Solera D Tapa

We stumbled upon this lovely little tapas restaurant when our wander round The Lanes last Sunday was cut short by a torrential downpour which drove us to seek shelter in the nearest place where we could grab a drink and a snack. Ah the gods were looking after us once again....

The Solera D Tapa, sometimes referred to as Cala and Arrobas, is a little gem; simply furnished with wooden tables and stools it looks and feels very authentic. The decor is pretty low key with a few pictures on the off white walls and a couple of blackboards with the daily specials chalked up - nothing much to distract you from the food and the company you are keeping.

After receiving a warm welcome from our very charming and helpful waitress we were seated at a plain but cosy table and given a laminated menu which contained a good looking selection of classic tapas dishes. We ordered a couple of glasses of perfectly chilled oloroso and fino to lift our spirits, as we looked at the rain bouncing off the cobbled street outside, while we waited to start our lunchtime feast.

We started with a beautifully presented plate of pate Iberico which was served on a little round of bread with a topping of caramelised onion and a PX reduction. Smooth, almost creamy, and packed full of flavour this dish was a real winner and one portion was plenty for two. We then moved onto a dish of chorizo al vino (a kind of stew with sherry) and a classic combination of baked aubergine and spicy tomato's which was served in a traditional terracotta pot. We mopped up every last bit of sauce with a generous serving of bread which came with a very nice nutty olive oil and a garlicky mayo for dipping purposes.  Again we only ordered one portion of each dish which would be fine for two unless you are feeling particularly ravenous.

I had spotted Tortas De Aceite, sweet wafer like biscuits, chalked up on the blackboard and as they are a particular favourite of mine I thought it would be rude not to finish the meal without trying a couple. They were just fantastic when teamed up with the wonderful Cabrales cheese which was on the menu and I ordered a couple more to take home and enjoy with a coffee (you can buy most of the very well sourced Spanish produce on offer in the restaurant to take home - some great olive oils, sherries, etc)

You have some very good choices of wine with which to wash down your food at The Solera.  After a bit of discussion with our waitress, who was getting even more charming by the minute, we decided to try the Farache Tinto Joven. This was a great bit of advice as it was drinking very well, fruity with a long finish for a young wine, and was as cheap as chips.

By now the rain was easing off and we were almost ready to recommence our wanderings. However, there was just time for a cheeky snifter of the most excellent Brandy Dios Baco Solera Gran Reserva which is happiness in a glass from Jerez and an absolute bargain at £4.25.

All in all this was a very fine, and wallet friendly, way to spend a couple of lunchtime hours and I am already looking forward to a return visit when we are next in Brighton.
Comment on this reader review

Nunhead Neil
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Thursday, September 08, 2011

Can't agree with the poor review by R Morse. Went in with my wife and a couple of friends on impulse, and ended up having some of the best food I've had in Brighton. We ordered about 6 or 8 tapas and almost all were eye-rolling delicious, fresh, nuanced and served up with a smile by a charming waitress. Intimate buzzy little room was a pleasure too. The house-marinated olives were a revelation. Never heard a microwave ping, or any evidence of that in the food, so perhaps R. Morse just had bad luck. We'll be back, soon.
Comment on this reader review

onewarmline
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Monday, February 14, 2011

I had my eye on this place for a while! Eventually we ate there and were most disappointed as all we could hear was the 'ping' of the microwave. Food was below average, and the wine was over priced. I always give places the benefit of the doubt so will return some day to see if it has improved. Nice staff though!
Comment on this reader review

R Morse
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 5
Saturday, March 27, 2010

Faboulous! Absolutely fantastic!!

Being passionate about Spanish food I 've tried all the Spanish restaurants in Brighton andquite a few in London but I can definately say that Solera DTapa is number one! Amazing food, wonderful presentation, the best wines I've ever tasted and great atmosphere reminiscent of a real tapas bar of Andalusia.

I do recommend the tiny yet unique little "brother" Bodega DTapa in Church St. too!!
Comment on this reader review

Samantha
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, March 23, 2010