There are some amazing Spanish food places here. Here are our reviews of Spanish restaurants in Hong Kong, as well as some tapas bars, for divine dishes. Think Iberian pork, patatas bravas and perfectly-executed tacos – buen provecho!
Spanish restaurants and tapas bars on Hong Kong Island
Qué Pasa Tapas y Vino
We always look forward to visiting charming Tai Hang, and on entering Qué Pasa (Spanish for “what’s up?”), we find a modern and airy dining room with a bustling open kitchen, and a large bar to the rear. It’s a great first impression – and the prompt arrival of our jar of red sangria keeps the happy vibes going. The menu is varied and well-priced with plenty of tapas, paellas, cured meats and enticing selections from the Mibrasa charcoal oven, including cauliflower and chick pea, octopus, chicken, ribeye and suckling pig.
Tapas treats and more
Our focus tonight is on tapas, though, and we start with zingy tomato bread and a dish of boquerones (anchovies), simply prepared with a little garlic to let their freshness shine. A platter of 30-to 40-months-aged Jamón Ibérico is truly outstanding. Next comes Truffle Bikini, a Barcelona style toastie that’s full of flavour, and patatas aioli, crispy and fluffy – and you’d never know they’d seen any oil. Last comes another hot skillet triumph: plump Basque chistorra (a type of chorizo) sautéed and finished in cider.
From the Mibrasa oven, the quarter suckling pig was crispy and succulent, served with a delightfully creamy mash and sherry jus. To finish, Spanish cheesecake with a fabulous citrus sauce is something to behold, as is the Espresso flan, creamy and sinful.
Why we love this Spanish restaurant in Hong Kong
So, what’s up at Qué Pasa? Tantalising tapas and smiley buzzing staff, that’s what – even a proud barman who checked that our sangria was just how we like it.
Karl Woodbury
98 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang
9169 0298 | quepasatapas.com
El Cerdo – great Spanish food in Soho
We arrive at intimate Soho eatery El Cerdo to find diners out on the front terrace and a real buzz inside. After the warmest of welcomes, we’re seated at our table, and it soon becomes clear that the team here are passionate about their food and take great pride in everything they deliver.
We start with some spectacular Sangria, before the first dish appears, Thinly Sliced Cured Pork Blood Sausage ($68) – it’s a perfect bite, with the warm bread straight off the plancha. Then there’s the Crispy Cristal Bread ($48), topped with a refreshing zingy blend of grated fresh tomato and onion with extra virgin olive oil – a lively start.
Iberian Ham Croquetas ($48) are an absolute treat, with a crisp crumb encasing the savoury delights of jamon and cheesy mash. Padron Peppers ($88) are vibrant green and simply seasoned with sea salt, with a gentle bitterness that cleanses the palate. And the Patatas Bravas ($62) are unctuous and well balanced. Each dish is served with the broadest of smiles, probably because the front-of-house team knows exactly what our reaction will be as we bite into it!
Grilled Asparagus ($108) comes wrapped in Serrano ham with a 64-degree-Celsius egg sitting proudly on top. The soft white soon reveals a glorious golden yolk to dress the dish. Crispy Pork Belly ($88) is naturally sweet and the accompanying quince aioli is well thought out. Grilled Lamb Tenderloin Skewers ($118) are cooked to perfection with a dusting of spice and a tantalising deep emerald parsley sauce on the side.
Other tasty options
All these top-notch tapas are a symphony of colour, texture, balance and flavour. Other dishes to catch our eye include the Moorish Spiced Meatballs, and the Mini Beef Burger, which features grilled chorizo, quail eggs and a romesco sauce. The classic tortilla with potato, egg and onion and a mushroom medley in sherry will also have to wait until next time.
Seafood lovers have plenty to rejoice about here, too: the Crispy Squid served with garlic, chilli and lemon aioli is popular, as are the Sizzling Prawns and the Octopus with Paprika. The Grilled Hokkaido Scallops are a signature dish – they come with sweetcorn purée and crispy pork belly. There’s paella on the menu, too.
