El Pirata

020 7491 3810

El Pirata of Mayfair, (The Pirate) is located at 5 Down Street, W1J, a short walk from London's Green Park or Hyde Park stations. Situated on a quiet street in an area of glitzy hotels, the restaurant is billed as a "Tapas Bar Espanol". El Pirata is more than that- it's a trip to Spain without leaving London.

This lovely tapas-famed establishment is surrounded on the outside with wooden tables and chairs, street lamps and planters filled with bright flowers. The weather threatened rain but the outside tables were filled with customers enjoying drinks and tapas in the open air. It was a good sign- the patrons of El Pirata are serious about their food.




We went inside and were greeted by Pepe, the friendly manager and his knowledgeable staff. Significantly, we were also greeted by aromas of Spain- garlic, olive oil, saffron and gambas (prawns). 

Browsing the menu, so much was offered that we opted for the "Set Menu Two". Based on two people sharing, it features a variety of small plates plus bread and aioli. It was the right choice. This way, we could sample the many dishes of Spain to see if they stacked up to the real thing. We were not disappointed.



Tapas Frias (small cold dishes) arrived first. A large plate of Jamon Iberico, (Spanish ham) was presented, together with a plate of prawns, olives, artichoke and squid. We also had bread rubbed with fresh tomato and garlic, sprinkled with salt and drizzled with olive oil. These were enjoyed with our first glass of Carqueixal Albariño a light white wine from the Rias Baixas area of Galicias. 



Next came Tapas Calientes (small hot dishes), hot and freshly cooked from the kitchen. Calamares (fried squid), deep fried nuggets of monkfish (fritos de rape) and red peppers stuffed with seafood (pimientos de marisco) followed, the sauces mopped up with an endless supply of fresh sliced bread. Then came a tortilla (an omelette of potato and onion). The dishes were as authentic as lunch served by the Spainairds themselves. 



When we thought it couldn't get better, chicken wings in a spicy sauce (alas de Pollo), medallions of steak cooked in white wine and garlic (vueltas de carnes) and chorizo simmered in red wine (chorizo al vino) were served. A small pause followed then pudding was offered. We chose flan, a baked custard served cold with a burnt sugar glaze. Any respectable home in Spain serves flan after a long, hearty meal.



The staff at El Pirata are amazingly attentive. They explained every dish with knowledge and enthusiasm. They also took time to clear our table of crumbs between courses. Spanish tapas are deliciously messy and this small gesture was noticed and welcomed. At the end of the meal my guest had a brandy with a short lesson on how best to enjoy it. A snifter was placed on a metal spoon resting on a napkin- covered glass of steaming hot water. This perfectly warms the alcohol to ensure a smooth enjoyment.

The Gourmet Girls encourage you to visit El Pirata of Mayfair. If you can't fly to Spain, this restaurant is the next best thing.