Craving some Spanish food? Carlitos is a new homey tapas restaurant in Joo Chiat to shortlist!
Helmed by Chefs Antonio of La Bottega (Singapore’s number 1 pizzeria) and Chef Carlos of Esquina, Carlitos brings a taste of Spain to Singapore.
Homey Ambiance
The space is small but cosy and colourful, decorated in warm shades of red and yellow. It can sit about 30 pax.
There are motifs of Spain scattered throughout, from the leg of ham hanging at the counter to the vintage vases on the shelves.
They also have a private room that fits up to 12 with a total minimum spend of $1,800.
Carlitos Menu
Carlitos specializes in tapas, small sharing plates of Spanish food designed for wines and drinks.
They have over 30 tapas options featuring all types of meats, seafood and breads!
The menu is split into 4 sections – Tapas, Xup-Xup (simmered or slow-braised dishes), Molletes (flatbread sandwiches) and Postres (desserts).
Some items include Pan Con Tomate ($9), made with Spanish oxheart tomatoes or the classic Gambas Al Ajillo ($22) featuring Atlantic prawns simmered in olive oil and garlic.
They have unique flavours like Gilda Pintxo ($10), a smoked sardine skewer and Croquetas de Calamar ($12); squid croquettes with a squid ink aioli!
For something heartier, they have Paella de Día ($26) that features the day’s seafood selection.
They have a complimentary menu of Spanish wines and beers to go with your food.
Tapas
We got to try 7 tapas items but a few stood out to us!
The Pulpo La Crouña ($20) featured thinly sliced octopus with extra virgin olive oil and paprika.
Despite its simple presentation, the meat was tender and fresh! The sweetness was amplified by the high quality olive oil.
We also liked the Txipirones Bilbao ($18). It had squid prepared three ways – fried, pan fried and in the broth used to cook the orzo.
This was incredibly flavourful and umami-packed, soaked into every orzo grain. We finished every bite!
Other items we’d recommend are the Patatas Bravas Bonanova ($10); fried potatoes covered in aioli and chili sauce and Macarrones del Cardenal ($14) featuring baked fresh penne from Casa Vostra.
The Tortilla Donostia Slice ($10) was reminiscent of a Chinese-style potato and onion omelette, which we found funny!
We liked the artichoke in Alcachofa Brasa ($18) but it was a bit oily; while the Buñuelos de Pamplona ($12) had a nice, soft texture from the cod fish.
Xup-Xup
The Fricandó Barcelona ($30) was the most Asian item on the menu, served with maitake rice.
It came with a rich, hearty beef ragu with black angus beef! The flavours were good but didn’t stand out as much compared to the other dishes.
The Arroz Caldoso de Gambas ($28) was similar to a prawn porridge. The rice had a soft texture which absorbed the flavour-packed prawn broth, plus plenty of seafood.
Molletes
The molletes featured a special crystal bread which was airy but with a crunchy exterior.
Between the Sobrassada ($10) and Bikini ($14), we liked the latter more. The combination of truffle, brie and mushroom was earthy and salty, making it appetizing!
Postres
Their desserts were also noteworthy, especially the Flan y Café ($10).
This was a caramel flan with coffee cream and coffee biscuit, a nod to dessert with coffee after a meal.
The flan had a firm, tofu-like texture which melted on the tongue, leaving a sweet but not bitter taste.
The Tarta de Queso ($12) is a simple but well-executed cheese tart with a melty center and buttery crust.
Authentic Tapas In Singapore
While the prices may be a bit steep, the quality of the food and the warm, inviting atmosphere make Carlitos a worthwhile experience.
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Carlitos
350 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427598
Closed on Monday & Tuesday
Wed–Thu: 5.30pm–11pm
Fri–Sat: 11.30am–3.30pm and 5.30pm–11pm
Sun: 11.30am–3.30pm and 5.30pm–10.30pm
Check out more things to eat in Joo Chiat!
- Top Pizzeria In Singapore La Bottega Enoteca Launches New Pizza & Dishes For Second Anniversary
- Joo Chiat Oyster House: Fresh Japanese Oysters And Specialty Cocktails In The East
- 808 Eating House: Restaurant in Joo Chiat Serving Contemporary Southeast Asian Cuisine
*This article is based on a media-tasting event, but all opinions expressed about the food are entirely our own.
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