Hidden Gem: Mochuelo

Formerly called Oliver’s Pub, Mochuelo features a fresh, contemporary spin in a local iconic hotel.

Located in Hotel Piccadilly, the restaurant specializes in Spanish-style tapas and handcrafted cocktails.

“The idea for Mochuelo had been brewing in our minds for many years,” says Gene Chien, the owner of Hotel Piccadilly.

Chien was inspired to open the restaurant after he and his wife, Phoebe Shih, visited Spain during their honeymoon.

They fell in love with the architecture, the culture and the food — especially in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona.

“We wanted to introduce the flavors of Spain and yet stay true to our Californian roots,” he says.

Mochuelo, which means “little owl” in Spanish, opened in 2017. The menu is a California fusion of Spanish-style tapas with a French flair. The executive chef, Megan Done, creates shareable dishes like bacon-wrapped dates, potato-stuffed croquettes, roasted Brussels sprouts and Moroccan-style street tacos.

Chien says the most popular dishes are patatas bravas (fried potatoes with a spicy Parmesan sauce), lamb meatballs, gambas al ajillo (jumbo prawns with herbs and chili oil) and seafood paella.

“The most talked about dish would have to be the salted caramel bread pudding made from buttery brioche,” Chien says.

The restaurant is stocked with international wines from Portugal and Spain, as well as local wines from Moravia Wines in Fresno. There are also 12 taps that pour California beers like the General Sherman IPA from Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company, the Nitro Merlin from Firestone Walker Brewing Company and the Tangerine Wheat by Lost Coast Brewery. Guinness is also served as a nod to Oliver’s Pub, Chien says.

Cocktails change depending on the season, but you can expect concoctions infused with herbs and fruit like raspberries, citrus and cucumbers.

Hanging from the ceiling is a large piece of artwork comprised of gold forks and spoons, which took more than 100 hours to construct.

The restaurant includes a pet-friendly patio that features a mural of local landmarks like Half Dome and giant sequoia trees.