Insider Compass
An expert assessment built on data, context and gastronomic judgement.
About BiBo Shoreditch
Dani García brings his Andalusian-inflected tapas concept to Shoreditch, translating the three-star chef's playful, technique-driven approach into a casual-luxe format within the Mondrian Hotel. The open kitchen and central island bar anchor a vibrant space where modern Spanish cuisine unfolds through creative sharing plates and paellas, all delivered with the energy of a neighborhood favorite backed by serious culinary pedigree. It's García's vision of accessible luxury—refined cooking stripped of formality, where the oxtail brioche and croquetas have built a devoted following among those seeking bold, inventive flavors in a lively setting.
Good to know
Book for 5pm or early evening if you want to actually hear your dining companions—the acoustics amplify as the room fills, and early sittings offer the same kitchen quality with manageable noise levels.
The chef
Dani García
Dani García trained under Martín Berasategui, absorbing the Basque master's precision and technique before carving his own path through Andalusian cuisine. He earned his first Michelin star in 1998 at Tragabuches, followed by two stars at Calima, and ultimately three Michelin stars at his eponymous restaurant in Marbella. García's philosophy centers on making haute cuisine accessible, stripping away formality while maintaining technical rigor—his BiBo concept translates that vision into vibrant, shareable plates that honor tradition while embracing playful innovation.
The Insider Compass
Four dimensions, each assessed independently against the same criteria everywhere we rate.
Plate
García's Andalusian training shows in dishes that balance tradition with technical prowess—the oxtail brioche and jamón croquetas are frequently cited as standouts, while the glazed aubergine and tuna tartare with egg yolk demonstrate his ability to coax maximum flavor from minimal ingredients. The paellas anchor the menu, though execution can vary depending on the evening's pace. Quality is generally high, with occasional inconsistencies noted in dishes like the Iberico pork when the kitchen is stretched.
Vibe
LivelyThe energy here runs loud and lively, with acoustics that amplify the buzz of a full dining room—think nightclub-adjacent decibel levels when it's packed. The terracotta walls and Spanish design touches provide warmth, but this is firmly a scene-driven spot where conversation competes with ambient noise. Come prepared for a vibrant, social atmosphere rather than intimate conversation.
Service
The front-of-house team delivers attentive, knowledgeable service, with staff who genuinely understand the menu and guide diners through García's approach with enthusiasm. Descriptions are detailed, and the team handles special occasions with warmth—expect personalized touches for celebrations. Pacing can feel rushed during peak service, though early sittings allow for a more leisurely experience.
Setting
Located in the basement level of the Mondrian Hotel on Curtain Road, BiBo's design balances elegance with energy—terracotta walls, Spanish-inspired accents, and an open kitchen create visual interest across an expansive space that never feels cavernous. The central island bar anchors the room, and thoughtful table spacing prevents the canteen effect despite the square footage. It's polished and contemporary, with enough style to match the hotel's boutique aesthetic.
These four dimensions are a handful of the attributes we review. The Insider Rating also draws on research the compass does not display — among them the wine programme, the size and quality of the cellar, the location, and how long the house has operated. It is not an average of the scores above.
Go for
- Experiencing Dani García's approachable take on Michelin-level technique in a casual setting
- Standout dishes like oxtail brioche and croquetas that have earned genuine word-of-mouth buzz
- A lively, social atmosphere perfect for groups and celebrations where energy matters more than intimacy
Don't go for
- Quiet, intimate conversation—the acoustics make this a challenge when the room is full
- Consistent execution across every dish—quality can vary depending on kitchen pace and timing
Details
45 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PT, UK
££