Buenas, a warm Spanish restaurant with an Almodovar atmosphere

The month of January always has a particular flavor, a little sad, a little cold. So, to remedy the situation, a new restaurant on the Strasbourg Saint-Denis side should help you swallow the pill and bring a little sunshine into your life during these wintry months. All the more so as Spanish restaurants, for that's what it's all about, are far from legion in Paris.

Named Buenas, this new Spanish restaurant opened at the beginning of January, bringing sunny dishes with it. The restaurant's colourful, whimsical decor is surprisingly reminiscent of a Pedro Almodovar film. Tributes to the filmmaker adorn the walls of the establishment, where each of his films is represented by a poster and a small object related to the work.

Around the central counter with its imposing wood-burning oven and bar, there are high tables for two and comfortable banquettes for larger groups of diners, because the atmosphere here is relaxed and very convivial. Between the lilting accents of the waiters and the evening shows with singing and dancing organized from time to time, Buenas is a real little sunny spot.

It has to be said that the owner of Buenas, the good-natured Toufik Seddik, is truly passionate about Spain. A former dancer who then trained in the world of cuisine with the Daroco group, he's determined to make you feel right at home.

The same applies to the menu of comforting dishes created by Paulina Esonho . Wishing to highlight all the regions of Spain, the chef has included a range of specialties, from the must-try Iberian charcuterie to the most traditional tapas: tortilla with onion confit (9€), drooling or more cooked according to taste; pimientos de padron (7€), very meaty; and their rubicund cousins, pimientos rellenos (8€) - mini sweet peppers filled with fromage frais.

The atmosphere is obviously one of sharing, with the idea of dipping into the plates of friends... and accepting that they dip into their own (yes, even for those crispy croquetas filled according to the season; at the moment with mushrooms, 8€). Buenas also unveils an assortment of pan de cristal, an artisan bread topped with a choice of goodies - sardines (8€), cecina, jamon.

Other delights on the menu include fried chipirons (11€) dipped in a spicy aioli, and the pièce de résistance: astunning version ofbaked rice with vegetables, chicken and seafood in a colorful squid ink rice (13€). Less classic than paella, this arroz is no less succulent.

Of course, you can wash it all down with Spanish beers and Iberian variations on wine: red sangria, white sangria, kalimotxo, tinto de verano. Sunshine on the plate and in the glasses, even in large quantities (but in moderation), as 1-liter pitchers can be ordered (€23-€25). Con-vi-vial, we say!

Sweet discoveries include the torrija (11€), a Spanish-style brioche perdu with Alicante turron mousse, and the addictive tarta de queso (7€), a light Spanish cheesecake with persimmon coulis.

Olé!

Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, please drink responsibly.

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please mention it in the comments.