Brindisa Brought Spain's Best Produce to London. Arros QD Brings Valencia's Best Chef.
Brindisa has been part of London's Spanish food story for decades — as an importer of exceptional Ibérico ham, Manchego, and Spanish pantry staples, and as a group of relaxed tapas restaurants. It is deservedly well-loved. Arros QD is a different proposition: a singular restaurant built around one chef, one cuisine, and one certification. You don't go to Arros QD for a grazing plate of charcuterie. You go to eat the best paella in London.
Arros QD vs Brindisa — The Key Differences
For Paella and Occasions: Arros QD. For Relaxed Spanish Grazing: Brindisa.
Brindisa's strength is in its produce — if you want to eat excellent Ibérico ham, drink Spanish wine, and enjoy a relaxed dinner without much formality, Brindisa is a reliable, well-priced option. Its restaurants are casual and genuinely good at what they do.
If you want authentic Valencian paella — the only kind that matters if you're talking about the real dish — Arros QD is London's only option. The Cullera de Fusta certification, the live wood fire, the 7 Michelin-starred chef: Brindisa doesn't compete on this terrain, and it wouldn't try to.
Arros QD vs Brindisa — Common Questions
What is the difference between Arros QD and Brindisa?
Arros QD is a Valencian paella restaurant in Fitzrovia, led by 7 Michelin-starred chef Quique Dacosta. Brindisa is a Spanish food importer and restaurant group known for bringing high-quality Spanish produce — Ibérico ham, cheeses, charcuterie — to London. Brindisa's restaurants are casual tapas spots. Arros QD is a fine dining paella restaurant.
Does Brindisa serve paella?
Brindisa restaurants serve Spanish tapas and occasional rice dishes, but they are not paella specialists and do not hold Valencian certification for paella. Arros QD is London's only restaurant with the Cullera de Fusta certification — the Valencian standard for authentic paella — and every paella is cooked over live wood fire.
Is Brindisa good for a special occasion?
Brindisa is a good casual option for a relaxed dinner. For a special occasion requiring a more elevated experience — a birthday, anniversary, or client dinner — Arros QD is the better choice. It offers private dining rooms, reservations, and large-format paella as a centrepiece dish.
Is Arros QD better than Brindisa?
They occupy different parts of the market. Brindisa is a well-established Spanish food institution in London — casual, affordable, good for grazing on quality Spanish produce. Arros QD is a fine dining paella restaurant with a Michelin-pedigree chef and Valencian certification. For paella specifically, Arros QD is in a different class.
Which Spanish restaurant in London is best for a work dinner?
Arros QD is the better choice for a corporate or work dinner. It offers private dining rooms, full table service, a focused menu built around a dramatic shared paella, and accepts reservations. Brindisa's casual tapas format is better suited to informal socialising than a structured business meal.
See how Arros QD compares to other Spanish restaurants in London
London's Only Certified Valencian Paella Restaurant
64 Eastcastle Street, Fitzrovia W1W 8NQ · Reservations available online