Shalom

Description:

• If you're on the hunt for a hipper, potentially younger upmarket dining crowd, you could do worse than to reserve a table in this smart, sexy spot in the south. You'll sense from the smartly attired waitstaff, upbeat lounge music soundtrack, and soothing decor (hand-plastered walls, burnt-wood furniture) that you're in for a night of fun, starting perhaps with one of the legendary mojitos, and then moving swiftly on to a meze platter of hummus, baba ghanouj, tabbouleh, cacik, and various other dips and morsels. Or tuck into a decadent tapas selection that includes skewered fish in a lemon, paprika, and garlic sauce, or dates stuffed with spicy chorizo (absolutely scrumptious). For mains, the Moroccan lamb stew is highly recommended (it's served with wild rice), as are the prawns with romesco paste (made from walnuts, saffron, and pine nuts), and the gallina en pepitoria (grilled chicken breast in a rich wine sauce with toasted almonds). Vegetarians will love the Spanish corn crepes, as well as the goat's cheese and ricotta galette. The decent wine list is dominated by Chilean and Argentinian vintages. Do not pass up the chocolate lasagna when you're offered dessert.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010