Is this once-upscale Spanish restaurant still worth its prices?

My husband and I have a favorite Spanish place in the city that is known for its lobster, but also reigns supreme in service and paella. So, while our standards were high, we were ready to like Cibeles if only because of its convenience to where we live (especially since I’ve been on crutches).

Walking in, the first thing I noticed was that its decor is a bit past its prime. Not that every restaurant needs to be “updated,” but not everything ages well. If your menu prices can be considered pricey ($97 for one appetizer , small pitcher of sangria, and two entrees), especially for the neighborhood, then you should look it. Cibeles looked to me like a small, generic banquet hall. However, the space is clean and I did still feel like we were having a somewhat special night out. But then I noticed people walking in in jeans and hoodies, and one couple was talking on their cell phones quite loudly. That took the ambience down a few more notches.

Our table ordered the lobster tails in green sauce and surf and turf. As an appetizer, we had the mushrooms stuffed with crabmeat. And, without hesitation, we opted for a pitcher of sangria made with champagne, which is a favorite of ours.

We both enjoyed the mushrooms; they were moist and flavorful in their oniony broth. My salad automatically came covered in a peppery-tomato dressing which was really bold, and I enjoyed that. But make sure to tell them you want the dressing on the side if you’re that kind of person. My husband’s caldo gallego - a traditional soup made with beans and chorizo - was similar to what we’ve had before. It was creamy from the beans and had a peppery meat taste thanks to the chorizo.

For the main course: The lobster tails were fresh and sweet but I didn’t really care for the green sauce they came in. It was goopy and distracted too much from the flavor of the lobster. I would have preferred to have the tails steamed and served as-is. That’s what I get for being curious, I guess. The surf and turf, on the other hand, was more appreciated, although the meat was quite dry for my taste. My husband’s broiled lobster was much better (it didn’t come with sauce). The rice, string beans, and potatoes made solid, enjoyable side dishes.

Despite the mediocre experience, due perhaps mostly to personal preference, it was clear that the food was fresh and prepared with care. And the sangria was the best we’d ever had. I’d come back just for that and their appetizers. We were too full to try their desserts, including flan and rice pudding, which I’m craving as I write this.

So, given the quality of the food, I guess they’re still worth the price for a really special night out. But, personally, if my husband/boyfriend/potential boyfriend really wanted to impress me, this wouldn’t be the place. The ambience just doesn’t match the menu.

La Cibeles
123 Ridge Road
Lyndhurst
(201) 438-9491

— by Donna M.
Both a Jersey native and recent transplant from NYC, Donna M. is obsessed with both good food and grammar.

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