It's been quite a while since I last posted here on Discovering Bites. A mixture of moving into a new apartment and progressing at work meant that money wasn't as available as I would like or I was so exhausted from work that I lacked the energy to post. But now I want to post more and I plan to visit one restaurant or bar at least once a month. Any recipes that I share on my Instagram (@Discovering Bites) will also be repurposed into articles so watch this space.

To kick things off, I wanted to share my experience at La Rueda Tapas Bar in Ealing, a spot serving generously portioned Spanish dishes at great value. I’ve been aware of La Rueda for quite some time. Located on Bond Street, just off Ealing’s main high street, it stands out immediately with its red and yellow Spanish flag paintwork. Inside, it has the laid back character you’d expect, wooden chairs and tables, shelves of old wine bottles and Latin touches throughout. It feels relaxed, but also like you’ve stepped into someone’s home for dinner.

I visited La Rueda Tapas Bar on Boxing Day 2025, so it was quieter than usual, which allowed both the staff and local regulars to relax a little. That said, our experience wasn’t affected in any way, with well cooked food and attentive service throughout.

La Rueda Tapas Bar's Menu & Value for Money

With any tapas restaurant, you want good quality dishes, little fireworks of flavour and colour. But tapas can add up quickly, especially when good ingredients are involved or when portions are kept small, leaving you ordering plate after plate.

Fortunately, La Rueda Tapas Bar delivers above average portion sizes without compromising on flavour. The dishes, particularly the meat options, were extremely generous while still feeling high quality. Unlike previous tapas experiences, we left feeling genuinely full and very satisfied. In total, La Rueda offers 33 tapas dishes, with 12 meat, 12 fish and 12 vegetable options, alongside a small selection of salads and five paellas, which require a minimum of two people. When visiting, it’s also worth checking the specials board to see what’s available on the day.

What We Ordered at La Rueda Tapas Bar

Patatas Bravas

These were particularly spicy, but in a very enjoyable way. The only issue was that as we worked through the potatoes, the heat began to fade. It felt as though the spice had been added after plating and would have benefited from a quick toss beforehand. That said, the garlic aioli was a delicious accompaniment and worked well with the dish.

Escalivida (Roasted Aubergine)

Escalivida is a roasted aubergine dish served with soft red peppers and shallots. Each vegetable was neatly arranged in its own section, with the aubergine being the standout, gently breaking apart with a velvety texture, though it could have done with a touch more salt. The peppers were well roasted and full of flavour, although the menu mentioned a pomegranate sauce which I didn’t really detect.

Jamon Ibérico Cebo

This 30 month dry aged ham was one of the highlights of the meal. I was expecting just a few slices, but the portion was surprisingly large. Each slice was tender, slightly dry in places, richer in others, but consistently delicious. While it was one of the more expensive dishes we ordered, it felt like excellent value and I wouldn’t hesitate to order it again.

Grilled Sardines

These were exactly how I like them, perfectly crispy skin with large amount of salt on, simply delicious. The sardine meat fell off the bone, with three sardines there to share. It was also accompanied with a herb dip that was equally delicious and light, not overpowering the fish.

Carnitas (slow cooked pork tacos)

Another highlight of the meal. Fragrant, tender pork was served on fresh flatbread tacos with a colourful salad. The pork itself was outstanding, with the only real complaint being that there were just two tacos per portion.

Grilled Flank Steak

Our final dish was grilled flank steak, served with wafer thin fries and garlic butter. Cooked perfectly rare and sliced thinly, each piece almost melted in the mouth, with the coarse salt and butter making it dangerously addictive. Once again, we expected a modest portion, but there was more than enough to comfortably share between two.

Drinks & Atmosphere

For drinks, we kept things simple. I opted for the house red, which was perfectly fine, a little light in nature but nothing to write home about. Luna, however, ordered something I’d never tried before, a pineapple cider. It was a Spanish cider called Maeloc, made with pears and pineapple, and was incredibly pleasant. In fact, it tasted more like a juice than a cider.

On another evening, we probably would have gone for a bottle of wine rather than the house option. This isn’t really a criticism, as the house red was enjoyable, but on a more indulgent night, one of their bottles would be tempting. There’s a clear emphasis on good wine at La Rueda, including award-winning Riojas and other premium Spanish options. That said, if you’re after something lighter and more relaxed, the pineapple cider is a must-try. wines. But if you are having a more relaxed evening, the pineapple cider is a must try.

La Rueda Tapas Bar - Overall Experience

Beyond the food, La Rueda has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that suits a casual evening just as much as a long, chatty meal with friends. It works well as a destination in its own right, but also as a post-shopping dinner spot or a relaxed start to a night out. Dishes arrived at a good pace, quick enough to keep things moving, but spaced out enough that we could enjoy each plate without feeling rushed.

The service was genuinely pleasant. Our waitress was happy to explain which dishes she personally enjoyed, even recommending options that were cheaper, and on a quieter evening she struck a great balance between being attentive and giving us space.

La Rueda Tapas Bar really surprised us with just how much value it offers. The portions are generous, the flavours consistently strong, and it’s the kind of place you leave feeling full, satisfied, and already thinking about a return visit. If you’re looking for well-priced, comforting tapas in Ealing that doesn’t compromise on quality, La Rueda Tapas Bar is an easy recommendation.

La Rueda Tapas Bar – Key Info

Avg. Price per Person: £35

Instagram: @la_rueda_tapasbar

Website: www.laruedatapasbar.com/

Address: 12 Bond St, London W5 5AA