El Cortador Tapas Bar in Shepway

Simple, friendly. Have been many times and it is always good. You must have the chocolate orange pot for dessert!

Fantastic food and the best Sangria!

Delicious tapas dishes and friendly staff. I would recommend a visit but book a table as the El Cortador is a busy restaurant.

Superb! Ate here last night with my best friend, and we absolutely loved it. All of the dishes were divine. We ordered quite a selection and enjoyed every one. My friend was particularly happy with her veggie dishes, including the special. The cocktails deserve a special mention- I can safely say it was the best espresso martini I've ever had. A truly wonderful experience. Have already rebooked for a few weeks' time with my boyfriend.

A little gem hidden in the heart of Folkestone. If you fancy something out of the ordinary, then pop in for a selection of authentic Spanish tapas. The lunch specials are super, three or two tapas for a great discounted price. Delicious food and excellent service in a relaxed environment...perfect.

Lovely restaurant serving tapas, great staff, great dishes, great drinks options. Slightly expensive, but the food is delicious so totally worth it.

Outrages tapas....Great service proper authentic food cooked to perfection, 2nd time here will be back again

Really nice meal, service was amazing and everyone was very friendly. We will defo be back. We recommend calamari and plato de carne :)

Fabulous. Will definitely make this a regular trip.

Popped Thursday evening on the off chance of a table. The staff were happy enough to accommodate us. How luck were we… the service and food were amazing both with the cold and hot dishes. So much so that we returned again the following evening.

You have to go here. Food is amazing. Staff are just as amazing. Attentive, friendly & welcoming. I just wished we lived in Folkestone. Dinner every night. Thank you so much for your amazing food & service. Taylor you were fab on the phone tonight thank you

Needs a little more atmosphere. Liven it up with Spanish music please. Spanish guitar player would be amazing. Service was excellent. We want the Spanish vibes when we eat Tapas. Bring it please 🙏

I chose the lovely restaurant to celebrate my 70th birthday with my family. Always top on my list of favourites. Staff welcoming and friendly. Service was impeccable. One young man on the waiting team who works on Saturday nights was absolutely fabulous and more than just an asset to the team. I am so sorry I didn't get his name. The Food was as usual outstanding and perfectly presented and timed. Thank you all for a wonderful evening.

Just very good, authentic tapas. Priced right. Lovely, knowledgeable service.

Amazing food (with good allergen information on the menu) and friendly service. Actually felt like I was in Spain! 🇪🇸

Great value, atmosphere and service

My second visit to El Cortador & I will definitely be back! The food is delicious, there is loads of choice & something to suit all budgets but what really makes this place is the staff. Attentive (but also leave you to it), knowledgeable, friendly & polite the ambiance was relaxed & comfortable. We weren’t rushed & spent a good couple of hours enjoying our food & people watching. Plenty of seats (in the restaurant, on the balcony & in their beautiful hidden garden) but still maintains an intimate atmosphere. Thank you to the chef & the staff for making our visit so lovely.

Came here at the invitation of friends. I was a bit nervous reading some of the reviews particularly the references to the standard of the food (ok for the locals but not authentic Spanish, reheated for service - well how do you think restaurants work?) I’ve traveled extensively and Spanish tapas is one of my favourites and this didn’t let me down. Good service, good food and a great experience. We’ll be back

Just brilliant! Our first time here and will definitely come again. Amazing food and a lovely laid-back but attentive staff. We felt that nothing was too much trouble and were treated like royalty but completely without any pretentiousness. Thank you to all the wonderful staff.

First time visiting El Cortador and will definitely be making a return visit very soon! Great food, and plenty of it, fabulous attentive service and a great atmosphere. Would recommend to anyone wanting delicious tapas at a reasonable price. The jug of Sangria went down a treat too!

We visited on the back of our daughter & husbands visit the evening before. We arrived around 2 in the afternoon and left around half four. We were looked after by the delightful Natalya. Natalya was very friendly, she new the menu inside out and was able to recommend food for our palate great place, very reasonably priced. we will be back (as Arnie would say!!!)

Ate here with my son yesterday. As a very frequent visitor having spent multiple birthdays and evenings here, I am bitterly disappointed that I have food poisoning from the prawns. There is no doubt about this and I have not been able to eat anything else since. Really a massive shame as it’s usually a lovely place with decent food but, I will not be returning after this incident.

Really good tasty food and great service.

