With not one, but two establishments named after him, the opportunity to use the word eponymous multiple times in one sentence is an opportunity I may not get again. So, the eponymous Pizarro, which opened at the end of 2011 is like a better behaved older Sister to the eponymous tapas bar Jose, and with Chef Jose Pizarro seeming not to have any middle names (I did google this), it seems unlikely there will be an eponymous Antonio or eponymous Pedro opening any time soon. Phew.

It wasn’t until I went to Barrafina that I really started appreciating Spanish cuisine, and Jose Pizarro must take some credit for the appearance of quality Spanish restaurants in London, the hugely successful Tapas Brindisa in Borough Mkt (of which he had a large hand in) having had a serendipitous knock on effect. Pizarro adds to the count of  quality Iberian restaurants in the Capital.

I don’t mind a no-booking policy, and I was pleasantly surprised that Miss P and I were able to be seated straight away at around 7.30pm, albeit windows seats facing away from the restaurant, which isn’t my ideal seating arrangement (I also found out a few days later that a couple of friends were in at the same time as us and neither of us noticed the other party). They did seem to be the last seats available, though, and the atmosphere was already buzzy. Definitely good signs.

The menu consisted about a dozen starters, including the daily specials and I couldn’t resist ordering the croquetas in addition to the Squid, Almond & Blood Orange Salad I ordered, and the Boqerones (Fresh Anchovies) Miss P selected. I was rather surprised that I liked the Boqerones the best, having heard great things about the Croquetas (they were very good, still). The sweet peppers underneath the anchovies just seemed to lift the taste of the salty fish to a level not experienced before. We did also enjoy the squid, but it wasn’t quite up to the delights of the other two starters.

Mains of Salt Cod with white beans & Spinach, and the daily special of Red Snapper were also very good. The Salt Cod & white beans having a real meaty depth of flavour to it and the Snapper providing morsels of crispy, fishy goodness.

The dessert of Orange Blossom and Almond cheesecake was less memorable, with the tradition of Pedro Ximenez sherries at the end of the evening taking precedence.

I did really enjoy Pizarro, with the excellent food, buzzy atmosphere & good service all being most enjoyable, but, and I’m not sure if my expectations were raised to an unrealistic level with all the raving reviews in the blogosphere & beyond, I left with a feeling that it wasn’t the best experience I’ve had in a Spanish restaurant in London. The cost wasn’t too excessive either, with starters being around £6 each and mains around £15. Would I go again? Yes. Would I recommend it to others? Certainly. I perhaps wouldn’t put it quite on top of the pedestal just yet.