Fiery, flavourful, fun. Spanish cuisine has long checked all the aforementioned boxes while staying rooted in Spain’s rich culture and heritage, easily spreading its influence and appreciation far and wide across the world through a plethora of Spanish restaurants.
ICEX Spain recognises the pivotal role Spanish restaurants play in sharing Spanish culture in Singapore and has developed the “Restaurants From Spain” certification programme, together with the support of other specialised agencies. In Singapore, 15 Spanish restaurants have earned Spain’s stamp of approval, awarded “Restaurants From Spain” quality certificate.
The certification is valid for one year being thus assessed on an annual basis. Through a variety of cuisines, cooking styles and recipes, these restaurants cement Spanish cuisine as the central axis in the promotions of the Spanish way of life, introducing quintessential Spanish flavours to locals and travellers alike. Expat Choice is delighted to feature the top accredited Spanish Restaurants in Singapore in the post below. Enjoy!
Singapore’s Must Try 15 “Restaurants From Spain”
Asador
Asador is a Restaurant inspired by traditional Spanish food and cooking methods. It is located in Joo Chiat—a neighbourhood that is up-and-coming to become a food and lifestyle district. This outlet represents the second chapter of the adventure started in 2020 with Next Door Spanish Café. Asador aims to bring a truly Spanish experience that will engage all your senses by cooking food in direct contact with the embers of fire on a Basque-style grill or in a Castilian oven at high temperatures.
a. 51 Joo Chiat Pl, Singapore 427775
Binomio
Binomio Spanish Restaurante showcases a menu of authentic Spanish cuisine. The menu includes popular, all-time Spanish favourites as well as personal dishes prepared by their executive chef, Gonzalo Landin. Balancing the taste, texture, appearance and colours of dishes, guests will be delighted to find that they do not only enjoy what they eat, they will also enjoy what they see.
The menu changes at least 4 times a year depending on available seasonal ingredients. Chef Gonzalo comes up with special dishes and tapas every day, that are based on fresh produce available on that day to add to the dynamism of the food.
Deviating from the traditional approach to presentation, he has also introduced some interesting twists to some of the tapas dishes. Adopting a simple and uncluttered presentation of dishes, guests will be pampered by the creative culinary skills and well-crafted dishes.
a. 20 Craig Rd, #01-02 Craig Place, Singapore 089692
ESQUINA
Established in December 2011, ESQUINA continues to be in the forefront of the local Spanish food scene in Singapore. The modern restaurant, spearheaded by Barcelona-born Head Chef Carlos Montobbio, specialises in contemporary cuisine showcasing Spanish and Catalan flavours.
Located at the corner of Jiak Chuan Street, the two-storey space is aptly named ESQUINA (“the corner” in Spanish). Offering two distinct experiences, ESQUINA boasts an overall design with both rustic and modern industrial cues that evokes a sense of being in the heart of Spain with its buzzing atmosphere and vibrant setting.
The ground floor features an open-kitchen concept and communal seating that encourages interaction and allows guests to watch the chefs in action. Sophisticated and refined, the second floor is designed to create an intimate setting perfect for group bookings and private parties.
FOC Restaurant
FOC Restaurant is the pioneer outlet of FOC Group established in 2014, igniting the rather sleepy HongKong Street with its energetic and fun Barcelona spirit. FOC, meaning “fire” in Catalan, is a buzzy, interactive experience, a vibrant Spanish affair in the heart of Singapore.
The 78-seater is located in a refurbished shop house, designed by lauded Barcelona-based design firm, Lagranja. Quintessential Catalan elements have made their way into the art and decor, such as ‘Porrons’ (traditional Spanish wine decanters) remade into lights, wall decals of the legendary ‘Sagrada Familia’, and a playful take on the ‘Correfoc’ (Catalan fire-run) with installations in the shape of giant heads.
Banquette seats line the restaurant, with a prized 14-seat bar counter lit with custom-made lamps constructed from pepper grinders. The open-kitchen concept makes for a highly interactive experience, where diners can watch chefs and mixologists working side-by-side, whipping up Fine Fun Food and Drinks from Barcelona.
“Fine Fun Food from Barcelona” features traditional tapas and playful contemporary creations by Michelin-Starred Chef Nandu Jubany and Chef Juanjo Carrillo, providing fine, top-notch quality produce and a fun, creative approach to Spanish cuisine in a laid-back, yet chic atmosphere, evoking the essence of the city of Barcelona.
a. 40 Hongkong St, Singapore 059679
FOC Sentosa
FOC Sentosa is a Mediterranean Restaurant and Beach Club inspired by Barcelona’s world-famous beach culture, the second outlet opened by FOC Group. In line with the island’s cheery atmosphere, FOC Sentosa transforms from a relaxing morning hangout to an idyllic Mediterranean lunch spot and, come night time, a vibrant gastronomic getaway.
