[Review] Tapas,24 Debuts New Menu from Chef Carle Abellan

Tapas,24 first opened its door in Singapore in 2011, when we were still in the thick of Covid lockdown. The popular tapas joint from Barcelona was founded in 2007 by Michelin-starred Spanish Chef Carles Abellan and is adored by gourmands for its fun and delicious tapas spread, including their signature bikini sandwich.

It has been almost three years from the opening and the restaurant has since established itself as a vibrant hotspot for Spanish culinary deights at the Robertson Quay area. Chef Carles was back in town earlier in February and March to launch a new menu together with his dedicated head chef in Singapore, Chef Carolina Garcia.

Drawing inspiration from the sun-kissed shores of Spain, Tapas,24’s latest menu introduces a wide spread of Mediterranean-style Spanish cuisine. From signature tapas to dishes grilled to perfection on the Plancha and Josper oven grill, there is something on the menu to please every tastebuds.

While Chef Carles is not based here, Tapas,24 Singapore is in good hands with a solid F&B team personally assembled by Chef Carles. At the heart of the restaurant lies a dynamic trio dedicated to curating an unforgettable dining experience. Head Chef Carolina Garcia, with her blend of Spanish heritage and culinary expertise honed in Lima, Peru, brings a fusion of tradition and innovation to the table. Sommelier Guillaume Pace meticulously selects wines that capture the essence of Spain, while Service Maestro Alex Rivera infuses the restaurant with warm Spanish hospitality, ensuring every visit is a journey to remember.

We were invited for a lunch tasting where we sampled items from the new menu, including signature favourites as well as new additions:

The new menu at Tapas,24 showcases a blend of traditional Spanish flavours with innovative twists. This is one of the rare tastings I attended that I find it hard to pick even one item that I did not enjoy.

A new addition which I really like is the Mar Y Montania paella, perfectly cooked to deliver a soft chewiness on the rice, juxtaposed with the crackling texture of the socarrat (the crusty, crispy bottom of a paella). Served together with a medley of savoury flavours from both the land and the sea, this is a hearty sharing dish which will please just about anyone.

Two other standout dishes for me were the new Spanish Ibérico Chuleta dish, served sizzling hot from the Josper oven-grill with an aromatic char, and the iconic Gambas Al Ajillo, a tapas favourite featuring succulent prawns infused with garlic and extra virgin olive oil. Both dishes are bursting with rich flavours, bringing out the best of imported, premium Spanish ingredients. The latter dish uses artisanal olive oils and olives imported directly from Andalusia in Spain.

The two mainstays, Chef Carles’ signature Bikini Sandwich and the Croquetas de Jamon continue to be crowd-pleasers. Among the new additions, the two skewer dishes were a delight too and are great for sharing.

Complementing the culinary delights, Tapas,24 offers an extensive selection of Spanish wines, with over 100 labels to choose from. From classic Priorat to refreshing Verdejo of Rueda, the diverse collection promises to elevate the dining experience. Guests can also enjoy homemade sangria and vibrant Spanish street cocktails, for a more authentic Spanish dining experience.

Other than their excellent food and drinks, the service at Tapas,24 is exceptional, under the careful watch of Service Maestro Alex Rivera.

Food and service were great when it first opened, three years later with a new menu, things are still amazing.

Tapas,24 Singapore

Address: The 60 Robertson Quay, #01-04, Singapore 238252

Opening Hours:
Monday to Wednesday, 5pm to 12am
Thursday to Sunday, 12pm to 12am