Espana - Spanish
Shinjuku

Reviewed by Junko Okabe

Address - Tokyo-to, Shibuya-ku, Yoyogi 2-10-10, Tokyo Plaza Bldg 3.4FL Opening hours - 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm (10:00 pm on weekends) Map - See directions Telephone - 3379-1159 Menu - Spanish and Japanese CC - Yes

I wanted to introduce some friends to Spanish cuisine, and since we had already agreed to meet in Shjinjuku, I decided to visit for the first time Espana, a place I had wanted to visit for some time.

It's a very large restaurant on two floors near Shinjuku station's South exit (see directions below), very casual in atmosphere, so I figure it's ideal for big groups or parties, because chances it will be full at any given time are low. The menu is long, rich in typical Spanish dishes on offer at a very reasonable price but, alas, quality isn't all that high. For example, the shrimp with garlic were very greasy and the paella slightly overcooked. I think I will not go back, because there's much better around. I'd rather spend a little more and have dinner at Tio Danjo in Ebisu. If you don't want to go too far, visit Meson Madrid in Higashi Nakano.

Frank's note:

Large restaurant on two floors open since 1975. I know that from the address you wouldn't think so, but it's just meters from Shinjuku station's south exit. From the station turn right. The restaurant is about in front of Citibank, on the opposite side of the street. In the same building there's an African restaurant (Rose du Sahara, see address in this site) and the Turkish Culture center.