Spencer
Eat Spain Drink Spain 2025 – A Fiesta to Remember
As part of Eat Spain Drink Spain 2025, I had the privilege of attending the sold-out Sabores Sunday Brunch at Olivia Restaurant & Lounge, invited as a guest of Antonio García Rebollar, Consejero at the Oficina Económica y Comercial (ICEX), Embajada de España en Singapur.
This wasn’t your average Sunday brunch — this was Spain turned up to eleven. The restaurant was packed to the rafters, the Spanish wine flowed freely, and before long, guests were dancing between courses. By 2 p.m., Olivia had transformed into a full-blown fiesta worthy of Las Ramblas.
Inside Olivia Restaurant & Lounge – Mediterranean Elegance Meets Barcelona Soul
Stepping into Olivia Restaurant & Lounge feels like entering a chic Barcelona townhouse — rustic yet refined, vibrant yet intimate. The open kitchen hums with energy, chefs moving with calm precision under archways tiled in glossy white. Bottles of cava chill beside stacks of ceramic plates, and the air is alive with the scent of garlic, olive oil, and slow-roasted meat.
The dining area exudes understated Mediterranean charm. A long communal table sits in front of floor-to-ceiling wine cabinets, each bottle illuminated softly like jewels on display. Natural light filters through French windows, bouncing off polished wood, brushed brass, and hand-blown glassware.
In the lounge area, deep blue banquettes curve around round tables, their colour echoing the sea. The exposed brick wall behind them serves as a backdrop for dramatic modern art — a vast abstract ceramic plate in indigo brushstrokes, mounted like a centrepiece. It’s stylish without being pretentious, and warm enough that you forget you’re in the heart of Keong Saik.
From the elegant table settings to the meticulous lighting, every corner of Olivia reflects its Spanish DNA — part coastal home, part contemporary gallery, part fiesta waiting to happen.
Olivia Restaurant & Lounge – Fine Dining Meets Fun Dining
Known for its elegant Catalan-inspired cuisine and that legendary Basque cheesecake, Olivia Restaurant & Lounge has long set the standard for Spanish fine dining in Singapore. But during the Sabores Sunday Brunch, the Keong Saik venue transformed from chic restaurant to an all-out celebration of Spanish joy.
What started as refined dining soon erupted into singing, dancing, and laughter. The DJ set by Lazy Beats kept energy levels high, blending Latin house with Ibiza rhythms — the perfect soundtrack to a day that blurred the line between lunch and a rave.
Guests clinked cava glasses, sang along, and filled the dance floor. It was “fine dining meets fun dining” at its purest.
The Sabores Sunday Brunch Menu at Olivia Restaurant & Lounge
For S$98++ per person, guests indulged in an opulent menu celebrating Spain’s diverse gastronomy, elevated with Olivia’s modern touch.
Amuse Bouche
Martini Foam Omelette with Caviar – A luxurious twist on the humble tortilla, transformed into a velvety espuma crowned with caviar.
Pintxos Selection
- Escalibada with Anchovies
- Russian Salad
- Burrata & Tomato Tartare
A trio of flavourful starters showcasing Spanish tapas culture in miniature form.
Four Live Stations
- Cheese Board – Brie, San Simón, Camembert, Manchego, fresh grapes, and quince paste.
- Curated Jamón – Jamón ibérico, chorizo, chicken ham, and salami, sliced with flair.
- Tortilla Omelette with Sobrasada – Rich, spicy, and comforting.
- Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Sour Cream – A clever vegetarian counterbalance.
Each station buzzed with energy — a carnival of flavours and aromas.
Mains
Suquet (Fish and Clams with Potatoes) – A coastal Catalan favourite, rich and briny.
Cochinillo (Half Suckling Pig) – Not one but two magnificent cochinillos were presented in full theatrical fashion. In a time-honoured Spanish tradition, the chefs used plates instead of knives to carve the pigs, demonstrating their perfect tenderness. The moment became a live performance — guests were invited up for their Instagram shots as the team chopped through the crispy skin with ease.