Authentic tapas, great location, service was efficient and friendly

El cortador Tapas bar Sadly, kind of embrassing… We appreciate locals might not know what real Spanish food tastes like, but El Cortador left us really upset. Food was average, everything was microwaved as it was clearly prepared in advance and displayed in the front fridge. Paella was mushy and tasted like stock, jamon was small pre cut bits, tortilla was microwaved too and lacked flavour, the cheese in the platter was nice. Only thing made fresh were the patatas bravas, but quite plain and bland. We did eat everything we ordered as we truly don’t like food waste but Spanish week at Lidl would have probably tasted better... Appalling to see the waitress sticking her hands in the food bowls on display, popping something in her mouth and sticking them again in the bowl. Service was overall kind but won’t recommend… Icing on the cake is the owner replying to our booking enquiry while we were dining, saying that there is no space for lunch and they can welcome us in the afternoon.. ( we were dining in the meantime as we booked at the door with the friendly waiter) and they sat a table in front of us shortly after replying to our enquiry. Confusing to see how they manage reservations… Seeing all the good reviews feels like lunch service is of lower quality than the dinner one? As the evening before the place was packed.

Came here on my birthday for lunch. Staff were amazing. They made me feel very special. Thank you

Shared a selection of tapas with friends. Huge portions, well cooked and very tasty.

Lovely place and staff, pricing was very reasonable and they cater for gluten-free.

Every dish we ordered was great. Particular mention needs to be given to one of the specials, the asparagus wrapped in ham. The prawns in the garlic prawns were fresh and perfectly cooked; the chicken skewers still moist; the tortilla a soft and melting thing; and the chorizo (I know it sounds daft) very meaty and also very soft in texture. The staff are helpful and lovely. We had a delicious lunch and will definitely be back.

We turned up early evening with no booking which wasn’t a problem. The service was very friendly and the food was wonderful. I particular enjoyed the padron peppers, the gambas and the chorizo bean stew. We had 8 plates between 3 of us and a bottle of white Rioja. Very reasonable priced.

My wife and I celebrated our Wedding Anniversary at El Cortador and we were not disappointed. We had calamares, patatsa bravas, chorizo in red wine and mushrooms in garlic. The calamares were very tender and cooked in a light batter. The sauce with the patatas bravas is just the right temperature (the heat slowly creeps up on you)!! Everything else was nicely cooked. It was washed down with a very nice chilled house rose. All the staff were very helpful and friendly. I was an Anniversary to remember.

Another delicious, convivial meal in Folkestone's friendly tapas bar. Thank you Sarah for your 100-watt smile and enthusiastic, professional attention. We had a lovely evening and you were a big part of it.

Very friendly. Had not booked - dropped in and every effort was made to accommodate us. A very good tapas.

We had a lovely visit to mark a birthday. The welcome was extremely friendly and the staff are always happy to help with any recommendations. We probably ordered too much but wanted to try it all! Delicious and well presented. Thank you for looking after us so well. Everything was spot on. Definitely coming back soon.

Beautiful food and great value ! And such a lovely guy waiting on us ! Thankyou Oscar you are a credit to the restaurant

Beautiful food, and great service

As a lover of Folkestone, third year running, an abundance of quality restaurants from around the world. First choice ,first visit, El Cortador. So impressed, the following two years this was the place to eat. However, have now called time on this establishment, due to a disappointing evening. I must make it clear this is no reflection on the lovely interior, and the excellent service. My most recent visit, menu looked very inviting, as it always had. Straight to the point. Meat platter, included slices of Manchego cheese. It is supposed to be a sharing platter, so why only three pieces? The slices were so thin, and so small it was rather lost on the plate, 3mm at the most, and no more than two inches long, bearing in mind it was cut to a point. The meat balls. Four meatballs identical in size, with a very thin sauce which tasted very manufactured. Have worked in retailing for many years, and were very similar to the texture and taste of tinned. My opinion, and I will stand corrected if I am wrong, but that is how it seemed to me. The bread, very thinly cut, and resembled a small baton from a supermarket. Absolutely nothing special. Interestingly, towards the end of the meal I ordered another portion, the same, tasteless, and £4 in money. In addition I ordered two glasses of house wine £7.50 each. On top of that, a 10% service charge is added. No choice. So, after two very enjoyable experiences at this restaurant, this was far below my expectations and the standard I had had before. To sum it up, do I sense cut backs in quality due to the increase in food prices. Different cooks? I left disappointed. Such a shame. Time to move on.

I came in for lunch yesterday it was the time I have been to El Cortador The food was excellent and the the staff were very friendly and helpful I will be back again soon

We only had coffee as didn't discover the place until after we had eaten, but it was great coffee, service was great and had a really nice atmosphere. Feels like we're in Spain, proper Spanish family run business with a welcoming and happy vibe. We will be back for food. The menu looks good.

