GOYA
34 Lupus Street
London
(Nearest tube: Victoria)
Tel: 020 7976 5309

We went to Goya on a friend's recommendation. We didn't really know what to expect given it's proximity to Victoria Coach Station. The reality is that we found it welcoming and friendly and barely noticed the luggage-laden travellers milling around outside.

There is seating downstairs, ideal for tapas and a glass or two of Faustino. But, if you're more interested in an a la carte dinner, the waiters will show you upstairs onto a balcony overlooking the bar. We did notice, however, that the music was loud making conversation difficult.

We had a selection of tapas ranging from champinones, jamon Serrano and tortilla to albondigas, paella and pollo al ajillo. The portions were average and quality was as good as any of the big tapas restaurants in London. When it came to pudding though, the choice was limited to basically ice cream, served in plastic Sundae glasses and topped with artificial fruit syrup.

That said, Goya is worth a try, especially if you're travelling and want to get away from the fast-food and push-button coffee machines in the station.

Rosa M