Then came the finale: the plates, having served their purpose, were smashed onto the floor in dramatic celebration, sending the crowd into applause. A spectacle worthy of any Spanish village festival — and an unforgettable highlight of the afternoon.
Desserts
- Orange Pâte de Fruit
- Pear Tarte
- Choux au Craquelin
The Orange Pâte de Fruit deserves a special mention — a burst of sun-drenched Seville citrus that could brighten any day. I was literally being spoon-fed desserts and caviar by Olivia’s ever-cheerful team to “keep my sugar levels up”, and I wasn’t complaining.
Social Sips & Grand Sips – The Spirit of the Celebration
Olivia’s drinks packages turned brunch into a marathon of merriment.
Social Sips (S$38++ per person)
Free-flow for 2.5 hours of:
- Soft drinks
- Mocktails – Yuzu and Flor Rosa
Grand Sips (S$118++ per person)
2.5 hours of unlimited:
- Beer
- House Wines
- Cava
- Aperol Spritz
- Red and White Sangria
And yes, it even came with a playful caviar bump. As glasses clinked and cava poured, the vibe became unmistakably Spanish — convivial, carefree, and gloriously unrestrained.
The Sold-Out Spanish Brunch That Turned into a Dance Party 🇪🇸🔥
When the Party Truly Began
By mid-afternoon, Olivia Restaurant & Lounge had officially transformed into the liveliest place in Singapore. Antonio García Rebollar himself hit the dance floor, pulling off a rather convincing jive to everyone’s delight.
Andrea Zsapka – affectionately known as The Dancing Economist – brought her signature energy, having managed the Eat Spain Drink Spain social media and WhatsApp group throughout the campaign. Her enthusiasm spilled over from screen to dance floor.
The crowd swayed, laughed, and toasted. Even Owner Sandeep joined in with his family and friends, turning brunch into a communal celebration. Adding her unmistakable flair, General Manager Celina wowed everyone with a spontaneous flamenco-inspired routine that merged elegance and fun.
At one point, a spontaneous body-popping circle broke out — a surreal but thoroughly hilarious highlight (thankfully not caught on camera as I was throwing shapes).
The Olivia team deserves high praise: from the kitchen to the bar, service was seamless, spirited, and full of charm. Staff poured drinks directly into guests’ mouths — tequila shots by the spoonful! Although, let’s be honest, pouring Jose Cuervo Silver might not win any medals — perhaps our friends at East West Asia can introduce Olivia to a proper artisanal tequila next time.
By 4 p.m., I finally pried myself away, but the restaurant was still buzzing. Antonio dashed off to join Chef Edward and the team at My Little Spanish Place for their giant paella cook-up, proving there’s no rest for the passionate when it comes to Spanish gastronomy.
Eat Spain Drink Spain 2025 – Setting the Bar Higher
Kudos to Antonio García Rebollar and the ICEX team for orchestrating another outstanding Eat Spain Drink Spain edition. From media coordination to event curation, every detail reflected Spain’s commitment to excellence.
Frankly, the Spanish Embassy and its partners are leaps and bounds ahead of other embassies and high commissions in Singapore when it comes to promoting national produce. They don’t just showcase products — they bring the spirit of Spain alive.
This year’s collaboration with Olivia Restaurant & Lounge epitomised that ethos: passionate people, world-class food, and a willingness to dance until the lights dim.
Final Thoughts – Olivia Restaurant & Lounge at Its Most Joyful
The Sabores Sunday Brunch was a once-in-a-lifetime experience — a one-day travelling circus of Spanish joy that rolled into town and left us all grinning. From the kitchen staff to front of house, everyone was on high alert to entertain, and they delivered.
For a few blissful hours, Olivia Restaurant & Lounge wasn’t just a restaurant — it was Spain’s beating heart transplanted into Singapore’s Keong Saik.
If another edition happens (and here’s hoping it does), book early. Events like this don’t just sell out — they become the stuff of legend.