When it’s time for fiesta…
It’s no secret that the V&A Waterfront is littered with a flurry of eateries and sundowner spots, which locals and out-of-towners flock to after a spot of shopping. But somehow it’s been missing a cool destination restaurant (not a pitstop during retail therapy) – a place where the vibe is as hot as the food and drinks on offer!
That was until La Parada swung open its doors!
The Spanish-styled tapas joint, which already has well-trodden branches on Bree Street and Constantia Nek, occupies a double-volume space in the Dock Road section of the V&A and boasts stunning views of Table Mountain, the buzzy marina and the passing trade.
Spanish style at La Parada
Located in the spot that was once the home of Mondiall Restaurant, La Parada draws inspiration from its scenic surrounds, and is stylishly decked out with hanging plants, tiled archways, postered walls and accents of wood, exposed brick, marble and tropical wallpaper, giving it a decidedly Catalan feel, reminiscent of a tapas joint on Las Ramblas. The two-tiered bar area at the entrance spills onto a paved outside section, with views of the passing trade, while the double-volume interior has a private upstairs lounge and dining section – there’s even talk of a whisky bar!
Tasty tapas at La Parada
The menu features all the popular favourites diners have come to enjoy at the other two branches. The outstanding selection of tapas, mains, sides and desserts has been devised by a passionate team headed by chef Roche Rossouw. “We serve everything from smart, snack-style plates like prawn croquetas to more robust offerings like our famous crispy pork belly and grilled cheese with ham and truffle,” says Roche.
We visited the 250-seater restaurant a week after it had opened (in November 2018), and were stunned at how full it was! Brian and Musa who served us were friendly and knowledgeable, but warned us that service might take a little longer than desired, because of teething problems. They were right… but it wasn’t a problem for us – we were too busy taking in the cool decor and the buzzy vibe inside and out to let the slight delay bother us. (If you can, sit at a marina-facing table and watch the selfie/influencer brigade go about their shoots – it’s quite a thing.)
When it arrived, our food was worth the wait! We recommend: sharing! The tuna tacos, flash-fried chilli-and-garlic prawns, patatas bravas, broccolini, seared fillet, and duck croquetas. (I’m sure if we’d ordered anything else, we’d recommend it, too.) Order two plates of prawns – cooked in their shells, the seasoning is spot on, with just the right amount of bite, and a sauce that lines and lingers in your mouth long after the last bite.
Says chef Roche: “Whether guests are popping in for a cheeky martini and a few shared plates, or are planning to linger longer, there’s something on the menu that’ll match any food mood”.
Hasta luego! (See you there!)