Pretending we had room for dessert, we dived into the Basque-style Burnt Cheesecake ($78) as if we hadn’t eaten for days. Rich and tangy, it was well worth the calorie hit. Churros ($58) were even more of a triumph – delightfully crisp, and the hazelnut in the Nutella sauce was a winner.
Why we love this Spanish restaurant
Simon Lynch and his enthusiastic, talented team deliver a tapas experience that’s second to none. It’s always such a joy and a privilege to be in a restaurant where the passion and pride is so obvious. The wait staff are fun, lively and efficient and the wonderful buzz never stops. What an amazing night. Bravo El Cerdo, bravo.
Karl Woodbury
38 Elgin Street, Central | 2832 9222
77 Tai Pa Street, Tsuen Wan | 2882 3811
hkelcerdo.com
La Rambla by Catalunya – a Spanish restaurant with a view
La Rambla has long been a Hong Kong favourite and a recent refresh beaconed us for a visit. The renovated interiors inspired by renowned Catalan artist Antoni Gaudi create a bold and bright dining space with subtle nods to traditional Spanish décor.
But we were here for an alfresco dining experience on La Terraza, the restaurant’s expansive outdoor space offering some of the city’s finest harbour views. Inspired by Barcelona’s beach culture, the terrace has an extra-long high table that takes centre stage. It’s perfect for communal dining. For a more intimate dining experience, there are smaller tables and comfortable couch-style seating.
Talented Executive Chef Rafa Gil (of Netflix’s The Final Table fame) is passionate about his menu. He chooses the best quality ingredients and his attention to detail is second to none. Chef Rafa has introduced some new dishes while retaining his much-loved classics.
On our visit, we concentrated on the tapas menu, starting off with Boquerones. These marinated Spanish anchovies are paired with slivers of roasted red pepper, garnished with an almond emulsion and served with homemade potato crisps. Classic Spanish flavours all in one bite!
An array of Catalunya classics followed, including Pa Amb Tomàquet (tomato bread), Ham, Cheese and Truffle Bikini, Patatas Bravas with Alioli, and “Broken Egg” (or el huevo roto). Our favourite was “Bomba from ‘Barceloneta’”, the restaurant’s famous smoked potato and meatball topped with a spicy sauce. Also excellent is the Oxtail & Red Wine Caramelised Onion Tart Tatin with Foie Mousse. It features succulent 24-hour slow-cooked Angus oxtail and is truly melt-in-the-mouth.
Desserts and drinks
For a fitting finale for our meal overlooking the harbour, we ordered the Churro Sundae. The crisp and fluffy churros came with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce and berries. Perfect.
John Nugent, Hong Kong’s renowned mixologist, has crafted several new signature cocktails showcasing Spain’s beloved beverage, sherry. The Café Español is a clever take on the classic espresso Martini. With the addition of Pedro Ximénez, it’s a smooth and rich beverage.
I also loved the Cinque Terra Spritz, which is elevated with Tío Pepe Fino Sherry. Of course, there’s a well-curated wine menu with Spanish, French and New World wines alongside sangria, cocktails and mocktails.
Why we love La Rambla
This really is a top spot if you’re looking for Spanish food in Hong Kong. The recent refresh ensures diners will enjoy La Rambla by Catalunya for many more years to come.
Kate Woodbury
3071-73, Level 3, IFC Mall, Central
2661 1161 | larambla.hk
Nuevo Tapas Bar – Spanish tapas in Lan Kwai Fong
Tucked around the corner in LKF’s infamous rat alley (aka Robust And Tasty alley!), Nuevo Tapas is a fun spot where diners are invited to “Come for the tapas and stay for the drinks”.
The bar is well stocked and the team do indeed mix some serious drinks. We started with chilled red wine sangria, refreshing and fruity. There’s a decent menu of small and large sharing plates as well as a couple of mains.
