As the dark nights draw in and with the familiar nip of Autumn in the air, it doesn’t take much to find oneself dreaming of carefree summer getaways on sun-drenched mediterranean shores. Fortunately for the residents of Warwick, one needn’t go to the trouble of boarding a flight to experience an authentic slice of the traditional Spanish hospitality on one’s doorstep, thanks to the award-winning team at Tasca Dali, who – this month – celebrate a new milestone with the opening of their brand-new premises in the heart of Warwick’s Market Place.

As a much-loved staple of Warwick’s dining culture for over 12 years, Tasca Dali’s passionate commitment to artisan Spanish cuisine, prepared fresh on site and using only the finest, seasonal ingredients, has not only seen its proud co-owners Jorge Triana and Alex Clayton clock up countless Restaurant Guru and Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Awards over the years. Their popular 5- course tasting menu also saw them awarded the coveted prize of Spanish Restaurant of the Year in the 2019 UK Restaurant Awards (Midlands Edition). The question was, would my own experience stand up to such an impressive resume…the answer is a resounding yes.

Located just a short walk from the nearby Market Hall and the stunning, Lord Leycester medieval Chapel, Tasca Dali’s rich oak interiors, bistro-style seating, corner booths and signature modern artworks instantly evoke the atmosphere of a stylish city-centre tapas bar, whilst the rich colour palette of muted terracottas, teals and cranberry add a welcome injection of intimacy and warmth. Greeted with characteristic generosity and attentiveness by Tasca Dali’s General Manager, Jorge, one felt the stresses of the day instantly melt away, as – menuless – we were delivered into the capable hands of Chefs Jonny and Rafa – for a 5-course tasting menu, inspired by the authentic flavours of the Spanish subcontinent.

Priced at a (not unreasonable) £45.00 per person, our culinary adventure began with a traditional Spanish tasting platter, consisting of marinated olives, Serrano ham, cured salami, Spanish omelette, mixed cheeses and – worthy of a return visit alone – baked chorizo in a piquant cider sauce. Served with a trio of homemade dips (including a tangy, garlic aioli, sweet tomato jam and a fiery Romesco, red pepper dip) and an accompaniment fresh bread drizzled in Olive oil (imported from Jaen in Spain so I’m told), the quality of the produce was present in every bite, as was the care and attention of the preparation and presentation.

The chorizo (first baked and then fried to lock in its unique flavour), was some of the very best I’ve tasted; infused with rich flavours of fiery paprika and chilli, cut-through with sweet notes of apple and a mild undertones of artisan Spanish olive oil. The olives too, burst with freshness, whilst the combination of salty Manchego cheese married perfectly with the sweet tang of homemade tomato jam.

Settling into our evening over a chilled serving of Estrella Dam and a glass of house Rioja, next up was a light serving of homemade vegetable soup; a rich and warming concoction infused with earthy notes of black pepper, root vegetables and chorizo shavings and the perfect pick-me-up for a drizzly Autumn evening in October.

The personal highlight of the evening – for me – though, was the fish course, which - in our case - was Fresh fillet of trout served in a garlic, white wine, yoghurt and mint sauce with an accompaniment of fried aubergine slices. Sourced daily from Cornwall, the fresh trout was cooked to absolute perfection; with a light flake and a beautiful pinkness of flesh that simply melted on the tongue. The garlic and white wine yoghurt accompaniment paired beautifully with the fish, adding a welcome sharpness to the composition, whilst the fried aubergine proved the perfect contrast in texture with its crisp, lightweight batter. All in all – an absolute joy to eat!

As the conversation (and the wine) continued to flow, so too did the great food as the penultimate course of homemade roast chicken served with fresh beetroot accompaniment, made its way to our table. Served - roulade style - with a generous filling of warm goats cheese and mushrooms and wrapped in a salty blanket of cured serrano ham, this was traditional Spanish comfort food raised to an art and a perfect embodiment of what Tasca Dali are all about; great ingredients, skilfully prepared using age-old techniques that speak for themselves.

Bringing our evening to the perfect close was our fifth and final course of Basque Cheese Cake served with berry accompaniment; an effortlessly light and airy alternative to the densely textured New York Cheese cake, infused with delicate notes of caramel, vanilla and cream cheese, with a mouse-like texture which proved the ideal palette cleanser after so rich a banquet. Delicioso!

Add to this, an extensive drinks menu of traditional Spanish beers and wines, personalised portions for children (featuring the same delicious dishes, served in a reduced size and priced on an individual basis) with new seasonal variations on Spanish classics served every week, and it’s no surprise that Tasca Dali continues to hold such a special place in the hearts of local diners and day-visitors alike. Viva Tasca Dali.

Now boarding from 16 Market Place, Warwick.

5 Stars

Reviewed by Katherine Ewings