Pizarro

Pizarro Restaurant Review:

This is chef and restaurateur José Pizarro's second Bermondsey restaurant (the first being sherry and tapas bar, José), named after his grandfather. The space effortlessly combines old-Spanish touches --- tiles, warm wood, exposed brick --- with a stripped-down New Bermondsey look. Throughout the day, guests can settle at the bar, by the window, or at the lengthy communal table where they can drink and nibble on a variety of tapas. Patrons will find the formal dining at the rear, where an array of seasonal dishes are available as either tapas for sharing or as starters and entrées. Grilled octopus with creamy potato, pimento and egg caviar was a substantial tentacle good on flavor, if a little tough. But the dark, glazed and flaking beef cheeks with sweet potato purée, along with tender slow-cooked ribs, were first-rate. The obvious choice for dessert is a playful take on childhood memories, the restaurant’s version of M&M's. With peanut ice cream, chocolate sponge and ‘colours,’ it’s as much fun on the palate as on the plate. Expect a Spanish-centric libation list: sherries, wines, cavas, brandy, gin and tonics, liqueurs and vermouth.