Patatas Bravas in London: Spain’s Crispy Potatoes Explained
What are Patatas Bravas, what should the sauce taste like, and where can you try this classic Spanish tapas dish in London?
Patatas Bravas are often the safest first order on a tapas menu—and that is not an insult. Crispy potatoes, bold sauce and something creamy on top are hard to argue with.
They are also a useful benchmark. A good plate should give you crisp edges, fluffy potato inside and enough sauce to make every bite interesting without drowning the potatoes.
What are Patatas Bravas?
Patatas Bravas are fried or roasted potato pieces served with a lively bravas-style sauce. At Jamon Jamon, the dish is part of the classic tapas selection guests regularly order alongside prawns, croquetas, chorizo and peppers.
The name comes from the idea of the sauce being brava—bold or fiery. Different restaurants interpret that heat differently, but the dish should have enough character to be more than plain fried potatoes.
What should Patatas Bravas taste like?
The best part is the contrast: crisp potato, soft centre, tomato-led heat and creamy sauce. The potatoes should still taste like potatoes rather than becoming a vehicle for too much topping.
Why they belong on a mixed tapas table
Patatas Bravas give the table something familiar and filling. That makes it easier to order more adventurous plates around them—garlic prawns, Padrón Peppers, Croquetas de Jamón or Chorizo al Vino.
Pair the potatoes with Gambas al Ajillo if you want something aromatic and seafood-based alongside them. The garlic, olive oil and prawns give the table a completely different direction.
Where can you eat Patatas Bravas in London?
Patatas Bravas are one of the tapas staples associated with Jamon Jamon and are a natural first plate at either of our two London restaurants.
Patatas Bravas in Soho
At Jamon Jamon Soho, 3 Caxton Walk, they work well for a quick pre-theatre meal because they arrive as part of a flexible tapas order. Add two or three contrasting plates and you have a complete meal without committing to something heavy.
Patatas Bravas in Belsize Park
At 177 Haverstock Hill, Patatas Bravas fit naturally into a slower neighbourhood lunch or dinner. Order them alongside seafood, cured ham and vegetables, then add paella if the table wants to stay longer.
Try Patatas Bravas at Jamon Jamon
Start with the potatoes, add three very different tapas around them and build the rest of the meal from there.