La Plancha

You're walking into somewhere that feels properly Spanish without the Instagram theatrics — exposed brick, warm lighting, the kind of place where locals outnumber tourists because word's got around. La Plancha nails the tapas formula: proper jamón, croquetas that are crispy outside and creamy within, seafood that tastes like it actually came from somewhere, not a freezer in a warehouse. The vibe is relaxed enough that you can rock up solo or bring eight mates, and they'll make it work. Prices sit in that sweet spot where you're not paying for hype, and the Spanish wine selection punches well above what you'd expect on Alcester Road.