Quick answer: If you’re hankering for a proper paella in Singapore, seven kitchens stand out. UNA at Alkaff Mansion does romantic, Pura Brasa in Tanjong Pagar nails smoky charcoal-grilled pans, and Tapas 24 on Robertson Quay brings a Michelin-starred touch. East-siders will love the rosemary-smoked chicken paella at Next Door Spanish Cafe, while Tinto at Dempsey pours a serious Spanish wine list alongside its rice. Kulto on Amoy Street is helmed by a native Spanish chef, and Don Quijote at Toh Yi Drive lets you choose your size and toppings. Whatever the occasion, there’s a pan for you.
Choosing a paella spot when your parents are joining you means thinking about more than just the rice. Gentle lighting, a comfortable seat, and a meal that arrives without a long wait—these are what turn a good evening into a show of care. If you are planning that special family dinner, these are the places where the welcome feels as warm as the food.
For the full picture, Best Western & European Food in Singapore collects 58 guides on this subject.
UNA
UNA sits on the second level of The Alkaff Mansion, and walking in feels like you’ve stepped into a quiet corner of Spain. They do a Paella De Marisco loaded with fresh seafood and a jet-black Arroz Negro that gets its depth from squid ink. The rice comes with that slightly firm bite and a good crust at the bottom—just enough to make you slow down and savour. This is the kind of place you book for an anniversary or a long-overdue catch-up where you want the food to match the setting. Prices lean towards a special outing, but you’re paying for the whole heritage-house atmosphere.
If your parents appreciate a setting that feels removed from the city bustle, this is the one to book. The calm, elegant dining room spares them loud music, and the paella arrives in generous pans to share. Ring ahead if you can, to secure a table by the window—the greenery view adds to the calm.
Address: 10 Telok Blangah Green, Level 2, Singapore 109178
Hours: Lunch Tue–Fri 12:00 PM–2:30 PM; Dinner Tue–Sun 6:00 PM–11:00 PM
Website: una.sg
If you enjoy the kind of meal where the setting is half the experience, UNA delivers. It suits couples who want a long, lazy dinner, or groups celebrating something that calls for white tablecloths and a view of the greenery.
Pura Brasa
Down at Guoco Tower, Pura Brasa brings Barcelona’s charcoal-grilling obsession to Singapore. Their paella picks up a gentle smokiness from the Josper oven that sets it apart from what you’d get elsewhere. The seafood version comes with generous portions—plump prawns, mussels, and squid—and the rice soaks up all that stock without turning mushy. Tapas and grilled meats fill out the rest of the menu, so it’s easy to make a whole evening of it. Open daily from noon to 11pm, it’s a steady choice whether you’re doing lunch with colleagues or dinner with the family.
Guoco Tower means direct lift access from the car park—your parents won’t need to walk far in the heat. Inside, the aircon is steady and the Josper oven’s gentle smokiness never overwhelms. Go for an early lunch on weekends, when the crowd is thinner and the paella comes out fresh.
Address: 5 Wallich Street, #01-16, Singapore 078883
Phone: +65 6386 9678
Hours: Daily 12:00 PM–11:00 PM
Website: purabrasa.com/singapore
This one is for people who love a bit of char on their food. The portions are hearty, so come hungry, and if you’ve got a group of friends who all want to try different things, the tapas menu makes sharing easy. The vibe is lively without being frantic, so it works for both casual dates and bigger gatherings.
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Tapas 24
Tapas 24 is the Singapore outpost of Michelin-starred chef Carles Abellán, tucked along Robertson Quay. The paella here changes with what’s in season, so you might find a slightly different pan each visit. They don’t overcomplicate things—just good rice, quality seafood or meat, and a splash of Spanish wine in the cooking. The drinks list is worth your attention too; a crisp Albariño next to the paella makes the whole meal click. It’s the kind of place that feels buzzy yet unhurried, and you can easily lose an afternoon here.
If your parents enjoy a quiet riverside walk after a meal, Robertson Quay at sunset is a thoughtful touch. But come early to snag a seat inside—the waterfront breeze is lovely, but the indoor tables are kinder on warmer evenings. The team can suggest a wine that suits your parents’ taste.
Address: 60 Robertson Quay, #01-04, Singapore 238252
Phone: +65 6513 6810
Hours: Check website for current hours
Website: tapas24.sg
This spot suits the food-obsessed who love knowing a Michelin-starred name is behind the menu. The seasonal approach means it’s a good pick for a return visit when you want to see what’s new. Date-night couples and small groups of friends will feel right at home. If your idea of a great meal extends beyond paella, you might like our guide to Orchard’s Café Escapes for a lazy afternoon.
