Meson Don Felipe Restaurant - London | OpenTable
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Meson Don Felipe, London,

Meson Don Felipe

4.4
4.4
1764 Reviews
£25 and under
Spanish
Established in 1987, Meson Don Felipe was the first Tapas Bar in London and we are still an independent, family-run business. You can expect great tapas and some amazing, well-priced Spanish wines, served in an authentic, relaxed atmosphere.
We have an outside terrace with heaters and umbrellas but of course, we can't promise the weather! If you book outside we can't guarantee a table inside if the weather changes.
For those unable to eat-in, we offer our famous Paellas for takeaway at lunchtime Monday-Friday.
Thank you for all your support and we look forward to welcoming you soon to this little bit of Spain in Waterloo.

Make a booking

2 people

19:00


Booked 35 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Spanish, Tapas / Small Plates, Traditional Spanish
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Sat 12:00–23:00
  • Phone number
    020 7928 3237
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Area
    Waterloo
  • Cross Street
    Corner of Short Street and The Cut, opposite the Young Vic
  • Parking Details
    None
  • Public Transit
    We are halfway along The Cut, the busy thoroughfare that links Waterloo Road to Blackfriars Road, just five minutes walk from Waterloo main line and Northern line underground stations (Take Old Vic exit from Waterloo Station). We are also near Southwark station, Jubilee line. The Young Vic theatre is opposite us and The Old Vic just along the road.
  • Additional
    Beer, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,764 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseEnergetic

1,764 Reviews
  1. SandraB

    London

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was good, service ok, shame not to have the man with a guitar.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Lunchtime business meeting, quick service, great food

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    London

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great Atmosphere though a little noisy .Food brilliant and staff were lovely .

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 2
    So disappointed with our visit. Had recieved recommendations from several people. Food was average at best. Service was awful and certainly not with a smile. Can not recommend.

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  5. Amanda

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 2 May 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great venue for an evening out with a work colleague to wind down. Felt like we were in Spain!

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 2 May 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, great staff & great atmosphere….. great pre- theatre option… would recommend

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Yorkshire

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 30 April 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely meal. This restaurant really is a hidden gem and worth a visit.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 29 April 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The portions are generous and the quality and taste excellent. We had 4 dishes between 3 women. I recommend the vegetable paella and any of the Serrano ham dishes, although I am sure everything would be equally good! Nice lively atmosphere.

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  9. RonC

    London

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on 27 April 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    We have a place in Spain and eat out every day when we are there which is quite a few times a year. We also dine out here twice a week at least. The food we chose was the Albondigas, Squid and Habas. All three were very average with little flavour and we sent back the Albondigas to be warmed up. I realise it’s a popular spot but it would be the last place we would go back to. It’s obviously marketed very cleverly but this was the most disappointing meal I’ve had for a very long time The wine was good, but for nearly £90 I could eat a lot better for a lot less .

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 27 April 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What a great place to spend our 20th anniversary of our first date, which was also at Meson! Lovely food, lovely atmosphere and great service. Plenty to eat, possibly too much for 2 of us! We ordered 5 dishes which could have fed 4, especially the potatas braves. Would recommend booking as it is very popular and for good reason.

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  11. MelissaJ

    Surrey

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 27 April 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely staff and great Spanish tapas! I lived in Spain and the selection did not disappoint. My two critiques - the calamares de la romana was a bit bland, it doesn’t need so much batter. The calajillo de Baileys would have been better served in a short coffee cup, there was too much coffee. But, I will go back for a little bit of Spain in London.

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  12. EmmaE

    Greater Boston

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on 24 April 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Lovely restaurant with a local feel and excellent tapas offerings. It has a fun ambience but it is quite loud so not the best but for chatting over dinner. Still highly recommend to go and soak up the atmosphere. The staff are great too!

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  13. RobertA

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 20 April 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely excellent evening, food was amazing tapas portions HUGE. Our server was so nice and helpful. We had do much left over food we thought would go to waste but no, the restaurant provided us with boxes to take it home so now we have amazing tapas for lunch to.

