Dionika

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• What are these?

• Average price 2 courses: £4.95 (for two tapas)
• House wine: £9.95 per bottle

• Hitlisted
• High point: Fantastic seafood and very helpful staff
• Low point: An interior decorator could be all that's required
• Food served: Mon-Sat 10am-midnight; Sun noon-11pm
• Open since: 2004
• Also offers: Childrens portions, Childrens high chairs, Take away, Pre-theatre menu

The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 is now in the shops.

This review is from the 2007 edition.

A shabby façade and distinct lack of adornments might put some diners off Dionika restaurant and deli, but if you're after substance rather than style, you'll discover that what this rough diamond lacks in fancy trappings, it makes up for in taste. Owner and lead chef Juan Blanco spent more than a decade in the seafood exporting business, and his expertise is reflected in his great variety of seasonal specials, which can feature anything from monkfish, sea bass and sole to squid, langoustines and mussels. The extensive tapas menu lists the usual suspects - chorizo, albondigas, marinated lamb and patatas bravas - but there are also a few surprises, such as morcilla, Blanco's deliciously delicate and spicy black pudding. Mains include two versions of paella and the house specialty - the grand parrillada - a monster seafood platter to share. If somehow you're not ready to burst by now, a range of traditional Spanish cakes and pastries might tempt you (or choose something from the well stocked deli to take home). A cantina-style bar is a new addition to the now fully licensed Dionika, and a planned shop front facelift and extensions to the tapas bar and coffee area for 2007 should hopefully lift the ambience to match the food.