José Pizarro

José Pizarro's passion for fresh, simple, seasonal ingredients showcases the best of Spanish cuisine.

Get to know José Pizarro

Originally from Cáceres, Spain, José grew up on a farm being inspired by the scents emanating from his mother and grandmother’s kitchens. His glittering career has seen him work in some of the finest Spanish restaurants in Madrid and London, including Eyre Brothers and Brindisa. As well as owning four successful restaurants in London and a gastropub in Surrey, José has recently opened up Iris Zahara in Andalusia – where he offers exclusive culinary experiences.

He is a regular on cookery programmes, the food festival scene and has written five cook books. His passion for fresh, simple, seasonal ingredients showcases the best of Spanish cuisine. José is bringing his talents to Arvia and Iona with his bespoke tapas menus for The Glass House as well as creating street-food-style dishes for Taste 360.

“The ethos behind my menus is to use top quality, local produce so that the flavours of the region come to life with every mouthful. Working in collaboration with P&O Cruises, I’m excited to bring this dining experience on board. From the spicy scent of saffron rising from a bubbling pot of paella in Taste 360, to the rich extra virgin olive oil and smoky pimentón at the base of each dish in The Glass House – guests will truly be able to taste the region during Iona’s holidays to Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands and Arvia’s holidays to the Med." – José Pizarro

On-board activities with José Pizarro

Dine the José Pizarro way

Acclaimed Spanish chef, José Pizarro is bringing his talents on board with a range of bespoke tapas menus and street-food-style dishes. With a focus on authentic local flavours that showcase the very best of this region, you’ll be tasting your way around your destinations during your holiday.

Book signing with José Pizarro

José Pizarro’s charm, enthusiasm and love for Spanish food has led to him becoming a familiar face on many TV cookery shows. Now you can meet and chat with José at his book signing session.

Q&A with José Pizarro

Join Spanish chef José Pizarro for an exclusive Q&A session. With four successful restaurants in London and a gastropub in Surrey, our Local Food Hero has come a long way from his childhood in Cáceres. Want to learn what inspired him to become the famed chef he is today? Or hear his top tips for the tastiest tapas? Now you can put your questions to the internationally acclaimed chef.

Things are cooking with José Pizarro

Want to join acclaimed Spanish chef, José Pizarro for live cooking demos? José’s on board and ready to cook up a feast. You won’t want to miss it...
Load More
Cruises from Southampton with José Pizarro

Enjoy authentic flavours from José Pizarro in the Glass House

“Tapas is the most important part of Spanish culture: sharing small plates and stories over a glass of wine – perfect for The Glass House. And much like tapas, street food is about small dishes, going from place to place and trying new flavours. I work closely with my suppliers to ensure the best quality produce and I am delighted to bring my partnerships to the P&O Cruises culinary development team so that guests can enjoy authentic flavours on board.” – José Pizarro

José Pizarro shows us around Barcelona

Join us and discover José's favourite places to get incredible tapas in the streets of Barcelona. “Tapas is the most important part of Spanish culture: sharing small plates and stories over a glass of wine – perfect for The Glass House. And much like tapas, street food is about small dishes, going from place to place and trying new flavours.”

Q&A with José Pizarro

José Pizarro talks to us about the history and future of Spanish cuisine.

Iona's Local Food Heroes

Kjartan Skjelde

Norwegian chef and restaurateur Kjartan is a purveyor of local, seasonal produce.

Our Local Food Heroes

Our chefs are passionate about their nation’s cuisine, using local ingredients to bring authentic flavours to Iona.