A new addition to the growing ensemble of restaurant options in Joo Chiat is the Ebb and Flow group’s Spanish restaurant, Carlitos.
Conceptualized as a casual tapas joint, Carlitos is a diminutive form of Carlos, a nod to Chef Carlos Montobbio who started the restaurant as a collaboration with Antonio Miscellaneo, from La Bottega which is just 2 doors away.
Carlitos occupies the space that used to be Tigerlily Patisserie, an Ebb and Flow concept that closed down earlier this year. The style of Carlitos is relatively informal – a bit family-style if you will and in fact, the space reminds me more of an Italian restaurant than a Spanish one. Perhaps the most obvious suggestion that is a Spanish restaurant is the presence of booth seats surrounding a bar (the way Spaniards usually take their tapas). There is also a table dining option.
Although relatively authentic, the food in Carlitos is meant to cater to what Singaporeans perceive Spanish food to be. This means you will find dishes from all over Spain in the venue’s menu of 30+ items – from Catalan to Andalusian and even Basque specialties all under one roof.
Tapas are a feast for the eyes and the palate, bursting with vibrant colors and tantalizing flavors. Picture the Gilda Pintxo (S$12), where smoky sardines are harmoniously paired with tangy pickles and luscious green olives.
Then there are the Buñuelos de Pamplona (S$12), delightful codfish fritters served with a rich ajoarriero sofrito, all kissed by the warmth of saffron oil.
Don’t miss the Tortilla Donosti (S$10), crafted fresh each morning from organic eggs, confit shallots, and potatoes, generously drizzled with extra virgin olive oil.
And for a true seafood lover’s delight, the Txipirones Bilbao (S$18) features perfectly grilled squid, complemented by crispy baby squid and a savory squid rice.
For those seeking deeper, more robust flavors, the Xup-Xup is a must-try. These pots of Spanish stew are lovingly simmered for hours, creating a rich tapestry of taste. Seafood enthusiasts will revel in the Arroz Caldoso de Gambas (S$28), where succulent Mediterranean red prawns are poached in a comforting broth, enriched with vongole veraci clams. This is a dish that may draw similarities to the type of poached rice which is the crazy in Singapore these days.
The Pulpo La Coruña (S$20) came extremely chewy and was seasoned with paprika. A Galician specialty, this is one Spanish dish that seems to be a quintessential part in any tapas restaurant.
And let’s not forget the Molletes, a cherished Andalusian treat. These small, fluffy breads are sliced open, toasted to perfection, and filled with a medley of delicious ingredients. For a bolder kick, try the Mallorcan Sobrassada (S$10), a spicy pork sausage paired with creamy burrata and a drizzle of honey that adds a delightful contrast. Each bite is a celebration of flavors that transport you straight to the heart of Spain.
For sweet endings, we had the Tarta de Queso (S$12) or cheesecake. Here, the cheesecake is presented in miniature and tart-like consisting of a variety of cheeses including a hint of blue cheese, as with Basque sensibilities. It also came with Sangria sorbet.
Carlitos makes for a delightful addition in the dining options in the east with the venue’s authentic ensemble of dishes from all over Spain. While Singapore has many tapas restaurants, I noted that Carlitos has a number of dishes that are not commonly found in the island. There were quite a number of dishes that I enjoyed such as the Sobrassada, Tortilla and Buñuelos.
Carlitos
350 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427598
Opening Hours
Wednesday to Thursday: 5.30pm to 11pm
Friday to Saturday: 11.30am to 3.30pm, 5.30pm to 11pm
Sunday: 11.30am to 3.30pm, 5.30pm to 10.30pm
