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The light-adorned outside of La Rampa. Note that there's a pretty big covered and heated terrace out front.
What can you tell us about La Rampa?
It's a Cuban-inspired restaurant and bar that has arrived in town from the same people who brought us Casa Do Frango, KOL and Lisboeta. Here it's all about placing a Havana-inspired bar right in the heart of London, with the idea and decor inspired by 1950s Havana. So you can expect their own take on classic Cuban food and cocktails, and some live Cuban music to boot.
Just inside the front door, you'll find the bar and bar tables beside it. So if you just fancy popping in for a drink and a snack, either here or on the terrace is a good place to be.
Where is it?
It's just off Oxford Circus on Market Place which puts it in a very handy location if you happen to be doing some Christmas shopping. Look out for the light-adorned terrace and you've found La Rampa.
So what's it like inside?
It's all slightly tardis-like, going back a fair bit from the outside facade into a room which is all inspired by 1950s Havana.
They also have a big outside terrace that's heated in winter. Inside you'll see the bar at the front - there are a couple of high tables for drinking or you can perch at the bar itself. Head further in to find the main restaurant and further still to the impressive private room at the back called The Palm Room. That has its own bar and would be perfect for Christmas parties.
Right at the back of the restaurant is The Palm Room, which you can hire out and which comes with its own bar.
So what about the food?
It's a small-medium plates sharing affair, so pretty much anything you order can be shared, including the main event - the Cuban sandwich. Here's a taster of what's on offer, based on our own visit.
Guacamole with corn tortilla chips (£6.50)
Corn ‘Ribs’ - vegan chipotle mayo, lime (£7.50)
Tuna Ceviche - leche de tigre, avocado, almonds, coriander, tostadas (13.50) - something of a make-your-own tostada dish
Chicken Chicharrones - fried chicken, pineapple & habanero salsa (£9.50) - a very generous bowl of fried chicken with a mild spicy hit (and we loved that dip)
Steak & Chimichurri - 40-day dry-aged Irish rump steak with chimichurri sauce (£20)
Sandwich Cubano - crispy pork belly, ham, raclette cheese, gherkins, coriander, and potato fries (£14) - the one thing on the menu that you'll absolutely have to order. Essentially put - an amazing pork and cheese sandwich.
Homemade churros with chocolate dip (£7) - yes, churros are always a go-to dessert for the Hot Dinners team.
What else is worth mentioning?
We've heard great things about their Frita Cubana Burger but particularly worth noting is the brunch menu, which adds Picante de Huevos (fried eggs, spicy tomato & pepper sauce, croutons, tostadas £10.50) to the menu. And yes, there is a bottomless option - that's frozen margaritas, Cuban Sangria, mojitos or a tropical mimosa for £33.50 for 90 minutes.
How is it for vegetarians?
It's a strong menu for vegetarians. The Cuban sandwich is available in vegetarian form - replacing the pork with fried aubergine (£13) and other veggie dishes include the charred cauliflower with red pepper and coconut yoghurt, toasted almonds, and agave (£12.5).
What about drinks?
It's definitely well worth paying attention to the drinks menu, particularly the cocktails. Here, you'll find classic Cuban cocktails, served just as they would be in Havana. So expect daiquiris, mojitos and margaritas and more (as well as a trio of non-alcoholic cocktails).
Also on the menu - a big focus on rum, which has a history in Cuba going back to the 17th century. Each rum has distinct qualities depending on the region of Cuba it originates from. So you'll find three pages of Cuban and Caribbean rum to choose from - it's definitely a good idea to try something from this part of the menu (and ask for help in choosing too).
As for wines, there's a short list starting at £32 a bottle, but we'd particularly recommend Bodega Garzón Albariño 2021 from Maldonado, Uruguay (£48 a bottle).
Cleopatra - Hennessy cognac, port, pineapple, lime, triple sec (£12) - a Cuban classic that's well worth trying. We'd also particularly recommend one of their classic daiquiris, the Hemingway Special (Papa Doble) - Eminente Claro rum, grapefruit, lime, luxardo maraschino (£13) which was one of the finest daiquiris we've had in quite some time - a perfectly pitched drink.
Overall
Cuban restaurants aren't all that common in London, so La Rampa really is worth seeking out if you're up to trying something different. There's a great vibe throughout that's matched with an enticing menu if Cuban plates and an excellent cocktail list. It's also a useful spot if you're looking for somewhere to take a group of mates or your work team. So if you're in need of a pick me up near Oxford Circus - we think this will definitely do the job.
More about La Rampa
Where is it? 7/8 Market Pl, London W1W 8AG
How to book: Book online
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @larampa.london.
This content has been sponsored by La Rampa
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