Walking into Vida at Paddington was a pure delight, once I negotiated which door was the front door!
The restaurant was hopping with live Spanish music and filled with enthusiastic diners. Located just off Latrobe Terrace, this old building has been home to many restaurants including the well known Mano.
The menu offers a good selection of tapas as well as entrees and mains. Expecting a Spanish menu I was a little surprised by some of the inclusions, including the grilled kangaroo shish kebabs with quince and chocolate sauce, but ready to give them a go.
Guided by the waitress, we choose a selection of four for our table of five to share and were very happy with the result. The slow roasted pork belly was my favourite.
Our mains met with equal approval, although one took a little too long to arrive. My Unohana dumplings, stewed hijiki, miso and dashi broth was an interesting meal, especially on a ‘Spanish menu’, but enjoyable. We didn’t have the churros - fried dough-based pastries sugared and served with a cup of hot chocolate with tequila - for dessert but should have!
