EL PIRATA OF MAYFAIR
AUTHENTIC SPANISH TAPAS IN LONDON

For over 32 years, El Pirata has been a quiet fixture of Down Street – the kind of Spanish restaurant that earns its reputation one meal at a time. The food is traditional, the welcome is genuine, and the spirit of Madrid feels warm with a rustic touch. Book a table or read a little more about us first.

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  • Where the Chef’s Eat: Nobu Matsuhisa’s Favourite Restaurant In The World
    The Glossary Magazine's logo
    El Pirata of Mayfair, Tapas Restaurant Español, Spanish London
    Full Review @The Glossary Magazine
  • This is a cracking spot..
    Timeouts's Restaurant Guide logo
    and you don’t last this long unless a fair few think along the same lines, too.
    TimeOut
  • A low-key, low-price Spanish gem..
    The Weeks's logo
    in the heart of affluent London.
    The Week
  • True escapism.
    Code Hospitality
  • My thanks, my love and my respect.
    Johnny Depp
  • Tucked away in the heart of Mayfair..
    OK Magazine's logo
    El Pirata is one of London’s finest Spanish restaurants serving food fit for a celebrity without breaking the bank.
    OK Magazine
    • The exterior corner facade of El Pirata tapas restaurant.
    • Guests enjoying drinks and al fresco dining on the outdoor terrace.
    • A group of friends gathering for drinks outside the tapas bar.

      AUTHENTIC SPANISH TAPAS IN THE HEART OF MAYFAIR

      From hand-carved Jamón Ibérico 100% Bellota and freshly prepared Paella, to blistered Padrón peppers and gambas al pil-pil, our menu carries over 60 classic Spanish tapas dishes, each made fresh to order. Whether you’re joining us for a tapas lunch in Mayfair, a long-shared dinner, or drinks at the bar, El Pirata offers a genuinely authentic taste of Spain in the heart of central London.

      • Surprisingly good prices..
        Harden's Restaurant Guide logo
        for such a posh area make this noisy and busy tapas bar, not far from Hyde Park Corner, an ever-handy stand-by. Lively style and good-value tapas makes for a lot of fun at very reasonable prices for such an expensive area.
        Harden’s Restaurant Guide
      • El Pirata gives excellent value for money..
        with prices that seem more Madrid than Mayfair! Friendly staff and the smooth sounds of Spain all add to the fantastic atmosphere. Whether you want to relax over a drink at the bar, snack on a few tasty Tapas dishes or enjoy lunch or dinner in the comfort of the Spanish Mediterranean restaurant, El Pirata is a great place to be.
        David Fitzgerald-Elliott, Restaurant Writer
      • This casual, crowded Spanish gem is a winner..
        thanks to terrific tapas that won’t break the bank, great sangria and smiling waiters who work as a seamless team; and if it would be unremarkable in Andalusia, it hits the spot as far as Londoners are concerned.
        Zagat

        AN AUTHENTIC SPANISH TAPAS BAR & RESTAURANT IN THE HEART OF MAYFAIR LONDON

        BOOK NOW BOOK NOWTAPAS MENUSSpanish Wines
        • Fred Sirieix’s Favourite Romantic Restaurants:
          Quite simply, one of my favourite restaurants…. Consistently very good food, great value for money and top service. The team at El Pirata are so friendly and accommodating and nothing is too much for them.
          full review @Urbanologie
        • Featured in this month’s Mayfair Times Magazine
          El Iberico's logo
          Fred Sirieix is interviewed at the restaurant and states El Pirata is his favourite restaurant; I eat out here more than anywhere else… They’re always thinking of the customer first.
          Mayfair Times Magazine
        • El Pirata is a neat little tapas bar off the leafy streets of Green Park.
          Timeouts's Restaurant Guide logo
          Classics including croquetas, calamares and jamón sit alongside less expected offerings of bean stew from northern Spain, grilled lamb cutlets, or kidneys in sherry wine.
          Timeout.com
          • Three mini burger sliders served on a wooden board.
          • Thinly sliced Jamón Ibérico served on a wooden board with picos.
          • A plate of blistered Padrón peppers alongside pan con tomate.
          • A traditional seafood paella served in a cast iron pan.
          • A bowl of fresh mussels cooked in a rich chorizo and tomato sauce.
          • Two people toasting with glasses of red wine.

            GROUP DINING & PRIVATE EVENTS AT EL PIRATA

            Private Dining & Group Events At El Pirata

            Our Secret Cellar is one of Mayfair’s most characterful private dining spaces – seating up to 60 guests, standing room for 80, and full venue hire for up to 120. From intimate corporate lunches to office Christmas parties, birthday celebrations and family gatherings, our team will take care of every detail. Enquire today to check availability. Ideally located near Green Park & Hyde Park.

