José Tapas Bar

The story

José Tapas Bar: Simple Spanish Tapas in Bermondsey, London

Extremadura roots and open counters

José Tapas Bar anchors Spanish dining in Bermondsey, London, with a focus on simple tapas rooted in chef José Pizarro's Extremadura heritage. He launched his first London restaurant here in 2011, maintaining a philosophy built on fresh seasonal ingredients and accessible cooking. The pint-sized venue runs on a first-come-first-served basis, offering limited seating while drawing crowds around the open kitchen. This layout reinforces Pizarro's intention to treat guests like family in his own home.

Chalkboard classics and specialist plates

A chalkboard presents a lineup of proper tapas that delivers on standards, from definitive egg tortilla and punchy croquetas to pan con tomate. Specialist plates invite closer inspection, such as earthy lentils simmered with chorizo or baby squid tossed in a sharp jalapeño-spiked pico de gallo. Fried goat's cheese paired with honey creates a sweet-savoury balance, while cream catalana provides a consistent dessert choice.

Regional wines and spritz

The Good Food Guide praises the extensive Spanish wine list, which includes sherries and regional varieties available by the glass for exploration. Rosada spritz and bottles of cerveza sustain the energetic pace throughout service, complementing the casual counter format. A selection of G&T options ensures the drink menu matches the relaxed, communal style of eating.