After 3 years of welcoming guests with delicate Spanish fare to Singapore, La Ventana has now rebranded to Tapas 26 and relocated to a new space at 26B Dempsey Road.
Along with this revamp, Tapas 26 will also be serving an eclectic mix of all-time favourite tapas and cuisine from Spain, along with a curated selection of Spanish wines and traditional drinks, all in a casual and fun atmosphere.

 

Tapas 26 is made up of 3 main sections – an indoor dining area that seats 35, an outdoors dining area for 35 pax and the bar for 6 pax.

The indoor dining area is set in a cosy and intimate atmosphere within the restaurant, decorated with simple Spanish elements and is ideal for private gatherings or professional meetings. The outdoor dining area is set on a deck, surrounded by lush greenery for the tranquil alfresco dining experience, the outdoor dining section is also perfect for standing cocktail, private parties or professional networking events.

 

Tapas 26 will feature a different menu every quarter to introduce a variety of internationally known dishes alongside lesser-known homemade recipes that have been enjoyed across many generations in Spain.

Diners can also look forward to the seasonal menus that would showcase the versatility of tapas and Spanish cuisines when fresh products form the market are incorporated into the recipes.

 

FRESHEST SPANISH TAPAS WITH A TWIST AT DEMPSEY HILL

Along with the previous signature dishes, Tapas 26 will introduce some of the most loved popular dishes back in Spain, both internationally known and “housemade recipes”
Menu will change every quarter and special dishes will be added weekly accordingly to the fresh products found on the market.

What we tasted during our session:

 

FREIXENET CUVEE DS

Macabeo, Xarel.lo, Parellada
M. Body, Buttery, Toasted, Nuts

 

Amuse-bouche

 

Gazpacho, Beetroot Gazpacho, Tuna Tataki, Pickled Vegetables

The tuna tataki taste well when paired with the beetroot gazpacho. Gazpacho or Andalusian gazpacho is a cold soup made of raw, blended vegetables. A classic of Spanish cuisine, it originated in the southern region of Andalusia. Gazpacho is widely eaten in Spain and Portugal, particularly during the hot summers, as it is refreshing and cool.

 

Duo Croquetas, Homemade Iberico Ham and Truffle Croquette

Deep fried on the outside but still moist on the inside. The minced Iberico ham and truffle croquette are simply delicious.

Pairing with some French white wine.

CHABLIS Mont de Milieu

Chardonnay
Very Aromatic, White Flowers and Ripe Peach

 

Canelon, Roasted Lobster Cannelloni with Lobster Cream

Cannelloni are a cylindrical type of pasta generally served baked with a filling and covered by a sauce. Popular stuffings include spinach and ricotta or minced beef. In this case Lobster is used. The cannelloni is then covered with lobster cream. Very tasty dish.

Pulpo A La Gallega, Charcoal Grilled Octopus in Galician Style

Octopus slow-cooked to retain the soft and tender texture.

Paella De Cerdo Iberico, Carnaroli Rice with Iberico Pork Jowl

This is a sharing portion, a pan of Iberico Pork Jowl with Mushroom Paella. The succulent pork has a nice crunch and the even fat-meat proportion sets the tone of this dish. The mushroom paella has a more refined flavor, thanks to the earthy mushroom. The aroma is simply quite irresistible.

MATSU EL VIEJO 2015

Tempranillo
Full Body, Mature Black Fruit, Oaky

We were pleasantly surprise to taste this wine, very matured and full body. You can buy this bottle at the restaurant for $105

Cochinillo
Crispy Suckling pig, Celeriac, Pineapple, Potato

Crispy suckling pig is one of our top favorite here and I was told many guests asked for this as well.

Coffee

Crema Catalana, Traditional Catalan Style Creme Brulee with Caramel Ice Cream

For dessert we had the Crema Catalana with Caramel Ice Cream. The server kindly informed us how it should be eaten – by first vertically poking into the caramelised top and down straight to the ice cream. The creamy ice cream compliments the crispy crema catalana like a warm embrace.

CHURROS
Homemade Churros with Chocolate Sauce

 

Overall, I would rate Tapas 26 high on my list of go-to restaurants due to its  presentation, great food and perfect ambience to chill and relax. You can opt to dine al fresco also. What’s also interesting is that the menu will change every quarter, and special dishes will be added weekly according to the fresh products found on the market.