Café Andaluz

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• What are these?

• Average price 2 courses:
   £16 (lunch)
   £16 (evening meal)
• House wine: £11.95 per bottle

• High point: Stunning interior
• Low point: Erratic service
• Food served: Mon-Sat noon-11pm; Sun 12.30-10.30pm
• Bar open: Mon-Thu noon-midnight; Fri/Sat 12.30pm-1am
• Private dining: 40-50
• Open since: 2003
• Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least 25% of menu), Childrens high chairs, Take away

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

This review is from the 2007 edition.

The enticing scents that waft up Café Andaluz's steep steps have convinced many a Cresswell Lane shopper to descend into this basement haven for some Spanish tapas. Such simple (and free) advertising is effective: while employees at some of the local competition twiddle thumbs on week-nights, this place consistently turns tables - with the near-identical city centre branch also enjoying a robust trade. Much of Andaluz's charm lies in the effective interiors, decked with Moorish tiles, carved wood furniture and intricate lamps that throw striking patterns onto the ceiling. The menu is huge. A cold manchego tart appears laden in oil, but offers a blend of powerful cheese, sweet peppers and firm pastry. Two fat chorizo sausages are accompanied by a faintly sweet apple mash, and there's also a seafood-studded mini-paella. Portions are reasonably generous, and, with dishes economically priced, many will opt for one more bite at the menu and a deluxe alcohol-laced coffee for afters. The staff's welcome tends to be warm initially, but, in the crush, service can become erratic, with waiters occasionally overly eager to whisk away half-finished plates. The weekly changing 'menu del día' selection (£14.95 per person) is popular with groups.