Always wanted to give Casa Vostra a try but held back by those long queues? Well, you’re in luck — Carlitos, a new tapas bar in the bustling Joo Chiat enclave, might just be the next best thing. And, it’s opened by Casa Vostra’s chef Antonio Miscellaneo, alongside Carlos Montobbio of Esquina, so you’re getting the real deal.
Carlitos translates to ‘Little Carlos’ in Spanish, which are words of endearment towards young people. No, that doesn’t mean only young people are allowed to eat here. Instead, it’s highlighting the youthful spirit of enjoying authentic, delicious Spanish food.
Everything, from the front porch to the interior, will remind you of the quaint alleyways in Spain — brimming with culture and vibrancy. Exposed bricks fill the walls, with street lights mounted on. However, there remains a sense of refinement as the seats are upholstered in leather.
As it describes itself as a tapas restaurant, Carlitos is all about serving up different types of tapas. 30, to be exact. It’s plenty, so here are some highlights (according to muah).
The Tortilla Donostia Slice (S$10) was a hit among my dining mates and it wasn’t hard to see why. Shaped like a cake, this omelette dish is made with organic eggs and filled with potatoes and shallots. While it’s definitely an interesting take, it was just a touch too salty for my taste.
The Pulpo La Coruña (S$20) has thinly sliced Spanish octopus marinated in smoked paprika and extra virgin olive oil. Tender and melt-in-your-mouth, it’s a perfect appetiser to kick off the meal.
Another personal favourite of mine is the Macarrones del Cardenal (S$16) — homemade penne tossed with secreto iberico sofrito and Manchego cream. Rich and indulgent, it’s definitely best shared to avoid feeling jelak.
Aside from tapas, Carlitos offers a range of main meat and seafood dishes. We were presented with the Fricandó Barcelona (S$30) and Arroz Caldoso de Gambas (S$28).
The former is a hearty stew of Black Angus beef ragu with porcini, served alongside maitake rice, while the latter is a twist on risotto, featuring brothy rice topped with Mediterranean red prawns and vongole veraci clams.
I especially enjoyed the Arroz Caldoso de Gambas as the seafood broth was incredibly rich and flavourful, with the prawn essence truly taking centre stage. But I might be a little biased since I’m a huge seafood lover.
Thankfully, I paced myself just right, leaving room for dessert — and what a good call that was! The desserts here were exceptionally well-crafted and absolutely worth it.
We started off with the Tarta de Queso (S$12), a basque burnt cheesecake tart topped with sangria sorbet on the side. Here’s a little insider secret: this dish was what kept Esquina thriving through COVID and it’s easy to see why!
The flaky crust was perfection and the cheese hit all the right notes — rich, buttery, smoky, with just the right hint of salt. Personally, I found it satisfying on its own but for a refreshing twist, pair it with the sorbet for a touch of zest.
Another dessert we tried was the Flan y Café (S$10), which is a must for coffee lovers. This Spanish caramel pudding is layered with cortado coffee, making it a sweet treat with a delightful caffeine kick.
All in all, I can easily see myself cozying up with family and friends at Carlitos. The ambiance is intimate and comfortable, with just the right touch of elegance that makes it a perfect spot for date nights too.
Do note that Carlitos is set to officially open on 8 November 2024.
Will this be your next dinner spot?
Carlitos – Casa De Comidas
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📍50 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427598
🕐 5.30pm–11pm (Wed & Thu), 11.30am–3.30pm, 5.30pm–11pm (Fri & Sat), 5.30pm–10.30pm (Sun), Closed on Mon & Tue
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Photos by Sheree Chua
