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
“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”.
Summary
One of two new eateries arriving in late summer 2021 at the Royal Academy from the star Spaniard – see also Poster Bar by José. This one takes over the Dorfman Senate Room and is a formal fine-dining affair.
For 33 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
"Delicious well executed tapas from a short well chosen menu. Comfortable, almost stately RA surroundings add to the pleasure."
"Although the menu does not change that much, it is a delightful end to a visit to the RA. Staff are lovely and interested in the food. Very good choice of wines by the glass, well described. "
"Worth coming here even if you are not visiting the RA! Lovely room with well spaced tables - book to avoid those in the corridor! Food has always impressed, menu changes are slow so cannot come to often. Good desserts too. Service is really friendly and nothing is too much trouble."
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £24.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
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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