This traditional Tapas & Steak restaurant in the heart of Esher surpassed all our expectations on our recent Friday afternoon visit. We were seated near the back of the buzzy and beautifully decorated restaurant, which had lovely booth-style seating, marble tables and Spanish artwork adorning the walls.
Our server was the charming Kerry who made us instantly welcome. There was an impressive menu comprising 35 dishes and a chalkboard Specials Menu (which changes weekly) with an extra 5 amazing dishes.
Spoilt for choice was an understatement!
THE TASTIEST TAPAS
With 40 dishes to choose from, it was hard to choose just a few for our Tapas Lunch Review as they all looked and sounded so tantalising. We decided to go for three from the Specials Menu, including the ‘Fried Arzua Cheese’ which was served beautifully on a bed of cranberry sauce and the ‘Courgette Flower’ which was drizzled in honey and filled with the tastiest courgette and goats cheese filling.
And finally from the Specials Menu, on the recommendation of Kerry, we went for the ‘Slow Cooked Oxtail in Red Wine with Celeriac Puree’ which was a taste sensation; the tenderest meat which fell apart on the touch also served with fresh baby carrots and crispy onions. A standout dish.
Next up on the main Tapas Menu was ‘Croquetas de Jamon Iberico’ and the crispy coating with ali-oli topping was perfect. The cheese and Iberico ham filling oozed out of the crispy crumb – a superb dish.
We also opted for the ‘Chorizo & Sweet Potato Mash’ which was triumphant. The spicy, Spanish sausage was cooked perfect and the fresh, sweet potato mash was plentiful and accompanied the dish perfectly.
Last but by no means least was the ‘Patatas Bravas’ a mainstay on most tapas menus and this Don Luis version of this dish was excellent with crispy chunky slices of potato with a delicious homemade tomato, garlic and mayo-alioli sauce drizzled on top. One of our tasters lived in Spain for 6 years and said this was easily the best Patatas Bravas they had tested. Enough said!
We washed this excellent Tapas meal down with two cocktails; a Virgin Mojito and a Porn Star Martini – both were divine and presented perfectly.
The broad selection of Don Luis Menu also includes Paella including the ‘Seafood Paella’ and the ‘Paella Mixta’ which combines chicken and seafood. Plus, there is an abundance of Steak options if you want to mix it up.
DELICIOUS DESSERTS
Choose from delights such as ‘Crema Catalana’ Spanish crème brulee, ‘Fondant De Chocolat’ chocolate fondant served with homemade vanilla ice-cream or ‘Churros Con Chocolate’, perfectly crisped doughnut-esque churros melted with a chocolate centre.
We opted to share the traditional Spanish almond cake served with vanilla ice-cream otherwise known as ‘Tarta De Santiago’ and it was delicious. Light, fluffy sponge with a generous topping of almonds, homemade vanilla ice-cream with a side of fruit coulis. A must try.
IN SUMMARY
Don Luis Tapas serves only authentic Spanish food lovingly prepared and cooked by their head chef, Madrid-born Raul Domingo, who is completely passionate about food, having grown up in his family restaurant in Madrid and having run his own restaurant in London.
Don Luis Tapas was a complete taste sensation with a great atmosphere, superb service and an insightful tutorial into traditional Spanish dining. We cannot recommend highly enough.
Don Luis was a complete taste sensation and an insightful tutorial into traditional Spanish dining. We have already booked to go back!
CONTACT
Don Luis, 10 High Street, Esher, KT10 9RT
01372 202197
info@donluistapas.com
www.donluistapas.com
don_luis_esher
