The Taste of Modern Tapas
Founded in 2015, Señor Buddha has been the hidden gem of Brighton, just off the beaten track. Brighton’s London Road has been reinventing itself over the past few years with trendy gyms, cafes, and eateries. The vibe is youthful, exciting and it’s a perfect location for this distinctively stylish and truly welcoming contemporary restaurant.
A culinary synthesis of Spanish and South East Asia, this little diamond is the result of Lee Shipley and his wife’s hard work. Their love of Ibiza’s chilled, social dining culture and their extensive travels around Asia inspired this dynamic duo to bring a taste of modern tapas to our UK shores.
Small plates full of colour artistry and vibrancy are promised to diners, combining the elements of the proprietors favourited cultures. Fusion food traditionally appeared where communities were in close proximity. Now with global travel, the internet and people’s desire for exotic adventure and ultimately really good flavoursome food, fusion restaurants are thriving around the UK.
This contemporary tapas and wine bar is showcasing its strength and opening the cities eyes to what tapas actually is. Many people still perceive tapas as mere nibbles to a accompliment a glass of wine, but the reality is tapas are full of flavour , technique and with the emphasis is on the socio-cultural element of sharing food.
As spring is in the air and being a season of awakenings, I thought what better place to take a visit and awaken my tastebuds. The atmosphere in Señor Buddha was spilling out onto the street and as I walked through the door, the intimate dining room was full of life and buzzing with excitement. Young and vibrant, I immediately felt transported away from the grey wet weather on the other side of the door.
Dark wood furnishings, candlelit tables, and bare brick work set the scene. The stainless steel streamlined kitchen is the focal point which is a daring move for such a bijoux venue, but indeed a sign of confidence and taking food seriously. The energy from the kitchen was electric and as our waitress seated us, I could not keep my eyes off the chef as he carefully prepared a small dish with precision and elegance.
The menu is progressive and full of artful combinations from ‘Crusted lamb fillet in blood orange and fennel purée’ to ‘Salted cod loin in miso and yuzu broth’. The dishes are thought-provoking and a fury of flavour. I throughly enjoyed having the opportunity to try several dishes at once. Our main tapas dishes consisted of ‘Sesame sticky pork ribs’, ‘Potato and caper filled tortilla’ and ‘Gurnard ceviche’.
The wine list is divine and you are sure to find the perfect tipple to match your tapas selection.
The team in Señor Buddha are on a constant journey, learning and expanding their culinary repertoire. A fresh menu is created each day with prices ranging from £4 pounds to £10. With so many wonderful choices on the menu, I can see why so many locals are making this restaurant a weekly ritual. It’s warm and welcoming and the kind of place you can truly unwind and enjoy your culinary delights. There is a depth of flavour not only in the food but also in the team.
A true gem and booking in advance is highly recommend.