Combining truly Mediterranean fare, including Paellas, large-format grilled meats and seafood, summery drinks and a sophisticated yet laid-back atmosphere, the striking two-storey locale is the epitome of stylish beachside living.
Located at the east end of tranquil Palawan Beach, the tasteful and airy beachfront space is resplendent with bright interiors and panoramic views of the sea from the second-storey private events space, which can be reserved and transformed to accommodate intimate beach weddings, private parties or corporate events.
Seamlessly transitioning between indoor and outdoor spaces, FOC Sentosa caters to a variety of experiences—from beach daybeds and a spacious pool deck to a breezy alfresco terrace and an indoor bar and restaurant to escape the heat. FOC Sentosa was designed by lauded Barcelona-based design firm, Lagranja, and famous Barcelona designer, Javier Mariscal.
The thoughtfully prepared cuisine focuses on the contemporary Mediterranean concept, by Michelin star Chef Nandu Jubany, Alma Mater of FOC Group, and FOC Group Executive Chef Juanjo Carrillo.
a. 110 Tanjong Beach Walk, Singapore 098943
Restaurant Gaig
Located in bustling Telok Ayer district, Restaurant Gaig Singapore is the first international outpost of the Michelin-starred restaurant in Barcelona by Chef Carles Gaig, a celebrated name synonymous with Catalan cuisine. The family-owned restaurant is operated by Carles’ daughter, Núria Gibert, with executive chef Martí Carlos Martínez, who trained under Carles.
To traditional recipes, some as old as 150 years, Chef Marti brings modern cooking techniques, finely-sourced ingredients, and his own personal interpretation to create contemporary dishes that celebrate the vivacious Catalan spirit.
Diners can enjoy a rich array of tapas, paellas and mains, and a cannelloni recipe that dates from 1869. Now into its 5th generation, the restaurant is steeped in the warm ambience and heartfelt hospitality the Gaig family is renowned for; making the experience similar to dining in a Catalan home.
A signature at the restaurant, Gaig’s Traditional Cannelloni is a comforting dish of roasted meat wrapped in cannelloni sheets and served with a truffled cream sauce. The 150-year-old recipe, traditionally served during Christmas in Barcelona, makes a year-round appearance here.
a. 16 Stanley St, Singapore 068735
w. singapur.restaurantgaig.com
KULTO
Housed in a historic unit of 87 Amoy Street, KULTO takes its customers on an insider trip to Spain through a sensory experience of Spanish food and decor steeped in history.
KULTO brings a slice of Spain to the dining experience with an iconic feature of Madrid and Barcelona apartments, the wooden shutters. The beautifully restored space is lined with wooden shutters and completed with clean and neutral colours featuring accents of wood – so diners will be in the moment to truly enjoy the food and atmosphere.
A customer’s experience at KULTO is fully taken care of by the Chefs, customers get front-row seats to see them working their magic in the open kitchen, which is an extension of the private dining room. The dishes come out rhythmically, just like parts of a symphony, landing on the tables, where the colours and energy of the food get to shine on its own.
Born and bred in Rioja, Spain, Head Chef José Alonso helms the kitchen of KULTO. Inspired by his heritage, culture, and philosophy of letting good quality produce speak for themselves, every plate at KULTO steers close to the traditional rendition of the dish and lets the freshness of seasonal produce take centre-stage.
a. 87 Amoy St, Singapore 069906
Pura Brasa
Born in Barcelona in 2010, Spanish restaurant chain Pura Brasa is a concept created by Josper®, the internationally recognised brand of charcoal ovens. Its 100-seater Singapore outlet is its seventh outlet and only overseas outpost, offering an intimate, enjoyable dining experience where diners enjoy a friendly atmosphere while savouring its wide and varied offerings.
Eating at Pura Brasa is the best way to experience the Josper® technology in action. The restaurant’s menu epitomises originality and showcases a wide variety of dishes: tapas, salads, burgers, seafood and meat, all with the characteristic flavour of grilled cooking. The best products, coupled with the latest cooking technologies, come together to offer a unique gastronomic experience.
a. 5 Wallich St, #01-16, Singapore 078883
w. www.purabrasa.com/singapore
The Next Door Spanish Cafe
Next Door Spanish Café is a dream of two friends who always wanted to bring a piece of Spain to Singapore. Being situated in a neighbourhood area, chilling and eating traditional tapas and paellas, pairing them with a glass of wine or sangria while listening to some flamenco music will make one feel as if he or she has been transported to Spain on a summer day.
