Insider Compass
An expert assessment built on data, context and gastronomic judgement.
About Hispania
Hispania brings the soul of Asturian cuisine to the City of London, with Marcos Morán — a chef decorated with multiple international accolades — orchestrating a menu that balances Spanish tradition with refined technique. Housed in the historic Lloyds Bank building on Lombard Street, the restaurant doubles as a cultural ambassador, complete with a Spanish deli, bar, and one of London's most extensive Spanish wine programs. The interiors, designed by Lorenzo Castillo, marry old-world grandeur with contemporary elegance, making it equally suited to business dinners and celebratory evenings. Expats and locals alike have built a devoted following around the authentic tapas, market-driven seafood, and deep selections from Spain's top denominaciones de origen.
Good to know
Book ahead and request a table on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening to enjoy the same kitchen quality with fewer crowds and more attentive service.
The chef
Marcos Morán
Marcos Morán hails from Casa Gerardo, the celebrated family restaurant in Asturias, Spain, where he trained in the traditions of northern Spanish cooking. His accolades include Chef of the Year (2008), Chef Millesimé (2010), and Chef de l'Avenir by the International Academy of Gastronomy — honors that recognize both his technical mastery and dedication to preserving regional culinary heritage. Morán's philosophy centers on quality sourcing, respect for tradition, and letting ingredients from Spain's best producers speak for themselves without excessive embellishment.
The Insider Compass
Four dimensions, each assessed independently against the same criteria everywhere we rate.
Plate
Morán's kitchen delivers classically trained Spanish cooking with a focus on premium Ibérico products, market-fresh seafood, and proper technique — the jamón croquetas earn consistent praise for their molten interiors and perfectly crisp shells, while dishes like huevos rotos con jamón Ibérico and cochinillo (suckling pig) showcase the chef's respect for traditional preparations. The monkfish, gambas al ajillo, and venison loin demonstrate confident handling of both land and sea, with clean flavors that don't overcomplicate the plate.
Vibe
LivelyThe dining room carries a polished, Madrid-inspired sophistication with soaring ceilings, warm lighting, and a buzzy energy that peaks during weekday lunches when City professionals fill the tables. The atmosphere leans upmarket but approachable, with well-spaced seating that offers privacy even when the room hums with conversation. Expect a lively, convivial crowd — especially on Thursday and Friday evenings — that mirrors the social rhythm of a quality Spanish brasserie.
Service
The Spanish-heavy brigade brings warmth and familiarity to the floor, though service can stretch thin during peak periods when the room fills to capacity. On quieter nights, the team shines with attentive pacing and well-informed recommendations across both menu and wine list. When the restaurant is understaffed, expect delays in ordering and course delivery — timing your visit outside the busiest windows pays dividends.
Setting
Lorenzo Castillo's interiors honor the building's banking heritage while layering in rich fabrics, classic Spanish tilework, and refined touches that evoke both tradition and elegance. The light-filled, airy space spans two floors, with high ceilings and architectural details that lend gravitas without feeling stuffy. It's a setting that commands attention — beautiful enough for special occasions, polished enough for corporate entertaining.
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
- Authentic Spanish technique and premium Ibérico products in the heart of the City
- One of London's most extensive Spanish wine programs, especially strong in Sherry
- Beautifully designed interiors that work equally well for business or celebration
Don't go for
- Expecting swift, seamless service during Thursday or Friday evening rush
- Budget dining — prices reflect both quality and location in the financial district