Casa Lola @ Boon Tat Street - Casual Spanish Dining Inspired by Barcelona’s Neighbourhood Bodegas

Casa Lola at Boon Tat Street is a new casual Spanish concept from FOC Group, inspired by Barcelona’s beloved neighbourhood bodegas. Co-founded by Barcelona-born Chef Juanjo Carrillo and hospitality professional Marcela Pino, the restaurant draws on Juanjo’s Spanish roots, childhood memories in southern Spain, and Barcelona’s vibrant social culture, where food, drinks, and conversations naturally come together.

More than just a place for tapas, Casa Lola is about the culture behind how people eat and connect in Spain. The menu takes inspiration from Spanish home cooking, family traditions and memories, including dishes influenced by Chef Juanjo’s childhood summers, alongside more contemporary interpretations.

“Salmorejo”, Chilled Tomato Soup 4.5/5

We started with the “Salmorejo” Chilled Tomato Soup ($14), served with Ibérico ham, boiled egg, and croutons on the side, so you can mix them into the soup to your preference. Originating in Córdoba, Andalusia, Salmorejo is one of Spain’s iconic cold soups. While it may look similar to gazpacho, the texture is noticeably different. Instead of being light and thin, Salmorejo is much thicker, creamier and incredibly velvety. The tomato flavour comes through bright and vibrant, with a refreshing acidity balanced by a rich, almost silky body. The toppings add another layer of texture and savouriness, especially the salty Ibérico ham and crunchy croutons. It is simple in appearance, but the bowl has plenty of depth.

Smoked Cantabrico Anchovies 4.2/5

For a small bite with plenty of flavour, the Smoked Cantabrico Anchovies ($16 for 2pcs) are worth trying. Inspired by the iconic anchovy pintxos of Spain’s Basque Country, the anchovies are served on toasted brioche with foie gras ganache. This interesting sea-and-land combination reflects the Spanish mar i muntanya philosophy. The Cantabrian anchovy is intensely savoury and briny, with a distinct smoky character, while the foie gras ganache brings a smooth, rich and slightly sweet contrast. Everything sits on buttery toasted brioche, which adds a crisp texture and gentle sweetness. The richness of the foie gras mellows the anchovy’s intensity, creating what I would describe as a little flavour bomb in one bite.

Assorted Cold Cuts & Cheeses 4/5

The Assorted Cold Cuts & Cheeses ($42++) is a generous sharing platter suitable for around 2 to 4 people. It brings together a selection of Spanish charcuterie and European cheeses, making it a natural pairing with a glass of wine or sangria. The platter comprises Jamon Iberico, Mortadella, Chorizo, Manchego, Camembert and Gorgonzola, served with pickles and picos. This platter offers a good mix of textures and flavours, from salty, savoury cured meats to creamy, nutty, and more pungent cheeses. The pickles also add a welcome acidity to cut through the richness, making this an easy platter to graze on while you have drinks and conversation.

Crispy Plantain Fritters 4.5/5

The Crispy Plantain with Avocado Cream & Sriracha Honey ($9 for 2pcs) is a playful addition to the menu. Inspired by the classic Spanish combination of fried aubergine with honey, Casa Lola gives it a Latin twist by replacing the aubergine with crispy plantain and pairing it with creamy avocado, honey and a touch of sriracha. You get a satisfyingly crisp exterior from the fried plantain, followed by creamy avocado and a sweet-spicy finish from the sriracha honey. The combination of sweet, savoury, creamy and slightly spicy flavours makes this a very addictive little bite.

Crab Croquettes with Sea Urchin and Aioli 4/5

The Crab Croquettes with Sea Urchin and Aioli ($16) take the humble Spanish croqueta and give it a luxurious upgrade. The croquette is fried until golden brown, with a crisp shell that gives way to a smooth and creamy béchamel filling folded with shredded blue crab. The crab adds a natural sweetness and savouriness, while the sea urchin on top brings an unmistakable briny, oceanic richness. A dollop of house-made garlic aioli on top adds subtle garlicky acidity to balance the richness of the fried croquette and seafood. Creamy, crispy and indulgent, this is definitely a more decadent take on the classic croqueta.

Lola’s Traditional Spanish Snails with Mediterranean Herbs 3/5

One of the more unusual dishes for me was Lola’s Traditional Spanish Snails with Mediterranean Herbs ($22), a rustic dish inspired by Chef Juanjo’s grandmother’s home cooking. The snails are slow-cooked with cumin, cloves and Mediterranean herbs, served alongside chickpeas that soak up the deeply seasoned braising liquid. This was quite different from the French-style escargot that I am more familiar with, where the snails are typically baked with lots of garlic and butter. Here, the flavour is much more rustic, earthy and heavily spiced, with the snails taking on much of the character of the braising sauce. It was my first time trying snails prepared in this style, so it definitely took some getting used to. For me, this was more about experiencing a traditional style of Spanish home cooking rather than an immediately familiar flavour.

