K Village is upping its food game with the introduction of Spanish tapas specialist Alegria. In a soft-opening phase since mid-March, the restaurant takes over a spacious second-floor spot with big floor-to-ceiling windows to let in natural light.
 

A sizeable chunk of the available seating at the venue is centered around a large bar that encircles the open kitchen, allowing guests to peer inside as the chefs grill and sizzle their way through a concise menu of Spanish classics. 
 

This is real Spanish tapas, not a different cuisine with the “tapas” label because they have tiny plates. The seafood paella (mussels, clams, and prawns, B860) uses short-grain bomba rice, a specialized non-sticky variety often cultivated in eastern Spain for its ability to absorb liquid while retaining an al dente texture. 
 

The rest of the 24-item food menu mostly sticks to the staples, like northwestern-style grilled octopus (B590), jamon on toast (B320), and black squid ink croquetas (B260)—all presented with a careful eye for plating to goad Instagram pictures. 
 

There are the occasional dips outside of Spanish tradition in dishes like the truffle pasta (calamaretti pasta, truffle cream sauce, B550), but they are few and far between.
 

The ongoing happy hour special (buy-one-get-one from 5-8pm) will give you an extra reason to pull up at the cocktail bar and knock back a few Ibiza smoothies (rum, raspberry jam, raspberry syrup, lime juice, egg white, B380) or glasses of sangria (B320). 
 

2/F, K Village (above Wine Connection), Phrom Phong, 093-074-8999. Open daily 5-11pm.