La Siesta is an Andalusian restaurant and bar on Shaanxi Bei Lu from chef Sergio Moreno, formerly of The Commune Social and Issac Ye, one of the partners at Tres Perros.

La Siesta, a Spanish restaurant specialized in Andalusian cuisine in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

It’s located next to Bambino and bares a similar layout. La Siesta is small and cozy with bar seating on the first floor and tables on the second floor. The décor is minimal with blue Andalusian tiles framed on eggshell white walls.

La Siesta, a Spanish restaurant specialized in Andalusian cuisine in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
La Siesta, a Spanish restaurant specialized in Andalusian cuisine in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

As for the vibe, it’s similar to that of Tres Perros in how everyone starts the evening seated, and then shortly after being fed, are all standing with a drink in hand.

La Siesta, a Spanish restaurant specialized in Andalusian cuisine in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

Andalusia is the southern part of Spain, surrounded by the Mediterranean and Atlantic Seas. The region dates back to the Roman Empire and has a culturally rich heritage, birthing a diverse cuisine with influences from the Romans and Arabs (Moors).

The menu at La Siesta features some adulated favorites of the region, from cold soups to gambas pil pil and Flamenca eggs, which is mighty similar to a shakshuka. Fino wine, tasty tapas, seafood, summer soups, hearty stews, and cold beer.

La Siesta, a Spanish restaurant specialized in Andalusian cuisine in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Berenjenas con Miel (¥36) – Addictive sticks of deep-fried eggplant coated in honey. Light, airy, and not at all greasy, like sweet and savory fries. It’s a popular dish from Córdoba, the capital of Muslim Spain. Highly recommended.
La Siesta, a Spanish restaurant specialized in Andalusian cuisine in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Mejillones al fino con Alcachofas (¥60) – Stewed mussels with sherry fino wine, shaved artichokes, and herbs.
La Siesta, a Spanish restaurant specialized in Andalusian cuisine in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Croquetas de Jamon (¥55/four) – Ham croquettes with truffle mayo.
La Siesta, a Spanish restaurant specialized in Andalusian cuisine in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Tosta de Bacalao (¥60) – Codfish adobo on toast with garlic mayo and arugula.
La Siesta, a Spanish restaurant specialized in Andalusian cuisine in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Ajo Blanco & Boquerones (¥36) – A cold soup made with almonds and garlic topped with anchovies, slivers of green apple and green grapes. Appetizing and summery.
La Siesta, a Spanish restaurant specialized in Andalusian cuisine in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Antequera-Style Salmorejo (¥36) – Salmorejo is a cross between a sauce and a soup, similar to a gazpacho but thicker. Made with a tomato base topped with crispy bits of ham and quail eggs.
La Siesta, a Spanish restaurant specialized in Andalusian cuisine in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Gambas al Pil Pil (¥60) – Andalusian garlic prawns. Plump and bouncy prawns that comes out sizzling in garlic oil. A dish that screams to be paired with bread. Must-order.
La Siesta, a Spanish restaurant specialized in Andalusian cuisine in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Huevos a la Flamenca (¥58) – Eggs baked in a tomato stew with spicy chunks of chorizo, green peas, and potatoes. Smoky, peppery, and comforting. It’s brunch for dinner.
La Siesta, a Spanish restaurant specialized in Andalusian cuisine in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Albondigas de la Abuela (¥68) – Grandma’s style beef and pork meatballs molded milk-soaked bread served with an almond sauce that’s been fortified with chicken stock. Hearty and comforting.
La Siesta, a Spanish restaurant specialized in Andalusian cuisine in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Flamenquin Cordobés (¥68) – Córdoba style fried pork rolls that have been stuffed with ham and cheese. A crowd pleaser.
La Siesta, a Spanish restaurant specialized in Andalusian cuisine in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Pluma Iberica (¥148) – Iberian pork pluma (a neck-end section of pork loin with incredible texture) crusted in smoky Moroccan spices and cumin seeds, served with buttery mushrooms and roasted peppers. The spices come off a little strong, but I loved it.
La Siesta, a Spanish restaurant specialized in Andalusian cuisine in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Picanha (¥188) with mushrooms and potatoes.
La Siesta, a Spanish restaurant specialized in Andalusian cuisine in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Flan de Coco (¥42) – Palo Cortado sherry wine and coconut custard flan. Yum!
La Siesta, a Spanish restaurant specialized in Andalusian cuisine in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Tarta de Manzana (¥42) – Chef Sergio’s grandmother’s recipe. Apple cake with rosemary. A cross between an apple pie and a focaccia.

That’s basically the entire menu.

As for drinks, house wine, red or white is ¥38. Jerez fino is ¥55, Estrella Galicia is ¥25 for a small glass (so it stays ice cold and fresh) or ¥30 for a 330ml bottle. Gin and tonics start at ¥55, and there are a couple house cocktails from ¥40.

La Siesta, a Spanish restaurant specialized in Andalusian cuisine in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Chato (¥38) – Sherry Manzanilla, white vermouth, Aperol.

La Siesta
Address: 600 Shaanxi Bei Lu, near Xinzha Lu 陕西北路600号, 近新闸路
Tel: 15021705817
Hours: Mon-Fri, 4pm-midnight; Sat-Sun, 11:30am-midnight