If only all restaurants could be as sleek, sweet, and bashfully brilliant as Dehesa. The Soho outpost of the Salt Yard family may not be a name-dropper, but those who know its quiet charms are keen to keep it that way. Undoubtedly one of the best tapas restaurants in the city, it remains blissfully far from the madding crowds.

The Venue
Dehesa is gracefully divided into sections: the bar area is centered around the magnificent charcuterie bar, where diners can worship at the altar of porcine perfection and watch wafer-thin slices of prosciutto being delicately carved. Further into the restaurant lay sumptuous semi-circular leather boots, and at the back are dark corners with high seats, where canoodlers can play footsy over bite size morsels. Downstairs, there’s a beautiful dining room for groups of up to thirteen. Overall, the interior and furnishings are dark and seductive, and perfect by the light of flickering candles.

The Atmosphere
A pretty, jovial crowd constantly fills the seats at Dehesa, but the dark flattering lighting will mean you’ll be more intent on the person you’re dining with than indulging in people-watching. The perfect place for a romantic meal, there are always a few couples in the mix, as well as the odd larger group of after work revelers. Staff are swift and engaging, but if you’re in one of the darker corners you may have to wave your hand a bit more vigorously to get their attention.

The Food
A pick 'n' mix of Iberian and Italian tapas style dishes; whatever you choose, it’s almost impossible to go wrong with this menu. Essentials to try are the deep fried zucchini flowers stuffed with goat's cheese and drizzled with honey (crisp, melting, salty and sweet all at once), and the confit pork belly with rosemary scented cannellini beans. Fish, meat and vegetables are equally well served: the menu at Dehesa changes constantly according to the seasons, and there’s always something new to titillate your taste buds. Charcuterie is one constant, and sublime with some rustic chargrilled bread and a side of sizzling Padron peppers. Three dishes per person is a lot – go for two if you want to save room for one of the delicious desserts. Though one look at the sweets on offer and you’ll probably manage to find room anyway.

The Drink
In keeping with the tone of the menu, the wine list is a carefully chosen mix of gutsy Italian and Spanish wines. With prices starting at £15.35 for the house wines, enjoy a list that runs the full gamut of regions from Sicily to Andalucía, and from the sharpest Pinot Grigio to the richest, most complex Brunello.

The Last Word
One evening spent with a great bottle of wine and a table full of tapas at this gem of a restaurant and you’re likely to want a loyalty card. Just don’t tell everybody else about it.

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