Carlitos Casa de Comidas serves comforting Spanish food with a hidden bar at the back.
A neighbourhood tapas bar tucked away in Joo Chiat, Carlitos Casa de Comidas has been garnering favour with locals since its opening in November 2024. The underrated Spanish tapas restaurant in Singapore is run by chefs Carlos Montobbio of Esquina and Antonio Miscellaneo of La Bottega, serving authentic Spanish comfort food in a relaxed East Coast setting. On my visit, the dining experience was a welcoming blend of homely vibes, friendly staff, and warmth emanating from the cosy ambience.
Carlitos Casa de Comidas review: Details at a glance
Best for: Neighbourhood hangouts and casual gatherings in Joo Chiat
Must-try items: Gambas al ajillo; rabo de toro; Spanish suckling pig
How much: Tapas from $4, mains from $16, desserts from $12
Opening hours: Mondays to Thursdays, 5.30pm to 11pm; Fridays to Sundays, 11.30am to 3.30pm & 5.30pm to 11pm
Address: Carlitos Casa de Comidas, 350 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427598
Communal dining in a convivial atmosphere
With a menu of more than 30 types of tapas from different Spanish cities, there’s plenty to enjoy over good company. I loved how the decor transported me to a Spanish home, with quirky paintings, guitars and vases adorning the yellow-hued and brick walls. It’s effortless to sink into a chair, order a glass of wine, and lean back while nibbling on classic Spanish tapas.
Start with gilda pintxo ($5 per piece), a skewer of smoked sardines, pickled onions, and green olives, before diving into gambas al ajillo ($6 per piece), a dish of Atlantic prawns swimming in garlicky chilli oil and served with toasted sourdough.
For something a little different, I recommend the molletes selection for mini toasted flatbread sandwiches. The sobrassada ($10) is my top pick for bites of spicy nduja pork sausage, creamy burrata, and capers.
Mains made for sharing
Moving on to Spanish sharing mains, the rabo de toro ($28) is a must-order. The comforting creation of braised beef oxtail in red wine is paired with the most buttery and cheesy manchego potato mash that I’d happily swim in a vat full of.
If you’re dining in a big group at Carlitos Casa de Comidas, the Spanish suckling pig ($69 for half) offers tender meat chunks and crisp skin with green apple compote and pacharan jus. Of course, you gotta end the night munching on a little treat – the churros with Valrhona chocolate ($14) hit the sweet spot for me.
Want a splash of merrymaking? Try the sangrias ($16) or browse through the 30 Spanish wine labels (from $75 per bottle, $16 per glass) for delightful pairings with your meal.
Gaudi Room: Carlitos’ speakeasy bar in Joo Chiat
Tucked behind Carlitos Casa de Comidas, Gaudi Room joins the growing list of hidden bars in Singapore, offering an intimate spot for cocktails in the East Coast area. Whether you’re here early or you want post-meal drinks, the new watering hole is worth a little sneak peek. Step into the curved space, where the lights dim and all of a sudden, the bustle fades away. This 23-seater is inspired by Barcelonian architect Antoni Gaudi, with a wooden centrepiece bar shelf and mosaic tables taking the spotlight.
On the menu, classic cocktails are crafted with a twist. The Smoking Architect ($26) puts a spin on the Smoking Jacket drink, with bourbon, Ceylon water, whisky, angostura bitters, and banana water. Meanwhile, La Sagrada Paloma ($22) is a nod to Gaudi’s iconic Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, with togarashi and kimuchi no moto sauce cranking up the fiery notes.
Bar bites like padron peppers sprinkled with togarashi ($10) and fried chicken with tzatziki and spicy harissa ($22) are also available. The bar opens till midnight from Tuesdays to Sundays, perfect for an after-dinner hang.
Speaking as a non-Eastie, Carlitos Casa de Comidas and its hidden Gaudi Room are well worth the trip east. Whether you’re after Spanish tapas in Joo Chiat, a cosy neighbourhood dinner, or cocktails at a quiet speakeasy, this East Coast gem delivers on warmth and flavour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Carlitos Casa de Comidas located in Singapore?
Carlitos Casa de Comidas is located at 350 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427598, in the heart of the Katong-Joo Chiat neighbourhood. It’s a popular area for dining, cafes, and nightlife.
What kind of cuisine does Carlitos Casa de Comidas serve?
Carlitos Casa de Comidas is a Spanish tapas restaurant in Singapore, serving classic and modern tapas inspired by different regions of Spain, along with hearty sharing mains like rabo de toro and Spanish suckling pig.
Is Carlitos Casa de Comidas good for groups and casual gatherings?
Yes, Carlitos Casa de Comidas is ideal for group dining in Joo Chiat, with a lively atmosphere, communal-style tapas, and large sharing plates that work well for casual dinners, celebrations, and neighbourhood get-togethers.
Does Carlitos Casa de Comidas have a bar or place for drinks?
Yes! At the back of the restaurant is Gaudi Room, a hidden speakeasy bar in Joo Chiat, offering Spanish-inspired cocktails, wine, and bar bites. It’s a good spot for pre- or post-dinner drinks in East Coast.
What are the must-try dishes at Carlitos Casa de Comidas?
Popular must-orders include the gambas al ajillo, rabo de toro (braised oxtail), Spanish suckling pig for sharing, and churros with Valrhona chocolate for dessert.
What are the opening hours of Carlitos Casa de Comidas and Gaudi Room?
Carlitos Casa de Comidas opens from 5.30pm to 11pm on weekdays, and 11.30am to 3.30pm, as well as 5.30pm to 11pm on weekends. Gaudi Room opens till midnight from Tuesdays to Sundays, making it a convenient late-night drinks option in Joo Chiat.
