Spaintei is an experience. A Spanish restaurant, specializing in paella, with a luxurious interior inspired by Gaudi architecture and utilizing Spanish tiles, it really is a taste of Spain! The stunning replica of the Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, as you can see in the feature photo above, maximizes the Spanish vibe. The intricate, colorful stained glass windows are an added bonus. But it was the giant 5.5 meter paella pan outside the restaurant, in West Kawagoe, that first drew me to the restaurant when I moved to the area 18 years ago. I go back time and time again for the food, the wine and the atmosphere.
Spaintei
What I subsequently found out about the aforementioned giant paella pan was that it was once used to cook the largest paella on record. In 1982, just before Spaintei opened, the chef secured the Guinness world record for the largest paella dish ever made. The record has since been outdone, but what an achievement. As you might expect, the restaurant specializes in paella. However, there are other things on the menu if you aren’t that into paella. And the menu is different for lunch time and dinner. At lunchtime I think their Spanish omelettes are the most popular. Moreover, they have impressive collection of Spanish wines, stored in their underground cellar.
From the moment you step into the entrance of the restaurant, first photo above, you are enchanted by atypical interior design. There is so much to look at! The tables and chairs are also different to the norm. Some are mosaic tile tables, others carved wooden tables. A lot of the downstairs seating areas are in beautiful alcoves. The upstairs seating can be reached by either a beautiful curved red staircase, second photo above, or an impressive spiral staircase.
Waiting – in both sense of the word!
It is not uncommon to have to wait to be seated, but you can enjoy the view while you wait, third photo above! The Maître d ‘ is the wife of the head chef. They jointly own the establishment. They are both friendly yet professional and if you are unsure of what to order, are more than willing to help out. Please note though, it is also not uncommon to have to wait a bit for your food. Once we actually waited an hour! But it is always worth the wait!
Information
Restaurant: Restaurante Spaintei, 4 Chome-11-4 Imanari, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-1105.
Hours: It is open Tuesdays to Sundays, closed on Mondays. From 11.30 am to 4 pm (last order 2.30 pm) for lunch and from 5 pm to 10 pm (last order 9 pm) for dinner.
Cost: dinner course prices start from 4500 yen, individual dinner dishes start from 1500 yen, sides start from 500 yen. Lunch meals start from 2000 yen.
Access: about a ten minute walk from Nishi Kawagoe station. There is a parking lot at the side of the restaurant.
In the area: both Saimyouji, where you can see stunning hanachozu, and Kawagoe Park, with impressive autumn colors at this time of year, are both about a 20 minute walk from the restaurant.
wowsers this looks amazing. not sure it totally shouts SPAIN – Gaudi for sure. very cool!