El Pirata (Restaurant)

Top 10 things to know about El Pirata:

1) There are probably a minute handful of tapas establishments in London which can (reportedly) boast the ‘love and respect’ of Johnny Depp. Perhaps his visit was a nostalgic nod to the restaurant’s sort-of namesake, Pirates of the Caribbean? Well, if it’s good enough for Hollywood royalty…

2) El Pirata is tucked down an understated Mayfair street with a touch of ye olde England about the black and white décor; it’s not drab, it’s not fancy – but there are hundreds of bottles of wine lining the top of the bar, signalling that many a good night has been had.

3) It’s one of those authentically ‘Spanish’ tapas places that you seek out on holiday in order to make sure you’re eating like the locals, with the locals.

4) Tapas – the saviour of the indecisive eater – is the only way to go here. Key menu takeaways of jamon, peppers stuffed with tuna, and mini lamb cutlets will make a mighty fine main course.

5) “You must try the dessert in this Spanish restaurant”, said hardly anyone, ever. Despite our suspicions, the bread and butter pudding was actually a decent – if not very Spanish - way to round off.

6) Often when the bill arrives after dining in Mayfair, you expect to give up your weekly food budget for a burger. Not so much at El Pirata. The food is undoubtedly good value, and you don’t leave feeling like you’ve been scammed for half their Mayfair rent.

7) Is it legal to visit a tapas restaurant and not try the sangria? We weren’t sure, so ordered a couple of jugs just to be on the safe side. The things we do to gain a little culture.

8) The cosy, homely atmosphere is quite a surprise given the Mayfair location. You won’t find brisk service here; the staff fully embrace the need to eat, so take your time, drink, be merry; and eat some more.

9) Try and get a table upstairs in the main restaurant rather than downstairs. The basement floor definitely loses some of the restaurant’s charm.

10) El Pirata is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2014 and with menu and service like this, it is easy to see why. The only disappointment was that Johnny Depp wasn’t there dressed in traditional pirate garb. Asking too much? Ah well, a girl can dream....read more