Quick Bite

Cervantes of Spain

Hours:  Mon–Thur, noon–10 pm; Fri–Sat, noon–11 pm; Sun, noon–9 pm.

Price: $

Style: An homage to Spain’s greatest literary figure, Cervantes offers a convivial atmosphere for traditional and authentic Spanish and Portuguese fare.

Don’t Miss: Tapas. Chorizo, manchego, croquettes—everything is authentically Iberian. Seafood options are endless—try colas de lengosta, broiled lobster tails ($22), or lenguado a la vasca, filet of sole with clams, mussels, and shrimp in white wine-sherry sauce ($19). Don’t pass up the paella Valenciana—saffron rice simmered with shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, chicken, sausage, and lobster ($22.50). Vegetable paella is $15. Veal, steak, and chicken are reliable. Try pollo al ajillo (lemon, garlic, and olive oil, $12) or pollo de la Mancha (prosciutto, cheese, and spinach, $16).  For dessert, treat yourself to crema catelana ($6) or flan, in original, coffee, or cheesecake flavors ($5).

Heads Up:  In warmer months, you may have to wait for a table on the tented deck, which sometimes features live music. While you won’t need a plane ticket for this Spanish excursion, a train pass might come in handy—the restaurant is nestled in the Cranford station parking lot.

The Scoop:  Light, fruity sangria is available by the pitcher only, so grab some friends, order up some tapas, and escape to España. Wide selection of Spanish wines, exotic cocktails, and sangrias.

What are Quick Bites? Short takes on casual, affordable dining.