Try something delicious and a bit different (La Tasca (Portsmouth))

Member Name: fruityzo

Product:	La Tasca (Portsmouth)
Date:	19/05/09 (40 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great food, atmosphere & value for money

Disadvantages: Unsure of disabled access to toilets

Having visited Spain a few times, I had some idea of what Tapas was, so when I discovered La Tasca in Portsmouth's Gunwharf shopping complex, I thought I'd give it a try for something a bit different.

The restuarant is situated on ground level, a few metres away from the Spinnaker tower entrance. They also have an outside seating section (with umbrellas) that they open most days.

The premise:
You order 3-4 dishes per person (as the dishes are about the size of what you'd consider to be a starter in a 'normal' restuarant).

There are a huge selection of dishes on the menu, ranging from garlic chicken croquettes (delicious), tangy pork ribs, meatballs, and plenty of vegetarian options too including things such as Spanish omelette and delicious rice dishes.

The dishes vary in price, but you can look to pay around £2.50-£4.50 depending on the dish. The menus are very clearly labeled (in Spanish AND English) so there are no nasty surprises when it comes to getting the bill.

I have eaten here many times, and every time, the waiting staff have been very attentive and check that you understand how Tapas 'works'. So if you aren't sure how much to order, they will explain portion sizes to you.

I don't really drink a great deal of alcohol, but from the drinks menu there seems to be ample choice of Spanish based drinks, to the staple spirits, and of course all the usual soft drinks.
They have a small bar where you can grab a drink if you are waiting for a table. Much nicer than having to queue by a door until one becomes available.

I'd also like to add that unlike a lot of restaurants, I have frequently been offered jugs of (free) tap water, instead of having to ask for it.

Service is always very prompt, and you don't tend to have to wait too long for your food. The last time my partner and I went, the food was being brought out by someone who appeared to be the chef, and who was also actually Spanish. I thought that it was really great that they had Spanish members of staff. Even though La Tasca is a chain, I felt it really added to the atmosphere and the feel of it all.

On an evening, we usually tend to arrive for 6.30-7.00pm, and always get a table straight away. However, I've noticed that around 7.30pm onwards (depending on the day of the week), that you may have a short wait for a table.

The actual restaurant is over 2 floors and feels very nice and intimate, it is decorated sympathetically to the Spanish theme with arty prints on the walls, and the use of Amarillo yellow.
As far as I'm aware, the second floor (which I believe they only tend to open at busier times/summer) can only be accessed by a spiral staircase in the middle of the restaurant - so anybody with mobility issues may struggle with this. Again, if you were to have this problem, I'm sure by calling ahead, a table on the ground floor would be secured for you.

Finally; if you visit the La Tasca website (latasca.co.uk), there is an option to join their mailing list. This is well worth doing as they frequently email through vouchers to members, quite often giving 50% off your bill. They also do other special offer vouchers, including one around the time of your birthday.

These vouchers are fantastic (any conditions such as Sun-Thurs use are clearly stated on them) and we've never had the staff quibble them or make us feel embarrassed for using them.
If you are in Gunwharf and haven't tried it before, you really should. I feel that this restaurant offers something for everyone; young and old taste buds alike.

Summary: Fantastic place - definitely one for repeat visits