Restaurants

As you might expect in Mayfair, this popular tapas restaurant is filled with a smart yet casual crowd, which in fine weather spills out on to pavement tables. El Pirata has an informal, buzzy bistro vibe, with tightly packed tables and groups huddled in conversation along the bar. A celebration of Spain’s most popular painters adorns the walls, in the form of Miró, Picasso and Dalí. The lower floor is more sparsely populated than the street-level room and contains cavernous cubby holes that are definitely worth requesting for a cosy meal with friends. The set menus are good value; the cheapest began with a pleasing array of cold meats, stuffed peppers, artichokes and other nibbles. Dishes of fish goujons, garlic prawns and button mushrooms each had their merits. The round of meat-based tapas that followed was less successful, but satisfying nonetheless. Generous quantities meant that dessert was not an option. Food is sound, service is quick and surroundings are relaxed, resulting in a steady stream of custom that makes booking advisable.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009