Niajo: Taste of Valencia, España

I have heard nothing but good things and now I’m extending the grapevine. 

Niajo, a traditional Spanish restaurant, located just beside Kocoon Spa on the 3rd floor of Nali Garden Patio, has just opened its doors and their paella is really something to talk about.

Alex Sanchez, owner and chef, was most hospitable and professional.  My table of four came hungry and after having shared a bottle of wine, an assorted cheese platter (generous portions and plenty for 4 people for only RMB 95), and their specialty paella (it says it’s meant for two, but it was more than enough for four of us to share; RMB 148) we were delighted to have found such a gem.

Niajo Spanish Restaurant Review: 3/F C305A, Nali Garden North Building, Sanlitun (next to Kocoon Spa)  三里屯北街81号 Tel: 5208 6052

Best Part:

• Generous Portions (huge cheese platter & they say their paella is good for 2 people, and in reality it’s good for 4-5 pax).
• Extensive wine selection for good prices
• Spaniards approve the restaurant’s food authenticity
• Casual, bistro setting with nice interior colors & I love open kitchens
• Owner & Chef Alex is a great host

Comments:

• Still in pre-opening stages with printed paper menus and wine list
• Seating is a bit cafeteria style and lighting still needs to be fine-tuned
• Hopefully with Niajo and Let’s Seafood open and also Apocathery’s opening this week, this will bring in more traffic to the Nali Area rather than diffuse the already crowded dining market. My premonition is that Sanlitun area, Nali Patio and Sanlitun Bei is just beginning to blossom and the list of incoming restaurants and bars is only going to continue to expand.

Owner & Chef, Alex Sanchez