There’s a friendliness at La Paella that instantly disarms you and puts you at ease. The welcoming service and cheerful, warm décor made it clear right away that this was going to be a good experience. If you’re hungry, be sure to order some appetizers - the paella takes time (about 40 minutes), and you’ll want something to tide you over.

If I see Iberico ham on a menu, I’m always tempted. At La Paella, the plato de jamon Iberico ($42) is cut thicker than usual, making it meatier and chewier than the delicate, thinner versions I’ve had before. The upside is you really taste the sweet pork. The downside? It’s paired with black truffle chips that completely overpower it. Do yourself a favour: eat the ham first, then the chips to wash down your cerveza. Otherwise, you’re wasting the ham.

The croquetas ($18 for six) change with the season. Ours were studded with bits of ham, finely diced into a creamy, almost mashed potato-like filling. The crisp exterior against the soft interior made for a great bite.

I’m glad the server suggested ordering sourdough ($5) alongside the gambas al ajillo ($29), because the garlicky olive oil and sherry sauce was excellent. Specks of guindilla chilies add a subtle but noticeable kick. If I weren’t trying to save room for the main, I would have devoured an entire thick slice of that crusty bread.

You’ll need at least two people to share a paella but a larger table is even better so you can try a couple of versions.

Do not miss the paella de langosta ($100 for two-person portion). It’s a simple but effective combination of lobster tail, prawns, and scallops, all cooked well despite the risk of overcooking such large pieces. The saffron rice is infused with an aromatic seafood stock and dotted with broad beans and peas for colour. It could be a touch drier - I prefer when the bottom forms a crispy crust - but if you enjoy a creamier, risotto-like consistency, this will suit you. Only while writing this did I realize you can request it done socarrat (the traditional burnt crust), which I’d request next time.

As for meat options, the paella matadero ($84 for two-person portion) is not for the faint of heart. You really really need to love pork - chorizo, pork belly, and ribs make it rich, salty, and quite heavy. Without much sauce, the ribs can lean a bit gamey. As a table, we agreed we should’ve gone with the traditional chicken-based Valenciana instead, as this was simply too much.

By the time 8:30pm rolled around the cheesecake was sold out, but who cares as their churros were fantastic! Freshly fried with a light crispy exterior and a soft moist centre, they were coated in cinnamon sugar and served with a chocolate sauce that wasn’t overly sweet. Easily one of the best churro orders I’ve had.

La Paella is made for sharing, lingering, and eating a little too much. Just remember: ham before chips, seafood over meat, and always save room for churros.