Tapas or Paella? What to Order for Dinner at Jamon Jamon

Tapas and paella are often mentioned together, but they create two very different kinds of meal.

Tapas give you variety. Paella gives the table one larger shared centrepiece. At Jamon Jamon, you do not necessarily have to choose between them.

Choose tapas when you want variety

Tapas are the better direction when everyone wants to try several flavours. A table can move from Padrón Peppers to Gambas al Ajillo, Croquetas de Jamón and Chorizo al Vino without anyone being locked into one plate.

Choose paella when you want a centrepiece

Paella changes the rhythm. Instead of several small plates arriving around the table, one wide pan becomes the focus of the meal. It suits dinners where people want to sit longer and share one substantial dish.

Our seafood paella guide explains what to expect from the seafood version and why it works so well as the second half of a meal.

What works for two people?

If two people only want tapas, our tap​​as-for-two guide suggests starting with several contrasting plates and adding more if needed.

If paella is the main reason for the visit, begin with fewer tapas. A couple of lighter plates before the rice often makes more sense than trying to fit a full tapas meal and a paella into the same dinner.

What works for a group?

Groups have more flexibility because each tapa can be shared across more people. Read our group ordering guide for a simple way to build the first round.

Which is faster before a show?

If you are eating in Soho before the theatre and time matters, a focused tapas order gives you more control over the pace. For a slower evening, paella can become the centre of the dinner.

So what should you order?

Choose tapas if you want range and flexibility. Choose paella if you want one larger shared dish. Choose both if you want the meal to develop in stages.