As soon as night falls, it’s fully booked: This Spanish tapas bar in Joo Chiat — don’t rush off after you eat, there’s a hidden “Easter egg” through the back door.
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We’ve discovered another little tapas bar tucked away in a corner. Located in Joo Chiat, Carlitos Casa de Comidas brings the bustle, aromas, wine, and small plates of Barcelona to Singapore — almost unchanged.
If you know Joo Chiat, you’ll know it’s never short of good food. But Carlitos is the kind of place you could easily miss by accident — and once you’ve been, you’ll want to come back. This small restaurant opened quietly last November and has already become one of the most sought-after tapas bars on the East Side. Our Weekender team only managed to get a table around its first anniversary. The result? Let’s say: it’s popular for a reason.
Like Stepping into a Tapas Bar in a Barcelona Neighborhood
Walking into Carlitos feels like entering a tapas bar on the streets of Barcelona. The space isn’t ample, but it’s lively and relaxed — not a place for silent dining, but the Spanish kind of table where you eat, chat, and drink as you go.
The menu features more than 30 tapas from different Spanish cities, all crafted by chef Carlos. His inspiration comes from memories of tapas bars in Spain, as well as the tastes he missed from childhood. The ingredients are simple and the techniques straightforward, but every bite has soul.
Tapas That Hook You from the First Bite
The first dish, Gilda Pintxo (S$5++ per skewer, minimum two), immediately won us over. This classic skewer of olive, anchovy, and chili pepper is salty and deeply savory, with none of the fishiness — it opens your appetite instantly.
Next, you have to order the Gambas al Ajillo (S$6++ per prawn, minimum two). Fresh prawns in garlicky olive oil — precise but straightforward. The sweetness of the prawns is amplified, and it’s the kind of dish you can’t stop eating.
Hot Dishes Are Just as Impressive
If you’re craving a change in texture, go for the grilled flatbread sandwich. We especially loved the Sobrassada (S$10) — a gently spicy Spanish pork sausage spread layered with creamy burrata and capers for a beautifully balanced bite.
Standout mains include the Albóndigas con Sepia (S$28++), a classic Catalan land-and-sea pairing of Iberico pork meatballs, cuttlefish, and crispy chicharrón, and the Rabo de Toro (S$28++), where red wine–braised oxtail meets silky manchego mashed potatoes. Simply put, it’s a menu with no weak links.
Must-Order for Group Gatherings
If you’re dining with a group, it’s worth pre-ordering one of their Spanish roasts. The Spanish Suckling Pig (S$69++/half, S$138++/whole) stands out with crackling crisp skin and tender meat, balanced by a refreshing green apple sauce. The Pollo Rustido (S$19++/half, S$38++/whole) is equally satisfying — a juicy, well-seasoned free-range chicken that’s made for sharing.
Dessert Is a Different Kind of Happiness
Save room for dessert. Tarta de Queso (S$12++) is a Basque burnt cheesecake paired with refreshing sangria sorbet — nicely balanced. Churros con Chocolate (S$14++) are handmade to order and served with Valrhona chocolate: simple, but deeply satisfying.
Spanish Wine List + a Hidden Bar
The drinks list is just as strong. There are over 30 curated Spanish wines, many from small boutique wineries, with bottles starting from S$75++. If you only want one drink, there are plenty of by-the-glass options available as well.
What adds an extra layer of surprise is the small hidden bar behind the restaurant — the Secret Gaudí Room. Inspired by Barcelona’s visionary architect Antoni Gaudí, it weaves his imaginative style into every corner. Here, tapas becomes bar bites, sangria becomes cocktails, and the buzz turns into hushed conversation — like slipping into another Barcelona dream.
Carlitos Casa de Comidas isn’t just delicious — it feels like a carefully recreated slice of everyday Spain. Great for friends, or for a night when you want a proper drink and food that keeps surprising you. Just remember: book early.
Carlitos Casa de Comidas is located at 350 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427598.
A Chinese version of the article appeared here.
Click here to discover more delicious food options in Singapore.
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