Tinto Spanish Restaurant is Worth It

Tinto Spanish Restaurant, the latest addition to Dempsey Hill, brings the vibrant flavours of Catalan cuisine to Singapore. Helmed by husband-and-wife chefs Daniel and Tamara Chávez, the restaurant draws its inspiration from the Spanish name for red wine, vino tinto.

Chef Daniel's culinary journey, with acclaimed establishments like Ola Cocina Del Mar, has garnered him a loyal following among corporate diners in the CBD. Rumours abound of executives from Citibank and DBS clamouring for an encore.

From the tapas menu, the Gambas Al Ajillo stole the show for me. While I have a preference for shell-on prawns like the carabinero, these de-shelled delights were a delight to the palate. Cooked in Roasted Garlic Oil and Dried Chilli and Garlic Chips, the prawns exuded a sweet flavour and enticing aroma. Nestled atop a bed of creamy and buttery potato puree, they were a true delight.

For mains, I opted for the Suquet Barcelona, a hearty seafood soup, while my wife indulged in the special of the day: Fiduea Cerdo & Coliflor, a paella-like dish featuring tender pork slices and cauliflower. Both dishes were impeccably executed, with the pork slices stealing the show.

Suquet Barcelona

Fiduea Cerdo & Coliflor

The head server recommended the calamari, and it did not disappoint. Each dish showcased the flavours of Catalonia, transporting us to the streets of Barcelona with every bite.

Overall, Tinto is a welcome addition to Dempsey, injecting new life into the dining scene. While we missed Chef Daniel's charismatic presence, the flavours and ambiance more than made up for it. Paired with a bottle of grenache-based Cava Brut 2019 rose (SGD114), our dining experience was nothing short of spectacular. With a total bill of SGD290 for two, Tinto Spanish Restaurant offers a taste of Catalonia that's worth every penny.