TAPAS BAR LONDON

El Pirata of Mayfair Reviews

For 30 years, El Pirata has been serving tapas to customers including local office workers, South American oilmen, Japanese diplomats, Mayfair hedge fund managers – and the occasional celebrity, like Queen guitarist Brian May and that most famous of modern pirates, film star Johnny Depp.

  • From the moment we step inside..

    we feel at home, as its environment transports us directly to Spain.

    El Ibérico, the UK’s only Spanish newspaper
  • 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.

    Urbanologie
  • Featured in this month’s Mayfair Times Magazine

    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. Full Review..

    Mayfair Times Magazine
  • Lively style and good-value tapas..

    makes for a lot of fun at very reasonable prices for such an expensive area.

    Harden’s
  • Fred Sirieix Best First Date Restaurants:

    The team at El Pirata are so friendly and accommodating and nothing is too much for them.

    Red Online
  • Located in a quiet Mayfair back street, this welcoming bar and restaurant

    Offers authentic Spanish cooking at good-value prices. The tapas menu has a good balance of meat and seafood with with staples from the Spanish repertoire such as a ‘silky and rich’ arroz negro. The wine list is a well-chosen, all Spanish affair and begins with good everyday drinking at £15

    The Good Food Guide
  • Fred Sirieix reveals his top tips for dating..

    A tapas bar which the TV star called London’s most romantic restaurant

    Evening Standard
  • This was nice old fashioned tapas..

    Made from time-tested traditional recipes. Nothing fancy but full of flavour – no reason to take off a menu what’s worked for 25 years. It’s no surprise that El Pirate is still buzzing and lively on a Tuesday evening. No hipsters around here, but a jolly food loving crowd, with good taste and a warm spirit. This is my kind of restaurant, relaxed, unpretentious and serving delicious food.

    Amaranta Wright, Latino Life
    • Este bar de tapas en Mayfair London Espanol small plates served in the restaurant for group party

    TAPAS BAR IN LONDON’S MAYFAIR

    Newspaper and Magazine Reviews

    The secret to El Pirata’s long success is simple: a vast choice of good Spanish food and wine served quickly by friendly waiters in an informal restaurant that feels more Madrid than Mayfair.

    • Where the chefs eat: Nobu Matsuhisa’s favourite restaurants in the world.
      The Glossary Magazine
    • True escapism.
      Code Hospitality
    • In a city famous for its hidden gems..

      this one is hiding in plain sight.

      The Week
    • A low-key, low-price Spanish gem in the heart of affluent London.
      The Week
    • Tapas Lovers Dream
      Miss Jones PA London
    • Tapas is undoubtedly the most flexible and sociable way to eat!

      And at El Pirata they have a wide selection of menu’s so that you can either snack or feast on an array of authentic Spanish tapas.

      Miss Jones PA London
    • If anyone is looking for tapas in London..

      You have to try @ElPirataMayfair had so much fun there last night.

      Blusher and Blog
    • El Pirata is a real hidden gem right in the throes of the city..

      But without feeling so. It is a welcomed respite from the hustle and bustle of London, whisking you off for a Spanish evening of fine wine and fine food at a more than reasonable price. We’re already planning our return visit.

      Seen in the City
      • Affordable Spanish tapas at El Pirata, Mayfair’s best value dining destination.

      WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

      Customer Reviews


      El PIRATA OF MAYFAIR REVIEWS

      Press and Food Critic Reviews

      Tucked away in a quiet residential street between Piccadilly and Park Lane, and close to the historic site of the bawdy fair that gave Mayfair its name, El Pirata is proud to give its customers exactly what they want.

      El Pirata’s location in Down Street is within striking distance of Mayfair’s five-star hotels and also within easy reach of hotels in Knightsbridge and Kensington too.

      • 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
      • El Pirata is a neat little tapas bar off the leafy streets of Green Park.

        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.. Full review..

        Timeout.com
      • This Madrileno-esque gem might be in Mayfair..

        But prices are far from it – two tapas dishes, bread, alioli and a glass of wine or beer costs £11.95 between midday and 6pm and ten tapas dishes in the evening ring in at just £23.50 per person. Hands sticky from gambas al pil-pil and lips rouged with sangria, El Pirata is enough to make you book your next Spanish fiesta.

        More information on Best Tapas Restaurant.

