Harden's survey result
Summary
“Despite the queues, it’s worth the squeeze to get some anchovies, goats’ cheese and honey and pretty much anything else on the blackboard” at legendary Spanish restaurateur, José Pizarro’s most popular destination on Bermondsey Street: an “outstanding and consistent performer” with “sublime food and some cracking wines”. The only negative – “you just have to get over how many they can cram into this tiny outlet!”
Summary
“Just about edges Barrafina” – José Pizarro’s tiny tapas bar is a mainstay of Bermondsey Street, and is renowned for his “excellent tapas, with old favourite dishes joined by an array of changing specials” – “no wonder there’s always a queue”. “It’s cramped, but always relaxed and friendly”. José was honoured by King Felipe VI this year with The Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic (loosely equivalent to a knighthood) for his contribution to popularising Spanish cuisine outside Spain… and it all began here! Top Menu Tips – “smoked sardine salad with frisé is delicious, as is fried goat’s cheese with honey”.
Summary
“For maybe a decade now, José has been London’s most reliable and enjoyable restaurant”, assert fans of the tiny tapas bar José Pizarro opened on Bermondsey Street in 2011, now the spiritual home of a growing culinary empire. “Whether it’s a quick lunch or hours spent at the bar, it simply never misses”. “Always incredibly fun, always worth the queue, always get the croquetas”.
Summary
“No wonder it remains popular after all these years” – José Pizarro’s “tiny” Bermondsey bar “is always packed with a good vibe” thanks to its “short, perfectly executed tapas menu”. It didn’t score quite as highly this year, not because of harsh critiques, but just a sense that “while great and truly buzzing, it’s not the old standard it once was”.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at José?
104 Bermondsey St, London, SE1 3UB
Restaurant details
José Restaurant Diner Reviews
"The food was very tasty, but after getting the bill I felt it was perhaps a little expensive, especially the cost of the wine. Whilst the service was good and friendly, we did feel rushed through our meal, we stayed in line for almost as long as we were seated for! Finally, the ambiance does have the hectic feel of a tight Spanish bar, but when paying £50pp for a meal and wine, you would hope there be a bit more comfort. "
"The oldest and still the strongest of José Pizarro’s family. You really could be in Spain. Favourites are always on the menu, but there’s always something new. Great wine list. And one can often see the great man himself!"
"Very busy and no booking - but good when you get in!"
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £32.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
104 Bermondsey St, London, SE1 3UB
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑10:15 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑10:15 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑10:15 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑10:15 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑10:15 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑10:15 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑9:30 pm |
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