Craving a hearty Spanish meal in a relaxing Mediterranean atmosphere? Does the thought of paella, chilled tomato soup gazpacho, fragrant omelette tortilla and sweet and spicy potato dish patatas bravas make your mouth water?
In the midst of concrete jungle Tokyo, Xiringuito Escriba will satisfy your appetite.
Xiringuito Escriba is located at the newly opened Shibuya Stream beside Shibuya Station, making it the brand’s first foray overseas. Its flagship restaurant opened in 1992 and operates along the Bogatell Beach in Barcelona.
Tokyo, famous for importing cuisines, has much variety for the foodies here. If you’re seeking Spanish food in Tokyo, Xiringuito Escriba is the place to turn to.
Stepping into the restaurant, guests would be greeted by pleasant Mediterranean-styled decor with shades of blue and white and warm wood that’s reminiscent of a seaside beach bar. Because that’s what “Xiringuito” means - a temporary beach bar that usually runs during summer.
However, at Xiringuito Escriba, great food is available year-round.
The number one dish to try is none other than Paella, the star of Spanish cuisine. While the fragrant pan of rice dish can be prepared in countless ways, it typically features meat or seafood with beans.
At Xiringuito, paella is available in four flavors - Escriba (Japanese lobster, red shrimps, clams and mussels); Valencia (Chicken, white kidney and Moroccan green beans); Squid ink (squid ink, red shrimps, clams and mussels); or Vegetarian (mushrooms, broccoli, and Moroccan green beans) - with a base of rice or fideua, a type of short grain pasta.
The Valencia is especially savory as it’s packed full with flavors of slow-cooked meat while the popular choice Escriba offers the sweetness of seafood.
As the Spanish value community, its cuisine is meant to be enjoyed through sharing so make sure to bring a couple of friends or family with you to Xiringuito Escriba! Its paella choices are available in serving sizes of 2-3 (¥2,800 - ¥3,400) or 4-6 (¥6,000 - ¥7,200).
Also, it’s better to visit the restaurant when you have ample time to spare as there’s a minimum waiting time of 20 minutes with the paellas being cooked fresh.
If you’d like to enjoy a good deal, do visit during lunch hours for the paella lunch set or the grill lunch set.
The paella lunch set (¥2,800) includes assorted tapas, a Xiringuito salad, patatas bravas, a Basque cheesecake, coffee or tea and a main dish of paella that serves two to three (top up ¥350/person for the Squid Ink and ¥600/person for the Escriba).
The grill lunch set (¥1,480) offers tapas of the day, a mini salad, bread and a main dish of grilled chicken leg, pork or beef (add ¥500 - ¥1,000).
And what is dining at a Spanish restaurant without some sangria? White, red, sparkling, and Xiringuito Escriba’s special - sake sangria are available here. Beer and wine are available too if those are your choice. Alcoholic drinks go at ¥500 each during lunch.
Xiringuito Escriba is an unpresumptuous alcove in bustling Shibuya to bond with friends or family over a wholesome and delicious meal shared. During lunch on weekdays, it’s a popular hangout for ladies while at dinnertime, the crowd gets more diverse with a mixture of couples, friends and colleagues.