        London.lecool.com
      • El Pirata successfully..

        Couples the comforting appeal of a central London grand dame with the energetic dynamism of a new opening.

        London Evening Standard
      • If anyone is looking for tapas in London.

        You have to try @ElPirataMayfair had so much fun there last night.

        SloaneMagazine.com
      • Bryan May was dining in one corner of the room..

        And there were no empty tables in sight. Such is the immense popularity of El Pirata of Mayfair.

        Townfish
      • El Pirata is an amazing little Spanish Tapas..

        Restaurant hidden away in Mayfair, it’s a gem in the true sense of the world.

        Luxurialifestyle.com
      • El Pirata of Mayfair

        They just don’t make restaurants like this anymore

        Townfish / Tweet
        • Mini chorizo egg burger served wine-tapas bar Mayfair

        ICONIC TAPAS BAR IN LONDON

        El Pirata is a Mayfair institution. For those in the know – and around 90 per cent of the restaurant’s customers are regulars – it serves some of the best tapas in London at accessible prices. That’s why it’s always busy. But don’t worry if you haven’t booked, the waiters will usually find you a place at the mirrored bar and keep you happy until a table becomes available.

        • This cosy eatery is tucked down a quiet street in London’s posh Mayfair

          A stone’s throw from The Ritz and Park Lane. But despite its swanky London location, the vibe here is decidedly down to earth, with super friendly staff, rustic wooden interiors and homely tapas classics that won’t break the bank. Read more..

          Star Magazine
        • Tucked away in the heart of Mayfair.

          El Pirata is one of London’s finest Spanish restaurants serving food fit for a celebrity without breaking the bank.

          OK Magazine
        • El Pirata rocks!
          Brian May, Queen
        • My thanks, my love and my respect.
          Johnny Depp
        • The secret to El Pirata’s long success is simple:

          A vast choice of good Spanish food and wine served quickly by friendly waiters in an informal restaurant that feels more Madrid than Mayfair

          Sloane Magazine
        • El Pirata has a lot of redeeming qualities.

          As well as being amongst the most approachable restaurants in Mayfair, the space’s atmosphere is terrific.

          TheLondonEconomic.com
        • Tiffany Watson at El Pirata
          GotCeleb.com / HawtCelebs.com
        • Casey Batchelor of Big Brother..

          Being spotted at El Pirata.

          Daily Mail Online
          • Small plate tapas dish artichoke with Alioli served in the restaurant

          LONDON TAPAS BAR REVIEWS

          Food Writer Reviews

          • The restaurant attracts a unique blend of Mayfair businessmen and informed music & media type

            As well as the occasional ‘in the know’ celeb, who come to dine on exquisite tapas and fine wine in a relaxed atmosphere over two floors. Pricewise, El Pirata is a rare cental London gem that offers truly excellent food that won’t cost the earth.

            Paul Carey – P R Week
          • You are hit by the restaurant’s easy charm

            And its warm fuzzy welcomingness. It’s not frighteningly cool but it is kind of chic. It’s always packed, which is no surprise. The tapas are gorgeous and the prices equally loveable – amazing value.

            Chrissy Iley, Evening Standard Food Magazine
          • Starting with cold tapas.

            We nibbled huge prawns, juicy chorizo and ham, seafood and Russian salad, then we received an array of hot tapas dishes which seemed to just keep coming………Mmmmmm!

            Martin James – Food Writer
          • El Pirata offers me everything

            I look for in a restaurant. Fine food, excellent choice, comfortable surroundings, marvellous service and a bill at the end that doesn’t give me indigestion!

            Gervaise Odell, Food Writer
          • Tiffany Watson ensured she showed off her golden glow

            As she headed to El Pirata restaurant in Mayfair, London, on Thursday night.

            DailyMail.co.uk
          • I remember arriving back [home] pledging allegiance to El Pirata

            And determined to return there as soon as possible – the combination of a thoroughly unstuffy, buzzing atmosphere and solidly good, fresh food in an area filled with overpriced, formal restaurants makes it a real little gem.

            The London Sinner.com
          • A unique and instantly popular concept

            In upmarket Mayfair; authentic Spanish tapas that you could enjoy from lunchtime through to late at night.

            London Unattached
          • Authentic Spanish food in the middle of Mayfair

            Sounds terrifyingly expensive, no? Not at El Pirata. Open for 22 years, it’s something of an institution and really does feel Spanish rather than W1.

