El Parador

benantiben

I could live here 2nd July 2009

2 found this helpful

If they'd let me I really would move in to El Parador. It's been on my list of places to go for around two years and I have no exuse as to not going sooner, but for our first wedding anniversary the wife and I walked down the hill and ate ourselves giddy.

Food cooked fast and fresh, amazing classic flavours delivered with both power and subtlety with great variation on a pleasantly uncomplicated menu. We'll be going back to work our way through the entire menu I think. Some of the best Spanish food I've ever had.

I thoroughly recommend this to all and every!

h_henry

Nearly Perfect Parador 2nd February 2009

1 found this helpful

I've recently discovered the Parador, and over a number of visits have never been disappointed with the wonderful tapas on offer - every one is a delight. Wine's are good too. And the unassuming decor means the place just feels sooooo comfortable.

Service is generally very good, but one of the waitresses can be so miserable it does take the shine off the place sometimes.

stantoncarlisle

Great Local 26th November 2008

0 found this helpful

This is one of the great Camden restaurants - excellent food at fairly nice prices. I've heard people raving about really lowgrade joints nearby as if they've made a major discovery. Its not trendy - just good food, friendly, professional staff and none of the usual down-at-heel, couldn't care less vibe that haunts other places up Camden High Street and beyond. Basically this is what a local no-nonsense restaurant should be.

niamh49

Great food in unassuming eatery with nice garden 28th August 2008

0 found this helpful

A group of us met for a birthday celebration last night. I was a little disappointed that they had given away our reservation in the garden, but then we were 15 minutes late. They were very apologetic and offered to re-seat us after 30 min but we opted to stay in the perfectly acceptable but unexciting - even boring - main restaurant.

There was luckily nothing boring about the menu when it arrived. A wide range of meat, fish and vegetarian tapas that were interesting and well described. We had some delicious broad bean dip, as well as a garlicky fresh mayonaise and a rather oily crushed nut dish for starters while we pondered our options.

Two tapas dishes apiece was more than adequate, so we didnt get round to even looking at the dessert menu.... there was lots of choice and plenty of sharing washed down with a very nice Spanish house red. And tap water came in a large pitcher, along with the fizzy we had ordered.

The food was very tasty, with the veggie options especially well presented. I had a sweet potato dish with roast onions and feta cheese, melt in the mouth yummy, and a delicious if less generous octopus tentacle. Other notable dishes were a grilled red tipalia from the daily specials, and a beautifully tender marinaded steak (which I wish I'd ordered).

yvonnep

Fantastic tapas 21st August 2008

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I was brought here by a friend that has been a regular there for 10 years. I didn't want to get my hopes up but was happily very impressed. Really good authentic food, good value, and super friendly service. We've reserved the downstairs area in the past for large groups and it's worked well. Recommended.

Niamheen

31st July 2008

3 found this helpful

I love El Parador. Really great tapas, small and friendly. I've been there for birthdays and intimate dniners, it works for everything. Highly recommended.

Buraco

It's as good as everyone says 7th July 2008

4 found this helpful

I believe I've just had a perfect Trusted Places experience. I mean, this is exactly what this site was created for.

I had 2 sisters (one eating for two) and their other halves in town for the weekend. The theatre tickets were sorted, just needed a good eatery to round out Saturday.

It was short notice, but I knew I wanted somewhere pretty close to home, good vibe, not a wallet killer and my sisters both love Spanish food. Quick search on TP revealed El Parador. The recommendations from a couple of reliable people spoke for themselves, so I got the number and booked us in.

I would never have found or thought of this place without TP. And it was as good as Mez, soks and all the other reviewers said it was.

My recommendations: chicken thighs are the best thing we had (and we had most of the menu!), roasted sweet potato, chicken liver, meatballs should be ordered.

I would not recommend the grilled halibut, which was very low on flavour. However, I pointed out to the very friendly waitress that the halibut disappointed me, and she promptly insisted we wouldn't pay for it.

All in all a first rate eatery. Totally unpretentious, extemely tasty, swift and friendly service and excellent value (5 people, 3 bottles of wine, about 20 dishes, all for £30 per head).

I'll see you there soon.

walid at 07/07/08

I can't believe I still haven't tried this place, will add it to my "to do" list. thanks for the review!

Mez at 07/07/08

Glad you liked it amigo! missing you! x

sokratis at 08/07/08

Nice one Mr H. I'm glad we delivered for you and sisters.

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Cedric

Casual top notch tapas 15th March 2008

1 found this helpful

A little Spanish restaurant near Camden, with little charm but a brilliant menue. The venue itself is not representative of the quality of the food you will get from the chef. From sea food to veggie tapas, everything is tasty, surprising... Like every Spanish cuisine it's a bit oily, but you can treat yourself with a great diversity of dishes for every tastes. Not cheap though... but not too expensive either. Worth going there as a group and share. it is a small restaurant, so you'd better book in advance.

Mez

BEST tapas in London 25th February 2008

2 found this helpful

Yes, THE best of the best and an all time favourite. If I started to write about it properly my rave would spread over 40 pages.

Enough said!

sokratis

Mucho Delicio 15th February 2008

3 found this helpful

I went to El Parador for a birthday dinner for 12 people. The main reason for choosing it was the universal approval of the reviews below and the fact that it’s close to Koko for some follow-up partying. I’ve had some pretty good tapas in Spain and in London. El Parador is right up there with the best of them, adding a slight French and seasonal twist to you standard gambas and patatas bravas (we didn’t order any of that on the night). The artichoke and pomegranate dish is superb as is the duck and the lamb tapas. The variety is large, but not overwhelming and the house red, surprisingly good. You can also order sufficient amounts to fill you up, without spending the equivalent to a flight to Barcelona.
The service was efficient and friendly. The decor is quite Spartan. If you were to talk past the El Parador there is little chance you would have guessed the quality that lies behind the simple window and white, plain interior.
So this is a definite recommendation for just a simple meal, a romantic evening with your other half or a party of up to 20 people. What I find amazing is that 15 meters up the road is Asakusa, my favourite Japanese. So there you go. Two true hidden gems one next to each other in not the most likely of places. To borrow some guidance form Michelin, they are both worth a detour from your travels and if you’re in London then a dedicated trip won’t let you down.

walid at 04/03/08

Wished I had arrived there before the end of the meal to taste all of it!

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