José Tapas Bar

★★★★★★★★★★via Google

“The tapas bar was really fantastic, it's been a long time since I've been so impressed by somewhere doing such simple food so well. Usually only 3-5 ingredients, but you can tell such effort has gone into finding the best of the best that every element really stands out. Out of everything we tried, as much as I enjoyed the anniversary bombay, prawns, croquetas etc I was particularly taken by the pan tomate, just bread, salt, some fantastic José own brand olive oil and really really good tomatoes. I think it's a nice summary of why the restaurant is such a success. We arrived late but didn't have to wait long to be seated. We sat at the bar, and though it was a bit loud, and sometimes difficult to draw attention I enjoyed the atmosphere and have no complaints about the staff.”

★★★★★★★★★★via Google

“It's a very small and compact venue, nice staff, good vibe, not too noisy. Visited at 5:30pm on a Saturday and was able to walk right in a get a table right away. Previously I tried later in the evening & the queues were too long. Paid roughly £100 for 2 people including 5 plates, 1 cocktail and one desert. Food was very good! - Padron Peppers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Patatas bravas ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Jamón ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Pulpo ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Pan con tómate ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Almon Cake ⭐⭐⭐⭐”

★★★★★★★★★★via Google

“I’ve lived in Spain and José has raised the bar for any Spanish restaurant I’ve tried there. The food was fantastic, tasty, perfectly cooked, beautifully served. The one thing for me was that the tortilla de patatas could be a bit saltier, but that’s more of a personal taste. Our waiters were kind, accommodating and very attentive. The food arrived incredibly fast and they kept track of when we were finishing our plates to bring the next dish. For 2 people we spent shy of 70 without any alcoholic drinks. The atmosphere is cozy, sexy and welcoming. Perfect for smaller groups or dates. Honestly can’t wait to come back and try their whole menu!”

★★★★★★★★★★via Google

“Delicious food, lovely service and vibe - we felt like we had been transported to Spain! Our favourite dishes were the cod 😍😍, croquettes and Jamon. The pan con tomate didn’t really hit but not sure if this was because it’s winter and not tomato season. The servers were very friendly and helpful with the menu. Great restaurant down a cute street in Bermondsey”

★★★★★★★★★★via Google

“Had a really good meal here. The croquetas were soft and rich, the squid perfectly cooked, and the chicken skewers full of flavour and really tender. The dishes paired well with the wine from their selection. The flan was a great way to finish, silky and light, with cream served on the side. Service was quick, attentive, and well timed. Atmosphere is really good too. I’ll definitely be coming back. Edit : Went back a second time, with a bigger group, I think the Pluma Iberica was the stand out dish, and the cheesecake for dessert.”

★★★★★★★★★★via Google

“In my honest opinion: terrible. Do not bother, you're better of staying home with a bowl of cereal. Overpriced, cramped and BLAND. I am so surprised it has so many positive reviews? Decided to have lunch here that day and I waited outside to be seated in the rain (as the sign outside told me to). A dark-haired lady then asked me "Are you going to come in then or what?". I should have just left at that point but I did go inside and followed the lady who yanked out two bar stools and pointed. My drink order was taken by a lighter-haired lady who was much more polite. I asked for a glass of wine which was priced at £8 on the menu but when the bill arrived I was charged £9.50 and when I mentioned this I was told "that was the wine I ordered and the price." Definitely not but okay... The garlic and parsley squid was 'meh'. Absolutely no care in the dish and it tastes like I was just chewing raw garlic. I also ordered the chickpea with octopus and cuttlefish... this was sent back as the chickpeas were not cooked properly and I am being so serious when I was there mere a max. Of 6 pieces total of the seafood in the entire dish - I asked for this to be taken off the bill. I honestly felt like I was being pranked and ripped off. It is a shame as this is probably one of the WORST places to eat on Bermondsey Street.”

★★★★★★★★★★via Google

“Not the first time visiting and still always very content with the outcome. Delicious food, attentive service, small place but that makes the ambience unique and cozy. Amazing for a Quick bite or a longer dinner with friends. Crisp Estrella and pluma iberico , combination that can lift up any mood on any day!”

★★★★★★★★★★via Google

“Jamon Deep nutty flavour with a smooth marbling, towards the leaner side but a definitely worth it dish! sadly only comes in 30g portions, I wished it was more ! We couldn't have cheese or wine as my friend can't, but would have made a very good pairing with the cheeses and the wine offered there. pan con tomate inconspicous plating but a mouthful of surprise, a delicate balance of refreshing tomatoes, crisp bread and flaky salt on top adding texture and contrast. Grilled squid looks mid on the menu with just two words, but smell carefully and you'll notice that squid from tables away. Very fragrant on presentation, perfectly cooked to tender with a nice char, the dressing with garlic and herbs was also so nice that we had to get bread to dip that in. Cod tongues and clams Star of the night, bursting of freshness of the sea, but also subtle umami flavours on the back of the palate complimented by a light parsley sauce. Clams were tender and juicy and just cooked through.The cod tongues were perfectly executed, with a succulent soft bite with a gelatinous core. Mushroom risotto You'd expect and fancy striking dish? They went for subtly making a statement. Creamy risotto with earthy mix of mushrooms, without a very heavy mouthfeel. Just a good foundation of ingredients and keeping the flavours alive without over seasoning. Chocolate pot unassumingly served in an airtight jar... boy this was so deep and decadent, with a flaky sea salt crust on top to cut through the intensity of the velvety chocolate that melts in your mouth. Service Quick attentive service, more casual but not dropping standards. No severe service fault, really professional team and although we didn't have wine they do have a very nice wine list !”