La Vie

La Vie is a tapas bar on Kadzandstraat, a short walk from the Vissersplein and the seafront. Inside it is all dark wood panelling, marble-effect tables and framed Ostend photographs, and it only opens in the evening, from Wednesday to Sunday.

The tapas list is international rather than strictly Spanish: patatas bravas and calamares sit beside garlic or diabolique scampi, shrimp croquettes, burrata with pesto and Parma ham, baked camembert, pulled-pork tacos and tuna tataki. Most plates cost €12–16. The Tapas Combo (€34.90) gets you a starter, two tapas and two sides, which is the easy choice on a first visit. There are weekly deals too, such as Flemish stew on Wednesdays and scampi on Sundays, and cocktails or mocktails come by the four-glass jug.

It suits groups of friends and families who want a sociable dinner without a big bill. A classic menu of pasta, burgers, salads and children’s dishes covers anyone who would rather not share. Book online through the website or by phone.