Cover Carlitos debuts as one of the best new Spanish restaurants to open in Singapore (Photo: Carlitos)
Carlitos debuts as one of the best new Spanish restaurants to open in Singapore (Photo: Carlitos)
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From casual convivial joints to fine-dining establishments worthy of date nights, these new Spanish restaurants get you in the mood for tapas
A Spanish gastronomic invasion has begun in Singapore and resistance is deliciously futile. From Carlitos’ Barcelona-inspired tapas playground to Sugarra’s refined Basque creations, these new restaurants and the skilful chefs that helm them inject flamenco flair into the local dining scene. Transforming modern dining into an art form, the ineffable Spanish spirit is undeniable, filled with passion and intensity. For the best new Spanish restaurants in Singapore, look no further and ready yourselves for a gastronomic fiesta that comes highly anticipated.
Read more: Popular Japanese restaurant Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa to open in Singapore this April
1. Carlitos
Above Carlitos’ Barcelona-inspired tapas playground (Photo: Carlitos)
Carlitos’ Barcelona-inspired tapas playground (Photo: Carlitos)
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Quite possibly the hottest Spanish restaurant in Joo Chiat—and some say in all of Singapore—neighbourhood tapas bar Carlitos has had hungry diners lining up since its debut last November. Italian chef Antonio Miscellaneo (of La Bottega Enoteca and Casa Vostra) and Spanish chef Carlos Montobbio (of Esquina) join forces to present more than 30 tapas inspired by the latter’s memories of tapas bars back home in Spain. The casual nook channels the vibrant energy of Barcelona, complete with a traditional tapas counter dining set-up.
Here, guests feast on irresistible bites such as crispy patatas bravas slathered with garlic aioli, spicy tomato sauce and smoked paprika oil; grilled and fried squid atop squid ink rice; and Fricandó, Montobbio’s favourite fall-winter dish of braised mushrooms and tender sliced beef, served over steaming white rice. Be sure to save room for dessert—Carlitos takes the beloved churros up a notch with Valrhona chocolate, making an already tempting treat even more indulgent.
Carlitos
Address: 350 Joo Chiat Road, S(427598)
2. Nómada
Above Nómada’s Gonzalo Landin weaves global influences into sublime Spanish plates (Photo: Nómada)
Nómada’s Gonzalo Landin weaves global influences into sublime Spanish plates (Photo: Nómada)
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Boasting a star-studded resume with stints with the Roca brothers, Heston Blumenthal and Daniel Boulud, Spanish chef Gonzalo Landin’s latest move to open Nómada has got all eyes on him. After a successful run as executive chef at the helm of popular Spanish restaurant Binomio, Landin now seeks inspiration from Spain’s rugged landscapes and bustling markets, and fuses it with his travels across Spain, London and New York City to create a menu that encapsulates his evolution as a chef. Imagine succulent Hokkaido scallops dancing with foie gras, a whisper of vanilla and a velvety parsnip purée. Or, perhaps, meltingly tender braised short ribs with cauliflower that is reflective of Spain’s rustic heartlands.
Even the hearty paella, studded with Ibérico pluma and mushrooms, charms with earthy and tangy flavours. On the wine list, Spanish producers take precedence over the usual suspects, but there are still decent options from Italy and—of course—a healthy selection of champagnes for celebrations.
Nómada
Address: 1 Keong Saik Road, #01-05, S(089109)
3. Sugarra
Above Txuleta rib steak is charcoal-grilled and served with piquillo gel and smoked garlic mousseline (Photo: Sugarra)
Txuleta rib steak is charcoal-grilled and served with piquillo gel and smoked garlic mousseline (Photo: Sugarra)
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Madrileño chef Aitor Jeronimo Orive marks his return to fine dining with the anticipated opening of modern Basque restaurant Sugarra at Resorts World Sentosa. So diners can truly revel in the rustic charm of northern Spain, Orive and his team explore broader regions of Spain by using more ingredients from the motherland. The result? A celebration of heritage food from Basque Country’s rich culinary traditions heavily influenced by Orive’s upbringing and his two grandmothers. The suquet, for instance, reflects the autonomous community’s high-quality seafood; with Orive’s version of the hearty seafood stew featuring charcoal-grilled Alfonsino fish and mussels.
Beef is also highly regarded, especially the txuleta rib steak, a special cut from the primal rib that Orive himself is a huge fan of. His take—a signature dish at the restaurant—features charcoal-grilled vintage beef with piquillo gel and smoked garlic mousseline. Diners can also look forward to the tableside trolley chock-full of artisanal cheese and fortified wine, as well as the extensive wine list with more than 750 labels.
Sugarra
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, S(098269)
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4. Vino Tinto
Above Fideuás is the noodle version of paella served at Vino Tinto (Photo: Vino Tinto)
Fideuás is the noodle version of paella served at Vino Tinto (Photo: Vino Tinto)
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When chefs Daniel and Tamara Chávez dabble in tapas, gourmands pay attention, especially given their strong reputation for Peruvian and Spanish cooking with their restaurants Canchita and Tinto. Putting Spain on the plate, the chef couple drew inspiration from their extensive travels to create more than 30 tapas varieties. Think the lip-smacking Vino Tinto bikini, made with serrano ham, manchego cheese and truffle aioli; tender charcoal-grilled octopus served with smoked chilli mayo, grapes and smoked paprika oil; and crispy crystal bread layered with Spanish anchovies, crushed tomatoes, dried figs and creamy burrata.
The menu also features crowd-pleasing favourites from sister outlet Tinto, including paellas, fideuás (the noodle version of paella), cochinillo (roasted suckling pig) and gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp). At the bar, Spanish wines and craft cocktails are kept affordable—perfect for post-work happy hours indulging in a glass (or three) of lively albarino, sultry tempranillo or even some pisco sour.
Vino Tinto
Address: 1 Raffles Quay, #01-10 South Tower, S(048583)
5. Humo
In a culinary world where fusion isn’t much of a buzzword, two chefs aren’t afraid to go against the grain. Adding to Tanjong Pagar’s eclectic restaurant corridor, Spanish chef-powerhouses Carolina Garcia Santamaria and Jordi Jou debut Humo, a compelling Spanish izakaya where Barcelona’s boisterous spirit collides with Tokyo’s meticulous precision. Think Argentinian prawn tartare perched atop crispy sushi rice with shameless confidence; comforting oden daikon swimming in Spanish cocido stew; signature donabes, bejewelled with Ibérico pork and duck breast, and served in earthenware pots. The menu reads like a tasty diplomatic negotiation between culinary superpowers but it is no less serious about flavour, approachability, and everything else.
Humo
Address: 21 Keong Saik Road, S(089128)