“Huevos Rotos” with King Prawns “Al Ajillo” Rich Garlic Sauce 3.8/5

The Huevos Estrellados with Garlic King Prawns ($32) brings together two Spanish favourites in one hearty plate — Huevos Rotos, or broken eggs, and Gambas al Ajillo, garlic prawns. Spanish Agria potatoes are sliced into chips and fried until golden and crisp, then topped with sunny-side-up eggs with beautifully lacy crispy edges and runny yolks. Alongside are plump king prawns cooked in extra virgin olive oil with garlic and dried chilli, giving the dish plenty of aroma and savouriness. Break the eggs and mix everything together, letting the rich, runny yolk coat the crispy potato chips while the garlicky, chilli-infused oil ties it all together. Simple, comforting, and full of flavour, this is the kind of Spanish dish made for sharing.

Crispy Suckling Pig Debone, with Roasted Apple & Pumpkin 4/5

The Crispy Deboned Suckling Pig ($36) is a more refined presentation of one of Spain’s iconic dishes. The suckling pig is slow-cooked overnight until tender, then deboned and crisped for a crunchy finish. It is served with a rich reduction made from roasted bones and Port wine, alongside a sweet and tangy roasted apple and pumpkin chutney. I like that the portion is designed for an individual diner rather than requiring a large half or quarter pig. This makes it much easier for smaller groups to order and share more dishes across the menu. The pork itself is rich and fatty, so the fruity chutney provides an important contrast, adding sweetness and acidity to balance the heavier meat.

Seasonal Paella with “Dinamita” Rice Molino Roca 4.2/5

Of course, a Spanish meal would not feel complete without paella. Casa Lola’s Seasonal Paella uses Molino Roca “Dinamita” rice from Valencia, a short-grain Spanish rice prized for absorbing flavours while maintaining its texture. The rice is cooked with Casa Lola’s salmorreta, spices, and saffron, then finished over high heat to develop the highly sought-after socarrat — the crisp, caramelised layer of rice at the bottom of the pan. Our version came with Spanish red prawn and squid. The rice had a deep, savoury, aromatic flavour, while the crisp socarrat added a pleasant textural contrast. Seasonal ingredients will change depending on availability, so you’ll likely find something different to try on future visits.

Spanish Creamy Flan Caramel with Chantilly 5/5

Dessert was the highlight for me, especially the Spanish Creamy Flan Caramel with Chantilly ($14). This is a classic Spanish Flan de Huevo, with an incredibly smooth, dense and silky texture. The custard is rich without being overly sweet, with the natural richness of the egg yolks balanced by the gentle sweetness of milk and vanilla. It comes bathed in a glossy golden caramel sauce that leans slightly toward the bitter, burnt side, which works beautifully with the creamy custard. A dollop of light Chantilly cream adds another layer of softness and texture. This was very good, and I highly recommend saving space for this.

Chocolate Cake with Layers of Manjari 66% Dark Chocolate Ganache 4.5/5

Another strong dessert is the Chocolate Cake with Layers of Manjari 66% Dark Chocolate Ganache ($18). Made in-house, the cake features moist cocoa sponge with a touch of Cointreau, layered with Manjari 66% dark chocolate ganache and finished with a glossy chocolate glaze. The sponge is soft and moist, while the dark chocolate ganache provides a rich, velvety texture and a deep cocoa flavour. The fruity character of the Manjari chocolate helps keep the dessert from becoming overly heavy, giving it a more balanced finish. A great choice for chocolate lovers, especially if you prefer your chocolate desserts richer and more intense.

