DINING GUIDE

5 Best Spanish Restaurants in Hong Kong You Must Try in 2026

From Authentic Tapas Bars to Modern Spanish Dining

By Kevin C.
#spanish food#tapas#wine bar#wan chai#sheung wan#causeway bay

Discover Hong Kong's vibrant Spanish dining scene with our guide to the city's best tapas bars, wine bars, and authentic Spanish restaurants. From Wan Chai to Causeway Bay, experience the flavors of Spain without leaving the city.

5 Best Spanish Restaurants in Hong Kong You Must Try in 2026

Hong Kong's Spanish dining scene has exploded in recent years, bringing the vibrant flavors of Spain to the heart of Asia. From traditional tapas bars serving authentic pintxos to modern interpretations of classic Spanish dishes, the city now offers an impressive array of Spanish restaurants that rival those in Barcelona and Madrid. Whether you're craving fresh seafood towers, perfectly grilled meats, or classic paella, these five restaurants represent the best of Spanish cuisine in Hong Kong.

1. BÀRBAR - The TripAdvisor Champion in Wan Chai

G/F, 9 Ship Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
wine bartapaswan chai
1. BÀRBAR - The TripAdvisor Champion in Wan Chai

With an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor and ranking #9 out of 13,651 restaurants in Hong Kong, BÀRBAR has quickly become one of the city's most celebrated Spanish dining destinations. Brought to you by the acclaimed @picapicahk team, this vibrant wine bar and tapas restaurant on Ship Street perfectly captures the energy and authenticity of Spanish dining culture.

The contemporary setting creates an atmosphere that's both sophisticated and welcoming, making it ideal for everything from romantic dinners to lively group gatherings. BÀRBAR's commitment to traditional Spanish ingredients and flavors shines through in every dish, while their extensive wine selection showcases the best of Spanish viticulture.

Located just a 4-minute walk from Wan Chai MTR Station Exit B2, BÀRBAR offers both convenience and quality. The restaurant's success—evidenced by 519 glowing reviews—speaks to its consistent execution and authentic approach to Spanish cuisine.

Must-Try: Traditional tapas, Spanish wine selection

Rating: 4.9/5 on TripAdvisor (#9 in Hong Kong)

Perfect For: Wine lovers, tapas enthusiasts, special occasions

Location: 4 minutes from Wan Chai MTR Exit B2

2. Pica Pica - Contemporary Spanish Tapas in Sheung Wan

G/F, 323 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
contemporary tapassheung wanbusiness lunch
2. Pica Pica - Contemporary Spanish Tapas in Sheung Wan

Pica Pica has established itself as a cornerstone of Hong Kong's Spanish dining scene, earning a stellar 4.8 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor and ranking #17 out of 13,649 restaurants. Led by the talented Chef Edgar Sanuy, this contemporary tapas bar on Des Voeux Road Central offers a modern take on classic Spanish dishes in an energetic and colorful environment.

The restaurant's industrial-meets-welcoming atmosphere, featuring wood and brick decor, creates the perfect backdrop for drinks and tapas. What sets Pica Pica apart is its ability to honor traditional Spanish flavors while presenting them with modern flair and creativity. The menu showcases Chef Sanuy's expertise in reimagining Spanish classics, making each dish both familiar and exciting.

For working professionals, Pica Pica offers a business lunch menu Monday through Friday, making it an excellent choice for both casual dining and business meetings. The restaurant's reputation as a go-to place for laid-back nights filled with tasty bites has made it a favorite among locals and expats alike.

Specialty: Traditional tapas with modern interpretations

Rating: 4.8/5 on TripAdvisor (#17 in Hong Kong)

Perfect For: After-work drinks, business lunches, casual dining

Bonus: Business lunch menu available Mon-Fri

3. The Optimist - Barcelona Chic in Wan Chai

G/F, 239 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
northern spanishseafoodasadorwan chai
3. The Optimist - Barcelona Chic in Wan Chai

The Optimist brings the sophistication of Barcelona to Wan Chai with its three-floor establishment that offers an authentically generous Northern Spanish dining experience. This Asador-inspired restaurant on Hennessy Road specializes in the hearty, flavorful cuisine of Spain's northern regions, known for their emphasis on high-quality ingredients and expert grilling techniques.

The restaurant's impressive seafood towers showcase the freshest catches, while their grilled prime cuts demonstrate mastery of the Asador tradition—the Spanish art of grilling over open flames. Traditional Spanish tapas round out the menu, providing a comprehensive tour of Northern Spanish cuisine.

What makes The Optimist particularly appealing is its no service-charge policy, allowing diners to enjoy premium Spanish cuisine without hidden costs. The Barcelona-chic atmosphere across three floors provides versatility, whether you're looking for an intimate dinner or a larger celebration. The cocktail program complements the food perfectly, featuring Spanish-inspired drinks that enhance the overall dining experience.

