El Pirata of Mayfair Review

On a hot summer’s day, one would be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped out of Mayfair and into Madrid when entering this cosy and typically Spanish eatery. Featuring a dark wooden interior brought to life by a delightful array of Picasso prints on the walls, and an impressive mirrored bar, it can be found tucked away on a quiet street back street between Piccadilly and Park Lane.

Our attentive waiter ensured we made the most of the menu, executed by Head Chef Rosendo Simbana, which comprises of a wide variety of Spanish specialties. He suggested we start with the traditional jamón ibérico, “Spain’s national treasure”, which was cured to perfection, alongside pan con tomato/ajo, toasted bread topped with tomato, garlic and olive, and the pardon peppers. The bread was deliciously crunchy on the outside, and the peppers packed a salty punch.

We then moved on to a variety of fish, sampling the deep fried medallions of monkfish first, which were cooked in a light batter, accompanied by a cucumber garnish, alongside a tasty plate of calamari, which were light, crispy and not too chewy. We also tried the prawns, served sizzling in a clay dish, they were delightfully buttery and meaty with a slight chilli warmth to them. I’d also highly recommend the lamb chops. Seasoned simply and cooked perfectly, the flavour of the meat really came to the fore.

Wine fans rejoice! We were pleased to see a wine list with a huge variety of prices to suit all budgets, with Cava starting from £25 a bottle and Spanish house white and red wine from £21 a bottle.

For dessert, we opted for the profiteroles caseros rellenos con dulce de leche, homemade profiteroles stuffed with dulce de leche ice cream to share, and it was incredible. The pastry was wonderfully soft and together with the ice cream, made for a winning combination.

If you’re looking for authentic Spanish tapas in a warm and friendly environment, I’d highly recommend this spot. The prices aren’t what you’d expect of a Mayfair restaurant either, and for the dessert alone, I’ll definitely be returning.

For more details, visit: www.elpirata.co.uk

Written by Simran Maini-Hoskins