El Pirata

El Pirata is a Spanish restaurant, tapas bar & restaurant and food delivery service located in London's Mayfair. Established in 1994, El Pirata has been serving up critically acclaimed, authentic Spanish tapas for over 25 years. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of elegant Mayfair while savoring one of their more than 50 traditional tapas dishes prepared to perfection or a contemporary a la carte meal. With prices that are more Madrid than Mayfair, El Pirata is one of London's top tapas bars and restaurants. Experience the friendly, professional service from the superb mirrored bar or a private dining alcove for special occasions.
(813)

Recent social media posts

30/05/2026

Saturday in Mayfair called for something cold. Espresso martini answered.⁠
⁠
-⁠
⁠

26/05/2026

Thirty-two years on Down Street.⁠
⁠
📍 Reserve via link in bio⁠
⁠
-⁠
⁠

23/05/2026

Down Street in the sun. It doesn't get much better than this in May. 🌞⁠
⁠
-⁠
⁠

19/05/2026

This is what a Tuesday in Mayfair can look like. The terrace is open. 🧡⁠
⁠
-⁠
⁠

13/05/2026

Classics and new additions, side by side.⁠
⁠
📍Down Street. Mayfair.

09/05/2026

The weekend is almost here. So are we. Same spot in Mayfair.🧡

-

06/05/2026

Arroz negro. One of the oldest dishes on the Iberian peninsula, and one that has been on the El Pirata menu since we opened our doors in 1993.

The colour comes from squid ink, used for centuries in coastal Spanish and Catalan cooking as both a seasoning and a sauce. What it gives the rice is a depth of flavour that's difficult to describe until you've had it.

A little saffron alioli cuts through the richness in exactly the way it should.

Some dishes don't need improving. They just need doing properly.

-

04/05/2026

Before. After. 🧡

-

01/05/2026

The weekend starts tonight if you know where to look. 🧡

-

28/04/2026

From kitchen to table.⁠
⁠
Crisp aubergine, fried until golden. A touch of honey. Blue cheese to finish.⁠
⁠
-⁠
⁠

25/04/2026

POV: You found your table in Mayfair

-

22/04/2026

Pouring drinks in Mayfair since 1994.

-

20/04/2026

The moment before it reaches your table. 👨‍🍳⁠
⁠
-⁠
⁠

17/04/2026

Thirty-two years in Mayfair. Some nights, you just have to see it for yourself.

📍Mayfair | Reserve via link in bio

-

16/04/2026

From Day. To Night. In Mayfair.⁠
⁠
-⁠
⁠

10/04/2026

Fridays feel a little brighter when you love where you work!

The team that's been feeding Mayfair for over thirty years.

Find us this weekend 🧡

-

08/04/2026

The lamp's been on for thirty one years. It'll be on when you get here 💛⁠
⁠
-⁠
⁠

03/04/2026

After all these years, there are still moments that catch us off guard.⁠
⁠
A few evenings ago, as the last tables were settling and the room began to soften into that familiar end-of-night calm, we found a note that had been left behind. It was resting against a wine glass, almost as though it belonged there.⁠
⁠
The guest wrote about first coming here 25 years ago with their grandfather. About returning later with the man who would become their husband. About bringing their parents, and now, their children.. for the first time. And, in a line that stayed with me, they said they hoped their children would one day bring their own friends, and tell them how special this place has been to their family.⁠
⁠
El Pirata has been around for many years now. Long enough to recognise faces across decades, to see people arrive as strangers and return as something closer to family. But even so, reading those words felt quietly profound.⁠
⁠
In restaurants, we speak often about food, about wine, about service. But what stays with people - what stays with us - is something less visible. It is time. The passing of it. The way a place can become woven into someone’s life without ever announcing itself.⁠
⁠
El Pirata has never tried to be anything other than what it is. A warm room. Honest food. A table where people can gather, talk, celebrate, or simply be. And yet, somehow, over the years, it becomes more than that. That note was a reminder of something I think we all feel but rarely put into words.⁠
⁠
So if you have been coming to see us for many years, thank you. And if you are joining us for the first time, you are most welcome.⁠
⁠
It will always be our pleasure to have you here.

01/04/2026

There are some things in Spain that are not rushed, and Jamón Ibérico 100% bellota is one of them.⁠
⁠
Sourced from free-roaming Iberian pigs, fed on acorns, and cured slowly over time, it is often spoken about in Spain with a certain reverence.⁠
⁠
At El Pirata, it has always held its place on the table without needing introduction. Served simply... as it should be.⁠
⁠
-⁠
⁠

30/03/2026

Paella Marinera.⁠
⁠
Classic Spanish rice with seafood & shellfish...for two.⁠
⁠
-⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠

27/03/2026

A table outside.
Mayfair, just passing by.

The terrace at El Pirata.

-

25/03/2026

A few plates. Something to share.⁠
⁠
This is how tapas is meant to be.⁠
⁠
-⁠
⁠

23/03/2026

We’re pleased to officially welcome our new Head Chef to the El Pirata family...⁠
⁠
Welcome, Daniel Ribeiro.⁠
⁠
Daniel is Cordon Bleu trained, with more than 25 years in the kitchen, having worked across Germany, Brazil, Jordan, Hong Kong and the UK... most recently overseeing the restaurants of the Ceviche Group.⁠
⁠
A family man joining a family business, he brings not only experience, but a way of cooking and working that feels right at home here.⁠
⁠
We look forward to what’s ahead, and to continuing our story on Down Street.⁠
⁠
Welcome, Daniel. 🍷⁠
⁠
-⁠
⁠

21/03/2026

Saturdays in Mayfair start here🍷

-

19/03/2026

Step away from the desk.
Step into Spain.

-

Address

5-6 Down Street
London
W1J 7AQ

To reach Down Street in London, visitors can take the Tube and get off at the Green Park station, which is served by the Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines. From there, it's a short walk to Down Street.

If driving to the area, visitors can park their car at one of the nearby parking garages or on-street parking spots. However, it is worth noting that parking in central London can be quite challenging and expensive.

Alternatively, visitors could consider taking a bus to the area. Numerous buses serve the surrounding streets and stops are located within walking distance of Down Street.

Opening Hours

Tuesday	12pm - 10:45pm
Wednesday	12pm - 10:45pm
Thursday	12pm - 10:45pm
Friday	12pm - 10:45pm
Saturday	12pm - 10:45pm

Website

https://elpirata.co.uk/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when El Pirata posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

What people say

El Pirata is a must-visit for anyone who loves tapas bar and restaurants. This Spanish restaurant has been serving up authentic, delicious tapas since 1994, making it one of the best in London. With over 50 traditional tapas dishes to choose from, you'll be spoilt for choice. The contemporary a la carte menu is also worth exploring.

What sets El Pirata apart from other tapas bars and restaurants is its friendly, relaxed atmosphere and sensible prices. Despite being located in the heart of Mayfair, this restaurant offers prices that are more Madrid than Mayfair! You can enjoy superb Spanish cuisine without breaking the bank.

The mirrored bar at El Pirata is the perfect place to relax with friends while savouring a Tapas dish or two. If you're looking for something more intimate, you can tuck yourself away in a private dining alcove for that special celebration.

Overall, El Pirata is an excellent choice for anyone looking for authentic Spanish food in sophisticated yet informal surroundings. The friendly professional service and superb location make it a favourite among locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on this gem located on Down Street!