When you think of Hong Kong, your mind likely immediately drifts to steaming bamboo baskets of har gow, the rhythmic chopping of roast goose in crowded siu mei shops, or late-night bowls of wonton noodle soup. And rightfully so. But if you spend enough time weaving through the neon-soaked streets and towering skyscrapers of this city, you quickly realize that Hong Kong is a fiercely global metropolis. The expatriate community and well-traveled locals have cultivated an under-the-radar Mediterranean dining scene that rivals what you might find along the sun-drenched coasts of Southern Europe.

There is something profoundly magical about leaving the thick, humid air of the subtropical street level and stepping into a breezy, vibrant space filled with the scent of toasted garlic, smoked paprika, and bubbling olive oil. The contrast is sharp, and it works perfectly. While there are a handful of spots claiming to offer an authentic taste of the Mediterranean, the true standouts are hidden vertically, perched high above the frantic energy of the pavement below. Today, I want to take you inside my absolute favorite—a place that captures the fiery, convivial soul of Spain right in the beating heart of Central.

Quiero Más To find this Spanish gem, you have to navigate your way to the M88 building on Wellington Street. It’s an area constantly humming with the energy of double-decker buses, rushing finance workers, and eager tourists. But once you ride the elevator up to the 20th floor, the chaos melts away, replaced by the clinking of sangria glasses and the rhythmic hum of lively conversation. Quiero Más translates to "I want more," and I guarantee that is exactly how you will feel the moment the first plate hits your table. Boasting a stellar 4.7 rating out of over 700 reviews, this restaurant has cemented itself as a heavyweight in Hong Kong's competitive dining landscape.

The brilliance of Quiero Más lies in its refusal to compromise on bold, authentic Mediterranean flavors. The chefs here understand that Spanish cuisine is rooted in exceptional ingredients treated with respect. Imagine diving into a perfectly executed pan of paella, the rice possessing that coveted, caramelized socarrat crust at the bottom, heavily perfumed with saffron and loaded with incredibly fresh seafood. The tapas menu reads like a love letter to the Iberian Peninsula. You will want to order several plates for the table—think deeply savory slices of acorn-fed jamón ibérico melting on your tongue, plump garlic prawns sizzling in oil that demands to be soaked up with crusty bread, and crisp croquetas boasting impossibly creamy centers. The atmosphere strikes a beautiful balance: it is upscale enough for a proper date night, yet retains the warm, boisterous, welcoming energy of a traditional Spanish taberna. When you are sitting up here, nursing a chilled glass of Albariño and looking out over the glittering cityscape, Central Hong Kong feels entirely transformed.

Navigating the Mediterranean dining landscape in a city as fast-paced as Hong Kong requires a little bit of insider knowledge. You are not just popping into a sleepy coastal taverna; you are dealing with one of the most high-demand hubs in the world.

Best Time to Visit: The energy in Central shifts dramatically depending on the hour. For a truly immersive, buzzy Mediterranean experience, aim for a late dinner. Booking a table around 8:00 PM or 8:30 PM aligns beautifully with the traditional Spanish dining clock, and you will catch the restaurant at its most vibrant. Alternatively, if you want a slightly more relaxed atmosphere to truly savor the intricate flavors of the tapas, a long, lazy weekend lunch is an exceptional choice. The natural light filtering through the 20th-floor windows makes the space feel airy and inviting.

Reservations: I cannot stress this enough—plan ahead. Places operating at this level of quality, especially those boasting hundreds of glowing reviews, do not stay empty for long. Walk-ins on a Friday or Saturday night are practically unheard of. Do yourself a favor and secure your table at least a week or two in advance. You want your evening to be stress-free, and having a confirmed spot waiting for you up in the clouds is the best way to start the night.

Price Expectations: You are dining in Central Hong Kong, which means you should be prepared for premium pricing. However, Mediterranean food is inherently designed to be shared. By treating your meal as a communal feast—ordering a large paella for the center of the table surrounded by a constellation of hot and cold tapas—you can manage the bill effectively while experiencing a wider cross-section of the menu. Expect to spend generously, but rest assured that the quality of the ingredients, the imported wines, and the flawless execution make it worth every single dollar.

Hong Kong will always be a haven for incredible local fare, but stepping outside your comfort zone to experience its international offerings reveals a whole new layer to this fascinating city. The next time you find yourself wandering down Wellington Street, look up. Skip the usual haunts, embrace the vibrant spices and coastal energy of the Mediterranean, and let the city surprise you. Have you explored the Spanish tapas scene in Central yet? Gather your favorite dining companions, book that table, and get ready to order way more than you planned. I promise, you won't regret it.