Near the stylish Star Street precinct – far from Wan Chai’s sleazy main strip – this sophisticated Spanish restaurant has evolved into one of the area’s most compelling cocktail destinations. The sprawling space channels laid-back Madrid vibes, with a ground-floor bar that’s become a legitimate hangout in its own right.
While the kitchen’s reputation for quality Spanish fare is well-established, it’s the surprisingly accessible cocktail program that’s been turning heads. Happy hour cocktails start at an almost unbelievable HK$48, with regular prices hovering around HK$100 – the kind of numbers that feel refreshingly out of place in today’s Hong Kong. In a neighbourhood increasingly defined by premium venues, The Optimist delivers style and substance without the steep price tag.
