Ideally suited for almost every business entertainment gathering, The Optimist has opened in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, introducing Barcelona styling and South American  asador-inspired cooking in a sophisticated take on a traditional steakhouse. The three-level concept by Christian Talpo and Manuel Palacio of Pirata success has already garnered a loyal foodie following and is close enough for business travellers from across Hong Kong Island to reach.

For quick bites, happy hour tipples and beautifully made cocktails, head to the standalone bar on the ground floor, an elegant space of houseplants, teal tiles and Art Deco accents designed by daring Spanish designer Rocío Martínez in her first project Hong Kong project. This is the domain of Isabella Vannoni, whose curated cocktail list and enviable collection of artisinal gins is the perfect antidote to a day spent boardroom battling.

One level up in The Dining Room, an intimate fine-dining space perfectly suited for important business dinners thanks to its extensive wine selection, crisp service and club-like interiors, which include muted lighting and themed artwork combined with strong metallic furnishings and natural textures. There is also La Salita, a festive private space for up to eight guests that’s perfect for private events and parties.

For meals with friends and colleagues, head up another level to The Grill, which offers grill-side casual dining and tables for larger groups. Manning the grill is Spanish executive Chef Alfredo Rodriquez, who has over 15 years experience working in the some of the top kitchens in Madrid, including Lobby Market, La Barra del Cacique and Caciquito. A market-like display of premium seafood and selections of prime cuts sets the scene for one of the city’s most anticipated dining experiences.

Unpretentiously simple yet meticulously prepared, The Optimist offers a specialised selection of classic Northern Spanish dishes available at the bar and restaurant. Start off with the Mariscada, which combines treasures from the sea in a tower of seafood that’s great for groups sharing. A genuine celebration of the Mediterranean fish market, the tower contains crab, mussels, oysters, scampi (cigala), cristal blue prawn and even lobster, all freshly flown in from Europe.

The smell of Txuleta, a Rubia Gallega rib eye delicacy straight from the Galicia region, sizzling on the grill, will make meat lovers salivate. Each piece is aged for over 45 days dry aged before being cut into generous thick slices (minimum 1kg) and cooked on the grill. Meat lovers will also love cuts like the 2kg Australian Angus tomahawk, served with roasted peppers and baked potato; the 45 day dry aged Rubia Gallega rib eye; or the more delicate Solomillo fillet with pancetta cake.

An alternative to red meat, the Rodaballo a la brasa grilled turbot is a culinary icon of the Basque country; cooked in the traditional method, the fish is grilled whole inside a metal casing called a ‘besuguera’ that stops the fish from touching the grill directly, helping it cook through to perfection. In Spain the best turbots for cooking are known as those weighing in at over 1 kg, The Optimist strictly only uses turbot with a minimum weight of 1.4 kgs, giving guests a generous portion perfect for sharing.

A meal at The Optimist isn’t complete without a sweet finish, from the signature Alfredo’s Warm Apple Pie, served with vanilla sauce, to the more traditional Arroz con leche, a rice and cinnamon pudding; and Torrija, a sweet harmony of caramelised warm bread brioche and coffee ice cream. G/F – 2/F, 239 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; Tel: +852 2433 3324; www.theoptimist.hk