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  14. JoanneC

    London

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 20 April 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I've been going to Meson de Philippe for 30+ years. Haven't been for quite a few though since I left London. Didn't disappoint at all! Fantastic aroma greets you at the door as does the excellent Maitre De. Efficient service and delicious food and wine.

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  15. JacquR

    London

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 20 April 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    Very small busy restaurant that does tapas. Food was good and reasonably priced but don't pick to go their if you want to hear your best friend who you haven't seen for a month very noisy and very small space to eat in with lots of people. If that's what you like go otherwise don't

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  16. Halewood

    London

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 20 April 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Fabulous authentic experience . Good value , good food , good fun

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  17. Kimberly

    London

    22 reviews

    4.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on 19 April 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I enjoyed Meson Don Felipe with my friends. The service was fantastic and friendly, but I thought the food could have been better. The patatas bravas were slightly disappointing as was the Iberico.

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  18. Davidv

    London

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 April 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    We have been quite a few times in the past but it has lost its magic. I travel in Spain a lot and it was the authenticity that first attracted me to the restaurant. sadly that has gone. The service wasn't great it was like no one was really paying attention. The padron peepers were not cooked properly which is inexcusable and tells me that the chef was not Spanish or didn't care!! The desert order was wrong because staff didn't listen although when the cheesecake came it was very good. overall expensive for what it was and sorry i won't be coming again and couldn't recommend you any more. Shame!

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  19. GeraldM

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 19 April 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Varied menu, attentive and friendly staff. Good value

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  20. Chakula

    London

    67 reviews

    4.0

    67 reviews

    Dined on 19 April 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    A favourite. Lovely that this restaurant hasn’t changed for decades. Great food, helpful and friendly service and good value. Enjoyable lunch.

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  21. Robyn

    London

    10 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 17 April 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Tables were very cramped together, food was hit and miss, didn’t love.

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  22. VinceM

    London

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 16 April 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious food as always with great service and an amazing atmosphere. Love this place

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  23. SeanG

    London

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 13 April 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was absolutely terrible - the worst calamar I’ve ever had - and in a Spanish tapas restaurant! Service totally slap dash. This restaurant is stuck in the 1980s. Only plus point is the room still has an authentic tapas bar feel.

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  24. AuroraM

    London

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 13 April 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 1
    Calamares a la Romana really bad! It is not calamari.

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  25. BarbaraE

    Brighton

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 13 April 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Staff welcoming, friendly and helpful. Good location but food disappointing.

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  26. jezz

    London

    25 reviews

    3.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on 12 April 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    I have been coming to this restaurant for over 30 years and the food is always great and service very friendly. However, the noise level in the restaurant is SOOO LOUD that you have no chance of hearing anyone who is not sitting next to you. Voices seems to carry in a very shrill manner, and this, combined with the seating area at the back being very cramped, made the evening a stressful experience for me. I would not go back at peak time in a large group sitting inside.

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  27. leighb2000

    London

    61 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    61 reviews

    Dined on 11 April 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    This busy restaurant continued to delight - noisy and the atmosphere of Spain in London. Food tasty with sherry and wines as excellent as ever. Rather lacklustre service tonight by their own high standards.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 April 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A regular event for me, would go every week if I could.

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  29. LucyA

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 9 April 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Delicious food and wine as always, lively atmosphere and friendly service

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  30. AlexW

    London

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 9 April 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    If you are an aficionado of tapas, you might leave here disappointed. While the service is good (prompt and friendly), the food is, well, ever so slightly bland. It’s hard to tell whether it’s second-tier ingredients or the preparation. It’s just not all that…

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  31. RachelA

    Hampshire

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 6 April 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food & service. Will definitely be back.

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 April 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great buzz (if a bit too noisy). Prompt, attentive service. Food underwhelming - pollo al ajillo could have done with a good slug of sherry, and chicken livers a little too moist (somewhat sludgy)for my taste. Prices reasonable.

