OLE SPANISH TAPAS RESTAURANT

Though Ole is situated on a quiet corner on Ice House street, this Spanish tapas restaurant still pulls in a lot of patrons due to it’s great menu and pleasantly warm and familial atmosphere. The venue is fairly large and can accommodate big parties. The front section has white stucco walls and arched doorways accented by wooden screens, wrought iron railings, plants and terracotta floors. The back section has a dining area with red walls, a spiral staircase and paintings.

The food at Ole is about as Spanish as it gets in Hong Kong. The proprietor, Don Carmelo, personally slices the Jamon Iberico himself. The thin slices of ham are just the right blend of salty and sweet to pique your taste buds. It’s so addictive before you know it, you’ve polished off several plates of it! Another highly recommended dish is the platter of lamp chops. There’s just one bite of tender and perfectly seasoned meat on each lamb chop. Divine! The specialty of the house is the unforgettable “Cochinillo asado” - Suckling Pig baked in the oven. Yumm! Other top picks are the paellas, sea bass and prawns. The white asparagus is a particularly fresh and delicious side dish and the grilled veggie platter is a great accompaniment to all the meats. Top the dinner off with a sweet flan for a perfect Spanish dining experience.

The service at Ole is excellent. The waiters are personal without being obtrusive and Don Carmelo walks around greeting patrons like they are guests in his own home. Roving musicians serenade the tables with classic Spanish songs while you sip on your fine glass of red wine from Rioja (There’s a really decent wine list). As a treat, Don Carmelo often jumps in with the musicians and sings a song with them.