Carlitos Brings Barcelona’s Spirit to Singapore’s Dining Scene

November 12, 2024

Picture this: the kitchen is bustling, the aroma of paella hangs heavy in the air, sangria glasses clink, and there’s laughter everywhere. Carlitos has a way of transporting you straight to the lively streets of Barcelona, where the heart of Spanish dining is about sharing, enjoying, and simply being in good company.

More Than a Meal, It’s an Encounter

Carlitos isn’t your typical dining spot. Here, food, people, and space come together to create an experience that’s less about eating and more about participating. It’s like stepping into a Spanish neighbourhood sanctuary where the good vibes are as important as the food on your plate. You don’t just eat here—you join in.

No Frills, No Pretensions

Carlitos stays true to what makes Spanish food so comforting: simplicity and quality. There’s no flashy presentation or gimmicks. What you get is high-quality, carefully sourced ingredients turned into honest, delicious dishes. It’s all about celebrating the authentic, time-honoured practices that make Spanish cuisine feel like a warm embrace.

Meet the Chef: Carlos Montobbio

Barcelona-native Chef Carlos Montobbio brings an impressive pedigree to Carlitos. He’s a graduate of the prestigious Hofmann Culinary School and has cooked in the kitchen of the legendary, three-Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca. In Singapore, Chef Carlos has already made waves at Esquina, where he’s known for turning simple, produce-driven ingredients into standout dishes.

At Carlitos, Chef Carlos leans into his roots, continuing to serve timeless Spanish fare, made with the freshest, all-natural ingredients. His approach is unpretentious and straight from the heart, delivering an authentic taste of Spain in every bite.

The Menu

Tapas take centre stage at Carlitos’ menu, and they’re perfect for pairing with a drink or two. Here are a few highlights:

Tortilla Donostia Slice: A classic Spanish omelette made with organic eggs, confit shallots, and potatoes, all cooked in extra virgin olive oil. Simple, comforting, and perfect.
Croquetas de Calamar: Creamy squid croquettes served with a rich, briny squid ink aioli. Crispy on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth on the inside.
Buñuelos de Pamplona: Light, golden codfish fritters accompanied by ajoarriero sofrito and a saffron-infused aioli. A crunchy, savoury delight.
Gambas al Ajillo: Atlantic prawns sautéed in garlicky, chilli-infused oil, with a side of sourdough bread to mop up every last drop. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast.

Beyond the tapas, Carlitos offers hearty options like Xup-Xup dishes (think meat or seafood, simmered and slow-braised) and Molletes, mini toasted flatbread sandwiches that are perfect for sharing. And when it’s time to indulge your “second stomach,” the Postres selection has your back.

A Neighbourhood Favourite in the Making

Carlitos isn’t trying to reinvent Spanish food; it’s celebrating it. The experience here is genuine, inviting, and unapologetically simple, much like the ritual of dining in Spain itself. You come, you eat, you laugh, and you leave feeling full—not just in the stomach, but in the soul.

If you’re craving a slice of Spanish conviviality, Carlitos is a place to experience, not just visit. It’s Spain, brought to life in Singapore—no plane ticket required.

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