Arros QD and El Pirata Serve Very Different Versions of 'Spanish Restaurant'
El Pirata of Mayfair has been a fixture of the London Spanish dining scene for years — approachable, generous, and well-regarded for casual Mayfair meals. Arros QD is a different proposition entirely: a destination restaurant built around one dish, executed by a chef with 7 Michelin stars, using techniques and rice varieties certified by the Culinary Institute of Valencia. Both serve Spanish food. That's where the overlap ends.
Arros QD vs El Pirata — The Key Differences
Choose Arros QD for Destination Paella. Choose El Pirata for a Casual Mayfair Meal.
If the paella matters — really matters — Arros QD is the only answer in London. Quique Dacosta's certified Valencian rice, wood-fired and served family-style, is a category-defining dish that El Pirata's menu paella doesn't try to replicate.
El Pirata is a solid, welcoming restaurant that delivers good Spanish food at fair Mayfair prices. But if you're planning a celebration, a group dinner, or you simply want the best paella in the city — there's one address for that.
Arros QD vs El Pirata of Mayfair — Common Questions
What is the difference between Arros QD and El Pirata of Mayfair?
Arros QD is a Valencian paella specialist in Fitzrovia, led by 7 Michelin-starred chef Quique Dacosta, with authentic wood-fired rice certified by the Culinary Institute of Valencia. El Pirata of Mayfair is a longstanding Spanish tapas restaurant in Mayfair, known for generous portions and a relaxed atmosphere. Arros QD is a destination; El Pirata is a reliable neighbourhood classic.
Does El Pirata of Mayfair serve paella?
El Pirata of Mayfair serves paella as one of many dishes on a broad Spanish menu. Arros QD is a specialist — its entire menu is built around authentic Valencian paella cooked over live wood fire, certified by the Culinary Institute of Valencia. The quality, technique, and provenance are fundamentally different.
Which is better for a special occasion — Arros QD or El Pirata of Mayfair?
Arros QD is the stronger choice for a special occasion. Michelin-starred credentials, private dining rooms, large-format paella for groups, and a fully bookable experience make it purpose-built for celebrations. El Pirata is better suited to a relaxed, informal dinner.
Is Arros QD or El Pirata of Mayfair better value?
El Pirata of Mayfair is known for generous portions at accessible Mayfair prices, making it good value for central London. Arros QD is a premium dining experience — the paella is priced £42–48 per person, with a full dinner typically coming to £70–90 per person with drinks. The difference is positioning: one is casual, one is a destination restaurant.
See how Arros QD compares to other Spanish restaurants in London
Ready to Book London's Best Paella?
64 Eastcastle Street, Fitzrovia W1W 8NQ · Reservations available online