Spanish cuisine is probably the one cuisine that hasn't been adapted to fit the tastes of different cultures - speaking from my personal observations. Italian pizza has been turned into the equally tasty NY and Chicago-styles, Kimchi is widely seen these days on fries, and seriously? Panda Express for chinese food? However, this also means we don't get to experience Spanish cuisine as much. At Tomatitto, they serve a wide array of Spanish appetizers in the form of tapas, small plates of vibrant hot and cold dishes. Of course, they have traditional mains of mouth-watering seafood paella and a decadent rice pudding for desert.
With additional locations in Saigon and Singapore, it's fair to say that Tomattito is an international chain. The homey atmosphere of their restaurants probably play a role in its popularity. Spanish advertisements, magazines, and paintings hung up on the walls add a lively pop to the restaurant.
Even with their bright signs and olive-colored walls, the restaurant still doesn't feel messy or full of clutter. With amber hues cast by the lanterns hanging above, the restaurant setting really immerses you in the dining experience.
The kitchen is simply stunning, with its open feature and neon letters of the restaurant name displayed above. A deep green backdrop of the kitchen also makes it so much more visually appealing.
Dishes
Scallop and Avocado Puree - est. 120 rmb
While some might say using edible flowers is cheating, the presentation was still very elegant. The sweet and fresh scallops almost melted in my mouth, and the buttery avocado puree was amazing. One minor let-down was the flavor profile of the onion jam placed above. It was intriguing on its own with sweet and spicy notes, but it became overpowering when combined with delicate scallops.
Sea Urchin "Taco" - est. 35 rmb/serving
The shiny sea urchin and saffron on top might catch all the attention, but a seaweed flavored icecream underneath the toppings is what really makes it a special dish. Enveloped in layers of a puffed-up wrap and roasted seaweed, the icecream is hidden and surprises you as soon as you take a bite. You have to give it a try for its creativity.
Chicken and Rocket Salad. - est. 90 rmb
Along with a mild vinagrette dressing, the salad had a great combination of textures: crispy shallots, leafy rockets, and juicy chicken. While it doesn't scream Spanish cuisine, the chicken and rocket salad was a nice break away from traditional mediteranian flavors.
Grilled Octopus with Potatoes - est. 140 rmb
Pulpo Gallego is a popular Spanish tapas item, often prepared for festivals and parties. The secret ingredient is Pimenton, a Spanish version of Paprika powder. A pile of grilled potatoes and octopus are stacked up. Then some olive oil is applied as the finishing touch. The Octopus had a soft and tender interior that paired well with hearty potatoes. Homemade mayonnaise on the side was also fabulous as a creamy dip.
Tapas - est. 250 rmb
For a pile of rice, 250 rmb? That had me flabbergasted as well when I saw the menu. When the paella was delivered to our table, I still had my doubts. Sure, there was a great amount of seafood, but it didn't seem worth it. As soon as I opened one of the clam shells, I could see that the seafood treasures on the paella were top notch. The mussels and clams were bursting with sea water, the prawns were flaky but still held together, and the rice was packed with seafood flavor. While it was definitely the best paella I had ever had, I'm not sure its worth 3 extra tapas items.
Rice Pudding with Dulche De Leche - est. 60 rmb
A specials desert at Tomattito, the item is a Spanish variant of the universal "rice pudding." The sticky and (just sweet not to be sickly sweet) rice pudding is topped with a refreshing ice cream to cut through the richness. While it was a great finish to the meal, it was very heavy. Definitely better to share across 2 or 3 people.
Overall Summary
Tomattito is located in the heart of Shanghai, Xintiandi. With its superb location, follows the downside of higher prices. However, tomattito's conspicuously Spanish decorations, their considerate service, and well-lit atmosphere deserves a visit on a special ocasion. To truly experience the somewhat obscure cuisine of Spain and their traditional culinary feature of tapas-style dining, Tomattito is highly recommended.
Address: Shanghai Huangpu District, Hubing Rd No. 168, 3rd floor
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