Food / 13 May, 2025 / Ellie Thompson

Date Night: Camino Victoria. Tapas, Wine & Good Vibes Only

You know that feeling when you walk into a place and immediately think, yep, this is going to be a good night? That was us at Camino Victoria.

Tucked just a couple of minutes’ stroll from Victoria station (super handy if you’re meeting someone coming from across town—or you’re running late), Camino is exactly the kind of spot you hope to find when you’re craving good wine, great food, and even better company. It’s Spanish-inspired through and through, but without the heavy-handed theming. Think warm wood, exposed brick, a buzzy open kitchen, and a drinks list that flirts with you from the moment you sit down.

I went with a friend for a midweek dinner for a low-key catch-up that turned into a full-blown food fest and one of those nights that leaves you buzzing.

First Impressions: Warm, Welcoming & Wonderfully Loud (In a Good Way)

The place was already in full swing when we arrived, with tables filled, glasses clinking, and tapas flying out of the kitchen like nobody’s business. The vibe is loud in that good-time, everyone’s-chattering-over-their-second-glass-of-Rioja way. No hushed conversations here—just full-volume laughter and the delicious sound of forks scraping up the last of the sauce.

And speaking of the sauce…

The Food: Tapas That Slap

Camino’s menu reads like a greatest hits album of Spanish crowd-pleasers, and we were hungry. We started with some pan con tomate—fresh, garlicky, simple perfection—before diving into an actual feast. The patatas bravas were perfectly crisp with just the right smoky punch from the paprika aioli. The prawns were garlicky and gorgeous, and the steak was cooked rare to perfection. Tender doesn’t even begin to cover it.

But the real showstopper? The slow-cooked ox cheek. Deep, rich, and falling-apart soft, it came in this glossy sauce we were this close to asking for more bread to mop up. We actually did pause to do the whole close-your-eyes-and-sigh thing. Yes, it was that good.

We also loved that the portions felt generous for tapas—enough to share without fighting over the last bite (though we still did). Oh, and if you’re a dessert person, don’t sleep on the Basque cheesecake. It’s creamy, caramelised heaven on a plate.

Cocktails, Spirits and Wine, Oh My!

We stuck with wine this time—one glass turned into a bottle of their house white faster than we care to admit—but the cocktail list looked killer. Sangria’s always a win, but we spotted a few spicy margaritas and negronis heading to other tables that we’ll definitely be back to try. The drinks list leans proudly Spanish, which keeps things interesting if you’re used to ordering the same old sauvignon blanc.

Camino Victoria‘s Star of the Show

Now let’s talk about the real MVP of our evening: Carna, our waitress. From the moment we sat down, she was all smiles, quick jokes, and genuinely brilliant energy. She talked us through her favourite dishes (spoiler: she was right every time), checked in without hovering, and somehow made us feel like the only people in a packed restaurant. Need another glass of wine pouring? Carna’s got it. Want to know what dessert will change your life? She’s already bringing it over.

It’s rare to get service that feels both professional and like you’re just hanging out with someone who really wants you to have a great night—but that’s exactly what Carna brought.

Date Night Material? Absolutely.

Camino Victoria is a great option for an upbeat date night. The lighting’s soft, the vibe’s relaxed but buzzy, and sharing plates is just inherently flirty. We were surrounded by couples having what looked like very successful first dates, longtime partners sharing bottles of wine, and groups of friends out for a fun night. It just works.

That said, Camino also felt super welcoming for families or early diners. We spotted a couple of tables with younger kids, and the staff seemed totally unfazed—like they’re happy to have you, whether you’re out with your partner or your toddler.

Final Thoughts: Book It, Order Everything, Thank Us Later

Camino Victoria delivered on all fronts: the food was amazing, the atmosphere was joyful, and the service was top-tier. Whether you’re looking for a lively dinner spot, a first-date win, or somewhere to catch up with your best mate over 10 small plates and a bottle of wine, Camino Victoria nails it.

Oh—and next time? We’re ordering the sangria and the margaritas. Just for research, obviously.

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