Restaurant Review: Pizarro Restaurant. Just before Christmas Homeboy and I decided to treat ourselves with lunch at the Pizarro on Bermondsey Street. If you’re looking for a Spanish restaurant in SE1, Spanish cuisine near London Bridge or the best places to eat on Bermondsey Street, try the Pizarro Restaurant.
“Top notch Spanish cuisine from acclaimed chef José Pizarro in his beautiful Bermondsey Street restaurant” Homegirl London
Pizarro Restaurant Lunch and Dinner Menu
We moved around the corner from Bermondsey Street in February 2018, and this restaurant has been on our list since then. However, after many months of refurbishment in our apartment, we didn’t have time to dine here before. We were glad when we finally managed to eat at this restaurant for our Christmas treat because it was worth the wait. We loved the tapas bar, José, located up the street and were looking forward to sampling more culinary delights by the chef-owner José Pizarro.
Snapery Sourdough and Olive Oil
We kicked off with Snapery sourdough bread accompanied by the José Pizarro olive oil. I wanted to eat more bread dipped in olive oil but decided to hold back because I’d heard that the desserts were amazing. Tapas nibbles included Spanish Olives, Pan con Tomate, Jamon Iberico and Croquetas. Homeboy treated himself to the Spicy Prawn Fritters with lemon aioli which he said were delicious. From the starters, we selected the Cauliflower Russian Salad with Spanish peppers and olives. It was a cold dish with cute mini breadsticks for dipping. Other starters included Wild Mushrooms with a soft boiled egg on sourdough and Baby Squid with stuffed piquillo peppers and potato cream.
Cauliflower Russian Salad
I choose the Roast Butternut Squash main which was super tasty. It came with a blue cheese sauce (which thankfully wasn’t too overpowering), pumpkin puree and seeds. The squash was perfectly cooked, and it turned out to be a lovely vegetarian dish. Homeboy ordered the Monkfish with a pardina lentil stew, pickled girolle mushrooms, carrot and orange puree which was terrific. The presentation for both mains was beautiful, the right amount of show without being too fussy. Meaty mains included quality cuts of Lamb and Beef Sirloin. If you fancy a side dish try Roast New Potatoes with garlic and rosemary, Red Cabbage with beetroot and chilli or Roasted Pumpkin with cumin. I would have been happy just ordering the sides for my meal!
Roast Butternut Squash
We pushed the boat out with two puddings to share. The Chocolate Pot with olive oil and salt was very rich and decadent. This was accompanied by a lovely little biscuit which melted in my mouth. The Torrija is a Spanish style French Toast which is covered in whipped cream, caramel and caramelised almonds. This was also very rich, but it was Christmas so who cared, certainly not me! Both desserts were stunning, but I did need to loosen my trousers afterwards! You do have the option of a cheese board if you’d prefer.
Chocolate Pot Dessert
Nibbles are £3-14, starters £6-15, mains £14-48 and desserts £6. The drinks list is first-class for Spanish tipples – Sherry, Spanish Wine (Cava), Spanish style Gin and Tonics and Spanish Vermouth.
Torrija Dessert
Pizarro Restaurant Interiors
Restaurant Interior
The interiors are classy with a touch of rustic Spanish charm with bare brick walls, wooden ceiling and floor plus Spanish tiles. There are also a few industrial touches from wire storage shelving. You can see the chefs preparing your food in the open kitchen, which is a pleasure to observe. There is a private room at the back of the restaurant with panelled wood walls and Spanish tiles. The booths with leather seats are ideal for small groups. The window seats overlook the beautiful St Mary Magdalen Church opposite. If you fancy a drink and snacks, you can sit at the bar. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy a romantic dinner with your lover or impress your clients with a quality Spanish business lunch.
Pizarro Restaurant Information
Restaurant Exterior
To find out more about the restaurant, go to the José Pizarro website. The restaurant address is 194 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3TQ. The nearest station is London Bridge. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. It is best to book a table, but they do hold seats at the bar for walk-ins. The tapas restaurant is located up the street, and there is another location at Broadgate. Enjoy!
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. Thanks: Homeboy for accompanying me.
