PUBLISHED February 25th, 2019 05:00 am | UPDATED October 22nd, 2019 09:34 pm
While we’ve seen more regional Spanish cuisines in Singapore in recent years, most of our favourite tapas spots are still going strong after the boom in the early 2010s. After all, what’s not to love about having a variety of delicious small plates, a glass of wine, and good company in a convivial atmosphere? If Jamon Iberico, patatas bravas, and crisp socarrat found in golden paellas spark joy for you, then grab your chicas and chicos for a good time at these authentic Spanish restaurants Singapore.
Read more lists at The Five Juiciest Steak Frites in Singapore and The 9 Best French Bistros in Singapore
La Tapería
La Tapería offers a holistic dining experience consisting of traditional Spanish fare and affordable booze. Enjoy a glass of their single cask whiskies aged in the best Spanish Oloroso casks, or pop by for their affordable 3-course set lunch at just $38++ per person featuring the likes of Grilled Marinated Australian Lamb Rump and Poached Pear in Red Wine. Their wide range of tapas include Classic Spanish Tortillas ($16) and Oyster Fritters ($20).
La Tapería is located at 1 Scotts Road, #02-10, Singapore 228208, p.+65 6737 8336. Open daily 12pm – 3pm and 6.30pm – 10pm.
GAIG Restaurant Singapore
Coming from years of familial recipes and traditions, tapas hour at GAIG Restaurant Singapore starts from lunch, which includes a choice of four tapas, a main – we recommend the Chicken Paella or their Pan Seared Salmon with Sanfaina – and dessert from $38++. Their dinner menu offers a range of delectable Spanish fare as well, including hearty Pigeon and Porcini mushroom Paella ($38.50), an old Gaig family recipe, and Charcoal Grilled Octopus ($32.90) with cauliflower puree.
GAIG Restaurant Singapore is located at 16 Stanley St, Singapore 068735, p.+65 6221 2134. Open Mon-Fri 12pm – 3pm and 6pm – 11pm, Sat 6pm – 11pm. Closed on Sundays.
Esquina
Another go-to place for high-end, creative tapas which breaks away from the mainstays, Esquina expertly dishes up tapas with a twist. Though certainly on the pricey side, pretty much every dish we sampled delivered intense yumminess, but the one that took the biscuit had to be the Potato and Truffle “Gratin” ($22) – using burnt onion sauce atop egg yolk and winer black truffle. See our full review here.
Esquina is located at 16 Jiak Chuan Road, Singapore 089267, p.+65 6222 1616. Open Tue-Sat 12pm – 2.30pm and 6pm – 10.30pm. Closed on Mondays and Sundays.
Tapas 26
Featuring a simple and elegant menu of tapas and paella, Tapas 26 offers a seasonal menu of homemade Spanish fare showcasing the versatility of tapas and the cuisine. Enjoy delights such as Canelon ($14) – roasted lobster cannelloni with lobster cream – or the ever classic Croquetas de Jamon ($16) using homemade Iberico ham croquette. Indulge in their fresh assortment of paella as well, including the Paella De Bogavante ($70), a dish of Carnaroli rice with a whole Maine lobster, or their weekday set lunches from $38++.
Tapas 26 is located at 26B Dempsey Road Singapore 247693, p.+65 6479 0100. Open Mon-Sat 4pm – 12am, Sun 12pm – 2.30pm and 4pm – 10pm.
Tapas Club
Helmed by Executive Chef Jose Angel Alonso and one-star Michelin Chef Manuel Berganza, Tapas Club features an exquisite palate of rich Spanish flavours. From favorites such as Berenjena Con Miel ($9.90), crispy eggplant chips drizzled with honey, and creative twists to Spanish classics like their Bocata de Calamares ($10.90), deep fried baby squid between toasted buns. Enjoy a vast selection of tapas, paella, and uniqye to Tapas Club, their selection of Tapas+ menu that offers heartier options. Read our full review here.
