This well known Spanish neighbourhood restaurant is currently resting on its laurels and needs a bit more work.

The Venue
Cigala consists of two large and airy interconnected eating rooms with some tables outside, as well as a basement which usually appears empty. The restaurant is in a residential backwater surrounded by Holborn’s business area ranging from bedsitland in the east to lawyers to the west.

The Atmosphere
Cigala is authentic feeling and on a hot day it is like being in a sleepy Spanish town - except for the buzz of barristers and solicitors who inhabit the Holborn/Temple axis nearby. Service varies from bored to just indifferent and generally the staff seem overstretched.

The Food
Cigala has a tapas, a set and an a la carte menu, but the really good food is let down by the service. There are lots of regional specialties in small and pricey portions. The set menu changes daily, is good value and includes starters like gazpacho or mussels cooked with white wine, parsley and garlic, grilled mackerel with pisto manchego and chilled rice pudding. The a la carte mains include paella with rabbit, quail and chorizo or blackfoot pork cheeks.

The Drink
There is a nice selection of well picked regional wines; interesting selections include Verdejo and Pansa Blanca varieties, but again they are pricey. Sweet dessert wines include Malage and Moscatel.

The Last Word
Cigala serves very good food but all the rest could do with a spruce up.

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