Our mission is to showcase the best of Latin American food, wine, spirits, cocktails, music, art and hospitality to London at large. Latin America often garners a rather negative image in the news. We want to change perceptions about the region and offer a multi-sensory dining experience showing a quality side of Latin America. We love to surprise our guests with unexpected flavours, sounds and views, and let them leave with a different perspective on the region.

The founding partners –Charles (from England), Jose (from Colombia), Cedric (from France) and Yalain (from Cuba) formed a close bond through food, wine and a desire to create something meaningful together. Each brought a distinct perspective and cultural heritage, shaping Paladar into a place without borders.

A defining trip to Cuba planted the seed, inspired by the warmth, generosity and flavour of everyday Cuban dining — places where people gather not just to eat and drink, but to connect.

Back in London, they made a simple but powerful realisation: there was no venue in the city dedicated exclusively to Latin American wines. From that moment, the idea of Paladar as a wine-led space celebrating the cultures of the Americas began to grow.

Originally envisioned as a wine bar, the concept quickly evolved. Charles, previously the founder of the much-loved Champor-Champor restaurant in SE1, had sworn he would never open another restaurant. Yet the strength of the idea — and the chemistry within the group — proved impossible to resist and what was originally meant to be a little wine bar became a full-blown restaurant project, shaped by generosity, flavour and Latin American spirit.

Before opening, Yalain introduced Rafael as sommelier, having previously worked with him. Originally from Ecuador, Rafa was one of just a few Latin American somms in London. He joined the team in the early stages, contributing his knowledge of Latin American wines and helping refine Paladar’s vision ahead of launch.

As the restaurant grew, life took its natural turns: Rafael, and later Yalain, both left the team for personal reasons, but both remain part of Paladar’s formative journey and early identity. Their contributions helped shape the foundations on which the restaurant was built.

We pride ourselves in offering a unique dining experience. We do not represent any one country – rather we represent the spirit of Latin America. Food and drinks are the heart of our operation: From our 100% gluten-free tasty “creative Latin American” sharing plates to our exclusively Latin American wine and spirit lists, you will discover new flavour combinations, unusual grape varieties, unexpected cocktails and top-quality spirits. 

Service is friendly but efficient. Combined with our buzzy ambience and Latin music, many of our guests tell us they feel as if they have stepped out of London for a little holiday.

“From its location, we were probably expecting a nice neighbourhood joint. What we got was food that would stand up to anything in central London without the attendant price hike. Everyone here from the mixologist to sommelier is just lovely. It’s clearly a home from home for a lot of London’s South American expats, but the rest of you need to check it out too. 100% worth the trip across town.”

Catherine Hanly | Hot Dinners

"I have enjoyed many memorable meals in London's South American Restaurants.... but Paladar has a quality all of its own: a very civilised, friendly laidback space in which Latin rhythms mingle with the sweet aroma of roasting corn."

Bill Knott | Financial Times
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