The restaurant is designed to look like the traditional tapas bar in Spain
Now, there are more things to look forward to when you visit this restaurant. First up is the look and feel. To give the feeling that you’re dining in Spain, the whole place is modelled after a traditional tapas place. The interior is dimly lit by shades of bold yellow and red, and the décor somehow reminds you of grandma’s house with those brick walls, wooden tables and chairs, and old photographs surrounding the place. There’s also an al fresco area if you prefer to enjoy your food while admiring the scenic view of the Singapore River and the rest of Clarke Quay.
But don’t be fooled by its traditional look for Octapas is a place where you can have some fun! To liven up any mundane night, you can listen to live band performances while sipping on some sangrias, Rebujito cocktails, Estrella Damm and de Galicia beers.
As for the food, there’s more to just tapas especially now that it has come up with the Bay of Biscay menu. A collaboration with Consultant Chef Javier Lecumberri (who hails from San Sebastian, Spain), his contributions feature rustic Basque creations which you can now have a taste of right here in Singapore!
Lubina en Salsa Verde and Calamares en su Tinta
One definitive character of the Basque cuisine is the abundance of seafood in its cooking. Hence, there are dishes such as the Lubina en Salsa Verde ($17.50) and the Calamares en su Tinta ($15.00). For the first item, the tender sea bass is cooked lightly, but it packs a punch with the herbs and spices mixed with it. Not to be missed is the fresh squid cooked in its own ink. What makes this stand out is the way the seafood is cooked—tender without that rubbery texture.
Don’t get us wrong, there are plenty of other dishes too. Protein lovers can order the Albondigas ($14), a beef and pork meatball dish drenched in thick and tangy tomato sauce. Some healthier options are the Berenjena Tostada ($9.50) which is composed of a mixture of veggies and served with warm toasted bread; and the other one, the Huevo Escalfado con Setas ($12.00) which is composed of sautéed shiitake mushrooms topped with egg and potato bits.
Pechuga de Pato
Other notable mentions you can order and share with friends are the Pechuga de Pato or duck breast with caramelised orange reduction ($20.00) and the Champinones Ajillo/Crema or mushrooms served in cream or sherry garlic sauce ($12.00).
Feast on the Octapas Signatures
For a complete feast at this restaurant, don’t forget the Octapas Signatures: the nicely grilled squid dish of Calamares a la Parilla ($16.00), crunchy prawns wrapped in bacon called the Tocino Envuelto en Gambas ($16.50), and the Valenciana Paella ($40 for portion of 2 and $60 for portion of 4). Known as one of Spain’s signatures, this rice dish has a generous seafood spread of squids, prawns, mussels, and fish.
Desserts! Churros con Chocolat and Platano de Filo y Helado
In addition to their Bay of Biscay menu, the restaurant has a whole lot of desserts to try such as the Churros con Chocolat ($10.00) and the Platano de Filo y Helado ($12.00). For you to find out all about these offerings, bring your family and friends at Octapas for a mucho deliciosa comida (very delicious meal)!
Photographs courtesy of Octapas Spanish Tapas Bar
See Also:
Bars and lounges worth checking out
Check out here for more Spanish Cuisines