Shenzhen Bay has a lot of new restaurants that represent a better spread of international cuisine. We went to try a highly recommended Spanish tapas place.
Lavo Tapas & Bar is not affiliated to the Lavo in LV or Singapore (which are actually Italian restaurants and bars). But they are operating a similar concept – tapas bar and live music venue.
Despite a rather short list of tapas, we still managed to order a few classic items. I was just disappointed that the classic patata bravas was not available.
Tapas Signature Salad
Cold-Cuts / Soft Cheese / Spicy Citrus dressing
The spicy citrus dressing was made with EVOL, balsamic vinegar and honey with a hint of mustard. The burrata cheese was delicious but it was a bit dry. If only the mesclun was fresher, it would have been an excellent start to the meal.
36 Months Aged Iberia Bellota 5J Ham
Black Truffle Honey
“5J” Jamon Iberico Bellota Spanish ham from acorn-fed Iberian black pigs, cured and aged for at least 36 months, freshly hand-sliced off the bone. The truffle infused honey balanced the savouriness of the ham and accentuated the light acorn taste.
Sea Scallops
Cod Fish Crackers / Salmon Roe / Cucumber Yoghurt
The cod fish crackers tasted like the childhood snacks that we had except that they were crispy. The raw scallops were marinated with lemon, EVOL and truffle oil. The cucumber infused yoghurt acted as the palate refresher while the ikura added crunch and salt. A well thought thru tapas.
Mixed Beetroot
Feta Cheese / Crème Fraîche
The beetroot tasted like those from the supermarket. The creme fraiche was not fresh, what an irony. This was the only fail for the evening.
Iberico Bellota 5J Ham Croquette
Garlic Aioli
Croquette was always nice. Didn’t notice the ham, but the garlic aioli hit the spot. The croquette was really creamy inside and crispy on the outside.
Chorizo & Garlic Prawns
The chorizo provided the spice and heat to the garlic prawns sautéed in olive oil. Bread was extra cost, which was a bummer. Else the prawn oil would be hit to dip with bread.
Slow Cooked Garlic Ox Tongue
Romesco Sauce
Thick cuts of ox tongue slow cooked with a nice braise. The romesco sauce formed the base of the plate. It would be nicer if this tapas came out hot.
Seafood Paella
Garlic Aioli
A single portion of paella, but enough to share for two when you ordered so many tapas. The rice was cooked to local palate, which was really soft and fluffy that it’s almost like a risotto. Would prefer another type of aioli than garlic.
The tapas bar is located at one of the most exciting area in Shenzhen, and some say China. Shenzhen Bay area has seen an explosion of investments into the area, with Tencent and many other 5G corporations setting up their HQ here. To run a non-Chinese restaurant in China has always been tough. But hopefully with the metropolitan crowd in the area, they can survive the lack of interest.
Lavo Tapas & Bar
B103-105, Shenzhen Bay Sport Center, No.3001 Binhai Da Dao, Nanshan District
Tel : (0755) 86665546
Date visited : Jan 2022
0 comments on “Lavo Tapas & Bar @ Shenzhen”