Cambio de Tercio: Inside Carlos Alcaraz’s Favourite London Restaurant
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2 days ago
This long-standing tapas spot in Kensington is beloved by tennis stars
Spanish restaurant Cambio de Tercio has stood proudly on Kensington’s Old Brompton Road for over three decades. With its relaxed, neighbourhood feel and classic Spanish tapas menu, it might appear unassuming, but turns out the eatery is actually a hotspot for tennis stars.
Carlos Alcaraz, who missed out on a third consecutive Wimbledon win in yesterday’s final, is one of its biggest fans. Every time the Spanish player is in London, he visits Cambio de Tercio numerous times – and if he can’t make it in, he’ll order a takeaway to wherever he’s staying.
According to the Telegraph, Alcaraz has known owner Abel Lusa since he was 16. His go-to dish is the crispy salmon nigiri, a Spanish twist on the Japanese sushi dish, cooked here with Spanish vinegar in a chipotle sauce. However, Lusa says he’ll try anything on the menu, and simply ask the team to ‘bring whatever’s good’. Understandably, during tournaments he’ll stick to water rather than delving into the 500-bottle-strong wine menu – the capital’s largest offering of Spanish wine.
Alcaraz has spoken about his love for food in the past, showing a more relaxed attitude to diet than many sports stars. ‘I really try to look after myself, but if I see something I like, I’m really happy to have it,’ he told ATP Tour. ‘There are people who won’t eat a certain food, but not me. I’m happy to eat whatever they put in front of me.’
Alcaraz isn’t the only tennis star who has dined at Cambio di Tercio. Rafael Nadal has also long been a regular, and introduced the restaurant to fellow players including Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Tim Henman and Jack Draper. And in 2024, Lusa cemented his status as tennis’ best-loved chef by opening a pop-up for players at the Australian Open.
What To Expect At Cambio de Tercio, Kensington
Cambio di Tercio in South Kensington is the flagship of a group of three restaurants, alongside the smaller Capote Y Toros and Tendido Cero, located just down the road. Opened in June 1995, it serves contemporary Spanish cuisine amid its famous red and ochre dining room.
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What To Order
Head chef Alberto Criado and his team cook up a wide selection of tapas alongside larger mains, using ingredients from both Spain and the UK. Signature dishes include Galician octopus – Nadal’s favourite – spiced with paprika and served with potatoes and capers, ham croquettes and spicy patatas bravas, as well as a dish which sees tomatoes slow-roasted for eight hours in sherry, paired with blue cheese.
Larger dishes, meanwhile, include Basque-style grilled sea bass with a Romesco sauce with a garlic and chilli dressing. There’s also an Iberian pork main, served here with roast pineapple, prunes and chard.
Dessert-wise, naturally there’s a Wimbledon special of strawberries and cream, as well as Spanish classics like Basque cheesecake and churros pastries.
As mentioned before, there’s an impressive wine menu featuring bottles from all over Spain, including a selection with sommelier recommendations. But diners are also welcome to bring their own with the BYO option, available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday, and with a £40 corkage fee. Whatever you order, you can guarantee a lively atmosphere and warm, friendly service.
How To Visit
You can book a table online or by calling 020 7244 8970. The restaurant is open every day except Monday for lunch from 12 – 2.30pm Tuesday – Friday, and 12 – 3pm Saturday and Sunday, with dinner available to book from 6.30 – 11.30pm. cambiodeterciogroup.co.uk