First up, we tried the tender and salty 36-month aged Jamon Iberico ($108), served with chilli peppers and some good bread. It’s a tasty beginning! The Grilled Padron Peppers ($78) and Patatas Bravas ($58) were both nice, but perhaps overshadowed by the next two imaginatively served dishes: Nuevo Wings ($58) may not be traditionally found on a tapas menu, but these super crunchy morsels are moreish, with a good punch of chilli; and the pan-fried Wagyu Beef Cubes ($148) are served on a spoon as an individual bite and are quite simply delicious. The fusion twist to traditional tapas will no doubt please plenty of Hong Kong diners.
Why we love the food at tapas bar Nuevo
Given the location, you can expect good music too, which helps make this tapas bar a cracking night out.
Kate Woodbury
G/F, 8 Wing Wah Lane, Lan Kwai Fong, Central
9080 5271 | IG @nuevo_tapasbar
La Paloma – a taste of Spain in Sai Yin Pun
Native chef Alex Fargas is bringing a touch of Spanish sunshine to Sai Yin Pun. Inspired by a traditional Chiringuito, or beachside cafe, La Paloma is a welcoming, bright and breezy dining room. There’s an open kitchen (I love watching the chefs hard at work) and a small terrace ideal for cooler weather.
There’s also a great menu, with an emphasis on sharing tapas and paella. Starting with the Aperativo menu, we were intrigued by the “air baguettes” (“2 fingers, 1 bite”). My husband chose the Wagyu Beef and Foie Gras ($35), which was finished at the table with a touch of blow-torch theatre, while I tried the Explosive Bacon and Cheese ($35) – and it was exactly that! Both were delicious.
Next up was Jamon Iberico with Crystal Bread ($288), which came smothered in soft tomato. I also love Boquerones (“white anchovies”, $98) – La Paloma does a very good serve with the crunchiest potato crisps. Empanadillas ($118) are stuffed with delicious beef cheek and accompanied by a zesty chimichurri dressing. And the Huevos Rotos ($188) gets an upgrade here with an indulgent serving of foie gras.
To finish, we shared Churros ($88) with chocolate dipping sauce and vanilla ice cream.
Why we love La Paloma
The food is authentic and tasty, and portions are generous and well-priced. The drinks menu has lots of choice, from Spanish wines and beers to interesting cocktails, sherries and digestives. Our pitcher of signature Red Sangria ($398) had just the right kick of vermouth. There’s a also well-priced weekday set lunch ($198) and, as you’d expect, a hearty weekend brunch with a generous free-flow option.
Kate Woodbury
189 Queen’s Road West, Sai Yin Pun
2291 6161 | lapaloma.hk
The Optimist – great value Spanish food in Wan Chai
Entering The Optimist on the ground floor of Hennessy Road, you feel instantly transported to a Barcelona tapas bar. You can stay in that spot and enjoy drinks and tapas from just $48. We had a dinner booking, however, so we made our way up to the 3rd-floor dining room. The décor is welcoming, with hues of lush green providing an understated elegance, offset by some fun and quirky art.
We started with a glass of Prosecco ($80) and our teenager chose a delicious Salty Pineapple and Thyme Mocktail ($60). As we perused the menu, the waiter brought a basket of freshly baked warm bread and aioli.
Hailing from his native Spain, Executive Chef Victor is a recent addition to The Optimist team. He has worked extensively in Asia and this influence can be seen in some of his new dishes.
Top tapas and enticing mains
The à la carte menu is split into sections. From “La Dispensa” (charcuterie and cheese) and “De Tapeo” (tapas), we chose five dishes to share. Pan con Tomate ($55) is a simple but delicious dish of coca bread and the ripest of tomatoes. I single-handedly devoured a portion of perfectly seasoned soft Boquerones ($85). And we tried one of the chef’s newest dishes, Crispy Beef Tripe ($130) seasoned with garlic and chilli served with a housemade romesco sauce. This is bound to be popular with Hong Kong diners! There are also three varieties of croquettes – ours with salty Iberico ham ($120) hit the spot.