            Londonist.com
            • El Pirata, best Spanish tapas restaurant in Mayfair London Manager outside

            TAPAS BAR REVIEWS

            • Surprisingly good prices..

              For such a posh area make this noisy and busy tapas bar, not far from Hyde Park Corner, an ever-handy stand-by.

              Hardens
            • El Pirata in London’s Mayfair..

              Is my favourite restaurant. it’s casual, simple and I find tapas so interesting.

              Nobu Matsuhisa – the owner of the global iconic restaurant group Nobu
            • Wonderful Spanish staff, a buzzy atmosphere

              And arguably the best tapas in London combine to make this tucked-away Mayfair haunt the eatery of choice for many local workers. All the favourites are there – meatballs, kidneys in sherry, deep-fried squid, paella and tortilla – all cooked to order to ensure the results are never less than excellent.

              Square Meal
            • Literally, gourmet tapas.

              What’s not to love about that?

              Hugh Wright, TwelvePointFivePercent
            • El Pirata Mayfair will be celebrating World Tapas Day

              This Thursday, 15th June and offering all guests a complimentary classic tapas dish, Chorizo al vino (Spanish sausage in a red wine sauce) when quoting ‘World Tapas Day’ and ordering five or more tapas dishes. The Mayfair institution, El Pirata, has been open for nearly a quarter of a century offering diners authentic Spanish tapas, made using quality ingredients. The restaurant is delighted to be part of #TapasDay, a worldwide celebration of Spain’s tapas culture.

              The Staff Canteen
            • Authentic Spanish food in the middle of Mayfair.

              Sounds terrifyingly expensive, no? Not at El Pirata. Open for 22 years, it’s something of an institution and really does feel Spanish rather than W1.

              Londonist.com
            • El Pirata is definitely worth a trip

              To if you value an excellent atmosphere and simple, quality food at prices you’re unlikely to find elsewhere in such an affluent area. In a city famous for its hidden gems, this one is hiding in plain sight.

              The Week Magazine
            • A low-key, low-price Spanish gem..

              In the heart of affluent London.

              Dominic Kocur
              • Paella London tapas bar seafood Marinara
              El Pirata serving the best Spanish tapas, a top tapas bar and Mediterranean restaurants in London since 1994 superb group party room Mayfair.

              If you are unable to book at your desired time please call the restaurant on 020 7491 3810 and we will do our best to accommodate you. If you have any questions about bookings please contact the restaurant directly on 020 7491 3810.

              RESERVATIONS AT EL PIRATA

              LUNCH

              We take reservations of up to 10 people online. For party sizes larger than this please email us at dine@elpirata.co.uk or if your booking is same day or urgent call the restaurant on 020 7491 3810.

              All lunch table are reserved for 1.5 hours unless otherwise requested.

              DINNER

              We take reservations for groups online of up to 10 guests. For party sizes larger than 10 please email us at dine@elpirata.co.uk or if your booking is same-day or urgent call the restaurant on 020 7491 3810.

              All tables are reserved for 2 hours unless otherwise requested in advance.

              PRIVATE HIRE ENQUIRIES

              We love hosting parties at El Pirata! We have an amazing events space to seat 70 guests with enough standing room for 120. Email us directly on dine@elpirata.co.uk or call us on 020 7491 3810 and let us plan your perfect event.

              OUTSIDE

              We have a small number of tables for outside and we can reserve these for you on a first come first served basis. Maximum group size of 6 for outside.

              LATE

              Please note that we can only hold your reservation for 15 minutes unless you contact us on 020 7491 3810.

              Reservation Policy | Privacy | Cookies | Terms

              OPENING HOURS

              Tuesday to Saturday
              12pm – 10:45pm

              We are open for indoor
              and outdoor dining.

              Closed bank holidays.

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              El Pirata serving the best Spanish tapas, a top tapas bar and Mediterranean restaurants in London since 1994 superb group party room Mayfair.
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              El Pirata serving the best Spanish tapas, a top tapas bar and Mediterranean restaurants in London since 1994 superb group party room Mayfair.
              Menu
              Menu
              5 - 6 Down Street,
              Mayfair, London W1J 7AQ

              020 7491 3810
              dine@elpirata.co.uk
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