Arros QD and Pizarro Have Built Very Different Spanish Restaurants
José Pizarro is one of the most respected Spanish chefs in London — his Bermondsey restaurant is warm, ingredient-led, and consistently excellent. Arros QD is a different proposition: a single-minded celebration of Valencian paella, created by Quique Dacosta (7 Michelin stars) and certified by the Culinary Institute of Valencia. One is a great neighbourhood restaurant. The other is a destination. Both are worth your time — the question is what kind of evening you want.
Arros QD vs Pizarro — The Key Differences
Choose Arros QD for Destination Dining. Choose Pizarro for a Neighbourhood Evening.
If you want the best paella in London, a Michelin-starred experience, or a venue that handles groups and celebrations properly — Arros QD is the answer. The wood-fired Valencian rice, certified by the Culinary Institute of Valencia, is Quique Dacosta's life's work in a single dish.
Pizarro is one of the finest neighbourhood Spanish restaurants in London — honest cooking, great ingredients, and real warmth. But it's a different kind of evening. They don't compete for the same occasion.
Arros QD vs Pizarro — Common Questions
What is the difference between Arros QD and Pizarro?
Arros QD is a Valencian paella specialist led by 7 Michelin-starred chef Quique Dacosta, with certified authentic paella cooked over live wood fire. Pizarro is José Pizarro's relaxed Spanish restaurant in Bermondsey, serving tapas and sharing plates in a neighbourhood bistro setting. Arros QD is better for special occasions and groups; Pizarro suits casual dinners.
Does Pizarro serve paella?
Pizarro occasionally features rice dishes, but it is not a paella restaurant. Arros QD is London's only restaurant certified by Valencian culinary authorities for authentic paella, with Quique Dacosta's wood-fired Valencian rice as its centrepiece.
Which is better for a group dinner — Arros QD or Pizarro?
Arros QD is better for groups. Large-format paella for 4–8 guests, private dining rooms, and a reservations-based system make it straightforward to plan. Pizarro is a relaxed neighbourhood restaurant better suited to smaller groups of 2–4.
Is Arros QD or Pizarro better for a special occasion?
Arros QD is the stronger choice for a special occasion — Michelin-starred credentials, private dining availability, and the theatre of large-format paella served tableside. Pizarro is beloved for its warmth and quality but is more of an everyday neighbourhood restaurant than a destination dining experience.
See how Arros QD compares to other Spanish restaurants in London
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64 Eastcastle Street, Fitzrovia W1W 8NQ · Reservations available online