Had a very enjoyable lunch here, the Paella and Chorizo Al Vino were gorgeous and the sangria was lovely. Great surroundings and a great location!

We had a very nice selection of tapas plates on Saturday 12 Aug. We did book. Service was very good, too, nice atmosphere.

Great service provided by the staff, excellent food, had a lovely time with my family, highly recommend this tapas bar, will definitely be going again, superb 👍👍👍👍👍

Restaurant d'inspiration espagnole. Situé dans une jolie rue marchande, cet établissement sert jusqu'à 22h30 ce qui est impeccable pour les touristes arrivant sur le tard. L'accueil est chaleureux. La nourriture y est bonne ce qui n'est pas peu dire au Royaume-Uni. Sans prétention, vous y trouverez des produits d'Espagne sous forme de Tapas qui sont de belle qualité. Je vous recommande la sangria. Un lieu sympa et convivial où l'on est très bien accueillis. Je recommande.

La comida estaba espectacular, lo más parecido a la comida española que hemos probado hasta hora en UK. El trato genial, los trabajadores son muy simpáticos y atentos. Lo recomendamos 100%

In Folkestone just for one night and found El Cortador. We were so lucky. It was brilliant. Love tapas and it didn’t disappoint. Service was great - so friendly - food fantastic - couldn’t fault wine What an excellent start to our holiday!!

Always great food cooked fresh to order. Excellent and friendly service. Pleasant surroundings and good vibe. Garden is great when the dun shines. Thoroughly enjoyed and recommend highly.

A great tapas in the heart of Folkestone. Great food and always very friendly staff. Highly recommend.

Fantastic as usual. Informal, beautiful food, impeccable service. Just a lovely atmosphere for an evening out. Chocolate orange pot to die for and exquisite expresso martini.

Beautiful food . Beautiful location . Lovely relaxed atmosphere . Attentive staff . Everything you could wish for when having tapas .

This was a beautiful place to stop. An unexpected gem with tasty tapas and a wonderful team who carried the vibe ✨

Lovely place with notably fitting furniture and really good tapas.

Very nice Spanish restaurant, the terrace is like something out of a fairy tale, the staff will assist you with sympathy and professionalism. Taste the coffee with condensate milk, liquor 43 and cream, delicious 😋

Great food with excellent service. Staff were really helpful.

Food great but service could be more attentive. We couldn't get the attention of waiting staff to get another us of sangria, nor did they come to.check food was ok after they served it.

Wonderful food and great selection. Very courteous service with a smile. Will definitely visit again!!

One of the best restaurants in Folkestone - the service and food was impeccable.

Tapas were pretty good, but service could've been better. We sat outside on one of the 2 tables on the terrace, which was quite uncomfortable, plus the door kept being slammed which didn't add to the atmosphere. The aioli was forgotten about and we had to remind a few times. It finally came when we were almost finished eating. I might go back if I'm in the area, but next time will try to sit inside the restaurant instead.

Very nice, local Tapas. Staff are polite and fun, the food is on the money and there are plenty of options. We sat outside as it was hot and it almost felt as though we was on holiday.

Loved it all , lovely staff, great food

What a find. This was trulythe best meal we have had in ages. Tasty food great service , extremely good value for money.

As soon as we sat down the young waiter reminded us how long we had at the table and when the wine was brought he mentioned it again, so not a great start to an evening. We were fully aware how long we had, but...

Eten was super lekker. Service was zeer goed en de sfeer was top.

Excellent service, good prices, very delicious food. A real find on the steep Street. Almost felt we were in Spain

First time here after a friend recommended Delicious food Very well priced Very friendly Great atmosphere

Great tapas. Asparagus rolls were amazing. Friendly staff.

An amazing night with friends. It’s casual dining but the food is superb and really contributes to a wonderful evening out.

The sea food is like frozen ones not fresh(next to the sea, really?), the bread is like the ones you get in Tesco and the croquetas taste like bought ones not made. Not worth the price, left not satisfied.

Went to this lovely restaurant and had a selection of different dishes, the hardest decision was what to choose from the great selection of hot and cold tapas on the menu. The service from the staff was friendly and very helpful. The food was amazing...

Spur of the moment trip to Folkstone on a sunny Sunday (finally!). Managed to get a table having failed the past.. Food is simply beautiful, and we had lots and lots of dishes, each and one delicious.. All staff couldn't be more helpful and to top it off, amazing value for money.. Definitely be back asap🤞

Lovely … we called in early evening on the off chance and got a table . Really impressed with the warm welcome and service throughout. Small and friendly . Really enjoyable food too .

