Carlitos, the newest gem in the vibrant Joo Chiat dining scene. The restaurant offers a casual yet thoughtfully curated Spanish tapas experience. This exciting new venture is the result of a collaboration between renowned chefs Carlos Montobbio of Esquina and Antonio Miscellaneo of La Bottega, alongside the Ebb & Flow Group and Unlisted Collection. The name “Carlitos,” meaning “Little Carlos” in Spanish, reflects the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant. Stepping inside, the decor transports you to the lively streets of Barcelona, with cozy bar seating, casual dining tables, and a private room perfect for larger gatherings. Chef Carlos Montobbio brings a wealth of experience, having worked at prestigious three-Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca and two-Michelin-starred Zuberoa, while Chef Antonio, known for popular spots like La Bottega and Casa Nostra, continues to bring his culinary vision to life in Singapore.
Read more: [SG EATS] Carlitos at Joo Chiat – Casual Spanish Tapas Restaurant by Esquina Chef Carlos and La Bottega Chef AntonioThe relaxed and inviting atmosphere at Carlitos makes it the perfect spot for both intimate meals and group get-togethers. With a private dining room accommodating up to 12 guests (with a minimum spend of S$1800++), Carlitos offers versatile settings for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy date or a lively gathering. The vibrant décor, combined with its familiar Joo Chiat location, creates a warm, homey feel, bringing a taste of Spain to Singapore. Every detail, from the layout to the design, has been personally crafted by chefs Carlos and Antonio themselves, without the involvement of an interior designer. This showcases their dedication to creating an authentic Spanish experience.
At Carlitos, you’ll find over 30 varieties of tapas, each inspired by Chef Carlos’s personal memories of Spanish tapas bars. With prices starting from S$8, every dish showcases the chef’s careful focus on flavour, texture, and traditional Spanish cooking methods. Here’s a look at what we tried during our tasting session.
Patatas Bravas Bonanova (S$10)
A must-try, this take on patatas bravas is inspired by Chef Carlos’s favorite spot in Barcelona. The agria potatoes are steamed, poached, and fried to a crispy golden perfection. Then drizzled with garlicky aioli, spicy tomato sauce, and smoky paprika oil. It was so delicious, that we had to order a second serving!
Tortilla Donostia Slice (S$10)
This fresh tortilla is made with organic eggs, confit shallots, and potatoes. It offers a soft, savory bite with a rich texture elevated by the addition of extra virgin olive oil. A true comfort food, this simple yet satisfying dish.
Pulpo La Coruña (S$20)
This dish features thinly sliced Spanish octopus, seasoned with smoked paprika and extra virgin olive oil. While the flavor might be a bit salty for some, it remains a delicious and satisfying option overall.
Txipirones Bilbao (S$18)
Grilled squid paired with crispy baby squid and squid & shallot orzo, offering a perfect balance of robust flavors and satisfying textures.
Macarrones del Cardenal (S$16)
This hearty tapas dish features homemade penne pasta, enriched with secreto iberico sofrito and Manchego cream. Each bite offers a comforting, creamy texture, making it a traditional and satisfying Spanish favorite.
Alcachofa Brasa (S$18)
This artichoke-based dish is paired with saffron polenta and seasoned with garlic and parsley giving it a balanced profile.
Buñuelos de Pamplona (S$12)
Crispy codfish fritters served with ajoarriero sofrito, infused with fragrant saffron oil.
Gilda Pintxo (S$12)
This pintxo delivers a smoky, savory bite with a combination of sardines, pickles, and green olives, offering an authentic taste of Spain in every mouthful. While the sardines may not be for everyone, the overall combination comes together beautifully.
Mini Toasted Sandwiches
The menu also offers mini toasted sandwiches, ideal for a light snack. The price is per piece, and the photos represent tasting portions.
Sobrassada (S$10)
This sandwich with pork sausage, burrata, and honey is crispy and delightfully light.
Bikini (S$12)
An elevated classic, this toasted sandwich combines Ibérico ham, brie cheese, and truffle duxelle, delivering rich, layered flavors. Definitely a must-try when you’re here!
Xup-Xup Specialties
In addition to the tapas, the “Xup-Xup” section presents a selection of meat and seafood options:
Arroz Caldoso de Gambas (S$28)
A brothy rice topped with Mediterranean red prawns and vongole veraci clams, showcasing seafood flavors in every bite.
Fricandó Barcelona (S$30)
This hearty Black Angus beef ragu with porcini mushrooms is served with maitake rice, reminiscent of a comforting Japanese beef don.
For dessert, we end on a sweet note with Carlitos’ desserts.
Tarta de Queso (S$12)
This Basque burnt cheesecake with a unique Sangria sorbet is rich and creamy with a balanced flavor profile.
Flan y Café (S$10)
Spanish caramel pudding paired with Cortado coffee, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Carlitos brings a charming Spanish touch to Joo Chiat, filling the neighborhood’s need for high-quality tapas. From timeless patatas bravas to satisfying mains, the menu is carefully designed to transport diners straight to Spain. Even my dining companion remarked that the atmosphere felt just like being back in Barcelona, reminiscing about his trip to Spain a few months ago.
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