Rioja and Joselito Gran Reserva ham at Olé Spanish Restaurant, one of Hong Kong’s oldest Spanish eateries
- Friendly service and great food, like the flame-grilled Iberico chop and traditional lobster paella, give this restaurant an edge over other Spanish eateries in Hong Kong
FARE Traditional from various regions of Spain
AMBIENCE Old school charm, with spacious tables and Moorish-style white arches breaking up the space. The white-clothed tables and wooden beams give it a classy yet cosy feel.
COST Around HK$2,000 for two with a drink.
WHO TO BRING Family, a group of friends or a date.
TURN-ONS The service is friendly and efficient. We started with Iberico ham, Joselito Gran Reserva, which has been declared the best in the world. The aromatic flavours from the fine marblings of fat comes from the fact the pigs are fed acorns. The cold cuts went well will a glass of cava. They also bring small dishes of cold potatoes in olive oil and traditional olives to nibble on while you wait for your main courses. We followed that with garlic shrimps, which came sizzling in garlic butter sauce. Save the warm, soft bread to dip into the sauce, it is delicious.
We then went for the traditional lobster paella for two, with half the lobster still in its shell. We enjoyed breaking the shells and eating the succulent meat inside. We also tried a new dish on the menu, marinated and flame-grilled Iberico pork chop with farm-style potatoes and a whole grilled garlic pod with warm pesto sauce on the side. The pork chop was cooked perfectly and the quality of the ingredients outstanding. For dessert, we had the fig tart with pecans and port wine reduction. It was enough for two and we enjoyed it, although we were full.