Casa Lola brings together the flavours of Spanish home cooking, the convivial spirit of Barcelona’s neighbourhood bodegas and a mix of traditional and contemporary tapas. The menu offers a good variety, from simple cold dishes and charcuterie to indulgent croquettes, hearty mains, paella, and desserts. If you are looking for a casual Spanish spot along Boon Tat Street where you can order a variety of dishes, share them around the table and pair them with drinks, Casa Lola is worth checking out.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Casa Lola
3 Boon Tat Street
Singapore 069612
Tel: +65 96578020
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun & Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Telok Ayer Street. Walk down Telok Ayer Street and turn left onto Boon Tat Street. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Then turn right onto Boon Tat Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Casa Mori @ Dempsey Hill - Where Mod-Sin Meets Spanish Soul

Tucked within the verdant enclave of Dempsey Hill, Casa Mori presents itself as more than just another dining destination — it is a thoughtfully curated lifestyle concept that invites diners to slow down and savour the moment. Drawing from the Spanish word Casa (home) and the Japanese Mori (forest), the space beautifully embodies a harmony of warmth, nature, and understated elegance. Just minutes from the city centre, it offers a tranquil escape ideal for lingering brunches, relaxed afternoons, and intimate dinners.

At the heart of Casa Mori is a compelling culinary partnership between Chef Willin Low — widely regarded as the pioneer of Mod-Sin cuisine — and Chef José Alonso of Kulto. Their collaboration feels organic rather than forced, weaving together Singaporean and Spanish sensibilities with finesse. The result is a quietly inventive menu, where familiar flavours are reinterpreted with nuance and intention.

Iberico Secreto 4/5

The Iberico Secreto ($24 for 3pc) sets the tone for the menu’s cross-cultural dialogue. Succulent cuts of Iberico pork are grilled and glazed with an Indonesian-style satay sauce, delivering a smoky sweetness layered with nutty depth. The addition of a bright pineapple salsa cuts through the richness, lending acidity and freshness that keeps each bite balanced and moreish.

Kalipoquetas 4.2/5

Equally intriguing are the Kalipoquetas ($16 for 4 pcs) — a clever portmanteau of curry puffs and croquettes. Crisp on the outside and filled with a warmly spiced mixture of chicken, curry, and potato, each bite is rich and comforting. The accompanying curry aioli adds another layer of indulgence, making this a playful yet deeply satisfying reinterpretation of familiar snacks.

Garlic Huajiao Prawns 4.2/5

The Garlic Huajiao Prawns ($32) deliver bold flavours with finesse. Plump, tender prawns are bathed in a fragrant sauce infused with Szechuan peppercorns, offering a gentle mala numbing sensation that builds with each bite. The confit garlic adds sweetness and depth, while the accompanying bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that addictive sauce.

Squid Ink Fried Rice 4.2/5

The Squid Ink Fried Rice ($38) is a standout for both flavour and texture. The rice is deeply savoury and aromatic, each grain coated in umami-rich squid ink. Topped with crispy baby squid tempura, bursts of tobiko, and a luscious onsen egg, the dish comes together beautifully — crunchy, creamy, and briny elements harmonising in every mouthful.

Broccolini & Brussels Sprouts 3.5/5

For something lighter, the Broccolini & Brussels Sprouts ($24) impress with its balance of texture and flavour. Charred over the grill for a subtle smokiness, the greens retain a satisfying crunch. Tossed with chilli crisp, tahini, and a squeeze of lemon, the dish delivers nutty, spicy, and tangy notes in equal measure — a vegetable dish that holds its own confidently.

Black Cod 4.2/5

A more restrained yet elegant offering is the Black Cod ($38). Delicately cooked, the fish boasts a buttery, melt-in-the-mouth texture. It is paired with Chinese olive mustard leaf and Japanese takana, bringing together Teochew and Japanese influences. The interplay of subtle tanginess and umami creates a dish that feels light yet layered in complexity.

Spring Chicken 4.2/5

The Spring Chicken ($36), roasted in a Josper oven, delivers comforting familiarity done right. The meat is juicy and tender, with a gentle smokiness from the grill. Served alongside a Cantonese-inspired ginger and scallion relish, the dish is lifted with aromatic freshness that cuts through the richness of the chicken.

Black Sesame Cheesecake 3/5

The Black Sesame Cheesecake ($16) with coconut sorbet offers a bold flavour profile, though it may divide opinions. The cheesecake leans on the denser side, with an intense nuttiness from the black sesame taking centre stage. While the coconut sorbet provides a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness, the overall texture may feel slightly heavy for some.

Churros 4.5/5

In contrast, the Mochi Churros ($16) are a delightful finish to the meal. Crisp on the outside with a satisfyingly chewy centre, they bring a fun textural twist to the traditional Spanish churro. Served with both a rich chocolate sauce and a house-made kaya dip, the latter stands out — fragrant, creamy, and unmistakably local, it perfectly encapsulates Casa Mori’s East-meets-West philosophy.

