World Cup Fever Continues: 5 Must-Try Spanish Restaurants in Hong Kong for Tapas, Paella and More

The World Cup may be over, but the excitement surrounding Spanish football continues in Hong Kong. For many fans, one of the best ways to relive Spain’s passion and flair is to visit an authentic Spanish restaurant and experience the country’s vibrant food culture.

Spanish cuisine and football share many qualities. Both celebrate creativity, passion, teamwork and the joy of sharing. A steaming pan of paella is best enjoyed together, while a table filled with tapas brings people closer—just as a memorable football performance depends on every member of the team.

If you are searching for the best Spanish restaurants in Hong Kong, here are five excellent options. From lively tapas bars in Central and Basque-style grilling in Causeway Bay to Spanish dining with Victoria Harbour views, each restaurant offers its own taste of Spain.

1. 22 Ships: A Lively Madrid-Style Tapas Bar in Central

Originally opened on Ship Street in Wan Chai, 22 Ships has since moved to PMQ in Central. Led by Madrid-born chef Antonio Oviedo, the restaurant brings the energy and sociable atmosphere of a traditional Spanish neighbourhood bar to Hong Kong.

The menu combines classic Spanish flavours with contemporary cooking techniques. Diners can begin with a selection of tapas, including grilled octopus, Iberico ham and seafood dishes, before moving on to larger plates designed for sharing.

One of the restaurant’s signature dishes is Gambas al Ajillo, featuring Spanish red prawns cooked with extra-virgin olive oil, garlic and dried chilli. The juicy prawns are particularly satisfying when paired with homemade sourdough bread, which can be used to soak up the aromatic garlic oil.

Paella lovers should also look out for the octopus and squid-ink paella. The rice absorbs the rich seafood stock and squid ink, while the bottom develops a crisp and flavourful layer of socarrat. Thick pieces of octopus complete this dramatic sharing dish.

With its relaxed atmosphere and no service charge, 22 Ships is an excellent choice for groups looking for a lively Spanish restaurant in Central.

Why visit: Energetic Madrid-style atmosphere and no service charge What to try: Gambas al Ajillo, grilled octopus, squid-ink paella and Sangria Address: Shops S109–S113, Block A, PMQ, Central, with the entrance on Staunton Street

2. Chueca: Madrid Tapas Culture on Gough Street

Located on Gough Street in Central, Chueca takes its name from one of Madrid’s most vibrant and inclusive neighbourhoods. The Hong Kong restaurant captures the district’s sociable character through its relaxed atmosphere and sharing-focused menu.

Chueca specialises in traditional Spanish tapas, giving diners the opportunity to sample several different flavours during one meal. Popular choices include tomato bread, Iberico ham, garlic prawns, tuna tartare and squid-ink rice.

The classic Pan con Tomate is a simple but essential introduction to Spanish dining. Crisp bread is topped with ripe tomato, extra-virgin olive oil and seasoning, allowing the freshness of the ingredients to shine.

Another comforting choice is the broken eggs with chorizo. Spiced Spanish sausage, fried eggs and hot potatoes are brought together in a rich sharing dish. Breaking the runny egg yolk over the chorizo and potatoes adds an enjoyable sense of occasion—almost like watching a team score the opening goal of a match.

Chueca’s weekend and public-holiday brunch is particularly suitable for groups, with free-flow tapas accompanied by a choice of main course. It is a strong option for anyone searching for unlimited tapas in Hong Kong or a Spanish weekend brunch in Central.

Why visit: Free-flow tapas and a sociable brunch experience What to try: Pan con Tomate, Iberico ham, garlic prawns and broken eggs with chorizo Address: 8–10 Gough Street, Central

3. Aire: Basque Grilling and Spanish Seafood in Causeway Bay

Located at Lee Garden One in Causeway Bay, Aire focuses on Spanish cuisine and Basque-style grilling. Its menu highlights premium seafood and meat sourced from Spain and the waters of the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Compared with a traditional tapas bar, Aire places greater emphasis on charcoal grilling and the natural flavour of its ingredients. Diners can begin with small Spanish plates before sharing grilled seafood, fish and meat as their main courses.

One dish worth trying is the Gilda, a classic pintxo from northern Spain. Traditionally combining anchovies, olives and pickled peppers, it delivers a distinctive mixture of salty, acidic and slightly spicy flavours.

The restaurant also serves oysters enhanced with Iberico pork cheek and olive oil. A light touch of applewood smoke adds depth and aroma, creating a combination of fresh seafood and rich Iberian flavour.

Aire’s Mediterranean-inspired setting, together with its selection of Sangria, cocktails and Spanish wines, makes it suitable for casual dinners, celebrations and group gatherings. It is a distinctive choice for diners seeking a Spanish restaurant in Causeway Bay or an introduction to Basque grilled cuisine in Hong Kong.

Why visit: Basque-style grilling with premium seafood and meat What to try: Gilda, grilled seafood, Basque-style meats and homemade Sangria Address: Shops 301B–302, 3/F, Lee Garden One, 33 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay

4. La Paloma: Traditional Spanish Comfort Food in Sai Ying Pun

La Paloma is a popular Spanish restaurant in Sai Ying Pun known for traditional tapas, paella and comforting dishes designed for sharing. Its colourful interior and lively atmosphere reflect the warmth and energy associated with Spanish dining culture.

