José spent his early years training in the top restaurants in Spain, before becoming Head Chef at a Michelin Star restaurant. After José landed on UK soil, he spent his time working at some of London’s most prestigious Spanish restaurants including Eyre Brothers, Brindisa and Gaudi. In 2011, José opened his first Spanish restaurant, José Tapas Bar, on Bermondsey Street. This small and cosy venue was inspired by the bustling tapas bars of Barcelona. The daily menu depends on what looks good at the market on the day, and it serves an array of delicious Spanish sherries to compliment the tapas dishes.

Later that year, José launched Pizarro Restaurant, also on Bermondsey Street. He named the restaurant after his grandfather, who had a bar called Pizarro in Talaván. The restaurant went on to earn numerous accolades including The World Food Awards’ Restaurant of the Year, Best Mediterranean Establishment at The Food Awards London, The Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence, Food and Travel Magazine’s Best Newcomer of the Year and Best Restaurant of the Year. José launched two further openings in the Capital: José Pizarro at Broadgate Circle and a pop-up Jose Pizarro restaurant, Little José, in Canary Wharf.  

José also owns The Swan Inn in Esher. It was always José’s dream to own a country pub, where guests can while away the afternoons and evenings in good company next to a roaring fire. Jose Pizarro The Swan Inn brings José’s family cooking values to Esher while maintaining a British Pub feel. The menu includes José’s tapas favourites to share, such as his unforgettable croquetas, tortilla and 100% 5J Jamón Ibérico.

In August 2021, José opened two vibrant restaurants at what he describes as “London’s most precious and prestigious art space”: the Royal Academy of Arts. José Pizarro at RA has taken over the beautiful Senate Room located on the first floor of Burlington Gardens. The space is beautifully light, airy and surrounded by art.