Chef Houssein Hafian, after studying at the culinary school of Gijon and spending a few years in different restaurants and hotels, arrived in Singapore in 2013 to be part of a Spanish restaurant. In 2019 he decided to give a turn to his life and open Next Door Spanish Cafe. Nowadays, Chef Javier Rejas, originally from Valencia, lends a hand in developing traditional recipes with Chef Houssein.
a. 699 E Coast Rd, Singapore 459061
w. www.nextdoorspanishcafe.com
Olivia Restaurant & Lounge
Olivia Restaurant & Lounge transports guests to a setting that’s unique to Barcelona. Embodying the essence of Mediterranean soul, where values are centred around the kitchen, Olivia Restaurant & Lounge exudes a welcoming atmosphere and champions an elevated homestyle cooking.
The Chef and co-owner Alain Devahive unleashes his culinary wisdom on the curation of the menu, drawing upon more than a decade’s expertise in Michelin-starred restaurants, including the unrivalled elBulli Restaurant. A meticulous articulation of Alain’s love for quality and versatile ingredients, the food at Olivia Restaurant & Lounge uses hearty and honest flavours inspired by Barcelona, channelling the diversity and eclecticism of the Mediterranean coastal city.
a. 55 Keong Saik Rd., #01-03, Singapore 089158
TAPAS,24
In 2006, Chef Carles Abellán opened the award-winning Tapas,24. A stone's throw from Passeig de Gràcia, the lively tapas bar marries staple Spanish dishes and unfussy service to create one of Barcelona's hottest dining destinations, which continues to attract locals and tourists alike.
While the bustling cobbled streets of Barcelona are littered with pavement cafes and tapas bars, Tapas,24 continues to retain its status as one of the best – and busiest – in town. A convivial atmosphere, innovative twists on classic Spanish cuisine, and stellar selection of Spanish wines and cocktails combine to make this a must-do pit stop for every foodie visitor, as well as a local favourite.
Today, Singapore-based L'Angélus Group in partnership with Chef Carles Abellán has brought that signature Barcelona lifestyle to Singapore with its first Asian outpost, located within the cosmopolitan Quayside neighbourhood.
Coupled with a fun-loving service team that is always ready with a smile, Tapas,24 aims to bring you an authentic Barcelonian experience each time you visit.
Drawing inspiration from the original concept, the menu at Tapas,24 Singapore focuses on authentic tapas dishes and aims to bridge the gastronomical distance from Barcelona to Singapore, highlighting bold flavours & encouraging social dining.
Tapas Club
Tapas Club - A casual Spanish tapas restaurant chain serving cuisine that remains true to its Spanish roots.
Tapas Club is the birth of Spain’s sophisticated delicacy to the wider public, offering authentic flavours from the Iberian Peninsula. Tapas Club restaurants are a casual dining spot, a meeting point that conveys the traditional and authentic Spanish character, every step of the way: ambiance, food and drinks.
The food served at Tapas Club pays homage to Spanish identity, traditions, and culture, showcasing classic Spanish tapas, heirloom fresh produce, and home-like recipes. It will not create a fusion with any local or international cuisine, it will maintain purely, 100% traditional Spanish and only tapas style.
It aims to be a passionate tribute to these little bites and regular dishes that are an essential part of Spain like paella, Spanish omelette, garlic prawns, etc. Tapas Club makes an easy and delicious meal when you’re in the vicinity. The chefs at Tapas Club carefully prepare each dish using only the best ingredients to make sure that the colour, flavour and texture are perfect to cater to every palate.
Tapas Club carefully caters a Spanish wine selection to pair with its food. The selection of wine helps you to travel in Spain enjoying the different grapes and Denomination of Origin such us Rioja, Ribera de Duero, Priorat, etc.
a. 181 Orchard Rd, #02-13 Orchard Central, Singapore 238896
s. www.facebook.com/tapasclubsingapore
more locations here
Una at the Alkaff Mansion
Housed at Level 2 of The Alkaff Mansion, UNA pays homage to the age-old heritage of Spanish gastronomy with an innovative and contemporary menu that marries authentic signature delicacies from different regions in Spain. Extracting wholesome and robust flavours through modern cooking techniques, experience the best of Spain through sumptuous tapas, paellas, parrilla grills and more.
UNA is your romantic dining destination that balances traditional Spanish flavours with modernity, creativity and soul.
a. 10 Telok Blangah Green, Level 2, Singapore 109178
w. www.una.sg
You Might Also Like
