After Balandro quickly became our favourite restaurant in Cádiz, we decided to check out some of the restaurants owned by the same people, in hope that they offered similarly great food. We copied the list from the back of the Balandro menu and resolved to try out all of the other restaurants in the group before the end of our Erasmus year.
First up was Avenida 28, in the new part of Cádiz, an easy bus ride on the number 1 from Plaza de Espana. Avenida 28 had a few tables outside, however we decided to sit inside, as it was getting a bit cooler. The tables inside were the same high tables with tall chairs as in Balandro, each for four people. There were no chairs at the bar as Avenida 28 is much smaller than Balandro, we arrived just after 8 on a Monday and the place empty apart from us, but by 9 it had filled up. Clearly this restaurant is as popular as is counterpart in the old part of Cádiz.
The restaurant has different items to Balandro, so we were excited to explore the new options, they only have menus in Spanish, so at times we wished we had Google translate with us as there was some confusion over what some of the menu items were. There seemed to be more of an arab influence on the menu in Avenida 28, with lots of dishes claiming to be in this style. I opted for one safe option (Toasted Iberian pork with pepper sauce) and one more adventurous option of Arab style solomillo. Both dishes were delicious, and presented very well. The pricing was good as well, with both dishes under €5 each. We had to collect our food and drinks from the bar, which was fine by us. Claire and Kath went for a familiar option that is also on the menu at Balandro, Chicken with cheese in a pizza style, and they both say that they were as pleased with it there as they have been before. The selection of puddings were all so tempting that we opted for a different one each so that we could try a little of each. I had the oreo and mascarpone with strawberry dessert which was delicious, although there was a lot of mascarpone, it seemed like a bizarre collection of things to put together but it really worked. Kath had the three textures of chocolate, which was a tower of dark, milk and white chocolate which was delicious but very rich so we failed to finish it, it’s only downfall was that it was served with custard, which didn’t really seem to work. Claire opted for the brownie and ice cream, which was also served with unwelcome custard, but was delicious and warm apart from that. After this we were all really full, the portion sizes are very fair for tapas.
Avenida 28 is decorated much in the style of Balandro, very light and lots of white with tasteful and elegant decoration. It certainly feels a much more expensive place to eat than it actually is. A meal here will cost between €10 and €20 depending on if you wish to have a pudding and what you choose to drink. I would reccomend a visit.
