Udaberri: Pintxos Y Vino, CBD Adelaide (2 Nov 2012)

11 Leigh Street, Adelaide SA 5000

http://www.udaberri.com.au

For the love of oysters

A locals recommendation I met at Botanic Bar brings me to the recently opened Udaberri where I surprisingly discover some of the best freshly shucked oysters ($3 each) I've ever had in a bar or restaurant. These guys know how to fully respect the Coffin Bay pacific oyster with all its prized brine — the oysters were literally swimming in it. For the die hard oyster lovers this is what it's all about. No need for lemon although a splash of the champagne vinegar supplied worked well for me. Shells were cleanly opened and well-presented. I left it up to the bartender to serve me their signature drink. The White Sangria ($15) is not on menu and was worth trying. A likable and refreshing alternative to a red wine sangria. 

The Banderilla ($2.50 each) sounded interesting on the menu and flavours worked well together but it's a tiny serving. Seemed expensive for such a small appetiser. The Jamon seranno gran reserva ($15, 50 grams) was thinly sliced and a decent size to share between two. The bread was fresh and went nicely with the jamon. Apparently during the night pintxos are available for $2. I sampled their mushroom cheese crepe which was very tasty. The bar reminded me of being back in San Sebastion which is apparently inspiration for atmosphere and vibe they were after. A melting pot of conversations, drinking and snacking on a few tasty and affordable pintxos. I hope to return one day, if not just for their oysters.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: Reminds me of being back in the bars of San Sebastion, Interesting menu, Fun vibe, Efficient and friendly service, Rustic decor

CONS: Very loud, Limited seating, Can get crowded, It's in Adelaide and I live in Sydney 

MUST TRY: Oysters
VERDICT: A fun and popular place for a casual drink and snack. Definitely try the oysters if you like them shucked to order.

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Coffin Bay oysters, shucked to order served with champagne vinegar ($3 each) — full of brine and shucked well with minimal shellage
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

White Sangria ($15) — not on menu but signature drink
WORTH TRYING :-)

Banderilla - skewered confit cherry tomato, pickled garlic and queso mahon cheese ($2.50 each) — nice flavours but seems expensive for such a small appetiser

Jamon seranno gran reserva aged 10 months, 50 gram ($15) — decent amount of slicers, thinly sliced, bread fresh
WORTH TRYING :-)

Pintoxos, usually charged at $2 each, mushroom cheese in crepe

Bill $41.50 for one, 6 weeks opened, efficient service, cool bar vibe, loud, popular

Menu

Upstairs seating

Owners Rod and Rowan having a cheeky photo

Team Udaberri

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