http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/163zz8/el-parador <b>El Parador</b><br />London, 245 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BA, United Kingdom en http://trustedplaces.com/uploads/placepics/trustedplaces.comaPlacePic['name']}.140.jpg http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/163zz8/el-parador http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/163zz8/el-parador/1p7ee7
Review by niamh49

Rating: 5.00
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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).
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Review by yvonnep

Rating: 5.00
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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.]]> Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:19:08 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/163zz8/el-parador/1u0a191268331481 yvonnep 51.533777052454 -0.13864548953089 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/163zz8/el-parador/170aj9
Review by Niamheen

Rating: 5.00
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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. ]]> Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:01:06 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/163zz8/el-parador/170aj91413716729 Niamheen 51.533777052454 -0.13864548953089 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/163zz8/el-parador/1s79e7
Review by Buraco

Rating: 5.00
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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.]]> Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:27:41 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/163zz8/el-parador/1s79e7447617894 Buraco 51.533777052454 -0.13864548953089 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/163zz8/el-parador/1n37r7
Review by Cedric

Rating: 4.00
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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.]]> Sat, 15 Mar 2008 13:04:49 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/163zz8/el-parador/1n37r7178346815 Cedric 51.533777052454 -0.13864548953089 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/163zz8/el-parador/1a97u7
Review by Mez

Rating: 5.00
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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!]]> Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:06:37 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/163zz8/el-parador/1a97u71721451134 Mez 51.533777052454 -0.13864548953089 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/163zz8/el-parador/1417s8
Review by sokratis

Rating: 5.00
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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 itâ¬"s close to Koko for some follow-up partying. Iâ¬"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 didnâ¬"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 youâ¬"re in London then a dedicated trip wonâ¬"t let you down.
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Review by shelo9

Rating: 5.00
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Small and cramped but brilliant atmosphere. The owners are really friendly and have allowed us to have an outside table even on not hot days! The bean puree with bread for starters is amazing and our favourite. The menu does change depending on seasons, but if there is any dish with chicken thighs, sweet potato mash (or any mash to be honest) and prawns order them! I hear the meatballs are brilliant as well but have never tried as they are made from pork. It is a grotty area but was great when working around the corner from there. Highly recommended tapas restaurant. ]]> Sat, 05 May 2007 16:52:40 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/163zz8/el-parador/1e220814785065 shelo9 51.533777052454 -0.13864548953089 http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/restaurant/163zz8/el-parador/1d31h8
Review by tastebud

Rating: 4.00
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This intimate Camden Town tapas restaurant offers an extensive menu, including over a dozen vegetarian tapas; an excellent wine selection covering Spain, Italy and South America; gorgeous dessert; and service is usually friendly.

Dinner (2 or 3 tapas) with wine and dessert will cost around £20-30/person

Currently (Mar 2007) offering a 3-for-2 tapas lunch special.

Located two minute from the Mornington Crescent Tube station.

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Review by Beadle

Rating: 5.00
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OK it's not the most romantic of places but for an intimate gathering of friends this is the best tapas venue in town! The food is AMAZING, menu regularly changes and the specials are irresistible. Also it is really, really good value - probably average about £15 per head even when ordering excess food. The decor is pretty basic and the area/neighbourhood (near Mornington crescent) not the most desirable, but for the brave it is definitely worth it. ]]> Wed, 25 Oct 2006 18:00:27 +0000 /review/uk/london/restaurant/163zz8/el-parador/1h90t81519206046 Beadle 51.533777052454 -0.13864548953089