I’m actually a bit ashamed of myself having missed the whole Jose phenomenon, pretty sure I’m the last person that still haven’t been. Jose has been one of the most blogged restaurants in London, with over 20 posts without including any professional reviews, it’s nothing less than a phenomenon. However, Jose is too packed and I lacked the commitment to queue or arrive before dinner/lunch hour. Why not just jump on the next wave at his latest restaurant Pizarro on the same street?! Now Pizarro is open, I couldn’t hold my excitement to finally try Jose Pizarro’s food!

Pizarro is located right next to Zucca on Bermondsey street, which is pretty hard to compete with being one of the best Italian restaurants in London. The two restaurants bare some resemblance, both with an open plan kitchen that produces hearty and simple food that everyone would enjoy. Pizarro boasts an extra Spanish vibe that’s energetic and casual with a no booking policy. Zucca is more formal where booking is a must. 

We were seated next to the window, which was interesting to watch people curiously judging the restaurant exterior, peaking through and possibly noting down for future visits. I also noticed some hot guys passing by, maybe I should move to Bermondsey..

Menu was very simple, about 10 small dishes and 5 mains. We picked 5 small dishes to max out the number of dishes we could order. 

Bread 

Loved this radish, refreshing and drenched in olive oil.

Jamon Iberico Manuel Maldonado

Manuel Maldonado has an acclaimed reputation for producing one of the best hams in the world from top class Iberian pork fed on acorn alone. Watching Jose Pizarro himself carefully slicing thin slices onto a plate was an indication for its royalty quality. Priced at £20 a plate, we were in for a treat. Compared to the jamon bellota at Dehesa (£14), these were not as salty yet absolutely no loss on flavour, so moist like it was never cured to begin with. Letting that oily meatiness swirl in my mouth was incredible and addictive. 

Artichoke, cauliflower, soft cheese, walnut

This dish was packed with a vinegratte sourness, which was perfect with the earthy artichokes. Our only vegetable dish to offset the meaty big boys! 

Prawns, Cecina, chilli, garlic

These prawns were packed with flavour but still fresh and light. It matched the saltier Cecina perfectly.  

Beetroot cured salmon, capers, egg yolk

This was my favourite dish! I carefully poked open the egg yolk, which stayed rather in shape than flood over the beautifully smoked salmon. Everything was generously coated with oil that produced an eel like slippery texture, which was the key to this winning dish. 

Quail, Romesco

This was the only dish I questioned, mainly because the quail was slightly dry. However, the romesco sauce was good with a mild peppery flavour.

Rice pudding, clementine

We shared this rice pudding, which was creatively matched with some clementine. Rather than fresh clementine, it tasted like dried clementine peel with that cinnamon like fragrance and a sweet, sour kick. The rice pudding wasn’t too heavy or creamy, which made this dessert a light finish to our meaty meal.

Cappuccino

It’s rare to find great coffee at restaurants. Normally I’d have to go to Prufrock but Pizarro proved our meal could be good from start to finish. Perfectly frothed milk, beautiful latte art and a balanced espresso. 

Verdict

Food (amazing) - I loved Pizarro, simple and hearty Spanish food with all the essential flavours and more. Centred on meaty dishes rather than a good vegetarian balance maybe something to improve. Though the food was so good, it reminded me of my favourite tapas restaurant in Barcelona. 

Service (friendly) - service was friendly but not as streamlined. Often after ordering, someone else would swing by to ask whether we’d like to order some food or drinks. However, everyone was extremely friendly and helpful! 

Cost (reasonable) - the Iberico ham was priced at £20 a plate, which summed up our bill to £56.