The Optimist

ABOUT

If you’re after authentic Northern Spanish fare that packs a hearty punch, the Optimist does not disappoint.Step into the street-level Barcelona-chic bar for drinks and all-day dining. Gin is taken very seriously here – 24 Gin & Tonics are available, and each gin is expertly paired with ...More

If you’re after authentic Northern Spanish fare that packs a hearty punch, the Optimist does not disappoint.

Step into the street-level Barcelona-chic bar for drinks and all-day dining. Gin is taken very seriously here – 24 Gin & Tonics are available, and each gin is expertly paired with a particular tonic water, depending on the exact character of the gin. The complementary all-day dining menu is an abundance of delicious choices. In particular, the Iberian dishes are the clear stand-outs. Deep-fried till perfectly golden-brown, the Calamari “A la Andaluza” is perfectly paired with a squeeze of fresh lemon and the accompanying aioli. The Tortilla de Patata, with or without Chorizo, is a deceptively simple symphony of eggs and potatoes.

The main Dining Room on the second storey, as well The Grill on the third floor are chic and buzzy. Executive Chef Herman Narciso proudly proclaims that his motto is “If you see it, we’ll grill it”, and the menu for the Dining Room and The Grill is a testament to that. Dishes such as the Txuleta, Whole Grilled Turbot “Guetaria”, and Grilled Pork Ribs feature vegetable, meats, and seafood freshly grilled over the asador, a traditional Spanish grill where these are cooked rustically over hot coals or wood, take pride of place on the menu. With a commitment to only using the freshest seafood available, the Seafood Towers, packed to the brim with scampi, mussels, clams, Spanish crabs, and lobsters, are sights to behold. The dessert menu comprises mostly traditional Spanish favourites such as Flan, Caramalised Warm Bread Brioche “Torrija”, and Rice Pudding “Arroz con Leche”, and is a perfect end to a hearty Northern Spanish meal. (Jan 2017)

DISHES WE LOVE

Broken Eggs “Huevos rotos”, Chateaubriand, Seafood Charcoal Baked Rice “Al horno”, The Optimist Caesar Salad