Casas PePe Tapas and Bar

By David Liebenberg (bestfoodinchina.net)
Updated: 2009-01-13 15:02

Tapas restaurants have been spreading around Shanghai like wildfire recently. However, Casas Pepe separates itself from the pack with its cozy and inviting atmosphere, affordable tapas and drink specials, and subtle ingredient choices that elevate a tapas dish from good to great.

Casas Pepe is tucked away in an oasis-like alley on Hongmei road. Approaching the restaurant is a bit like taking a stroll through a charming European town with the cobble- stone roads and lush trees. It’s easy to imagine customers in the summer time sipping espresso outside and reading the paper. The well-lit interior reinforces the relaxed geniality of the environment outside. The warm red walls adorned with photos of satisfied customers shout small-town friendliness. The Spanish music (played at perfect volume) doesn’t hurt either.

And then there’s the food. When you think Spanish cuisine, you are going to think “tapas and sangria.” Pepe excels at both. For the uninitiated, the tapas experience means ordering several small dishes from a diverse menu to facilitate sharing, experimentation, and conversation. Those worried that small dishes might leave one with an empty stomach can rest assured when dining here. Three tapas were more than enough for two people.

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