Pirata is a Spanish restaurant and tapas bar by Chef Ling Huang. It is a fan favorite of many seeking tapas and paella in Shanghai.

First opened on Xinle Lu in 2014, Pirata is now in its fourth iteration on Xingfu Lu. It has returned in full force, serving pure, unadulterated tapas in an energetic space.

Pirata is a Spanish tapas restaurant and bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

It’s located on the ground floor of a mixed-use commercial building on the quiet side of Xingfu Lu. It’s homey and bursting with character, each corner and shelf festooned with knick-knacks and keepsakes amassed over the years.

There’s a cozy tapas bar for eight that overlooks the food assembly line, a deliciously dangerous pew that will entice you to order more than you should, a cluster of tables packed in the main dining room, and a small patio with outdoor seating.

Pirata is a Spanish tapas restaurant and bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

At full capacity, it’s busy and electrifying yet doesn’t feel crowded. It’s an energy that is reminiscent of Pirata’s first location, a sincere and convivial atmosphere that is hard to find these days.

Pirata is a Spanish tapas restaurant and bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

Tapas make up the bulk of the menu, of which most are Chef Ling’s original “tins,” the moniker given to the smart little bites made with preserved seafood and peppers imported from Spain. (Though, they’re no longer served in tins, and are instead tastefully presented small plates.)

Overall, the tapas are comforting and simple, but simple is best when you’re working with high-quality ingredients.

Pirata is a Spanish tapas restaurant and bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Codfish Liver with Tomato (¥95) – A cold dish of codfish liver, which has a soft, foie-like consistency, over tomato salsa. Served with toasted baguette.
Pirata is a Spanish tapas restaurant and bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Croqueta Ham (¥60/3) – Smooth and creamy potatoes with bits of fried ham, deep-fried.
Pirata is a Spanish tapas restaurant and bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Boquerones Tahini (¥85) – White anchovies cured in vinegar served over a punchy tahini with shredded vegetables, served with toasted baguette. This is delicious.
Pirata is a Spanish tapas restaurant and bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Grilled Coalho Cheese (¥68/2) – A fantastically firm yet light cheese grilled to crust and topped with thick mildly spicy green pepper sauce. Coalho is a “squeaky” cheese that’s similar to halloumi.
Pirata is a Spanish tapas restaurant and bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Fried Spicy Peppers (¥48) – Fried and blistered chilies dusted with flaky salt. A perfect snack in between the other tapas.
Pirata is a Spanish tapas restaurant and bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Squid Wings a la Plancha (¥75) – Superbly tender squid with rough sliced potatoes topped with a poached egg in a savory soy-laced sauce.
Pirata is a Spanish tapas restaurant and bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Valencia Chicken Paella (¥225) – A big ol’ pan of paella cooked in a flavorful stock, studded with bone-in cubes of chicken and romano beans.
Pirata is a Spanish tapas restaurant and bar in Shanghai. Photo by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.
Basque Cheesecake (¥40) – This is so perfect, I can’t even. It’s crusted, served cold, and yet still has an oozing and melty center. Definitely order this.

As for drinks, there’s Estrella Gallicia on draft fro ¥25/¥45, wines by the glass starting from ¥50 and bottles from ¥185, and a handful of G&Ts from ¥65.

Pirata
Address: No. 101, 110 Xingfu Lu, near Fahuazhen Lu 幸福路110号101单元, 近法华镇路
Tel: 13501687096
Hours: Mon-Sat, 5:30pm-midnight