Seafood Paella in London: What to Expect & Where to Try It
What goes into seafood paella, why is it made for sharing, and where can you eat it in London? A practical guide from Jamon Jamon.
Seafood paella is the dish people often picture when they think about sitting down for a longer Spanish meal: a wide pan of rice, seafood across the top and everyone reaching in from the same table.
At Jamon Jamon, paella plays a different role from tapas. Tapas give you variety; paella gives the table one larger centrepiece to share. If you are deciding between the two styles, read our Tapas or Paella guide. For another Spanish rice tradition, see our guide to arroz negro.
What is seafood paella?
Seafood paella is a Spanish rice dish cooked in a wide, shallow pan with seafood and a seasoned stock. Jamon Jamon’s restaurant content describes its seafood paella with prawns, mussels and calamari.
The rice matters as much as the seafood. It should absorb the flavour of the stock while remaining distinct rather than becoming creamy like risotto.
Why is paella made for sharing?
Partly because of the pan and partly because of the pace of the meal. Paella arrives as one large dish rather than a collection of individual plates, so it naturally becomes the centre of the table.
Tapas first, paella second
One of the easiest ways to eat at Jamon Jamon is to begin with several tapas, then share paella once the smaller plates have gone. You get variety first and a centrepiece afterwards.
Before the paella, try something like Gambas al Ajillo, Croquetas de Jamón and Padrón Peppers. That gives everyone a few contrasting flavours without filling the table with several heavy dishes.
Where can you eat seafood paella in London?
Jamon Jamon serves freshly prepared paellas alongside its tapas menu at both London restaurants.
Seafood paella in Soho
At 3 Caxton Walk, seafood paella works best when you have time to sit down rather than rush. If you are coming before a West End show, allow enough time for the meal—or keep the pre-theatre visit to tapas and return for paella another evening.
Seafood paella in Belsize Park
At 177 Haverstock Hill, the neighbourhood setting suits exactly the kind of meal paella encourages: a few tapas first, a drink, then a shared pan for the table.
How much paella should you order?
Think of paella as the shared main event rather than another small plate. If the table has already ordered several tapas, you may need less than you expect. Ask the restaurant team what makes sense for your group size and appetite.
Share seafood paella at Jamon Jamon
Start with tapas, leave room for the rice and make the paella the centre of the table.