Amor is a new Spanish concept at Amoy Street with founders from Olivia restaurant

There’s no shortage of Spanish dining options in Singapore, and we’re often spoiled for choice when it comes to the cuisine. Amor, a new Spanish concept that opened yesterday (February 3), manages to set itself apart — specifically in its ambience and offerings.

You can find the newly opened spot behind an unsuspecting, nondescript entrance, marked by a narrow brown doorway, along the popular Amoy Street.

Here’s one thing that’ll stand out: The space.

It is designed to evoke the feeling of a Spanish street, and the space is warmed by soft lighting, set against the cool blue-toned walls and poppy red walls around the restaurant.

The curved arches guide you through the interior, while large booths create a cosy setting for group dining. The architecture takes reference from Catalan modernism, and the playful inspiration of Antoni Gaudi’s forms and colour.

Amor is founded by duo head chef Yu Wang Leung and executive director Azad Sharma.

Chef Wang is part of the founding team behind Michelin-recommended Spanish joint Olivia Restaurant & Lounge and Noa Lounge by Olivia. He brings with him a deep well of experience, having worked in Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona, and now carries that culinary journey to Singapore.

Azad, meanwhile, is an established hospitality professional. Having worked across countries from Singapore to India, he brings a strong understanding of the art of dining, shaping the overall experience at Amor.

The pair had met at Olivia Group. Drawing from their years working overseas, the duo set out to introduce something fresh to Singapore’s Spanish dining scene.

Food menu

What’s a Spanish restaurant without its tapas? We had the escalivada tarta (S$16) — two bite-sized tarts filled with smoky roasted vegetables and topped with foie gras terrine.

Traditionally, escalivada is a simple dish of roasted eggplant and bell peppers, dressed with olive oil and seasoning — often likened to a Spanish take on ratatouille. 

At Amor, it’s reworked with tarts, and it works. The pastry base is crisp and buttery, the filling deeply smoky and savoury, with the foie gras adding a richness without overwhelming the vegetables. It’s a well-balanced bite, thoughtful and restrained.

From the Mediterranean Sea section of the menu, Happy Eggggg (S$18) comes layered with pumpkin puree and truffle sabayon.

It’s a smooth, creamy delight that is earthy and gently indulgent. Each spoonful comes together cleanly, led by the sweetness of pumpkin while the truffle lends just enough depth.

The pulpo de galicia (S$32) features grilled octopus, cooked a la plancha (a Spanish cooking method of cooking on a hot grill plate), and paired with potato, sweet corn, and a sobrasada sofrito — a cooking base made from melted Spanish pork sausage.

For those particular about octopus, like me, this one is done perfectly right. The flesh has a good chew, neither rubbery nor overly soft. The dish’s smokiness from the grill ties well with the savoury richness of the sofrito.

The mains — including rice and pasta dishes — are made for sharing. 

Our standout of the night, and easily our favourite across the menu, was the paella — Mediterranean seafood (S$56), a classic rendition featuring sea bass and prawns.

This is a paella done right. The socarrat, that crispy layer at the bottom of the paella pan, was scraped and served to us, bringing with it a deep and concentrated flavour.

The rice was fragrant and well-seasoned, while the sea bass and prawns were cooked just right, retaining their sweetness and texture. 

It’s easily one of the better paellas I’ve had — a dish with flavours that leave an impression.

Desserts menu

Amor is the place where you really shouldn’t skip dessert.

The founders’ experience with Olivia’s famed desserts already sets a certain level of expectation. But what really caught our attention wasn’t the cheesecake — it was the hazelnut & almond lava cake (S$18).

It’s a molten praline cake, rich with hazelnut and almond, and topped with a refreshing coconut ice cream that cuts through the richness. Every bite is indulgent and balanced, with satisfying textural contrasts — a dessert that sticks with you in both its flavour and experience.

Though, if you’re here for the cheesecake, the Basque burnt cheesecake (S$16) is worth ordering. 

Amor’s take is a refined version of the classic, introducing a savoury complexity through blue cheese that complements the custardy richness — creamy, well-judged, and indulgent.

Signature cocktails

At Amor, you can get signature cocktails with your drinks, alongside some classic cocktails, spirits, whiskies, and others, whether you’re looking for meal-pairings or post-meal tipples.

The Amor Tai (S$24) is a twist on the classic Mai Tai, lifted by a subtle hint of smoked pineapple. It blends white and dark rum with Cointreau, lime juice, smoked pineapple juice, and orgeat syrup, creating a bold and layered cocktail.

Spicy Mama (S$24) is a slightly sweeter, lighter option. It’s a marriage of tequila, elderflower notes and a spicy mango infusion that’s accented with bell peppers, cilantro, lemon juice, and a touch of Angostura bitters. It results in a lively and vibrant cocktail.

Amor is a Spanish concept worth trying — whether for an evening date or a casual dinner with friends. It offers a cosy, inviting ambience with a thoughtful menu, indulgent desserts, and inventive cocktails.

This was a hosted tasting.

For more ideas on what to enjoy at Amoy Street, read about Taco Liberation Co., the new hawker “omakase” spot, and 54° Steakhouse with quality wagyu from S$48.