Paseo, a new Southern European-inspired wood-fired restaurant opens today at 900 Baxter Ave. — and the aged duck paella is the first thing you should order.

Named after the Spanish word for “walk,” Paseo takes all the flavors from the Southern countries around the Mediterranean Sea and packs them into a laid back, open-kitchen concept with major European coastal vibes — and lots of exotic plants.

Paseo has indoor and outdoor seating. | Photo by LOUtoday

The 154-seat, indoor/outdoor restaurant, led by Chef Jeremy Frederiksen, is part of the forthcoming boutique hotel, The Myriad, opening later this year on the site of a former disco ball factory.

Here’s what we tried at the preview dinner:

Hummus bruleé with Turkish flatbread + fresh veggies
Crispy ricotta balls with house-made puttanesca
The aforementioned aged duck paella made with bomba rice from Spain
Harissa cauliflower steak
Pork belly shish served on a skewer with vegetables
Grilled and chilled bean salad with preserved citrus
Labneh vanilla and Barr Farms’ strawberry soft serve ice cream topped with pistachio baklava

The plateware Paseo uses is made by RV Pottery. | Photo by LOUtoday

The bar boasts wines produced in the same Mediterranean region + a variety of spritz cocktails made with regional ingredients — in addition to craft cocktails, beer, and other spirits.

Swing by for dinner Tuesday-Thursday, 4:30-9:30 p.m. or Friday and Saturday, 4:30-10:30 p.m. In August, Paseo will start lunch service Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. and brunch on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 9 a.m.