Both Serious. Both Spanish. Not the Same Restaurant.
Sabor and Arros QD are London's two most respected Spanish restaurants with Michelin recognition. But they are doing very different things. Sabor, under Nieves Barragán, explores the full breadth of regional Spanish cooking — counter snacks downstairs, a wood-fired asador upstairs. Arros QD, under Quique Dacosta, does one thing at the highest possible level: authentic Valencian paella, certified by the Valencian culinary authorities, cooked over live wood fire. If you want paella, the choice is clear. If you want a broader exploration of Spanish food, Sabor is also exceptional.
Arros QD vs Sabor — The Key Differences
For Paella: Arros QD. For Regional Spanish Exploration: Sabor.
Sabor is a genuinely great restaurant. Nieves Barragán's cooking is precise and rooted in real Spanish culinary tradition — the counter snacks alone are worth going for. If you want to eat your way through Spanish regional food, from Galician octopus to Castilian lamb, Sabor delivers it.
If you want the best paella in London — cooked by a 7 Michelin-starred Valencian chef, certified by the Valencian authorities, over live wood fire — that is Arros QD. Sabor doesn't attempt it. They're not competing on the same dish.
Arros QD vs Sabor — Common Questions
What is the difference between Arros QD and Sabor?
Arros QD specialises in authentic Valencian paella, led by 7 Michelin-starred Quique Dacosta. Sabor, led by Nieves Barragán, focuses on regional Spanish cooking from across Spain — counter tapas on the ground floor and a more formal asador upstairs. Arros QD is a paella restaurant; Sabor is a broader regional Spanish restaurant. Both have Michelin recognition.
Is Sabor or Arros QD better?
Neither is objectively better — they are excellent restaurants doing different things. Sabor is better if you want a range of regional Spanish small plates and counter dining. Arros QD is better if you want authentic Valencian paella, a full sit-down experience, or a reservation for a group or special occasion.
Does Sabor serve paella?
Sabor occasionally features rice dishes but is not a paella restaurant. Its focus is regional Spanish cooking — pintxos, embutidos, grilled meats, and coastal fish dishes. Arros QD is London's only Cullera de Fusta-certified restaurant, dedicated entirely to authentic Valencian paella cooked over wood fire.
Can you book Sabor in advance?
Sabor takes reservations for the upstairs El Asador restaurant, but the ground-floor counter operates on a walk-in basis. Arros QD accepts reservations for all tables online via SevenRooms, making it more predictable for special occasions and group bookings.
Which is better for a group — Arros QD or Sabor?
Arros QD is better suited for groups. It offers large-format paella for 4–8 guests, private dining rooms, and accepts group reservations. The large paella pan at the centre of the table makes a dramatic centrepiece for celebrations. Sabor's counter format limits larger group seating.
Which London Spanish restaurant has more Michelin stars?
Arros QD is led by Quique Dacosta, who holds 7 Michelin stars across his restaurants in Spain and London. Sabor holds 1 Michelin star under chef Nieves Barragán. In terms of chef credentials, Quique Dacosta has one of the most decorated profiles in Spanish cuisine globally.
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