José Pizarro, widely known as “The Godfather of Spanish Food” in the UK, is an award‑winning chef, restaurateur, and author celebrated for bringing authentic Spanish cooking to British tables.
After honing his craft at El Mesón de Doña Filo in Madrid, José relocated to London nearly 25 years ago, working at renowned venues such as Gaudi, Eyre Brothers, and co-founding Brindisa before launching his first solo venture, José, a tapas bar on Bermondsey Street, in 2011.
He presides over a portfolio of acclaimed venues including José, Pizarro, Lolo (opened in 2024), José Pizarro at the Royal Academy of Arts, and The Swan Inn in Surrey, along with an international outpost in Abu Dhabi.
A TV regular, José frequently appears on the likes of BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch.
He is the author of eight critically acclaimed Spanish cookbooks: Seasonal Spanish Food (2009), Spanish Flavours (2012), Basque (2016), Catalonia (2017), Andalusia (2019), The Spanish Home Kitchen (2022), The Spanish Pantry (2025), and Catalonia (2025).
In 2023, he was awarded the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic by the Spanish Ambassador in London, recognising his role in promoting Spanish culture abroad. His accolades also include several culinary awards and honorary titles.
