Discovering Singapore’s Vibrant Spanish Dining Scene

From the crispy, golden patatas bravas to the communal paella that beckons for sharing, Singapore’s Spanish dining scene has blossomed into a culinary love affair. What began with a handful of tapas bars has evolved into a vibrant tapestry of flavors, featuring smoky grills, tableside jamón carving, and wine lists brimming with selections from Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and cava. Expect bold flavors, generous pours, and a dining experience designed for sharing—because enjoying Spanish cuisine solo just feels wrong.

AMOR

Location: 107 Amoy Street

AMOR is a fresh addition to the Spanish dining landscape, opening its doors on February 3, 2026. Co-founded by chef Yu Wang Leung and hospitality veteran Azad Sharma, this shophouse restaurant captures the essence of long lunches and late dinners. By day, AMOR offers set lunches centered around tapas, a main, and dessert. As night falls, the ambiance transforms, channeling the vibrant energy of Barcelona after dark.

The menu is a delightful journey through Spain, featuring classic tapas like pa amb tomàquet and gambas al ajillo, alongside heartier dishes such as Iberico pork ribs and traditional paella with prized socarrat. Don’t miss the playful desserts, including a hazelnut and almond lava cake and a unique Basque-style burnt cheesecake.

CENDRA

Location: 5 Gemmill Lane

CENDRA, a neighborhood tapas bar and grill, is the brainchild of Barcelona-born chef-owner Xavi Palau. Named after the Catalan word for “ashes,” CENDRA emphasizes the connection between fire and flavor. The menu showcases elevated traditional Spanish cooking, focusing on pristine produce and protein-forward plates.

Start your meal with dishes designed for sharing, like Crystal Bread with Tomatoes and Iberico Ham, or Hokkaido Scallops Carpaccio. The mains shine with grilled specialties, including Carabineros with garlic and parsley oil and a perfectly grilled Australian Wagyu Striploin. The rice dishes, prepared a la llauna, offer a unique twist, with options like Squid Ink Rice topped with house-made garlic aioli.

Carlitos

Location: 350 Joo Chiat Road

Carlitos, meaning “Little Carlos,” brings authentic Spanish flavors to the colorful Joo Chiat food scene. Created by chefs Carlos Montobbio and Antonio Miscellaneo, this neighborhood tapas bar delivers the no-frills authenticity of Barcelona.

Expect quintessential Spanish tapas, including the Gilda Pintxo and Patatas Bravas Bonanova. The menu also features hearty dishes like Macarrones del Cardenal and Fricandó Barcelona. For paella lovers, the Paella del Dia offers a delightful surprise, prepared fresh daily based on seasonal ingredients.

My Little Spanish Place

Location: 54 Boat Quay

First opened in Bukit Timah in 2010, My Little Spanish Place expanded to Boat Quay five years later. The restaurant embodies the Spanish saying, “Mi Casa es Su Casa,” offering a fully-fledged menu of home-style dishes crafted by chefs Maria Sevillano and Edward Esmero.

Highlights include jamón-stuffed croquettes, grilled broccolini with romesco sauce, and homemade beef and pork meatballs in tomato sauce. Pair your meal with a refreshing glass of sangria for the full experience.

FOC By The Beach

Location: 110 Tanjong Beach Walk, Sentosa Island

FOC By The Beach, inspired by Barcelona’s beach culture, offers a laidback dining experience at Palawan Beach. With an outdoor pool and al fresco dining, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with a sangria.

The menu, crafted by Michelin-star Chef Nandu Jubany, features fresh seafood, dry-aged meats, and a variety of tapas. Don’t miss the deep-fried Iberico ham croquettes and duck rillette served with pickles.

Tapas,24

Location: 60 Robertson Quay, #01-04

Tapas,24 is the first Asian outpost of the iconic Barcelonian concept by Michelin-starred Chef Carles Abellán. This all-day restaurant and bar captures the energetic atmosphere of Barcelona, offering seasonal Spanish dishes and refreshing cocktails.

Menu highlights include avocado and roasted pumpkin salad, lamb skewers, and a surf and turf paella that combines mixed seafood and chicken for a delightful twist.

ESQUINA

Location: 16 Jiak Chuan Road

ESQUINA, led by Executive Chef Carlos Montobbio, specializes in contemporary Spanish and Catalan cuisine. The two-storey space features an open kitchen and communal seating, allowing diners to watch the chefs in action.

The menu includes premium ingredients from Spain, Japan, and Australia, with standout dishes like Spanish Octopus and Uni Paella. The restaurant also hosts a monthly event called Viva Vermut!, where guests can enjoy vermouth and shareable bites in a relaxed setting.

Olivia Restaurant And Lounge

Location: 55 Keong Saik Road

Olivia showcases elevated homestyle cooking from Barcelona, designed by renowned architect Lázaro Rosa-Violán. The restaurant’s ambiance evokes summer in Europe, with whitewashed bricks and terracotta tiles.

Menu highlights include ham croquettes, Mediterranean seabream, and the famous blue cheese cheesecake, which has become so popular that a separate venue, Queic by Olivia, was opened to cater to cheesecake lovers.

Gaig Singapore

Location: 16 Stanley Street

Gaig Singapore offers authentic Catalan cuisine crafted with passion and dedication. Run by the same family as its namesake in Barcelona, the menu changes with the seasons, featuring fresh produce and timeless family recipes.

The Gaig Tradició Menu is a must-try, showcasing dishes like fresh pasta stuffed with beef and pork, and crispy Ibérico suckling pig served with strawberries.

Next Door Spanish Cafe

Location: 699 East Coast Road

Next Door Spanish Cafe brings the authentic taste of Spain to Siglap, offering a homey vibe and top-notch service. The restaurant fills up quickly, so reservations are recommended.

Tapas favorites include Patatas Bravas, Tortilla de Patatas, and Cochifrito. For mains, consider the chicken and chorizo paella or the slow-cooked lamb shank with couscous.

The Winery Tapas Bar

Location: 30 Victoria St, #B1-05 CHIJMES

The Winery Tapas Bar at CHIJMES transforms your average evening into a fiesta with its Daily Wine Buffet and themed music nights. Enjoy unlimited premium wines and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for date nights or gatherings with friends.

With a diverse menu of tapas and a lively ambiance, The Winery Tapas Bar is a must-visit for those looking to indulge in Spanish cuisine in Singapore.

Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado of Spanish cuisine or a curious newcomer, Singapore’s Spanish dining scene offers a delightful array of flavors and experiences that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.