Unfortunately La Rampa is now closed 😢. If you’re in the mood for something Latin American, try Amazonico.
Approximately 5 years ago I travelled around Cuba. After meeting so many locals, listening to the music and experiencing the real essence of the country, I quickly realised it was one of my favourite places on Earth. So imagine my delight when I found out a Havana inspired bar and restaurant had opened up in Central London! Introducing: La Rampa.
La Rampa is a bar and restaurant inspired by the decadence and beauty of 1950’s Havana. Combining the food, drinks, design and art of the city, La Rampa brings to life the aura of high society in Latin America.
Food
The menu is a small collection of Cuban and Latin American inspired plates. At first glance, there doesn’t look like there’s much there. However, after taking a closer look at the flavours and textures of what was on offer, and of course eating them, you realise it is quite the party for your tastebuds.
If you’re familiar with Latin American cuisine, you’ll know to expect tacos, tostones, ceviche and chicharonnes, but the game changer, mainly because I wasn’t anticipating much, was the “sandwich Cubano”. Wow.
This sandwich is La Rampa’s take on the Cuban classic. Lovers of authenticity might shoot me for saying this, but I actually preferred it to any Cuban sandwich I had in Cuba. Before the haters start searching for my twitter handle to @ me, yes I did have real home cooked food made by real Cubans, and yes I did enjoy it. What La Rampa’s sandwich had that they didn’t though, was raclette cheese. Enough said.
Here’s what I ordered as a pescatarian:
- Tostones
- Corn and beans
- Elote corn “ribs”
- Roasted celeriac
- Ceviche
- Sandwich Cubano (vegetarian, there is a pork version available)
- Homemade churros (obvs)
Everything was full of flavour and enjoyable. The stand outs for me were the elote corn ribs, which were super spicy and oh so moreish, and of course, the sandwich Cubano (surprise, surprise).
La Rampa recommend three to four small plates, and two to three large plates for a table of two. I’d say, share a sandwich between two (it’s big enough), and grab an assortment of small plates to get the full flavour of what they offer.
Drinks
Cuba is known for its rum, so it’s no surprise that La Rampa have an extensive rum list. Interestingly, their house rum is one of their own, headed up by Cuba’s youngest rum maestro, César Martí. He blends both Eastern and Western styles of rum to create one beautifully balanced spirit.
As well as the pages of different rums to choose from, and of course the rum based cocktails, the menu also includes your usual cocktails. Or, choose a different spirit, beer or wine, but when in Cuba and all that.
Atmosphere
The decor in La Rampa is dazzling. It gives a real sense of old school Havana excellence. The bar is beautifully designed as a centerpiece, with the back of the restaurant engulfed in delicate greenery.
Live music brings the place to life, and really adds the wow factor to an already marvelous venue. On Friday’s and Saturday’s you can experience a much livelier atmosphere, when they clear away some of the tables para bailar (for dancing).
The theme is carried out all the way to the bathroom, with black and white pictures of the city and it’s people framed throughout. A lovely stroll down memory lane, remembering a holiday of incredible experiences.
Price
The small plates at La Rampa range from £6 to £10, with the larger plates (yes, the sandwich) ranging from £10 to £14. The cocktails are around £12 to £13, and beer is between £3 to £6. I ate until I was full, and had two cocktails. Including a tip, I spent a very reasonable £50.
Overall
If you’ve been to Cuba, it’s probably stuck with you, and La Rampa is a great place to reminisce about holiday’s gone by. If you haven’t been to Cuba, experience some of the food, drink and aesthetics by booking a table here.
Fancy visiting Korea instead? Check out Hongdae Pocha.
One Response
Completely with you on the corn ribs and sandwich!!