Bistro Iberia in Highlands serves up authenticity

Some Americans long for that laid-back European lifestyle.

Trading rapidly sipped coffees for calm cups of espresso.

A rushed lunch for conversational tapas and wine.

Well, you're in luck: A little portal to the Iberian peninsula can be found in Highlands.

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Bistro Iberia, a BYOB which opened its doors Sept. 9, 2023, serves cuisine from Spain and Portugal. From the moment you walk in the door, you feel like you're part of the family.

Owners Mike and Alanna Papetti, married for about five years, consider the restaurant their "third child."

"This is a home away from home for both of our kids," Alanna said.

Their children eat everything on the menu, including 3-year-old Josie, who we watched eat pulpo a la plancha (octopus) with gusto.

"This was the first restaurant venture for both of us," Alanna said. "We knew what it should taste like, and then we got a lot of great help to bring it to fruition."

"We didn't exactly approach it like a business venture," Mike added. "We wanted to see this food in this community and bring it to people in the area who've maybe been really longing for it."

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Mike's mother, Linda, born in Brooklyn, often cooks in the kitchen and helped create the menu. Many of the recipes are inspired by her Spanish ancestors.

"My mom always cooked at home ... but when we started visiting Spain [when I was growing up], ... her cooking [went] to a different level," Mike said. "She looked into our history and tried to re-create some of the recipes."

Dishes to try include seafood-heavy shareables like the paella de mariscos, with scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, bomba rice, asparagus and saffron beurre blanc. There's also Porco Alentejana with roasted pork, clams, potatoes and pickled vegetables.

The melt-in-your mouth Gambas Ajillo are fresh Carolina shrimp seasoned with garlic confit, olive oil and smoked paprika. Meat dishes include Chuletas de Cordero, which are lamb chops served with pearl couscous, dried fruit, pistachio crust, chermoulah, haricots and spiced carrot orange demi.

The building, which the family owns, was a post office in the 1930s. The beautifully simplistic wood counter is decorated with large jars of olives, and an espresso machine. The warped tin ceiling and exposed brick walls add to the rustic vibe.

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This is a place where casual meets luxury. In front of the small, low-lit dining room lies a raw piece of plywood next to a small drum set. Every so often, the Papettis invite flamenco dancers on this makeshift floor, just as it would be in Spain. The next time they will visit is Saturday, Aug. 3.

The bistro serves all guests a complimentary glass of Spanish Cava, and encourage visitors to take their time.

"You'll never be rushed coming in here," Alanna said. "We want people to ... relax. It's a very calming atmosphere unlike the hustle and bustle of our daily lives."

Mike said they try to make everything as authentic as possible.

Many details were inspired by Seville, Spain, where the family often travels.

"It's a huge honor to be able to do this because we get to honor our heritage, honor our family," Mike said. "Food is an easy way to connect with people, so we're lucky to be able to share it in this way.

"It's all very personal," he added. "I know my extended family who are no longer with us would be thrilled we're doing this. It hits home."

Go: 122 Bay Ave., Highlands; 732-769-6377, bistroiberia.com .

Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA Today Network New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to glaracca@gannett.com. Follow on Instagram at Jersey Shore Eats and subscribe to our Jersey Shore Eats newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Bistro Iberia in Highlands serves up authenticity