A Slice of Spain: One of the latest openings by Pastis Group—best known for Pastis, F.A.B., and other restaurants beloved by local French expats—Pastis Tapas blends the group’s French flair with Spain’s most popular culinary tradition.

Look & Feel: Easy, breezy, casual. Taking notes from Spanish aesthetics, the restaurant’s main dining room features plenty of natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows and the famous Moorish-inspired blue Azulejo tiles you see everywhere in southern Spain. This is all given a modern design spin by pairing it with industrial-style cement floors and ceilings and subway tiles. The open bar provides a focal point for the eye.

On the Menu: It might be called Pastis Tapas, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get a traditional Spanish meal here. Instead, the restaurant takes the concept of Spanish tapas and gives it a bit of a French flair (appropriate, given it’s owned by the French-leaning Pastis Group). Case in point: new, delicious additions to the menu include Pork Cheek Basquaise ($198), Duck Confit ($218), and Croque Monsieur Catalan ($128).

Of course, there are also plenty of dishes you’d find at any neighborhood taberna and restaurant in Spain, so you could have a fully Spanish meal if you so desire. Kick things off with some Iberico Bellota 30 Months ($158) and Serrano Jamon ($78), Pan Con Tomato Y Ayo (tomato-garlic bread; $68), and Croquetas ($68). Then, sate your appetite on a decadent Paella – there are three: Seafood ($258), La Royale (chicken and seafood; $298); and La Negra (squid ink, calamari, and mussels; $258).

Be sure to leave room for dessert, which are definitely Spanish-forward: Churros ($85) and Crema Catalan ($85).

Jeng: Pastis Tapas is everything a good neighborhood joint should be. The food is solid and not overly expensive (for Hong Kong), and staff greet regulars by name.

Not So Jeng: This isn’t fine-dining or a Michelin-starred experience, but it’s not meant to be. Go in expecting a casual affair and you won’t be disappointed.

Great For: Weekend dining and family meals.

FYI: Pastis Tapas has an extensive outdoor dining area, and it’s the perfect spot for waterfront dining and sundowners.

Check out Hong Kong’s newest restaurants and bars here.

Written by The Loop HK for Pastis Tapas.