Post by Chiefeater Christine Siew

Sometime this week, my family and I checked out the newly opened Spanish restaurant El Cero Tapas Y Vinos, located in the vicinity of Jalan Doraisamy's Asian Heritage Row of refurbished 1940s colonial shophouses.

We parked at a 24-hour open air carpark next to Restoran Alam Berkat. It is a pleasant short walk passing by Yarl, serving northern Ceylonese fare or by Nasi Kalut Jitra Mai, the northern nasi kandar establishment, depending on whichever path you choose.

The Ambience

We were greeted with an open hacienda style facade. The restaurant is beautifully renovated with rustic red brick walls and tastefully adorned with art pieces. Our eyes were immediately drawn to large photos of a stunning couple dancing the tango and the La Sagrada Familia. There were cosy intimate small tables plus longer tables for bigger parties. The friendly restaurant manager Victoria warmly greeted us and discreet unobtrusive waiters took orders.

We decided to try paella, a traditional Spanish rice dish that originated in Valencia. We chose Paella Traditional Mixta from the 6 paella variants available.

Whilst our order was being prepared by their 3 chefs, we soaked in the ambience. We were serenaded with contemporary piped Spanish music. Our drinks were served quickly and it was nice to note that they were mindful of their environmental impact by using paper straws. The tables were laid with unique bronze hammered honeycomb patterned plates and steel cutlery.

The Food

Our paella was a feast for the senses. It was colourful with a cornucopia of seafood and garnished with lemon wedges. It came steaming hot in a large shallow metal paellera pan, wafting a briny bouquet, transporting one momentarily to the seaside.

The paella was subtly flavoured and delicately coloured with saffron, literally worth its weight in gold, as each Crocus sativus flower only produces 3 red stamens and blooms for only a week each year.

The tiger prawns were fresh and succulent with crunchy feelers. The green mussels, scallops and clams came with shells, definitely rendering the simmering seafood broth intensely flavourful. The squid came in springy bite-sized pieces. The al dente peas provided a contrast in texture to tender morsels of diced red capsicum, which lent a reddish tinge to the dish.

The Spanish short grain rice was moist; every grain plump, nutty and chewy. It was reminiscent of Arborio rice used for Italian risotto. The rich and complex flavour was on point, satisfying and memorable.

Would I recommend El Cero? The answer is a resounding YES!

Other offerings include tapas, pizza, pasta, burgers, salads and desserts. No pork lard is used. Main dishes range from RM 50-100. Non-alcoholic drinks are between RM 6-36. Alcohol, including Sangria, is also available.

El Cero is currently having breakfast and set lunch at 15% off. Dinners are at 10% discount. There is also 10% off for birthday parties, company events and special occasions. Please click the WhatsApp link below to make a reservation.

Business Hours
Opens Daily
09:00 am - 11:00 pm