It’s one thing to have food delivered to your doorstep, but a whole other thing to share a couple of dishes with your close buddies. And who else does some great, lip-smacking ones? The Spanish, of course. It’s all about sharing plates of joy and convivial vibes at these Spanish establishments.
Esquina
Young Barcelona-born chef Carlos Montobbio took over the Esquina kitchen over a year ago, and the vivacious space has only gone from strength to strength, offering classic, comforting tapas with some innovative touches, as in the sandwich-style Spanish omelet, which comes with onion confit and olive oil caviar, and the Spanish Nigiri, a delicious dollop of salted cod, potato and garlic oil topped with roasted peppers. If you haven’t been in a while, check out the quieter second floor space, great for groups. 16 Jiak Chuan Rd.
FOC
It opened a couple of years ago, but this boisterous yet elegant Spanish tapas and cocktail joint, by Michelin-starred Nandu Jubany in collaboration with Jordi Noguera and Dario Nocentini, is still perpetually packed most nights of the week, thanks to its affordable cocktails and gently tweaked versions of classic dishes. Expect modern takes on dishes like black Mediterranean paella with seafood and garlic mayo. Jubany has also added in some Asian flair with progressive plates of onion soup ramen noodles with smoked quail eggs, pork belly and shitake mushroom. 40 HongKong St.
La Ventana
It’s not as hyped as some of the other recent openings, but foodies and industry professionals know that Michelin-starred Catalan chef Carles Gaig’s airy restaurant, set in a white heritage building on Dempsey, is a culinary triumph. Gaig’s daughter Nuria Gilbert runs the restaurant, while Eduard Castellarnau helms the kitchen. Try exciting tapas like the Atlantic cod fritters and the canelon, a cannelloni-style dish stuffed with foie gras, beef and pork in truffle cream. They also do a mean fideua—a Catalan noodle paella—and a crispy suckling pig. #01-01 16A Dempsey Rd.
My Little Spanish Place
Chefs Maria Sevillano and Edward Esmero put out an impressive range of tapas (think garlic mushrooms and grilled asparagus) and paella at this Bukit Timah gem, which even has a dedicated jamon bar. They also do a great brunch menu including some tasty churros and refreshing cava mimosas. 619 Bukit Timah Rd.
OLA Cocina Del Mar
Helmed by Peruvian Chef Daniel Chavez, this is a homey spot with friendly service and simple, well‑executed food. Don’t miss the gazpacho, a cold tomato and cucumber soup with raspberry vinegar; ceviche, marinated fish with lime, chili and red onions as well as the roasted suckling pig with orange caramel and sweet and sour sauce. #01-06 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, 12 Marina Blvd.
UNA
The reins at this Spanish restaurant and tapas bar have switched from JP Patruno to executive Antonio Oviedo, but you can still expect the same ingredient-driven preparation and bold flavors at Una. Breezy bungalow-and-garden setting aside, the other point of pride here is the parrilla grill, which—classic tapas aside—serves up some interesting dishes like the Atlantic cod with bread crumbs,chorizo and grapes. 1 Rochester Park.