Spanish chefs and cooks excel at combining two humble ingredients, eggs and potatoes. Here, the Huevos Rotos ($140) is the perfect example. A bed of crispy potatoes comes adorned with perfectly cooked eggs and more of the Iberico ham. We next chose two dishes from “Platos Principales” (mains).
The evening’s showstopper was the Slow Cooked Lamb Tomahawk ($580), served with roast potatoes. Chef Victor cooks the lamb sous vide and finishes it on the Josper Grill resulting in the perfect marriage of tender lamb and crisp skin. Our daughter was equally enamoured with her chicken dish, Pollo a la Brasa ($210), served with roast potatoes and a punchy smoked chilli sauce. Don’t miss the Truffle Mashed Potatoes ($95), adorned with a generous shaving of truffle.
Desserts and drinks
There are four desserts; Chef Victor recently introduced a Burnt Basque Cheesecake ($110) – it’s among the best we’ve ever tasted. Meanwhile, the soft and decadent Chocolate Mousse ($95) is garnished with olive oil, sea salt and honeycomb crumb. For our next visit, we love the look of the chef’s signature Churro Bao ($120), a playful twist on two classics.
The extensive drinks list includes wines and sherries from Spain. We chose a bottle of Paco Garcia Tempranillo, very well priced at $350.
Why we love it!
As with all Pirata Group restaurants, The Optimist has a good value set lunch (including a 90-minute free-flow Friday lunch – “Frunch” – from just $198) and weekend brunch options.
Kate Woodbury
239 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai
2433 3324 | theoptimist.hk
Spanish restaurants in Kowloon
Rústico
Rústico was recommended to us by the chef of a rival Spanish restaurant. So we just knew we had to head over to Lai Chi Kok and see what all the fuss was about! The welcoming rustic interior with its charming wooden tables, comfy cushions and colourful mosaic tiles is a glorious sight.
We timed our visit to sample the new menu from Rústico’s highly esteemed new head chef, Javier Gomez Barajas. Hailing from Valencia, the home of paella, Chef Javier’s aim is to take Hongkongers on a Spanish odyssey – from the Basque country to the Med and everywhere in between.
Our tasting menu showcased some of the delights you can expect to enjoy here. We started with the salty, tangy serrano ham with caramelised goat’s cheese, and also enjoyed the strawberry and basil shoot salmorejo as a sweet palate cleanser. The “3 Textures” Iberico soup, meanwhile, was deep, intense and topped with crispy potato ‘hay’.
Next came slow-cooked beef cheek, with a crisp morcilla croquette and a vibrant beetroot purée that was a sight to behold against the black slate underneath. We also tried sauteéd chorizo in sherry – well balanced and indulgent – and a delightful caramelised bread pudding with hazelnut ice cream. All more than enough to entice us back!
Other options
The paella and “Juicy Rice” dishes at Rústico are sure to be a huge hit in Hong Kong. The menu also has cod fritters, creamy croquettes, Galician octopus and confit prawns among the tantalising tapas options. The “Middle Course” dishes offer the likes of delicate scallops with pea purée and chorizo, and a robust beef tripe stew with chickpeas.
Among the hearty mains are tempting platters of slow-cooked lamb shoulder and suckling pig, both studded with roasted potatoes and fragrant herbs. The dry-aged meats are a big feature, too – there’s an entire fridge display at the entrance. You’ll also find a separate section dedicated to raw prawns on the menu.
Why we love Spanish restaurant Rustico
We revelled in our Rústico ritual and wish them well with their new direction. Creativity, colour and texture are all in abundance here. The rustic dining room is also a joy to sit in with a jug of house sangria. Until next time… salud!
Karl Woodbury
G/F, D2 Place ONE, 9 Cheung Yee Street, Cheung Sha Wan, Lai Chi Kok
2743 4511 | rustico.com.hk
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