Authentic Iberian cuisine at an affordable price
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ON the second floor of 989 Wuding Road is CAbRA, one of the latest additions to Shanghai’s tapas bars and Iberian cuisine establishments. The menu focuses on appetizing Spanish morsels and boozy beverages, all for equally appealing prices. In terms of ambience, CAbRA is a stylish, minimalist restaurant/bar featuring many goats — the restaurant’s namesake — as well as portraits of Spanish historical figures and light fixtures that add a touch of eccentricity to the otherwise classic, black and white space with marble-topped tables. The exposed ceiling vents, all-but-bare, hanging bulbs, and the jointed lights above the bar that evoke images of a complex molecular structures lend the space an industrial flair and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Said atmosphere is perfect for devouring all of the tasty delicacies featured on CAbRA’s menu. While some tapas bars tend to forget that the small plates originated as snacks sold on the street, rather than accoutrements of fine dining, CAbRA has done an excellent job of keeping their menu unpretentiously authentic and cheap. While the flavors are rustic and authentic, the presentation has a definite sophisticated air about it. The salmon tartare was a beautiful, layered tower of salmon, avocado, and tomato; the flavor was elegant, as the dish was gracefully flavored with wasabi — just enough to accent the dish, rather than overpower the other components. The vegetable croquettes were a flavorsome mixture of cheese and veggies shaped into spheres and deep-fried. Of course, no Spanish meal would be complete without a bowl of olives (which was a bit disappointing, as the portion was small, and the flavor was strangely fruity) and an Iberian platter (a cutting board generously heaped with thinly-sliced serrano ham and chorizo). The best part was that all of this fed a group of four, for around 64 yuan a head. CAbRA also has lunch specials for 88 yuan or 108 yuan, as well as several dinner mains, including steak and paella, which can be eaten individually or shared, but the tapas are definitely the main draw.
CAbRA also has a wide selection of drinks with a variety of gin and tonics, ranging from classics like Beefeater and Bombay sapphire to rarer options, like the Botanist, a Scottish brand, and Monkey 47, a German gin. Moreover, they’re all served in huge chalice-like wine glasses, for an added touch of dramatics. CAbRA also has a variety of wines and sangrias — we each had a glass of the SoLuna Garnacha Blend for only 30 yuan. Plus, as a Spanish restaurant, CAbRA naturally carries many important Spanish alcohols.
CAbRA offers foodies a genuine Iberian eating experience with regional flavors and libations. Indeed, on weekends, the restaurant is generally jam-packed with diners and drinkers alike — we suggest a reservation, just to be safe. This little tapas bar has certainly stolen the hearts of Shanghai expats and local residents. It’s perfect for a late Spanish-style meal or post-work drinks and tapas and its chill European atmosphere and discount Spanish eats are hard to beat.
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