The Best Spanish Tortilla in the UK: A Madrid Food Lover’s Quest

Jose Sol
Oct 28
3 min read

Updated: Nov 12

Tortilla de Patatas... A Hidden Gem in Spanish Gastronomy

You all know it, I’m from Madrid! Since I was a kid, I remember standing at the bar, ordering a fresh orange juice and a pincho de tortilla (a slice of Spanish omelette) for breakfast. Or maybe, when I was allowed a small beer, I’d enjoy the same pincho de tortilla for lunch or as an afternoon snack.

Jose Sol in a restaurant kitchen in the UK, smiling with a chef and holding a freshly made Spanish tortilla de patatas. — MALAGA TAPAS WEST END GLASGOW: On my last trip to Glasgow (October 2025), I had the opportunity to make a Spanish omelette at Malaga Tapas with Chef Pedro, a 67-year-old Mallorcan with incredible energy and a deep love for tortilla de patatas.

The Tortilla de Patata (Spanish omelette) is a big tradition in Madrid’s bars. But it didn’t actually start here! In Navarra, you can find the first written mentions. In the Basque Country and the north of Spain, people perfected the juicy version. It’s served in small pieces, known as pintxos, especially famous in San Sebastián and Bilbao.

For me, the tortilla is like a thermometer of a restaurant’s soul. I almost have a rule: if the Tortilla de Patata is good and made with love, the rest of the food will probably be good too. So, if you find a place where the tortilla is tasty and cooked with care, you’ve found a good spot to eat—simple as that!

The Great Tortilla Debate

Sometimes, the tortilla brings more debate than the paella itself! With onion or without? Firm or runny? Can you add other ingredients or not? But I’m not writing this "Tortilla Guide" to argue. I want to celebrate all the restaurants in the UK that care about the Tortilla de Patata. They cook it with love and give this classic Spanish dish the respect it deserves.

A slice of Spanish tortilla de patatas served with two pieces of grilled morcilla on a white plate. — EL FOGÓN DE RIAZA (SPAIN): I still remember the lunches I had while living in Riaza. Every morning, I would enjoy a piece of tortilla with some Burgos black pudding at El Fogón de Riaza... an absolute treat!!!

Because of my work, I visit many restaurants. I promise you, Tortilla de Patata is always part of my order. I love it!

There was a time when I used to stop around noon at the legendary El Pirata in Mayfair. I’d just go for my tortilla slice. A true madrileño of traditions goes where there’s good tortilla! My friends Jose (manager of El Pirata) and Chef Rosi always made it for me with real care.

I also remember with great affection the one they used to serve at Hispania. They don’t make it anymore, what a shame! I would even change my work route just to stop by for a good pincho de tortilla.

Join My Tortilla Journey

So now I want to share my tortilla journey in the UK with you! Of course, I’d love to hear your opinions and your favourite spots too! Let’s build together the #WIKiTortilla, a live map of the best Spanish tortillas in the UK.

A slice of Spanish tortilla de patatas topped with chorizo, served with Vichy Catalan sparkling water and olives in a tapas bar in the UK. — BAR KROKETA (LONDON): My idea is to rate the tortilla based on the parameters I’ve defined — the extra ingredients won’t affect the final score. I love tortillas with extras, like this amazing one with chorizo from Bar Kroketa in London.

To keep things clear, I’ll be using my own tasting sheet I’ve designed. Every review will follow the same method, so you know exactly what I’m looking at when I taste each tortilla.

A thick Spanish tortilla de patatas served with roasted red pepper on a white plate at a tapas restaurant in the UK.

Important Note

We’ll only add to WikiTortilla the tortillas that truly deserve a shout-out—the top scorers. Everyone can have a rough day in the kitchen, and we’re not here to bash anyone. Our mission is to highlight the people who cook their Tortilla de Patatas with love. We’ll skip the spots that don’t bring that same passion.

Tasting Sheet WikiTortilla

Here’s an example of the tasting sheet I’ve put together for my hunt for the best tortilla in the UK. Feel free to send me your thoughts! If you share photos and comments, I’ll upload them to the blog and give you a shout-out. I think it’s such a nice way to enjoy a true Spanish classic.

Tortilla de Patatas tasting sheet by Jose Sol, a printable guide to rate the best Spanish tortilla in the UK as part of the #WIKiTortilla project.

The Heart of Spanish Cuisine

Spanish cuisine is rich and diverse. The Tortilla de Patata is just one example of how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether at a family gathering or a casual meal with friends.

As I explore more restaurants, I’m excited to discover new twists on this classic. Each chef brings their own flair, and I can’t wait to share those experiences with you.

Why the Tortilla Matters

The Tortilla de Patata is more than just food; it’s a symbol of Spanish culture. It represents home, comfort, and tradition. Every bite tells a story, and I believe that’s what makes it so special.

I encourage you to seek out the best tortillas in your area. Try different versions, and don’t be afraid to share your thoughts! Together, we can celebrate this beloved dish and keep the tradition alive.

Let’s Connect!

I’d love to hear from you! What’s your favourite place for Tortilla de Patata? Do you have a special memory associated with it? Let’s chat about it in the comments! Your insights are valuable, and they help us all appreciate the beauty of Spanish gastronomy even more.

So, let’s embark on this delicious journey together! I can’t wait to see where it takes us.