We’d had a busy week, and when Friday came around, we felt we deserved a treat. Pizarro, the esteemed Spanish restaurant just a few steps from our apartment, had a set lunch menu, so it seemed the perfect way to end the working week. It’s great value at £25 for three courses, with top-quality food served Monday to Friday from 12 noon until 4 pm. With so many people in the area working from home or freelancing, it’s a win-win for us all. If you’re looking for one of the best Spanish restaurants in London or for lunch on Bermondsey Street, you really must visit Pizarro.
“Pizarro’s set lunch is exceptional value, with three courses of beautifully cooked Spanish food that turned an ordinary Friday afternoon into a real treat.” Homegirl London.
Set Lunch Menu at Pizarro, Bermondsey Street
Okay, this set lunch menu might not run forever, and I believe the dishes change regularly, so our experience and the plates we tried will give you a taster of what to expect. You’re probably aware by now that I’m a vegetarian and my partner eats fish but not meat, so we naturally chose dishes that suited us.
To start, I tried the roasted vegetables on Catalan flatbread with goat’s cheese. The flatbread had a satisfying crunch, and the toppings were delicious. The vegetables were cooked to perfection, while the creamy, tangy goat’s cheese brought everything together beautifully.
Meanwhile, my partner tucked into the potato salad with confit cod, orange and olives. The delicate cod and comforting potatoes paired wonderfully with the orange’s freshness and the olives’ saltiness. That day’s menu also included a lentil stew with chorizo.
After our delicious starters, we were eager to try the mains. For meat-eaters, marinated lamb skewers were served with patatas bravas, which looked very tempting as they came out of the kitchen. My roasted leek with chive béchamel and sourdough crumble was absolutely delicious. The leek was beautifully soft and sweet, covered in a wonderfully creamy béchamel with fresh chives running through it. The sourdough crumble added a satisfying crunch and texture. It was rich, comforting, and so delicious that I couldn’t get enough of it.
My partner chose the squid with green peas and diced Jamón Ibérico. He doesn’t eat meat, so they kindly omitted the Jamón. It looked stunning on the plate, with the vibrant green peas contrasting beautifully with the squid. It was just the sort of dish you want to tuck into at a summer lunchtime.
The menu offered two delicious desserts: chocolate and vanilla custard served with María biscuits, and strawberry mousse with poached strawberries. We had said we would share both, but as soon as I saw the strawberry mousse, I just had to have it all to myself. Light, fruity and satisfyingly sweet, it was the perfect summer pud.
José turned up as we were dining and greeted us. He kindly asked if we wanted a glass of Cava, but alas we had to decline, as we had work to do afterwards. Shame, but maybe next time! As you’d expect, they have a stellar wine list.
Helpful Information About Pizarro
Pizarro is José Pizarro’s relaxed Spanish restaurant at 194 Bermondsey Street, a short walk from London Bridge Station. Set around an open kitchen, it serves seasonal tapas and larger plates, along with a regularly changing lunchtime menú del día. It’s a great choice for a casual, business or celebratory lunch. It’s also one of three José Pizarro restaurants on Bermondsey Street, alongside the lively José Tapas Bar and all-day Lolo. You may even spot José himself walking between them and stopping to chat with locals. The restaurants are dog-friendly, although we left our pooch at home on this occasion, as she was hanging out with her bestie and the two of them are a tad naughty when they’re out together! For more information, go to the Pizarro restaurant website.
If you want to explore the area, you may find these articles of interest:
Ten Things To Do On Bermondsey Street
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about coffee shops or eateries where I had a good experience. I recommend you do further research, as standards fluctuate, as do opinions. Please verify that the establishment is still in business and check its opening times before visiting.