Jamon Y Vino

de Bellotas

Bringing a welcome taste of Spain to the Shanghai cityscape, de Bellotas is a cosy, atmospheric tapas and wine bar that wouldn’t be out of place if found tucked on the back streets of Madrid. And while not many restaurants in Shanghai can specify the origins of their meat, that is de Bellotas’ calling card: the guarantee that each acorn-fed pig once roamed the Iberian peninsula, before it was then cured for 36-48 months and finally carved to paper-thin perfection that melts instantly in your mouth.

Opened in May just off the square of stylish Xintiandi, the neighbourhood nook is decorated with high wooden ceilings, arched doorways, legs of ham hanging over the bar, specials scribbled on framed chalkboards and a diverse crowd of expats and locals, all clamouring to get a taste of the namesake iberico de bellotas. To accompany the other popular dishes like garlic prawns, classic patatas bravas and hearty jamon paella is a short but sweet selection of Spanish wines from ripe regions like Rioja and Ribera del Duero, and plentiful stock of Estrella beer. A word to the wise – the popular restaurant seats only about 30, so be sure to book well ahead for what is certainly the finest Spanish ham in Shanghai.