The lone Spanish establishment in the otherwise predominantly Portuguese enclave of South Lambeth Road, Rebato's makes no attempt to jostle territorially. With net curtains and a front door that remains closed, it keeps a low profile while its neighbours spill out on to the pavement in European alfresco style. The high quality of its cooking means it can afford to maintain an air of quiet dignity without having to worry about filling tables. Plumping for tapas in the front-of-house room (we could have also eaten in the restaurant at the back, where a larger à la carte menu is offered), we enjoyed some superb dishes from a compact but intelligent selection, including baby squid with garlic, sautéed oyster mushrooms and grilled langoustines; best of all was a (tapas-sized) lamb shank.
. . . With expert, committed service and good wines and sherries to boot, this remains one of the finest tapas restaurants in town.

 Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2007  

Altogether a very buzzy place, even if the restaurant is a trifle more formal by comparison with the rest, however, it boasts a genuinely Spanish, reasonably priced, three course menu at £17.40. Though most aficionados hole up in the tapas bar and watch the steady stream of politicians working their way through to the back where presumably secrets of state are liable to survive a little longer than they might at the bar. The atmosphere is truly authentic and that includes the superb tapas - like whitebait, grilled sardines, boquerones (fresh anchovies in olive oil and garlic), prawns in garlic, mussels, octopus, albondigas (meatballs) or rinones al jerez (kidneys in sherry) - that are renowned for their value and quality. Even the Spanish music lives up to standard. House wine at £10.50 plus a good list with many by the glass.

Restaurant-Guide.com Spring 2007

The most authentic Spanish tapas bar in town, with a restaurant that is always full. The long oak bar is populated by Spanish waiters at lunchtime. They must work nights. In the evening there is a splendid mix of locals, visitors from as far away as Chelsea or Fitzrovia plus many Spanish revellers. As it would in Spain, the menu changes daily; some favourites include the kidneys in sherry, calamares, chirizo, and squid. Drink the fresh Manzanilla and Finos or the beers from Spain. The wine list is superbly Spanish. £35—£45 for two—wine £10.
 
Great tapas, great atmosphere and speedy service—David, London SW9
I loved it. The food and service was so good, I think your box markings should go higher!— Fran, London W4
First time visit. Excellent service. Delightful surroundings.
Will certainly consider returning—Kev, Bexley
My husband and I have been dining at Rebato's for 14 years now, we live locally and the food and the service is great, so why go to the West End! Plus I always get a kiss from Marco! We always take friends and family there on special occasions. we love the fish, gazpachio and lamb cutlets in the restaurant and adore all of the excellent tapas.
                                                                                                           Maria & Keith
The best Spanish restaurant in London, nowhere else comes close. Delicious food, authentic menu, attentive and friendly service, great atmosphere, the list goes on. My husband and I go to Rebato's regularly and always have a fantastic evening whether we sit at the bar and work our way slowly through the amazing tapas menu and a bottle or two of Muga, or have a table in the main restaurant and indulge in dinner. Everytime Rebato's delights, we have never been disappointed - even when we took 30 of our friends to celebrate our wedding, the food, wine and service remained first class.
                                                                                                           Donna Peters