Cendra Tapas Bar and Grill review: Casual Spanish dining with relaxed vibes for small gatherings

A cosy Spanish restaurant in Singapore, Cendra Tapas Bar and Grill spices things up with an open kitchen dishing out tasty tapas.

I’ll never turn down tapas, so when Cendra Tapas Bar and Grill’s first anniversary popped up on my radar, I was instantly intrigued. I’ve dined at my fair share of Spanish restaurants in Singapore, but discovering this underrated gem on Gemmill Lane reminded me that some spots simply have more soul.

Helmed by Barcelona-born chef-owner Xavi Palau (formerly of FOC), the kitchen celebrates his Catalan roots with a menu that champions seasonality and authentic flavours. It’s a refreshing take on traditional Spanish fare: unpretentious yet elevated with heart. I’ll be back for another round of tapas delights, but first, here’s a look at all the dishes I tried and loved.

Cendra review: Details at a glance

Best for: Casual dinners and small groups who enjoy sharing tapas with cocktails
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday – Sunday, Lunch 12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 11pm; closed on Tuesday & Saturday, 12pm – 2.30pm
How much: Tapas from $9, mains from $38
Address: Cendra Tapas Bar and Grill, #01-01, 5 Gemmill Lane, Singapore 069261

The vibes: Laid-back and warm

Tucked away in the back alley of Gemmill Lane, Cendra Tapas Bar and Grill is a bright spark in the Telok Ayer dining scene. The space strikes that sweet spot between casual and chic – think high tables for communal dining, seats by the lively open kitchen, and little nooks for intimate dates. From the moment I stepped in, the friendly team made me feel right at home, walking me through the menu and pointing out the must-tries.

Even on a weekday night, the restaurant was buzzing with small groups celebrating special occasions and soaking in the warm service. It’s easy to envision Cendra as a go-to for couples seeking a relaxed date spot or families gathering for a celebratory dinner.

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The food: Fresh, flavourful and full of heart

The refreshed menu keeps things tight, focusing on familiar favourites and refined spins on Spanish classics. My table happily dug into “ensaladilla rusa” (creamy potato-based salad) topped with salty smoked mackerel on crispy toast ($22). It turned out to be one of the night’s top picks, thanks to its unexpected flavours.

Another standout? Chef’s take on the gambas “al ajillo” ($34). I mopped up every last drop of the garlicky, spicy olive oil with each bite of plump prawn. If you’re more of a traditionalist, you can’t go wrong ordering crystal bread with tomatoes ($12) paired with Iberico ham ($36), or a couple of golden croquetas ($9 for two pieces) – choose between mushroom or Iberico ham. They’re comforting and just as tasty as you’d expect tapas to be.

For mains, the pork butifarra rice “a la llauna” ($40) deserves a shoutout. Baked in a shallow metal tray for even cooking (no burnt paella edges here), it’s meaty, savoury, and hearty enough to share. Meat lovers will also appreciate the tender, juicy Australian wagyu striploin ($90 for 300g), beautifully complemented by smoky confit piquillo peppers ($16) with just a hint of bitterness to balance the dish.

Tip: whatever you do, save room for dessert. The chocolate soufflé ($18), made without sugar or flour, is light as air but packs an indulgent punch of rich, dark chocolate, paired perfectly with creamy stracciatella ice cream.

P.S. Pace yourself, or you might roll out of the restaurant in a blissful, food-induced haze like I did.

The verdict: Perfect for chill dates or cosy gatherings

Whether you’re in the mood for after-work drinks with tapas or a leisurely weekend meal with friends to unwind, Cendra Tapas Bar and Grill is a warm and welcoming hideaway in Singapore. With soulful Spanish flavours, genuinely kind service, and an easygoing vibe, it’s the kind of place you’ll keep coming back to – and maybe keep a little secret, too.

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