Next Door Spanish Cafe
On East Coast Road, Next Door Spanish Cafe feels exactly like its name suggests—the kind of unfussy place you’d pop into after work, where the smell of rosemary hits you the moment you walk in. Their rosemary-smoked chicken paella is the one your kakis will ask you to order again and again. The grains stay separate, the chicken is tender, and the smoky herb scent works its way into every bite. You can also get patatas bravas and other tapas to start, all done in that home-style way that reminds you of a family-run joint in Spain. Prices are easier on the wallet here, so it’s the kind of spot you can return to often without a special reason.
If you book a table for a quiet weekday evening, your parents will settle into the unfussy warmth of this East Coast spot. The rosemary-smoked chicken paella arrives fresh from the pan, with grains staying separate and a scent that lingers—comfort food that feels like a proper home-cooked treat, just looked after by someone else.
Address: 699 East Coast Road, Singapore 459061
Phone: +65 8168 4009
Hours: Mon–Thu 5:00 PM–11:00 PM; Fri–Sat 12:00 PM–11:30 PM; Sun & PH 12:00 PM–11:00 PM
Website: nextdoorspanishcafe.com
East-siders, this is your go-to. Families with kids, groups of friends, and anyone who wants a casual paella fix without getting dressed up will be happy here. The laid-back vibe and accessible prices mean you can turn up on a whim, but it pays to book on weekends. If you’re exploring similar neighbourhood eats, take a look at our Hummus Havens in Singapore guide for more Mediterranean inspiration.
Tinto
Tinto takes advantage of its Dempsey Road setting—there’s a sense of space and greenery that makes a meal here feel like a mini escape. They do traditional paellas as well as fideuà, that Catalan dish where thin noodles replace rice, and both come loaded with meats, seafood, or vegetables. The Spanish wine list is extensive, so if you’re the sort who likes to match a glass to every course, you’ll be in good hands. They also cater to private events, which says a lot about their ability to handle a crowd without the food slipping.
Dempsey’s sprawling greenery means parking is usually a breeze, and the restaurant itself feels like a garden hideaway. If your parents enjoy alfresco dining without the city noise, the outdoor tables here are a quiet delight. For something different, introduce them to fideuà—the thin noodles are often lighter on the stomach.
Address: 10 Dempsey Road, #01-21, Singapore 247700
Phone: +65 9729 5002
Hours: Lunch and dinner daily; call ahead for public holiday hours
Website: tinto.sg
This is a solid pick for groups who want a long, relaxed meal with great wine. The vegetarian options mean it’s easy to bring along friends who don’t eat meat, and nobody feels short-changed. Birthdays, anniversaries, or just a Saturday when you need some greenery—Tinto fits the bill.
Kulto
Kulto on Amoy Street is run by a native Spanish chef who takes the rice seriously. Their paella comes with monkfish, prawns, mussels, and clams, and the seafood is cooked just to the point where it stays plump and juicy. The setting is intimate—dim lights, warm wood tones—so it leans more date-night than rowdy gathering. Because everything is prepared with a focus on seasonal ingredients, you get the sense that the kitchen really cares about what lands on your plate. Lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday, and it’s best to book ahead because the space isn’t huge.
The low-lit, cosy dining room feels special, but if your parents need a little extra light to read the menu, simply ask—the team is discreet and accommodating. The seafood stays beautifully plump, and the quiet atmosphere means conversation flows easy. Perfect for a more intimate family dinner.
Address: 87 Amoy Street, Singapore 069906
Phone: +65 9620 5626
Hours: Mon–Sat 12:00 PM–2:30 PM & 5:30 PM–10:30 PM
Website: kulto.sg
If you’re the type who prefers a smaller, chef-driven restaurant over a large commercial setup, you’ll appreciate Kulto. It suits couples and small groups of friends who want a quiet, considered meal. And if you’re planning a food trail down Amoy Street, our list of Restaurants on Amoy Street will help you fill the rest of the day.
Don Quijote
Don Quijote has been around long enough to build a quiet, loyal following. Tucked at Toh Yi Drive, this place does something smart: they offer paella in personal sizes as well as large communal pans, and you can choose between saffron or squid ink. Toppings go from all-meat to full seafood, and the rice arrives with that al dente texture that tells you they know what they’re doing. The stocks are rich, the socarrat is properly caramelised, and you don’t have to negotiate with a whole table to get exactly the paella you want. Closed on Mondays, so plan around that.
If your parents live in the west, this is a spot they’ll appreciate for both convenience and comfort. The option of personal-sized paella means no awkward sharing if appetites don’t match, and the cosy, unpretentious space makes everyone feel at ease. Let them choose between the classic saffron and the inky black rice.