Specialty: Fresh seafood towers, grilled prime cuts, Northern Spanish cuisine

Unique Feature: No service charge

Perfect For: Seafood lovers, meat enthusiasts, groups

Atmosphere: Barcelona chic across three floors

4. La Paloma - Authentic Spanish Soul in Sai Ying Pun

1/F, 189 Queen's Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
paellachiringuitosai ying pun
4. La Paloma - Authentic Spanish Soul in Sai Ying Pun

Under the expert guidance of Chef Alex Fargas, La Paloma brings authentic Spanish heart and soul to Sai Ying Pun. This sexy chiringuito-style tapas bar on Queen's Road West has earned a solid 4.3 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor and ranks #284 out of 13,641 restaurants in Hong Kong—impressive numbers that reflect its commitment to quality and authenticity.

La Paloma specializes in traditional tapas and paellas, reimagined with passion and expertise. The restaurant captures the essence of Spanish chiringuitos—casual beachside restaurants—while adapting to Hong Kong's urban environment. Chef Fargas's approach honors traditional Spanish cooking methods while infusing each dish with contemporary sensibility.

The restaurant operates throughout the day, with lunch service from 12pm-4pm and dinner from 6pm-12am, seven days a week. This extended schedule makes La Paloma accessible whether you're looking for a leisurely lunch or a late-night dinner. The modern setting provides a comfortable backdrop for experiencing some of the best tapas and paellas in the city.

Specialty: Traditional tapas and paellas with heart and soul

Chef: Alex Fargas

Hours: Lunch 12pm-4pm, Dinner 6pm-12am (Mon-Sun)

Perfect For: Paella lovers, authentic Spanish experience

5. Casa 218 - Casual Spanish Comfort in Causeway Bay

G/F, 218 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay
casual diningcroquetascauseway bay
5. Casa 218 - Casual Spanish Comfort in Causeway Bay

Casa 218 brings casual, cozy Spanish dining to the heart of Causeway Bay, just 5 minutes from the MTR station. This all-new Spanish restaurant and bar on Gloucester Road has quickly gained recognition for serving some of the best croquetas in town—all homemade and crafted with care.

The restaurant's welcoming atmosphere makes it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Casa 218 offers a comprehensive Spanish menu featuring various tapas, paellas, and other typical Spanish dishes. Their seafood specialties are particularly noteworthy, including shrimp croquettas, gambas (garlic prawns), anchovies, clams, mussels, and seafood paella.

What sets Casa 218 apart is its commitment to homemade quality. The croquetas, in particular, have become legendary among Hong Kong's Spanish food enthusiasts. The restaurant serves delectable spreads of tapas and platos grandes (large plates), ensuring that groups can share and sample a wide variety of Spanish flavors. The casual, cozy environment encourages lingering over food and drinks, making it an ideal spot for catching up with friends or family.

Must-Try: Homemade croquetas (best in town), seafood paella, gambas

Specialty: Seafood dishes, tapas, paellas

Perfect For: Casual dining, groups, croqueta enthusiasts

Location: 5 minutes from Causeway Bay MTR

Planning Your Spanish Dining Journey

Hong Kong's Spanish dining scene offers an impressive variety of experiences, from the highly-rated tapas bars of BÀRBAR and Pica Pica to the authentic Northern Spanish cuisine at The Optimist, the soulful cooking at La Paloma, and the casual comfort of Casa 218.

Each restaurant brings something unique to the table: BÀRBAR's TripAdvisor acclaim and vibrant atmosphere, Pica Pica's modern interpretations under Chef Sanuy, The Optimist's impressive seafood towers and no-service-charge policy, La Paloma's authentic chiringuito experience, and Casa 218's legendary homemade croquetas.

For the ultimate Spanish dining experience in Hong Kong, consider creating your own tapas trail: start with wine and tapas at BÀRBAR in Wan Chai, enjoy a business lunch at Pica Pica in Sheung Wan, experience Northern Spanish cuisine at The Optimist, savor authentic paella at La Paloma in Sai Ying Pun, and finish with the famous croquetas at Casa 218 in Causeway Bay.

Whether you're a Spanish food enthusiast or simply looking to explore new culinary horizons, these restaurants prove that Hong Kong has truly embraced Spanish dining culture. From traditional tapas to modern interpretations, from casual neighborhood spots to sophisticated wine bars, the city's Spanish restaurant scene offers something for every palate and occasion.

Pro Tips

  • 1BÀRBAR and Pica Pica are from the same team—try both to compare their different approaches
  • 2Make reservations for weekend dining, especially at highly-rated spots like BÀRBAR
  • 3The Optimist's no-service-charge policy makes it excellent value for premium dining
  • 4Casa 218's croquetas are legendary—don't miss them
  • 5La Paloma offers extended hours (until midnight) for late-night Spanish cravings
  • 6Most restaurants are within easy MTR access—plan a tapas crawl across districts