šŖšø Cadena Restaurant & Tapas in Ottawa
š 385 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2A 1Y8 On St. Patrickās Day, I decided to check out this Spanish restaurant recommended by a friendāand what a lovely choice it was! š We arrived around 6 PM and were the first table, which gave us plenty of time to peruse the menu and soak in the cozy vibe. Let me share all the delicious details! š 1. Traditional Paella (Small) First up, we ordered the Traditional Paella, a classic Spanish dish loaded with goodies: squid, boneless chicken thigh, chorizo sausages, mussels, shrimp, and calamari. š¦š¦ This paella was a colorful feast for the eyes, with vibrant saffron-infused rice forming the base, and tender proteins scattered throughout. While it had a comforting, homey flavor, what really impressed us was the portion sizeāat $59 for a small, it was incredibly generous! Even with two of us sharing, we couldnāt finish it, which meant we got to take some delicious leftovers home. š„”⨠š„ 2. Rabo de Toro Next, we tried the Rabo de Toro, a traditional Spanish braised oxtail dishāand it was a standout! š The oxtail was slow-cooked to absolute perfection: fork-tender, so soft that the meat practically fell off the bone, and packed with rich, savory flavors from the braising sauce. Every bite was juicy and deeply seasoned, making it a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, comforting meat dishes. Itās the kind of dish that warms you up from the inside out! š š° 3. Tiramisu Now, letās talk about the star of the meal: the Tiramisu! ā This was hands down my favorite dish of the nightāand Iād even say itās one of the best tiramisus Iāve had in Ottawa. Light, creamy, and bursting with coffee and cocoa flavors, it struck the perfect balance: rich enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, but not overly sweet. We chatted with the staff and found out itās made by the owner themselvesāno wonder itās so delicious! If you visit, do yourself a favor and save room for this gem. š„° šø Final Thoughts Our total bill, after tax (excluding tip), came to around $106āa great value for the quality and quantity of food we enjoyed! š¤ From the cozy atmosphere to the friendly service, Cadena made for a wonderful St. Patrickās Day dinner spot. Whether youāre craving classic Spanish flavors or just looking for a new tapas spot to explore, this place is definitely worth adding to your list. If youāre in Ottawa and want to dive into delicious Spanish cuisineāpaella, braised oxtail, and unforgettable tiramisu includedāCadena Restaurant & Tapas is a fantastic choice. Ā”Buen provecho! š· #OttawaLife #OttawaEats #OttawaFoodie #OttawaRestaurant #SpanishCuisine #TapasOttawa #OttawaDining #FoodAdventures