Spanish is one cuisine that’s not well represented here, so it was with open arms that we welcomed the rebranding of Pearls & Caviar to P&C by Sergi Arola.

The two-Michelin starred chef once said that “food is a necessity, but it should be a pleasure”, so we have high hopes for his new Mediterranean/Spanish restaurant at
Shangri-La Hotel.

The interior of P&C retains its sleek silver appeal with swaying pearl curtains and floor mosaics standing out against black walls and dark wooden furnishings.

The menu is a sizable selection of tapas, starters, seafood, main courses and desserts. The descriptions have us salivating but the waiter keeps us in check, encouraging us to stop at four tapas.

By far my favourite, the smooth patatas bravas come topped with garlic aioli and are filled with a subtly spicy sauce that pops as you bite into the potato. Battling for second is the traditional tortilla, cubes of omelette topped with a delicate sphere of egg yolk.

One tapas we’re not wild convinced about is the asparagus, which sits atop a mountain of cream, sprinkled with a bland black olive-almond crumble.

But we’ve forgotten about it by the time the main course arrives. The al dente rice in the fragrant vegetable paella is mixed with a rainbow of vegetables. Even the half portion is too much for one person.

My guest’s slow cooked veal cheek goes down equally as well – when someone says meat melts in your mouth, this is what they mean. It’s topped with a mild Spanish blue cheese and fresh plum – a delicate balance of tart and sweet.

Speaking of sweet, save room for dessert. While the torrija isn’t worth writing home about, the crema Catalana is a winning combination of caramel and citrus.

The service throughout is laid back and friendly, which gives us time to enjoy the music from JazzArabia, the jazz station that’s broadcasting live from the restaurant.

Location: P&C by Sergi Arola, Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, between the bridges

We say: Traditional Spanish flavours with a Michelin twist

Cost: AED 500 for two

Opening times: Sat-Thu 7pm-11.30pm,
Fri 1pm-4pm and 8pm-11.30pm

Contact: 02 509 8777, shangri-la.com/abudhabi