El Parador

I had the worst experience in this restaurant ever! I went there with my friend and I got my dish 7-10min before her and drinks came almost after our dinner. I had lamb, which was brought in 2min after my order!!! taste like chewing gum! same like my friends fish...to oily .. waitress didnt even came to ask about our food... wtf? why people rating this place so well?
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camile
0 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Agree with the most recent review, why get upset that they don't take bookings? is that not the sign of a successful restaurant? On my last visit food as usual was first class with a superb selection of seafood tapas however prices have been heading north recently and I had to carefully select my dishes and restricted myself to one less than usual, don't let put you off though as the food and the friendly service where efficient as always.

Still one of the most exciting Tapas restaurants in London
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Ricky - View all reviews by this user
8 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 6
Sunday, June 12, 2011

dont understand the older reviews complaining about service and booking. yes, it is annoying they don't take bookings for two, but it just means you have to go down there and show your interest! and yes, they are often fully booked- its a sign its a good restaurant- not a bad one!

the food is great, simple, if at times a little oily- like genuine mediterranean food. the seafood especially can get a little pricey, and i have noticed the prices creeping up over the years- like everywhere else.

the garden has reopened, and can be lovely in the day, if not a little chilly at night- unfortunately the flavours of spain havent been accompanied by its climate in mornington crescent...

the service is usually great. really laid back and friendly, extremely helpful if you have any questions about the food and wine. one or two of the staff members can at times be a bit dismissive, and sometimes some of the staff dont seem to understand you- i think they are genuine spaniards. on my most recent trip i was served by a lovely girl native to north london, who managed to crack a few jokes and have a discussion about football with my husband! the main thing for me is the joy of eating delicious food, in a completely laid-back and unpretentious environment- something which you cant get from the flashy restaurants and gastro-pubs of north london.

overall- i highly recommend!
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jb
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, June 08, 2011

Best tapas this side of the Ebro, .....very innovative menu, great selection of specials, large and exciting wine list and as usual a very friendly and warm service from one and all at this very long established Tapas Bar, miss this place at your peril
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El Gordo
9 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Friday, December 17, 2010

Had dinner on what was a miserable, dank & wet Wednesday night turned up at 6.30 not expecting a problem finding a table only to be told they had just the one table left !

Being bit of a luddite when it comes to Spanish food we had to ask one of the staff to help us out, he took his time guiding us through the extensive and well varied menu, we went for a fish frenzy; Calamares, Hake, Salt Cod, baby squid and Octopus in commemoration of 'Paul the World Cup Octopus' who died in his aquarium a few days ago, everything was superb the Hake was succulent, the baby squid 'nice & spicy', the salt cod came with butter beans that had somehow soaked up all the flavors of the cod and the Octopus having not previously being a fan of Octopus won me over with its marinade, herby flavors and soft texture

We tried a few other so called familiar items, Meatballs and Patatas Bravas which left us ready to burst.

Can not fault a thing about this nosh house, has a extensive wine list and a small list of Spanish after dinner sticky liqueurs, the staff where attentive without being to much in your face

Apparently its been around over 20 years which in todays competitive market must be worth a million positive words from any punter.

Will be going back and will book a table just in case.
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N D
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Monday, November 01, 2010

The four of us went on Saturday 24 July 2010. Apart from the squid we all thought the food was mostly average maybe a bit better than you local tapas place. Also with 3 glasses of wine and a soft drink the bill worked out at just under £90. I thought it was on the expensive side for what we had. I think I will give it a miss and save my money for trips to San Sebastian.

We sat inside and after a while the cooking fumes from the kitchen got a bit too much and just wanted to get out.
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Bobby Wong
4 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 3
Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Lovely place - friendly atmosphere and interesting tapas options plus a chalkboard of specials. Portions were generous - I reckon 2 dishes per head is plenty (and I'm a hungry lady!) and wine list is pretty decent too. Really good veggie tapas too with unusual things like samphire pan fried with olives and garlic and crushed potatoes with peas, cabbage and manchego which sounds a little odd but was absolutely delicious. We'll be going back...
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LondonBessie
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Friday, April 23, 2010

We ventured into El Parador just before hopping over to Koko, the staff were incredibly friendly and the restaurant very cosy. However, the food was not up to scratch and the portions were pretty ungenerous.
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HB
5 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 4
Thursday, April 15, 2010

Unassuming restaurant serving great food.

We went here a couple of weeks ago and had a lovely evening. The food was slightly pricey compared to some tapas restaurants, but well worth it - really delicious. Big menu with a great variety of dishes. Friendly, efficient service.
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Rupert
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Friday, October 09, 2009

Don't understand the comments about rude, slow, poor service. I went for the third time last night in a party of six. Everyone was pleasant, friendly and efficient as they had been on previous occasions.

The food was as good as it had been previously which is very good. We ended up with about 15 dishes all consistently excellent, well cooked and hot.

The garden is definitely the better place to be but requires booking.
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Jeremy - View all reviews by this user
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Friday, July 10, 2009