A 5 is tough to give out and was really between it and a 4.5. Here is why I went with the all-elusive 5 rating. For some background, I have been all over Spain as well as to Portugal...so the bar was pretty high for Spanish food in Pittsburgh.
First, we ended up going there for an early dinner and lucked out getting reservations online for the time we wanted (everything after it was booked). We ordered multiple tapas, paella, and a round of sangria....and we were not disappointed.
Sangria (4.5/5) -- The sangria was very good. Not 100% authentic to the ones in Spain, but still excellent. Seems like they use a sweeter red or more sugar than their counterparts abroad.
Patatas Bravas (5/5) -- So no joke, these possibly were the best patatas bravas I have ever had. Perfectly crispy potatoes with a great garlic aioli on top and the spicy tomato sauce on the bottom. Only place I think I have had them were they were comparable and on par was at Platea in Madrid.
Churrasco Con Papas (4.3/5) -- Openly going to admit I didnt eat much beef while on the Iberian Peninsula in any of my trips. The skirt steak was perfect cooked medium, sliced super thin. The chimichurri was ok, but just a tad too much of a vinegar note. Let me note though that at least one other person in our group thought it was the best dish.
Calamar a la Romana (4.8/5) -- Tough to go wrong with fried calamari, but the quality of ingredients were evident. Great batter. Great calamari. Where Pallantia hits a home run is with their spicy paprika aioli. Good lord, bottle that up!
So paella always takes a long time to cook and I believe the menu actually says to allow for 25 mins (which is actually on the low end of preparation/cook time from places I have been). With the tapas already enjoyed, we were simply enjoying relaxing between the two courses. The paella took a little longer than I think the staff expected (maybe 40 mins total time), but the staff brought out two tapas on the house without us complaining or even mentioning a word....and I am grateful they did as the two tapas they brought were delicious.
Croquetas de Serrano (4.8/5) -- Can never go wrong with fried croquettes filled with Spanish ham. Perfectly crunchy exterior and completely soft interior. Smoky goodness. They put it on top of their paprika aioli, which as I said earlier and will say again.....bottle that stuff up as it is gold!
Whipped Goat Cheese (4.7/5) -- So simple, yet so delicious. Served with some grilled baguette. One person from our group was eating the remaining cheese from the serving dish once the bread was gone.
Then comes the paella, which I would give a 4.5. It was really good with mussels, clams, and shrimp sitting on top and then divers scallops and calamari mixed in with the rice. Was cooked perfectly. Reason why I docked it some points is I have had some amazing paellas in Barcelona with some different seafood combinations that just blew my mind. Definitely dont get me wrong, I would still recommend the paella at Pallantia without a doubt.
Finding good, close to authentic Spanish is not something you expect to find in Pittsburgh. I still need to try Morcilla (been to Mallorca, which is decent but not overly impressed), but it will be tough to make that decision when feeling hungry for Spanish food knowing Pallantia is right up in Shadyside.