Harden's says
One of two new eateries that arrived in late Summer at the Royal Academy from the star Spaniard - see also Poster Bar by José. This one took over the Dorfman Senate Room and is a formal fine-dining affair.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“A nice lunch followed by some very nice art!” is a formula for success according to the many fans of José P’s “wonderfully situated”, “light and airy” dining room in the heart of the Academy. Many reports note that this is “way above the norm for an in-house gallery restaurant” and heartily applaud its “smallish selection of excellent tapas”. Even some fans, though, acknowledge that “what makes this place special is the wow factor of the venue”. And one or two poor experiences dragged the food rating down this year (“the food could be so much better – one wonders when José Pizarro was last there in person to oversee it?”).
Summary
“Way above average for a gallery” – “authentic, high-quality Spanish cuisine” from the Bermondsey-based tapas supremo “always impresses” at this august venue, which is highly commented-on nowadays. The “gracious” (“almost stately”) Royal Academy surroundings “add to the pleasure”, so “match lunch with an exhibition for a perfect day out” (although given the central location, it’s “worth coming even if you are not visiting for the art”). Top Tip – “you need to book if you want to sit in the lovely room with well-spaced tables, otherwise they may put you out in the corridor!”
Summary
“Talk about high ceilings and light” – this “really lovely addition to the RA” is “worth a trip just for the beautiful dining room”. According to supporters, “it’s a clear exception to the rule that restaurants in art galleries never live up to their surroundings, with imaginative tapas in good-sized portions and at very reasonable prices for the area”. That said, its ratings have slipped since it first opened and there are one or two critics who say “we’ve always been fans of José, but the RA offering isn’t as good as the other JPs”.
Summary
“I was expecting this to be a luke-warm franchise type of place, but the food was really exceptional!” – José P has confounded any sceptics with his takeover of this “relaxing oasis” within the famous Piccadilly art institution: “a fantastic addition to the dining scene in London” with “fabulous tapas”, “served impeccably” in a “stunning” dining room where you eat “surrounded by art”.
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 Pizarro at the RA?
Royal Academy, Burlington Gardens, Piccadilly, London, W1J 0BD
José Pizarro at the RA Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Up to usual standard. Very Friendly waiter. Prawn Croquetas, Beetroot Salad, Roast veg with egg, Basque cheesecake. "
"The room here creates a great ambiance for the attentive service. Water is free! Ther dishes are not large so the cost can mount up if you are greedy. And it is hard to be restrained. Salads are great but go for the hot food too. And leave room for deserts which are a strong finish. "
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £33.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.25 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 13.50% |
Royal Academy, Burlington Gardens, Piccadilly, London, W1J 0BD
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 11:30 am‑6 pm |
| Wednesday | 11:30 am‑6 pm |
| Thursday | 11:30 am‑6 pm |
| Friday | 11:30 am‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 11:30 am‑6 pm |
| Sunday | 11:30 am‑6 pm |
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