El Gato Gordo

A tightly-packed, high-energy Spanish tapas bar tucked into a side street in central St Helier, with bare brick walls, close-set tables and an open kitchen that keeps small plates coming all evening. The menu is short and confident - pan con tomate, jamón ibérico, padrón peppers blistered and salted, garlicky prawns, plus a daily fish special chalked up depending on what's landed. Wine and sherry by the glass are well chosen and the staff are happy to recommend a run of dishes to share rather than ordering everything at once. It's a noisy, sociable spot best suited to couples and groups who want to graze over a few hours rather than sit through a formal three courses, and on a busy Friday the buzz spills out onto the pavement.

It's a tiny space with limited tables, so book ahead for weekend evenings or expect a wait at the bar.

££ - sharing plates.

Evenings; closed Sun/Mon typically.

Central St Helier.

Step into bar.