Address: 18 Toh Yi Drive, #01-97, Singapore 590018
Phone: +65 6476 2811
Hours: Tue–Sun 11:00 AM–2:00 PM & 6:00 PM–9:00 PM; Closed Mondays
Website: Facebook page
This is the place for solo diners who want their own pan, or small families who prefer to mix and match without paying for a giant order. The straightforward, no-fuss setup makes it a good midweek treat when you just want something hearty and honest. If you’re after more neighbourhood gems like this, our guide to Zi Char Destinations in Singapore’s West might give you more ideas for your next meal out.
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How to choose
Paella is one of those dishes that can swing from light and saffron-hued to dark, smoky, and intensely savoury. Knowing what you’re in the mood for will point you to the right spot.
- Seafood vs. meat focus: If you want a pan piled with prawns, clams, and mussels, UNA, Kulto, and Pura Brasa deliver. For something heartier with land proteins, Next Door Spanish Cafe’s chicken version and Don Quijote’s all-meat option are worth a try.
- Size and sharing: A traditional paella pan is meant for sharing. UNA, Tinto, and Don Quijote serve larger formats that can feed a table. Don Quijote also does individual pans, which is a nice option if you’re eating alone or everyone wants their own flavour.
- Occasion: For a dressed-up evening, the white-tablecloth settings of UNA and Tinto set the mood. For a casual family dinner, Next Door Spanish Cafe or Don Quijote feel right. Tapas 24 and Kulto sit somewhere in the middle—polished but not stiff.
- Timing: Paella often takes 30 to 45 minutes from order to serve, so call ahead and ask if you can pre-order, especially in group settings. A few places will start cooking before you arrive if you ring up.
- Price signals: A personal pan at a casual spot can start around $20–$28, while restaurant-quality seafood paella for two at a finer-dining spot usually falls between $55 and $80. Don Quijote’s menu keeps things accessible, while UNA and Tinto reflect their Dempsey and heritage-address rents.
Comparison table
| Restaurant | Paella Highlight | Vibe | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNA | Paella De Marisco & Arroz Negro | Romantic, heritage mansion | Premium | Anniversaries, special-occasion dinners |
| Pura Brasa | Charcoal-grilled seafood paella | Lively, modern Spanish | Moderate | Groups, family lunches |
| Tapas 24 | Seasonal paella, chef-driven | Buzzy, riverfront | Moderate–Premium | Dates, food lovers |
| Next Door Spanish Cafe | Rosemary-smoked chicken paella | Neighbourhood casual | Moderate | Families, East-siders, casual catch-ups |
| Tinto | Traditional paella & fideuà | Elegant, garden setting | Premium | Wine lovers, private events |
| Kulto | Seafood paella with monkfish | Intimate, chef-run | Moderate–Premium | Quiet dinners, small groups |
| Don Quijote | Customisable saffron/squid ink paella | Old-school | Moderate | Solo diners, families, personal pans |
Summary
Singapore’s paella scene has enough variety to keep things interesting, from the romantic surrounds of UNA to the everyday warmth of Next Door Spanish Cafe and Don Quijote. Pick based on the vibe you’re after, call ahead so you aren’t waiting too long, and settle in for a rice dish that’s worth every grain.
Disclaimer: Details can change. Please confirm hours, pricing, and availability directly with the restaurant before heading down.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pre-order paella at these restaurants?
It’s a good idea. Paella can take 30 to 45 minutes to cook, and calling ahead lets the kitchen start your pan before you arrive. This is especially helpful at places like UNA, Kulto, or Tapas 24 during peak hours.
Which paella is best for a large group?
Larger communal pans at UNA, Tinto, and Don Quijote work well for sharing. If everyone wants different toppings, Don Quijote’s personal-sized paellas allow each person to order their own.
Are there vegetarian paella options?
Yes. Tinto offers vegetarian paella and fideuà with vegetables, and Pura Brasa includes vegetarian dishes on its menu. Check with the other restaurants directly for off-menu options.
What’s the difference between paella and fideuà?
Paella uses short-grain rice, while fideuà swaps in thin noodles as the base. Tinto serves both, so you can try the variation in one sitting.
Which place is most kid-friendly?
Next Door Spanish Cafe on East Coast Road has a casual, family-friendly atmosphere and a menu that includes familiar tapas like patatas bravas. Pura Brasa’s lively setting also welcomes families.
Do these restaurants serve Spanish wine or drinks?
Tinto has an extensive Spanish wine list, Tapas 24 pairs wines and cocktails with the food, and UNA and Kulto also carry Spanish wines. Most spots have some alcohol selection, but it’s best to check ahead if you have a specific bottle in mind.
