Pizarro is the first Spanish chef to have received the award, which is given to people who have supported and promoted Spain and her people around the world.
The chef - who runs a string of highly-rated Spanish restaurants in London and Surrey as well as an outpost in the Middle East - was given the award by King Felipe VI of Spain via the Spanish Ambassador in London at a celebration hosted at the Spanish Embassy last week.
Pizarro has played key role in popularising high-quality, authentic Spanish cuisine in the UK.
Originally from Extremadura but now London-based, Pizarro helped establish Spanish food supplier Brindisa’s restaurant business leaving in 2009 as executive chef.
In 2010, he struck out on his own with two Bermondsey Street restaurants: José Tapas Bar and the more formal Pizarro Bermondsey.
Over the years he has expanded his London portfolio, opening another eponymous tapas bar in The City and a restaurant and bar at Royal Academy of Arts.
He also operates a gastropub in Esher, Surrey, called The Swan Inn.
Last year, Pizarro made his debut in the Middle East with a restaurant at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers.
