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El Parador

245 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BA Full details & map

Restaurant: Spanish

Time Out says 3 Users say 5/5 Rate it

By Time Out Editors Posted: Oct 20 2011

Open since the 1980s, Camden standby El Parador has clearly never felt the urge for a makeover, still sporting the same white walls and slightly wacky blue-mosaic bar. Stairs lead down to a darker basement, and a neat garden where tables are in big demand in summer.

There have been innovations, though, in the tapas menu, with an unusually large vegetarian range and ingredients that rarely feature in routine tapas, such as capers, samphire, harissa, and various herbs and spices. Results are rather hit and miss. In merluza con hinojo (hake with roast fennel, dill and Madeira), the fennel had been overcooked to the point of losing nearly all flavour, and we couldn't detect the dill; grilled squid marinated in mint and garlic was also bland. On the other hand, belly pork braised in cider came with unannounced strong chilli. Much more enjoyable were green beans 'del Parador' (with roast artichokes and red onions) and samphire with Japanese mushrooms.

The wine and beers list is good value. Amiable service and a laid-back vibe keep regulars coming. Lone diners and pairs note, though: bookings are only taken for three and up.

Tags: European, Spanish, Creative cooking, Groups, Late night, Outdoor : Dining, Wines, North, Camden, Mid-range, Tapas, Restaurant

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El Parador details

Address

El Parador

245 Eversholt Street NW1 1BA

Transport Mornington Crescent tube

Telephone

020 7387 2789

El Parador website

Tapas served noon-3pm, 6-11pm Mon-Thur; noon-3pm, 6-11.30pm Fri; 6-11.30pm Sat; 6.30-9.30pm Sun

Tapas £4.60-£7.80

Credit cards MC, V

Facilities

Tables outdoors ( 12, garden ), Babies and children admitted, Booking advisable ( for 3 or more ), Separate room for parties ( seats 30 )

El Parador map

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Comments & ratings 5/5 (Average of 3 ratings)

By AbeC - Nov 28 2011

4/5

Absolutely excellent food, all of it.
Rather nice little sherry to start.
Very noisy and hot though (November,) so if you find that hard - try to go at a quieter time because the food is quite excellent.

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By sarah h. - Nov 7 2011

5/5

I am shocked at timeout's review.. I love this place, I have been coming for years and would never describe the food as bland or lacking flavour! Great, inventive tapas, lovely staff and simple surroundings. Can't go wrong!
Guess the reviews not all bad, maybe it will put some people off, so i have more of a chance of getting a table!

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By Alan McNeill - Oct 16 2011

Sunday night. Busy but service and food excellent. Great value for money. Simple surroundings but itsbworth it.

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By Sarah - Apr 4 2011

5/5

this place is brilliant... I have been coming here for years and love the great food, lack of pretension and friendly, easy-going staff. its so nice to go to a restaurant that serves amazing food, but doesn't have snooty staff! simple and homely decor which suits the understated menu. the only thing is, it's getting too popular! you often have no chance of eating there unless you book in advance...

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By Emma - Dec 1 2010

This place is amazing. We go every year for my husband's birthday, have bought their cookbook and love every one of the diverse tapas they offer. Friendly staff and great atmosphere for both intimate and group dinings. Be prepared to be adventurous and try dishes you've never had before!

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By Stuart - Jun 3 2010

Tried to book a table for my anniverasary and was rather snottily told that they couldn't possibly accomodate only two people at a table. Strange... last year they were desperate to. It's a pity such a nice place has been spoilt by ego. Two words - "Jamon Jamon"!