Casa Mori succeeds in creating a dining experience that feels both thoughtful and inviting. Beyond the serene setting and polished space, it is the menu that truly resonates — a seamless conversation between cultures, guided by two chefs with distinct yet complementary perspectives. The dishes are not about bold theatrics, but rather quiet confidence — flavours that unfold gently, revealing layers of familiarity and surprise. For those seeking a dining experience that encourages you to slow down, reconnect, and savour each moment, Casa Mori offers a compelling reason to linger just a little longer.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Casa Mori
Dempsey Hill
11 Dempsey Road
#01-17
Singapore 249673
Tel: +65 8993 6049
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Sat: 11am - 1030pm
Sun & PH: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to the bus stop at Napier Station (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 10 minutes.[Map]

Vineyard @ Hortpark - All-You-Can-Eat A La Carte French Buffet at $58

Vineyard at Hortpark serves up French cuisine with a touch of local flair. The restaurant is currently running a promotion for its All-You-Can-Eat à la carte French Buffet at $58++ (U.P. $98++). The menu entices with a range of starters, including classics such as Duck Rillette and Moules Marinières, comforting soups and salads, and mains featuring iconic dishes such as Duck Leg Confit and Steak Frites.

Gruyère Cheese Zucchini Croquette 4/5

The Gruyère Cheese Zucchini Croquette arrived golden and crisp, with rich, oozy cheese complemented by julienned zucchini. The filling could have been less wet for a better texture, and given its richness, a mustard-based sauce might have worked more effectively than the French ranch drizzle to cut through and balance the flavours.

Country-Style French Duck Rillette 4.5/5

One of our favourites was the Country-Style French Duck Rillette — meaty and unctuous without being overly fatty.

Mushroom Pâté 3/5

The Mushroom Pâté with Apricot Compote was delectable, though we found it slightly on the sweeter side.

Ah Hua Kelong Mussels Marinière 4.8/5

Embracing the ethos of farm-to-table dining, Vineyard also sources produce locally, creating dishes such as the Ah Hua Kelong Mussels Marinière. The white wine butter sauce was incredibly full-bodied and flavourful, making this an excellent showcase of our local mussels.

Vegetable Garbure Soup 5/5

The humble Vegetable Garbure Soup was another highlight of our experience. A traditional dish from Gascony in southwestern France, it was prepared with GG French Poulet broth, giving the soup a full-bodied depth of flavour, gently laced with subtle smokiness from the chunks of smoked ham. Brimming with vegetables, the wholesome soup also featured Ravioles du Dauphiné, adding an extra layer of texture and richness to the dish.

Vineyard Salad 5/5

Vineyard Salad was a plateful of wholesome ingredients that delighted with both freshness and textural crunch. Homegrown greens, watermelon radish, cucumber, and tomatoes brought refreshing notes, complemented by the earthy sweetness of roasted beetroot and bursts of zest from orange slices. Creamy feta cheese balanced the greens beautifully, while candied walnuts imparted a moreish, sweet-nutty and satisfying crunch in every bite.

French Duck Leg Confit 4.8/5

For mains, the standout was definitely the French Duck Leg Confit, one of the better versions I have had in a long time. The moist and tender duck meat contrasted beautifully with its crisp exterior, brilliantly complemented by a zesty L’Orange sauce. The accompanying duck-fat-roasted potatoes also hit the right spot, with their fluffy interior and lightly crisped exterior.

Oven-Roasted Great Hill Free Range Chicken Leg 4.5/5

The succulent Oven-Roasted Great Hill Free Range Chicken Leg was another crowd-pleaser, paired with a mustard brown sauce that elevated the dish with tantalising savoury notes. It was served with the same indulgent duck-fat-roasted potatoes, which were equally satisfying.

Steak Frites 3/5

As for the Steak Frites featuring a Grass-Fed Striploin, while the steak itself was enjoyable, the brandy peppercorn sauce did not quite complement the meat as well as we had hoped. What truly stood out were the handcrafted French fries, reminiscent of exceptionally good double-fried Belgian fries cooked in beef fat.

Limoncello Tiramisu 4.2/5

For dessert, the Limoncello Tiramisu was a delight. Crafted with lemon curd, finger sponge, and limoncello, it offered bright citrusy notes, beautifully balanced by a contrasting caramelised, buttery sweetness from the Speculoos crumbs.

