Hong Kong is not short of Spanish restaurants. It is short however on the buzz, the chatter and the vibrancy that characterizes tapas bars across Spain. So welcome Uno Más. Four months old and already its tables are full and its atmosphere animated, even on a Tuesday night.

The restaurant aims to recreate the Barcelona tapas experience for Iberia-philes in Hong Kong. The modern, monochrome interior looks like many a trendy Barcelona bar, and the chef has been imported from Spain too, for added culinary authenticity.

The menu offers both tapas and main courses. We chose a selection of tapas including Ensalada de la Casa (a mixed salad topped with thinly sliced Manchego cheese), Cetas Mixtas al Jerez (sautéed mushrooms with sherry), Escalivada (roasted peppers, onions and aubergines), Albóndigas con Tomate (meatballs in a tomato sauce) and the Tortilla de Patata (potato and onion omlette served with alioli). The best, by far, was the tortilla with the meatballs coming in a close second. The salad was good – fresh and drizzled with deliciously rich balsamic vinegar – the mushrooms and escalivada very eatable, not outstandingly good.

I asked the General Manager for his recommendations and he quickly rattled off Gambas, Calamare, Bacalao a la Llauna (pan fried cod with red peppers and garlic), Croquetas de Jamón, Tortilla de Patata y Chorizo and Manzana Rellena (stuffed baked apple with pork, raisins and pine nuts). The paella also came highly recommended. We should have asked before we ordered!

The wine list was decent, the highlight being Pedro Ximénez (sweet, dark, dessert sherry) by the glass (HK$75).

Uno Más is an exciting addition to Hong Kong's Spanish restaurant scene, and is absolutely worth a visit. Go with a group of friends for a relaxed, informal dinner or as a couple for an intimate meal in a lively atmosphere. We sat inside on a high table, but the covered balcony (with air-con) looked like the best spot to be.

A meal for two, including wine, costs about HK$1,000.

Uno Más, 1/F, 54 – 62 Lockhart Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong; Tel: +852 2527 9111. Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday, 12pm – 2am; Friday and Saturday: 12pm – 3am.

Hot new opening on Hong Kong's bar / restaurant scene is The Pawn in Wanchai.

From the same people behind The Press Room on Hollywood Road, The Pawn looks set to be a winner.

Located in one of the few remaining historical buildings in Wanchai, this renovation has been executed really well.

Urban interiors are offset against two outdoor terraces that ooze Colonial glam; trams trundling past on Johnstone Road below add to the charm.

The first floor is home to The Pawn's bar, which also serves light snacks. The second floor houses the main restaurant, which serves European food.

Like its sister restaurant, The Press Room, The Pawn isn't a place to come if you want a cheap bite, but I think the money spent is well worth it.

The Pawn, 62 Johnston Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong. T: +852 2866 3444, www.thepawn.com.hk.