Who doesn’t love Spanish cuisine? Luckily for us, Singapore is home to a diverse and vibrant selection of Spanish restaurants and food, from tapas, paella, grilled meats and seafood and, of course, sangria! Even better is the news that sixteen restaurants and tapas bars in Singapore have been awarded the “Prestigious Restaurants from Spain” certification in 2023 by the Ambassador of Spain. From Tanjong Pagar to Joo Chiat, read on for the best restaurants elevating Spanish gastronomy in Singapore.
Recognising authentic and quality Spanish culinary experiences outside the country, the programme looks at a host of factors during the selection process, with everything from the menu, ingredients and wine list, to the service and overall dining experience taken into consideration. Many of these fabulous Spanish restaurants are putting on traditional Christmas spreads, too. Head over to restaurantsfromspainsg.com for details. Feliz Navidad!
So, which are the top restaurants and tapas bars for bringing a slice of Spain to Singapore’s shores?
Fabulous Spanish restaurants to try in Singapore – from casual tapas bars in Tanjong Pagar to Michelin-starred dining
#1 Asador
Inspired by traditional Spanish food, this buzzing restaurant in Joo Chiat uses wood-fire methods to prepare its food, cooking in direct contact with the embers of a fire on a Basque-style grill or a Castilian over at high temperatures. The result is a truly Spanish experience from Chef Javier Vicente Rejas and Chef Houssein Hafian.
51 Joo Chiat Place | asadorsingapore.com
#2 Binomio
Head to this Spanish restaurant in Tanjong Pagar for all-time favourites prepared by Executive Chef Gonzalo Landin. With a constantly evolving menu based on fresh seasonal produce, diners can expect innovatively presented tapas and special dishes. Book this Spanish restaurant in Tanjong Pagar now.
#01-02 Craig Place, 20 Craig Road | binomio.sg
#3 Esquina
This modern restaurant spearheaded by Barcelona-born Head Chef Carlos Montobbio specialises in contemporary cuisine showcasing Spanish and Catalan flavours. Meaning “the corner” in Spanish, it’s located on the corner of Jiak Chuan Road in Chinatown and houses two distinct spaces – an open-kitchen concept on the ground floor with communal seating and a sophisticated setting for group bookings and private parties on the second floor.
16 Jiak Chuan Road | esquina.com.sg
#4 FOC Restaurant
With a name meaning “fire” in Catalan, this restaurant brings the energetic and fun spirit of Barcelona to a refurbished shophouse in the heart of Singapore. Expect quintessential Catalan elements in the art, décor and menu, with Michelin-starred Chef Nandu Jubany and Chef Juanjo Carrillo whipping up “Fine Fun Foods” in the open kitchen.
40 Hongkong Street | focrestaurant.com
#5 FOC Sentosa
The second outlet opened by FOC Group, this Mediterranean restaurant and beach club on tranquil Palawan Beach is inspired by Barcelona’s world-famous beach culture. Head along for truly Mediterranean and Spanish food in Singapore, including paellas, large-format grilled meats and seafood, summery drinks and a sophisticated yet laid-back atmosphere.
110 Tanjong Beach Walk | focsentosa.com
#6 Gaig
Located in bustling Telok Ayer, this is the first international outpost of the Michelin-starred restaurant in Barcelona by Chef Carles Gaig. The family-owned restaurant is now in its fifth generation and is famous for its Catalan cuisine, especially a 150-year-old cannelloni recipe that’s traditionally served during Christmas in Barcelona but makes a year-round appearance here.
16 Stanley Street | sg.restaurantgaig.com
#7 Kulto
Housed in a historic unit of 87 Amoy Street, this Spanish restaurant in Singapore takes diners on an insider trip to Spain with traditional food and décor. From wooden shutters, an iconic feature of Madrid and Barcelona apartments, to an open-kitchen that lets diner watch the magic being created, Head Chef José Alonso and his culinary team serve up a slice of Spain in the heart of Singapore.
87 Amoy Street | kulto.sg
#8 LUMBRE
A newcomer to the list of certified establishments in 2023, this restaurant takes its name from the word for fire and warmth in Spanish. It brings the best from land and sea, farm to table, with cuisine cooked using two signature methods – an open wood-fire grill or Josper charcoal oven. Lumbre is a new dining concept by AC Concepts (who run Kulto in Amoy Street and Kilo in Duxton) and Plan B (who run Señor Taco and La Mexicana).
30 Victoria Street, #01-20 | lumbre.sg
#9 Pura Brasa
Experience exquisite food and Josper technology in action at the Singapore outlet of this Spanish restaurant chain. Created by Josper, the much-loved brand of charcoal ovens, the menu offers a wide variety of dishes, from tapas and salads, to burgers, seafood and meat – all with the characteristic flavour of grilled cooking for a unique gastronomic experience.
5 Wallich Street, #01-16 | purabrasa.com
#10 The Next Door Spanish Café
You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to Spain on a summer’s day at this neighbourhood restaurant on the East Coast. Listed to flamenco music as you sip on a glass of wine or sangria and graze on traditional tapas and paellas. Chef Houssein Hafian and Chef Javier Rejas, originally from Valencia, are behind the traditional recipes that diners return for.
699 East Coast Road | nextdoorspanishcafe.com
#11 Olivia Restaurant and Lounge
For elevated homestyle cooking straight from Barcelona, head to this hotspot in Chinatown. Chef and co-owner Alain Devahive draws upon more than a decade’s expertise in Michelin-starred restaurants, including the renowned El Bulli Restaurant, to create a menu that embodies the essence and diversity of the Mediterranean coastal city.
55 Keong Saik Road, #01-03 | olivia.com.sg
#12 Tapas,24
Get a taste of the signature Barcelona lifestyle in Singapore at this lively tapas bar. An offshoot of its namesake in Barcelona, well known as one of the hottest dining destinations in town, this first Asian outpost from Chef Carles Abellán blends staple Spanish dishes with a fun-loving service team, a convivial atmosphere and a stellar selection of Spanish wines and cocktails.
The Quayside, 60 Robertson Quay, #01-04 | tapas24.sg
#13, #14, #15 Tapas Club Orchard Central, Tapa Club VivoCity and Tapas Club Jewel Changi Airport
This casual Spanish tapas restaurant chain in Singapore is renowned for its great ambience and incredible food, with little bites and dishes such as paella, Spanish omelette and garlic prawns. Serving cuisine that remains true to its Spanish roots, it offers authentic flavours from the Iberian Peninsula. Pair your food with carefully chosen Spanish wines from Rioja and Ribera de Duero, to Priorat and more.
Orchard Central, VivoCity and Jewel Changi Airport | tapasclub.com
#16 Una at the Alkaff Mansion
Experience the best of Spain with tapas, paellas, parrilla grills and more at this stylish restaurant on Level 2 of Alkaff Mansion. Using modern cooking techniques, the innovative and contemporary menu marries authentic signature delicacies from different regions with traditional Spanish flavours.
10 Telok Blangah Green, Level 2 | una.sg
Visit restaurantsfromspainsg.com for more information.
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