Originating from olden-day Spain, tapas is the heart and soul of Spanish cuisine and has transcended beyond to influence so many modern styles of gastronomy. Whenever you hear restaurants offering “small plates” or “sharing plates”, they’ve derived from tapas. Tapas actually refers to the unique style of how certain dishes are served rather than a specific dish.
In Spain, tapas can include practically anything—from a mixture of cured meats, a plate of olives to something more elaborate such as a slow-braised beef cheek. Tapas are served both in the day as well as at night in bars and cafés throughout Spain―though each has a different interpretation of the word and tend to price them differently. The one thing that all tapas have in common though, is that they’re always paired with alcohol in some form.
Here in Singapore, we’ve got plenty of places that offer delectable tapas. Here is our guide to 11 of them.
1. ANTI:DOTE – Located in Fairmont Singapore
Anti:dote is a stylish and modern cocktail bar with a progressive selection of concoctions that appeals to the most discerning taste buds. Fronted by award-winning South Korean bartender, Bannie Kang, the unique cocktail programme at Anti:dote combines the immaculate craftsmanship derived from both traditional bartending and the art of contemporary mixology. Their array of choice tipples will surely perk up your midday blues but wait till you have a taste of their house-speciality tapas.
Address: 80 Bras Basah Rd, Level 1 Fairmont Singapore, Singapore 189560
Opening Hours: 12PM – 1AM (Daily)
Contact: +65 6431 5315
2. Bar-Celona – Their wines are from Barcelona
Nestled in Duxton Hill, Bar·Celona is a Cava (Spanish wine) speciality bar that focuses on all-things Cava-related. Whether you’re seeking to celebrate over a Brut Nature and Brut Nature Reserve or simply whisk the night away over a Rosato, you’ll find no shortage of wines to enjoy. They bring in their wines directly from Barcelona so what you get is the real deal. Pair them with their array of tapas which include their signature Jamon Platter, baked figs with blue cheese and oysters.
Address: 21 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089604
Opening Hours: 5PM – 11PM (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sundays
Contact: +65 6323 3353
3. FIVE Tapas Bar – Spanish and Singaporean Tapas
Besides boasting stellar happy hour promotions and affordably-priced beer, what we really appreciate most about Five Bar’s tapas-forward concept is—you guessed it—their insanely elaborate array of tapas-style dishes. While the concept may not be Spanish, they do adopt the concept of having small plates. If you’re craving a bite, we highly recommend going for their spicy garlic cockles.
Read our guide to the best happy hours in Somerset.
Address: 25 Cuppage Rd, Cuppage Terrace, Singapore 229454
Opening Hours: 4PM – 11PM (Daily)
Contact: +65 8121 9304
4. Kamikaze Asian Tapas Bar – A Hidden Gem in Yishun
If the thought of charred yakitori skewers and ice-cold beer gets your tail wagging, then head over to Kamikaze, yet another bar concept located within ORTO. The yakitori-forward bar is popular for its $0.90 skewers that come in a variety of options spanning vegetable items and a myriad of meat varieties. To pair with your grilled treats, an ice-cold beer is a must. Choose from Peroni, Budweiser, Asahi and more.
Address: 81 Lorong Chencharu, 01-05A ORTO, 769198
Opening Hours: 5PM – 3AM (Daily)
Contact: +65 6755 3393
5. La Taperia Wine & Tapas – A Concept by Les Amis Group
Nestled in the corner street of Shaw Centre hides a little den that is devoted to wines. A spin-off from La Taperia Restaurant, this eclectic wine bar offers a certain conviviality to it that makes wanting to leave near-impossible. The bar impresses with its well-curated collection of Spanish wines, old and new world wines, and a plethora of Glendronach single cask whiskies aged in the best Spanish Oloroso casks.
First established back in 2014, this Spanish concept perched on the second storey of Shaw Centre offers a holistic dining experience with traditional Spanish fare from gambas shrimp to croquettes and even freshly-caught Spanish octopus.