Paella is one of the restaurant’s main attractions. Prepared using traditional methods, the rice absorbs the flavour of seafood stock and seasoning, while the bottom develops the toasted crust known as socarrat. For many paella lovers, this crisp layer is the most desirable part of the dish.

Alongside paella, La Paloma offers a wide range of tapas, grilled dishes, seasonal specials and Sangria. The casual setting makes it suitable for family meals, weekend brunches and relaxed dinners with friends.

The restaurant also does not add a service charge, making it an approachable option for diners looking for authentic Spanish food in Sai Ying Pun.

Why visit: Traditional Spanish comfort food in a relaxed setting What to try: Seafood paella, lobster paella, classic tapas and Sangria Address: 189 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun

5. Bayfare Social: Spanish Tapas with Victoria Harbour Views

Located inside Rosewood Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui, Bayfare Social combines Spanish dining with a stylish yet casual atmosphere. The restaurant specialises in tapas, paella and other classic dishes, accompanied by Sangria, Spanish beer and wine.

Its menu includes Iberico ham, garlic prawns, grilled octopus, croquetas, Spanish rice dishes and grilled meats. Diners can stop by for a few tapas at the bar or order several plates for a complete sharing-style dinner.

The Iberico ham is a natural starting point, particularly when served with sourdough bread and olive oil. For a larger sharing dish, the Spanish red prawn rice brings together juicy seafood, rich rice and creamy aioli.

Another highlight is the restaurant’s outdoor terrace, where diners can enjoy Spanish food while overlooking Victoria Harbour. The combination makes Bayfare Social a suitable choice for dates, celebrations, pre-event dinners and relaxed gatherings with friends.

For diners searching for a Spanish restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui or a restaurant with Victoria Harbour views, Bayfare Social offers an attractive balance of food, atmosphere and location.

Why visit: Spanish food in a stylish setting with harbour views What to try: Iberico ham, garlic prawns, croquetas, Spanish red prawn rice and churros Address: 5/F, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

What Tapas, Paella and Spanish Football Have in Common

One of the most appealing aspects of Spanish food culture is that it is built around sharing.

Tapas are rarely limited to a single plate. Instead, everyone at the table chooses different dishes and enjoys them together. Paella is traditionally served in a large pan, creating a communal dining experience for friends and family.

This approach has much in common with Spanish football. Every player brings different strengths and responsibilities, but the best results can only be achieved through teamwork, communication and a shared objective.

This is also part of the philosophy promoted by Spanish International Development (SID). In addition to technical training, SID helps young players understand Spanish football culture and develop their teamwork, communication and game intelligence.

Special Feature: Bringing the Spirit of Football to the Community — Terry Fox Charity Run and Spanish Tapas

Beyond supporting Spain at football matches and enjoying Spanish cuisine, we can also turn that same passion and team spirit into meaningful support for our community.

We are delighted to announce that we will be participating in a charity event organised in support of The Terry Fox Foundation. Our sister brand will also be serving a selection of traditional Spanish snacks for participating children and parents.

Combining exercise, family activities and Spanish food, the event offers a fun opportunity for the community to come together while supporting a meaningful cause.

Event 1: Charity Run

Time: November 6, 2026 2:00–3:00 p.m. Starting point: Maple Bear TKO Campus

Participants are welcome to make a donation of any amount. Those who donate more than HK$200 will receive a limited-edition Terry Fox T-shirt, while supplies last. Availability is limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Event 2: Water Party

Time: November 6, 2026 3:00–4:00 p.m. Finish line and venue: G01, Capri Place Admission: HK$200 per family, including games and food

Teachers will contact parents before the event to collect the admission fee. After event expenses have been deducted, all remaining proceeds will be donated to The Terry Fox Foundation.

Traditional Spanish Snacks for the Whole Family

During the Water Party, our sister brand will operate a food stall serving a selection of traditional Spanish tapas and snacks.

Designed for parents and children to share, these dishes will give participating families the opportunity to experience the warmth and energy of Spanish food culture while enjoying an afternoon of exercise and entertainment.

The event is more than a charity run—it is an opportunity to bring families together, strengthen community connections and support an important cause. Just as Spanish football celebrates teamwork and determination, the Terry Fox initiative represents perseverance, courage and hope.

We look forward to meeting participating families at the event and contributing to the community through sport, food and charitable action.

Conclusion: Find Your Spanish Moment in Hong Kong

The World Cup has introduced more Hong Kong football fans to the appeal of Spanish food culture. The sharing spirit of tapas, the energy of paella and the vibrant character of Sangria all reflect qualities often associated with Spanish football.

For a lively Madrid-style tapas experience, visit 22 Ships or Chueca. Choose Aire if you enjoy Basque grilling and premium seafood, or La Paloma for traditional Spanish comfort food and paella. For Spanish tapas accompanied by Victoria Harbour views, Bayfare Social is ideal for dates, celebrations and special occasions.

Whether you are a devoted supporter of Spanish football or simply a lover of good food, these five Spanish restaurants offer different ways to experience a taste of the Iberian Peninsula in Hong Kong.

We are also excited to participate in the upcoming Terry Fox Charity Run and Water Party. Families are invited to join us for an afternoon of exercise, games and traditional Spanish snacks while supporting The Terry Fox Foundation. Together, we can extend the passion and teamwork of Spanish football beyond the pitch and turn it into a positive contribution to the community.

Menus, prices, opening hours and dish availability may change. Please contact the restaurants before visiting. Event arrangements may also be subject to change; participating families should refer to the organiser’s latest announcements.