan to have private conversations. The inside of this restaurant is VERY warm so make sure you wear layers that can be taken off or you’ll find yourself longing to go out for a break to breathe. But it’s also because of that, it adds an extra coziness to it. The staff is very attentive and friendly. But just know that because every table is very close to each other, they will walk very close around you a lot so as other customers. Also note that there’s nothing to hang your jacket or bag.

Lenia Panag

Google

Great place to enjoy exceptional wine! Expect to find some incredible wine labels, accompanied by the most juicy tapas! Mouthwatering… We ordered the gambas (prawns), the croquettes of course like 3x, the pan con tomate, suckling pig (really good), ox cheek (this was top, was just melting on the fork and delicious) and the rib eye stake (this was unfortunately disappointing as it was dry and pretty tasteless). Will definitely come back !

Hannah Muirhead

Google

Bit rammed a lot of the time but if you get a table it's a great vibe. Cosy, great wines and the tapas selection is small but perfectly balanced. Special shout out for whatever olives they have cause they're some of the best I've ever had.

Bryan Mashinter

Google

Life is often so often about expectations and Bar Rioja far exceeded mine. The irony of posting that in a review is that I will likely set higher expectations for people who read it, which may alter the perception of their experience. Such is life. My wife and I visited just after 5pm, so their promo of a Pinxo/small plate coming with your glass of wine was the first unexpected surprise. The jamon is served on a tiny crostini pan con tomate. The gambas were my favourite. The place is tucked away, feeling surrounded by the massive Camino KX, but it's worth wandering to finding Bar Rioja. It feels very much like a place transported from Rioja or San Sebastian. Donal and Allesandra were lovely. Donal had ideas for wines based on my mood and what I was looking for. Both were funny and engaging and made our visit warm and welcoming. I'm looking forward to returning and trying more of the bites and wines.

Richard Kramer

Google

Authentic Spanish Experience! From the ambiance and decor which felt like an authentic Spanish local place, to incredibly attentive service, and food that passed the test of discerning Spanish eaters, this is a hidden gem in London. A much better alternative to more expensive Spanish tapas places that try to be all things to all people, this bar focuses entirely on a diverse range of wines from Rioja and classic dishes you would find cooked in the region.

Kwasi Morrison

Google

Was initially fooled by the name, as it turned out not to be a bar. The attentive waiter kindly recommended a delightful wine and we enjoyed a quick nibble before catching our train. Impressed by the excellent service overall, highly recommend.

Mike Wright

Google

Having spent a great deal of time across Spain , it is great to find a place in London that offers a fantastic overall experience- value for money - staff well trained and attentive- especially Nyah well done - I will be back with others

Ian H

Google

We managed to get a walk-in table on a busy Friday night and had a great selection of tapas dishes. Thank you Florian and Vicki for being our excellent friendly servers. We had some classic tapas dishes - jamon iberico was a standout as was the galician fillet steak.