La Raza

Tucked beneath the cobbles of Rose Crescent, La Raza has been a warm and welcoming fixture of Cambridge city centre since 2003. This basement bar and tapas restaurant invites guests to kick back with barista coffee by day, then lean into cocktails and sharing plates as evening falls, while live music and DJs keep the mood buoyant.

The kitchen leans into Iberian flavours with a playful, modern touch. Think golden croquettes, salt cod and jalapeño, and the deep savour of guijuelo chorizo ibérico and Valencian jamón serrano. Seafood sings with marinated white anchovies on toast crowned with fresh salsa, or crispy fried squid brightened by lemon and aioli. Comfort comes courtesy of beef and pork meatballs and chicken thighs glossed in lemon, thyme and moscatel sauce, while vibrant plates like the Mexican-style sweetcorn salad, steely cauliflower with lemon tahini, and grilled tenderstem broccoli with chilli and garlic keep things lively. Loaded patatas are made for the middle of the table.

Sweet finishes include a silken burnt basque cheesecake with berry compote or a warm sticky maple pecan pie with vanilla ice cream. On the drinks front, expect everything from a Koko Deluxe Hot Chocolate to evening classics like the Negroni and Espresso Martini.

Unwind below street level, share a few plates, and let the soundtrack set the tone. Gather the gang and make a night of it—small plates, big smiles.