Paladar

Paladar is a hidden gem, which successfully transports guests to the heart of Latin America through its intricate interior design and elaborate flavours. Situated in an accessible location within Elephant and Castle, Paladar immediately gives you a choice - to sit in the sleek indoor restaurant, or the beautiful covered courtyard garden, where you can eat in the company of hanging baskets, fairy lights and glowing rattan lampshades. Paladar isn’t winning any contemporary design prizes but it’s a charming space, and that charm extends to the warm, welcoming and incredibly knowledgeable staff, who will help you make a selection you won't regret.

We’re instantly struck by Paladar’s flamboyant, bold and characterful interiors. With intriguing artwork and exquisite fixtures dotted throughout, every inch of Paladar is lively and exuberant, making it perfect for celebrating special occasions. There’s no better way to start than with crispy pork belly arepas, which come smothered in guacamole, agave and a punchy sriracha chilli sauce reduction. The combination of crispy pork chunks loaded on lightly fried arepas is a simple pleasure, but each one left us wanting more. Those in search of a vegetarian option will be more than happy with Paladar’s potato, salsa criolla and yellow-corn empanadas, accompanied by a welcome kick of serrano chilli salsa.

Looking for an impactful cocktail? Take your pick of either a Cucumber Pisquini or the ‘Carnival’ for a refreshing beverage which has sweet and fruity aromas. If the cocktail menu isn’t quite to your taste the staff at Paladar will be able to make you something special off the menu.

Paladar may have a simple, neighbourhood charm but someone in the kitchen clearly knows how to cook. A row of grilled lamb cutlets arrive with ají panca (a Peruvian red pepper paste), Andean potatoes and mint sauce; they’re cooked to absolute perfection - nicely rendered, well-rested, pink and juicy. We devour them alongside grilled gem lettuce and cassava chips. Like so much at Paladar, it leaves us wishing we could eat it all over again.

The Paladar's stylish ambience, efficient and friendly service, and delicious, freshly prepared food and drinks make it an excellent addition to the neighbourhood.

Paladar is a vibrant Latin-American restaurant and bar in Elephant and Castle serving fresh food and innovative cocktails inspired by the flavours of South America. Boasting beautiful indoor and outdoor areas, plus an ever-changing range of weekly offers, this fun spot is perfect for casual dining all year round. More than just a restaurant, Paladar is also an art gallery and showcases up-and-coming Latin American artists – with all works available to buy. A perk for both the creator and the diner, there’s always something new to see at this forward-thinking spot.

There are four distinct dining areas at Paladar, including the main dining room, the chef’s table (a semi-private space available to hire), the courtyard garden and the front terrace. The main area is light, airy and spacious, and it’s here where diners can admire the beautiful artworks on the walls. While the pretty courtyard is popular during the warmer months, boasting twinkling lights, alfresco tables and shades and fans to protect guests from the sun. It also has infra-red heaters so diners can make use of the area in the winter, too.

Alongside the daily menu is a tasting offering and a set lunch option. The regular menu features an array of nibbles and sharing dishes which span meat, fish and vegetables. You might start with the likes of green plantain crisps with taquero guacamole, or shredded chicken empanadas with chilli salsa. Larger dishes, meanwhile, include grilled octopus with ají panca and tomato purée, Andean potatoes and mint sauce, seabass ceviche with coconut tiger’s milk and toasted coconut flakes, and grilled chicken thighs with plantain and pineapple mofongo and Guasacaca sauce. To finish, don’t miss the purple corn churros with chocolate and ancho chilli sauce.

A range of dessert wines and dessert cocktails are also on offer to round off your meal. While the wine list features bottles from Peru, Uruguay, Brazil and Mexico.