            Group EnquiryPrivate EventsOur Spaces
            • The Secret Cellar dining room set with tables and chairs for a private event.
            • Guests mingling at a standing drinks and tapas reception close to Hyde Park Corner.
            • A long restaurant table fully set with glasses and plates for a large group.

              SPANISH TAPAS BAR & RESTAURANT

              Tucked away on a quiet back street just minutes from Park Lane, El Pirata has been London’s iconic Spanish tapas restaurant since 1994.

              Over 30 years, we have built a menu of more than 60 classic Spanish tapas dishes – from hand-carved Jamón Ibérico 100% Bellota and authentic Paella marinera, to Gambas al pil-pil and freshly made Iberian ham croquetas. The atmosphere is warm, the hospitality is genuine, and the welcome never changes. That consistency, alongside our exceptional price-to-quality ratio for the postcode, is why we have become a favourite with local professionals, Mayfair regulars, international visitors and the occasional very discerning celebrity – for over three decades.

              Book Now Book NowTapas MenusSharing Menu
              • A portion of patatas bravas topped with spicy tomato sauce and alioli.
              • A dish of black ink rice topped with grilled octopus.
              • Sizzling prawns cooked in olive oil, garlic, and chili served in a terracotta dish.

                What’s On at El Pirata of Mayfair

                MAYFAIR RESTAURANT – 32 YEARS OF ACCLAIM

                MAYFAIR RESTAURANT – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

                • What are your opening hours?

                  El Pirata is open Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 10:45 pm, for indoor dining and al fresco dining on our terrace. We offer an Express Lunch menu Tuesday to Friday (12–4pm), Saturday Lunch (12–4pm), and a late evening Post-Theatre Menu from 9pm. We are closed on Sundays, Mondays and bank holidays.

                • Where is El Pirata located, and what is the nearest tube station?

                  We are located at 5-6 Down Street, Mayfair, London (W1J 7AQ). The restaurant is just a 5-minute walk from both Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly Line) and Green Park (Piccadilly, Jubilee, and Victoria Lines) stations.

                • Can I book El Pirata for a large group or office party?

                  Absolutely, we specialize in group dining! The bustling atmosphere of our tapas bar is perfect for sharing. We take online reservations for groups of up to 10 guests. For larger parties, simply email us at dine@elpirata.co.uk or call 020 7491 3810 and our team will take care of you.

                  Private Events

                • Do you have a private dining room for special events?

                  Yes, our exclusive ‘Secret Cellar’ is one of Mayfair’s best private event spaces. It comfortably seats up to 60 guests or holds 80 for a standing drinks and tapas reception. We also offer full venue hire for up to 120 guests.

                  Private Events

                • Do you offer a set lunch menu?

                  Yes, we offer an Express Lunch Menu for £16.50, available Tuesday to Friday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. We also feature a dedicated Saturday Set Lunch available from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

                  Express Lunch Menu

                • Can I book a table outside?

                  We have a small number of outdoor terrace tables available on a first-come, first-served basis. The maximum group size for outside dining is 6 people.

                  Outdoor Dining

                • How long do I have my table for?

                  Lunch tables are reserved for 1.5 hours, and dinner tables are reserved for 2 hours, unless you have requested otherwise in advance. We hold reservations for 15 minutes, so please call us on 020 7491 3810 if you are running late.

                • Do you cater to vegetarians and vegans?

                  Absolutely. Spanish cuisine is naturally rich in vegetarian and plant-based dishes – from blistered Padrón peppers and roasted cauliflower with romesco, to our Spanish omelette, patatas bravas and grilled artichokes with alioli. We offer a wide selection of authentic vegetarian tapas, and our team are happy to guide you through vegan and gluten-free options.

                  Tapas Menus
                CONTACT

                El Pirata of Mayfair
                5 – 6 Down Street,
                Mayfair, London W1J 7AQ

                Get Directions

                020 7491 3810
                dine@elpirata.co.uk

                GETTING HERE

                Hyde Park Corner Station
                (5-minute walk)
                Piccadilly Line

                Green Park Station
                (5-minute walk)
                Piccadilly, Jubilee, and Victoria Lines

                Victoria Station
                (15-minute walk)
                Victoria, District, and Circle Lines / National Rail

                Buses
                These buses stop at Old Park Lane (Stop C):
                9, 14, 19, 22, 38

                OPENING HOURS

                Tuesday to Saturday
                12pm – 10:45pm

                We are open for indoor
                and outdoor dining.

                Closed bank holidays.

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                5 - 6 Down Street,
                Mayfair, London W1J 7AQ

                020 7491 3810
                dine@elpirata.co.uk
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