South Shore restaurant Tio Pepe is returning to its roots, overhauling its menu to feature authentic dishes from Spain.Since 1982, the restaurant, located across from the entrance of Horseshoe Bay Beach on South Road, has been a popular spot with both tourists and locals alike.The restaurant, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, originally had a Spanish theme and its exterior has the distinct look and feel of eateries along the southern coastline of the region.Over time, however, the menu transformed into Mediterranean cuisine serving up Italian dishes, veering away from its original intent.Not anymore says long-time owner and general manager Manuel Sequeros, who hails from Salamanca, a university city in northwest Spain.“Our menu is big and Spanish food is very popular,” said Mr Sequeros. “We’re the only ones on the Island serving this type of food.”Starting this week, the restaurant now offers traditional Spanish paellas, seafood platters and tortilla Espanola, which is a traditional potato and egg dish.The head chef, Antonio Lopez, from Málaga, Spain on the Costa del Sol, will also be serving up fresh mussels, clams and calamari.Appetisers include garlic shrimp and gazpacho; entrées consist of several cuts of steak and veal served Spanish style. Pork served in a Castilian sauce in port wine as well as the favourite suckling pig, when it is available. A full bar is available with homemade sangria, a comprehensive wine list and cocktail menu.In February or March, the restaurant will introduce a tapas menu as well.Loyal Tio Pepe fans should know that their crowd-pleasing pizza and pasta dishes will remain on the menu.The interior of the restaurant also received a make over with new carpeting, granite top bar, paint colour and decor.“It looks great, we’re excited,” said Mr Sequeros.Lunch is served from 12-2:45pm and dinner from 5:45-9:45pm. In between lunch and dinner, a light menu of pizzas and salads are available from 3-5pm.For more information, call 238-1897.