Address: 1, #02 – 18 Scotts Rd, Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208
Opening Hours: 12PM – 2PM, 6.30PM – 10PM (Daily)
Contact: +65 6732 2886
6. My Little Tapas Bar – Authentic Spanish Tapas
The second concept by the chef-owners of My Little Spanish Place in Bukit Timah, My Little Tapas Bar offers an authentic Spanish tapas experience along bustling Club Street. The bar offers a selection of traditional Spanish favourites from varying regions of Spain including paella, octopus and Jamon from four famed locales— Guijuelo, Jabugo, Salamanca, and La Aberca—alongside a well-curated drinks list featuring only Spanish wines and spirits.
Address: 14 Ann Siang Rd, Singapore 069694
Opening Hours: 11AM – 10PM (Daily)
Contact: +65 6223 8048
7. Octapas Spanish Tapas Bar – Situated in Clarke Quay
Expect a full range of Spanish dishes at this Clarke Quay tapas bar including a smorgasbord of traditional specialities ranging from hot and cold small plates and paella.
On the drinks front, drink the night away over one of their expertly made sangrias or perhaps knock back something a little stiffer. Entertainment comes in the form of a live band.
Note: Live music performances are prohibited during Phase Two.
Address: #01-08 River Valley Rd, Singapore 179023
Opening Hours: 11AM – 10PM (Daily)
Contact: +65 6837 2938
8. Que Pasa – Over 50 Types of Rare Wines
This longtime Emerald Hill established prides itself on offering authentic Spanish wine and tapas. The ambience is everything here, replete with dusty wooden textures, seasoned wooden barrels and cosy leather armchairs located upstairs.
The wine list here is pretty phenomenal with more than 50 varieties of rare wines as well as sherry and brandy from around the world. Their selection of tapas is as impressively authentic as it is varied. For starters, go for their range of cheeses, cured Spanish sausages and work your way toward their paper-thin-crust pizza.
Address: 7 Emerald Hill Rd, Singapore 229291
Opening Hours: 1.30PM – 2AM (Sun to Thu), 1.30PM – 3AM (Fri & Sat)
Contact: +65 6235 6626
9. Sabio by the Sea – A Scenic Spot in Quayside Isle
Paying homage to the vibrant, group-friendly delicacies of Spain, Sabio by the Sea, Tapas Bar & Grill serves up an impeccable array of Spanish tapas-style dishes that are great for sharing among a group— their Manchego Cheese Croquetas is a must-try! To pair with the elaborate menu of hot and cold delights, fancy one of their many tropical coolers and cocktails to enjoy with.
Read our guide to bars in Sentosa.
Address: Quayside Isle, 31 Ocean Way, #01-02, Singapore 098375
Opening Hours: 5PM – 10.30PM (Mon & Tue), 12PM – 10.30PM (Wed & Thu), 12PM – 11PM (Fri), 11.30AM – 11PM (Sat), 11.30AM – 10.30PM (Sun)
Contact: +65 6690 7568
10. Tapas Club – Level Two of Orchard Central
As far as food is concerned, there’s plenty to love about Tapas Club who many have dubbed as being on a par with many of Singapore’s well-known Spanish joints. Their various paella offerings strike all the right chords and are generously portioned. If you’ve got the stomach space for it, definitely opt for their Spanish omelette.
Drinks are wallet-friendly too, with glasses of wines costing below S$10 each.
Address: 181 Orchard Road, #02-13 Orchard Central, 238896
Opening Hours: 12PM – 10PM (Sun to Thu), 12PM – 10.30PM (Fri & Sat)
Contact: +65 6602 8081
11. The Winery | Tapas | Bar – Sits in CHIJMES
Situated within the scenic and classy confines of CHIJMES, The Winery Tapas Bar is a restaurant where you’ll find exquisite small plate Spanish tapas and a stellar wine list curated by their in-house award-winning Sommelier. Among their list of crowd-favourites, items to try include their Iberico pork, cured anchovies, Padron peppers and prawn al ajillo.
Address: 30 Victoria St, #B1-05 Chijmes, Singapore 187996
Opening Hours: 4PM – 11PM (Daily)
Contact: +65 6553 8850
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