Took my partner for dinner last night both excited as we have heard good things .. on arrivel we were greated OK , they took my name then pionted as to where we were seated not shown . The wine was really nice . The food however, was not great we had 6 or 7 dishes . We found that the food was over cooked and tasted nothing like Spanish food so very disappointed 😞 needles to say I won't be going there again .

Delicious tapas lovely service! Very relaxed atmosphere all in all great!

I love going to this special Tapas Bar . Natalie and the wonderful Polish chap are so friendly and welcoming. in fact all the staff are fabulous. The atmosphere is warm, everywhere is clean and the food is excellent. I might be remembered for drooling...

Excellent food. Really fast service and really kind staff.

Fantastic little tapas with great food and friendly staff. Would recommend everything!

What a fabulous restaurant! Great choice and tasty food in lovely setting and absolutely brilliant service, exceptional staff and value for money

Each little dish was nicely prepared and tasty

It was amazing the paella, good size

This is a great restaurant and the best Spanish in Folkestone! Perfect service, cosy atmosphere and tasty food. I would recommend the Patatas Bravas (Fried Potatoes with Spicy Tomato Sauce), Pinchitos de Pollo (Chicken breast skewers marinated with Cumin, Coriander, Garlic and Lime) and Albóndigas...

Amazing food & service yet again. We love it there. You will not be disappointed. FAB U LOUS!!!

Visited here for a friend’s birthday The staff were all friendly and efficient Everything we ordered arrived promptly and was good Personally I’m not a big fan of Tapas but if you are then would recommend this place

Good tapas, very good and friendly staff. Definitely would go again.

My boyfriend and I ordered 6 tapas dishes and a jug of sangria and everything was just amazing! My boyfriend is gluten intolerant and found that there were loads of options for him and all of them were clearly highlighted on the menu. The restaurant...

Really lovely authentic tapas, great coffee, very friendly service, pretty location. Excellent lunch spot. Perfect.

All the dishes were delicious, the wine and sangria were lovely too, excellent service, has a lovely fun atmosphere sharing dishes among a group. We had a mix of vegetarian and meat eaters and all had options we could eat.Thank you

So glad we found this hidden gem, after walking past it for almost a year and never found the time to explore. What an absolute delight, our experience was outstanding, authentic food, ambience, staff just top drawer. Make sure you try the chocolate orange pot, divine 😋.. it was so good we ordered another one to take home.. Sarah and crew are just as awesome as the food, super accommodating, warm and friendly fantastic customer service. We'll be back. EL Cortador deserve a Michelin star..

My wife and I had an excellent lunch this week. The service was first class as usual and the staff are always helpful and friendly. We had bread and alioli, followed by patatas bravas, chorizo in red wine and garlic mushrooms. All very, very tasty!!...

Deffo one to check out, tapas is well priced comes out super quick, no pretentiousness just good old taberna grub for very little money, would recommend th finca manzano gran reserva. Well done guys keep it up.

The menu is simple, with the ever popular standard tapa loved by Brits; paella, croquettes, gambas and of course bread with a punchy aioli. The staff are friendly, approachable and good at what they do. For us this is a much frequented restaurant for simple...

Another wonderful visit to El Cortador. Of all the tapas restaurants in east Kent, this is our best choice. Always excellent and such good value for such beautiful food. Thank you!

Really enjoyed the tapas and as a vegan, there was a good choice of food I will defo go back again The atmosphere was excellent too, as we're the staff

Had such a lovely meal at El Cortardor for my birthday. Food was great but it was the service that was the best. So friendly and down to earth! A real gem in Folkestone!

Amazing food and atmosphere. Would definitely go again ❤️ Friendly staff and food arrive promptly. Great selection to order from and we ordered pretty much all of the menu, all delicious!

Brilliant food and wonderful atmosphere

Lovely food, staff very friendly, place very clean. 10/10

Just go and eat here. Ian the owner is a lovely guy, the staff also, the food even better. 🙌

Excellent authentic food with a great wine list and fruity Sangria! A lovely calm cosy atmosphere, a perfect Birthday lunch, thank you.

Lovely and tasty food. Pleasant service

Came here for my daughter's birthday meal. I absolutely loved it and would definitely recommend it.

Such a great place not just for Tapas but for a night out with family or friends. Food is always full of flavours and service is just right - attentive but not pushy.