Altogether, it had been a satisfying dining experience marked by a few memorable highlights that made it well worth a visit. This à la carte French buffet is available for dinner only on Monday to Friday and all day on the weekends.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Vineyard
Hortpark
33 Hyderabad Road
#02-02
Singapore 119578
Tel: +65 6479 7977
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Blangah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 1030am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the bus stop at Telok Blangah MRT station (Stop ID14161). Take bus number 61, 93, 97, 100, 120, 166 or 963. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to Hyderabad Road. Walk up Hyderabad Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 15 minutes. [Map]

SABOR Cocina Y Tapas @ CHIJMES - A New Lively & Stylish Spanish Dining with Room for Refinement

Located within the charming grounds of CHIJMES, SABòR Cocina Y Tapas is a bold new addition to the dining scene, officially opening on 1 April 2026. Taking over the former space of Privé, this 100-seater Spanish concept is helmed by the team behind Duomo Ristorante. The restaurant offers a lively, communal dining experience, seamlessly transitioning from a laid-back daytime setting to a vibrant evening destination. Diners can choose between the sleek glass-enclosed dining hall or the picturesque alfresco courtyard, which comes alive at night with twinkling lights set against the historic chapel backdrop.

Bikini Sobrasada, Honey & Cheese 3.8/5

We started with the Bikini Sobrasada, Honey & Cheese ($18), a modern take on the classic Spanish pressed sandwich. Stuffed with sobrasada, a soft, paprika-spiced cured sausage. The sandwich delivered a rich, smoky depth, elevated by melted cheese. A drizzle of honey adds a distinct sweet note, giving it a sweet-savoury profile that leans away from the traditional version. While interesting, preferences may vary depending on whether one favours the classic savoury rendition.

Bread & Tomatoes 3/5

The Bread & Tomatoes ($12) pays homage to a Spanish staple. Featuring crisped crystal bread topped with ripe tomatoes, olive oil and salt, it celebrates simplicity and ingredient quality. However, the seasoning was a tad heavy-handed, slightly overshadowing the natural flavours.

Spicy Crab Croquette 3/5

Jamón Serrano Croquette 3/5

Moving on to the croquettes, both the Spicy Crab Croquette ($4/pc) and Jamón Serrano Croquette ($4/pc) boasted a crisp exterior with a molten, creamy interior. Unfortunately, the fillings lacked distinction, with neither the crab nor the jamón coming through clearly, leaving us underwhelmed.

Chicken Wings' Dirty Pepe' 3/5

The Chicken Wings' Dirty Pepe' ($18) takes inspiration from Madrid's iconic Casa Pepe. Deep-fried to a satisfying crisp, the wings are coated in a smoky, sweet-savoury glaze that is more balanced and approachable than the original's punchy saltiness. Interestingly, the flavour profile and glaze evoked Korean-style fried chicken, with its addictive sweet-savoury coating.

Grilled Wagyu Beef Paella 3.8/5

For a hearty centrepiece, the Grilled Wagyu Beef Paella ($48) offers a meat-forward take on the traditional dish. While flavourful, the rice leaned closer to a risotto-like consistency, lacking the coveted socarrat — the crispy caramelised crust that defines a well-executed paella.

Grilled Barramundi, Picon Sauce 4/5

From the grill, the Grilled Barramundi with Picon Sauce ($34) was well executed, with crisp skin and moist, flaky flesh. The accompanying mojo picón sauce added a punchy, smoky spice that complemented the fish beautifully.

Crispy Pork Belly, Green Apple 3/5

The Crispy Pork Belly, Green Apple ($36) featured tender meat but fell short on the crackling, with the skin turning out slightly rubbery rather than crisp. The green apple slaw, however, provided a refreshing acidity that helped balance the richness.

Potatoes 'Bravisimas' 4.5/5

One of the highlights of the meal was the Potatoes 'Bravisimas' ($16). This elevated take on patatas bravas features golden, crispy potatoes, fluffy inside, coated in a deeply addictive seasoning. It's the kind of dish that keeps you reaching for more.

Crema Catalana with Cookies 3/5

Churros with Chocolate 3.5/5

Ending on a sweet note, the Crema Catalana with Cookies ($14) impressed with its silky, citrus-infused custard and delicate caramelised crust. The addition of cookie crumbs beneath adds a delightful textural contrast. Meanwhile, the Churros with Chocolate ($12) delivered exactly what you’d expect — crispy on the outside, light within, and paired with a rich, indulgent chocolate dip.

Overall, SABòR Cocina Y Tapas brings an energetic Spanish dining concept to CHIJMES, with a strong emphasis on ambience and communal plates. While certain dishes could be more refined in execution, there are standout items that showcase its potential as a lively spot for gatherings over tapas and drinks.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


SABOR Cocina Y Tapas
Chijmes
30 Victoria Street
#01-33
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 9611 9127
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nerest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 430pm - 12midnight
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 2pm, 430pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the junction to Chijmes. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]