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  33. AndyHonpong

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 April 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Last Friday, following a long workweek, my colleagues and I ventured to Meson Don Felipe for a well-deserved dinner. Nestled in the heart of the city, the restaurant greeted us with a warm ambience and the promise of exquisite Spanish cuisine. Eager to indulge our palates, we wasted no time in ordering a variety of dishes to share. Our selection included the classic Gambas, the tantalizing Calamares Tinta, and the comforting Tortilla. To accompany our meal, we opted for a carafe of Beronia Crianza, a delightful choice that perfectly complemented the flavours of our meal. Each dish that graced our table was a testament to the kitchen's culinary prowess. The succulent and perfectly seasoned Gambas left us longing for more with each bite. The Calamares Tinta, with its rich flavour and tender texture, proved to be a highlight of the evening. And the Tortilla, a comforting classic, exceeded our expectations with its depth of flavour and impeccable execution. While the food undoubtedly impressed, we couldn't help but notice the bustling atmosphere of the restaurant. The lack of sound absorbers contributed to a noisy environment, detracting slightly from an otherwise enjoyable dining experience. Despite this minor inconvenience, the servers remained attentive and friendly throughout the evening, ensuring that our needs were met with efficiency and warmth. Their hospitality added to the restaurant's overall charm and left a lasting impression on our group. In terms of value, Meson Don Felipe exceeded our expectations. The price of the food was more than justified by the quality of the ingredients and the skilful execution of each dish. We departed the restaurant with satisfied appetites and fond memories, eager to return for another culinary adventure in the near future.

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  34. AndyF

    London

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on 5 April 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Authentic Spanish tapas bar. Great food, good wine and pleasant surroundings.

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  35. Lynne

    London

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 April 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    This used to be a good, authentic tapas. Now feels like they are like a chain- throwing out food at a rate of knots without any care put into flavours or service.

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  36. PeterL

    London

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 30 March 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fast and efficient. Friendly and welcoming service

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  37. CSK1

    London

    16 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on 30 March 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    I'd give this tapas joint a big fat 0 if it were even possible! Where do I even start? First off, the staff were the rudest, most miserable bunch we’ve ever encountered. It felt like they were doing us a huge favour by letting us step foot in their establishment. We speak Spanish but not a single one of them spoke Spanish in a so-called Spanish restaurant! The table was so tiny that it couldn't even fit all the food we ordered. Speaking of which, we ordered some wine, but it arrived warm, and they couldn't bother to bring an ice bucket to cool it down. As for the food, it was a disaster. We ordered and within 5 minutes plates of cold, clearly not freshly cooked dishes were chucked at us. And don't even get me started on the missing items. Despite chasing the staff multiple times, they never bothered to bring them, but of course, we were still charged for them. Oh, and did I mention we were rushed out of there in less than 40 minutes because apparently, someone else had booked our table? As if that wasn't bad enough, to top it all off, we all ended up with upset stomachs during the night. Save yourself the agony and don't bother booking here. Trust me, you'll thank me later.

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  38. VanessaJ

    London

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 29 March 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    I had heard good things about this place but our experience was very disappointing. Lots of fried food with little flavour. The calamari was chewy, the sardines tasted quite strong and the deep fried aubergine was tasteless. We would not go back.

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  39. HeniaW

    Surrey

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 27 March 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I love this place. It’s informal but stylish. Great tapas and sangria

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  40. KimPat

    London

    15 reviews

    1.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on 23 March 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    We have visited this restaurant prior to Covid but found this time the food to be expensive & poor quality, wouldn’t recommend or return

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FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Meson Don Felipe using the Order Online button. Meson Don Felipe also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at 020 7928 3237.

Meson Don Felipe is rated 4.4 stars by 1764 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

19:00


Booked 35 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Meson Don Felipe

53 The Cut, London, SE1 8LF

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Corner of Short Street and The Cut, opposite the Young Vic
  • Area
    Waterloo
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Sat 12:00–23:00
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Spanish, Tapas / Small Plates, Traditional Spanish
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking Details
    None
  • Public Transit
    We are halfway along The Cut, the busy thoroughfare that links Waterloo Road to Blackfriars Road, just five minutes walk from Waterloo main line and Northern line underground stations (Take Old Vic exit from Waterloo Station). We are also near Southwark station, Jubilee line. The Young Vic theatre is opposite us and The Old Vic just along the road.
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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