La Paloma serves Spanish tapas, barbecued meats (El Asador) and paella. Its open kitchen, bright décor and low lighting replicates a Spanish beach bar.

COST The tasting menu is HK$398 per person.

WHO TO BRING Friends with big appetites.

TURN-ONS La Paloma’s “sexy chef menu” of 10 dishes adds variety and value to Hong Kong’s tapas scene. The star was the smallest bite: the smoked salmon “TNT” with chipotle cream. Light in texture but dense in flavour, they are potentially addictive. The fresh spicy chorizo flamed in sherry was juicy and generously portioned, as was the king crab salad with prawn crackers and avocado. Croquette-lovers might be impressed with the mushroom and cheese, along with Iberian and squid ink options. We also had La Prudencia Iberian ham, fresh salsa on wholewheat bread, gazpacho and the perfectly portioned foie gras on bruschetta with caramelised onion. La Paloma’s squid, mussel and prawn paella doesn’t disappoint as it isn’t overly richand brims with tastes of the ocean. The churros were surprisingly good and weren’t oily or heavy. They were served with chocolate sauce and ice cream that wasn’t overly sweet, which allowed the cocoa and vanilla to shine.

TURN-OFFS We expected a tastier sautéed prawn with garlic and chilli.