Tapas Club is located at Orchard Central #02-13, 181 Orchard Road, Singapore 238896, p.+65 3163 7577 and VivoCity #01-98, 1 Harbourfront Walk, Singapore 098585, p.+65 6284 4680 For opening hours, see their website here.
FOC PIM PAM
FOC PIM PAM is located at 442 Orchard Road, 01-29, 238879 Singapore, p.+65 6100 4242. Open Tue-Thu and Sun 11.30am – 11pm, Fri-Sat 11.3oam – 1am. Closed on Mondays.
Binomio
Binomio is one of the most beloved Spanish restaurants in Singapore, and it’s not hard to understand why. Frankly, sitting at the bar calls to mind past visits to cozy, nameless restaurants so common in parts of Spain, although restaurant dining area itself has a more upscale setting. Food-wise, freshness is key and their seafood dishes such as the Tallarines de sepia ($29), grilled cuttlefish strips served with “sofrito”,are bursting with clean flavours. There’s a fantastic range of traditional tapas and cool, contemporary versions of the classics.
Binomio is located at Craig Place #01-02, 20 Craig Road, Singapore 089692, p.+65 6557 0547. Open Mon-Fri 12pm – 2pm and 6pm – 10.30pm, Saturday 6pm – 10.30pm. Closed on Sundays.
Sabio by The Sea
A spin off from the original Sabio on Duxton Hill, we have to say this is our favourite of the two – the tapas and the view of the marina does it for us. Be sure to order the El Pulpo ($24) – think fresh octopus leg grilled to perfect tenderness, accompanied by bright violet mash potatoes. Did we mention they also have all-you-can-eat tapas every weekday for just $59.90++ per person? Indulge in their hot and cold tapas, like their Chorizo al Vino ($14), a hot tapas comprising of spicy sausage that’s been pan-fried with red wine. Read our full review here.
Sabio by the Sea is located at 31 Ocean Way #01-02, Quayside Isle, Singapore 098375, p.+65 6690 7568. Open Mon-Thu (except Tue) 12pm – 10pm, Fri 12pm – 11pm, Sat 11.30am – 11pm, Sun 11.30am – 10.30pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
Ola Cocina Del Mar
Since the tragic closing of Santi at MBS, former head Chef Daniel Chavez decided to create his own concept, Ola, hidden away in Marina Bay Financial Centre. This Spanish restaurant is casual, unpretentious and delivers some excellent food (give the black rice dishes a try!). Also, being a native Peruvian, Chef Daniel’s Ceviche is incredible.
Ola Cocina Del Mar is located at Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3 #01-06, 12 Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018982, p.+65 6604 7050 . Open Mon-Fri 11.30am – 2.30pm and Mon-Sat 5.30pm – 9.30pm. Closed on Sundays.
My Little Spanish Place
Knocking around for around four years already, we’re loving their recent revamp including a rather impressive Jamon bar and Spanish pantry. Consequently, it has one of the best ranges of Jamon in town on top of a range of cured sausages and Spanish cheeses – all of which you can try with their cured meats or cheese platters from $78. Read our full review here.
My Little Spanish Place is located at 619 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269720, p.+65 6463 2810 and 54 Boat Quay, Singapore 049843, p.+65 6532 0665. For opening hours, see their website here.
Don Quijote
One of the ‘old guards’ of tapas in Singapore, the very unassuming Don Quijote is tucked away in the bustling vicinity of Dempsey, serving up pure, genuine and simple plates. Choose from nine types of cold tapas and more than 30 hot ones; fives types of paellas; five types of fideuas (a pasta version of paella), and six types of meat. We absolutely love the Tacos de Lomo al Queso Azul ($21), tender and juicy cubes of steak with a lovely blue cheese dip.
Don Quijote is located at 7 Dempsey Road #01-02, Singapore 249671, p.+65 6476 2811. Open Mon-Thu 4pm – 10.30pm, Fri 4pm – 11pm, Sat 11am – 11pm, Sun 11am – 10.30pm.
Top Image: FOC PIM PAM
(Article updated on 31st May 2016)