RESTAURANT REVIEW: MIDWEEK DINNER AT EL PIRATA, DOWN STREET
We had the absolute privilege of visiting El Pirata on Down Street this month, just a few minutes walk from Green Park Station. Described as serving “informal, inexpensive and traditional Spanish tapas”, this warm and inviting restaurant and bar has been cooking up a storm for more than a quarter of a century.
Walking into El Pirata for dinner is like entering a bustling bar and restaurant during Marbella's sweltering high season. Music and fresh mussels in garlic fill the air and the afterwork crowd are deep in lively conversation over a Rioja. A backdrop of flamenco music, speedy waiters wielding trays of fresh calamari and the best authentic Mediterranean cuisine you can find in W1 awaits.
Despite all the noise and excitement, the friendly team and the warming atmosphere at El Pirata made us felt very relaxed and at home straight away. Diving into the menu is a pleasure in itself. We found ourselves transported to sunnier days in the South of Spain as we perused the vast array of tempting tapas dishes and the carefully curated wine list.
Pan con tomate e ayo, zealously recommended by our waiter, was first to arrive - toasted bread topped with fresh tomato, olive and garlic. A generous size for two, this delicious light bite is the perfect introduction to El Pirata.
Padron peppers from Galicia appeared next - beautifully chargrilled and salty, closely followed by a generous portion of grilled seabass and broccolini, fresh and seasoned to perfection. Plain grilled sardines, mushrooms in garlic and breadcrumbs and some incredibly moreish Patatas Bravas joined the party alongside a large glass Vina Muriel Crianza Rioja for James and a sparkling water for me. Brillante.
The team here know what they’re doing and they put on an excellent show. Delicious, authentic Spanish dishes appear at your table quickly and seamlessly and wine glasses are topped up the minute your glass is half empty. You leave any woes outside when you enter El Pirata and it’s impossible to leave without a big smile on your face. We can’t wait to return!
El Pirata, 5 - 6 Down Street, Mayfair, London W1J 7AQ
020 7491 3810 | dine@elpirata.co.uk
