Review: UNA At The Alkaff Mansion – A Spanish Gem Perfect For Dates

UNA Restaurant Review – Hidden on the quiet slopes of Telok Blangah Hill, UNA occupies the second floor of The Alkaff Mansion, a stunning colonial-era building that exudes old-world charm with its elegant European architecture.

The mansion’s expansive interiors create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect escape from the usual city bustle.

^{UNA at Alkaff Mansion}

UNA’s interior is a cool mix of old-world charm and modern style. You walk into a spacious room with high ceilings that remind you you’re in a mansion, not just any restaurant. The décor is simple yet classy, with lots of wood and neutral colors that make the place feel warm and inviting.

^{UNA restaurant review – Dining area}

The seating is comfortable, with plush chairs and sleek tables, perfect for a cozy dinner or a romantic date. Big windows let in plenty of natural light during the day, giving you a peek at the green surroundings. At night, the soft lighting makes it feel intimate and chill.

^{UNA Restauirant Menu – (full menu can be found on una.sg)}

UNA’s new menu brings in some heavy hitters, with the “Gold” grade Rubia Gallega beef taking the spotlight. This beef is known for its amazing flavour and tenderness, so I expect it’ll be sticking around for a while. Right alongside it is the milk-fed Moralejo Lamb—a high-quality Spanish lamb raised on a rich milk diet, known for its tenderness and subtle sweetness—also making its Singapore debut, both grilled up Asado-style (open flame grill).

The Food

UNA’s menu is as Spanish as it gets—think tapas, Iberico, paellas, and grills. Followed by desserts that are usually sweet, creamy, nutty and rich.

^{UNA Restauirant – Pan Con Tomate}

Pan Con Tomate ($7/2pcs, $12/4pcs):A classic Spanish appetizer featuring toasted crystal bread topped with fresh tomato purée and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The toasted bread provides a satisfying crunch, while the ripe, tangy tomatoes create a juicy, refreshing contrast. A delicate drizzle of olive oil enhances the flavours for a great way to open up the palate.

^{UNA Restauirant – Cinco Jotas “5J” Jamon Iberico}

Cinco Jotas “5J” Jamon Iberico ($46):This 48 month aged ham, is savoury with a subtle sweetness, and the mouthfeel is smooth and tender. It offers a rich, nutty flavour and a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

^{UNA Restauirant – Gazpachuelo de Gambas Roja}

Gazpachuelo de Gambas Roja ($26): A refreshing cold soup made with red prawn tartare, ham jelly, cherries, and gazpacho. It’s a creamy, pale broth and delicate pieces of red shrimp, artfully presented. The taste is subtly savoury, with a light, seafood-forward flavour, and velvety and smooth mouthfeel.

^{UNA Restauirant – Pulpo a la Parrilla}

Pulpo a la Parrilla ($36):Tender grilled octopus served with baby potatoes, purple Vitelotte potato, Mojo Picon, and Mojo Verde. Visually striking, featuring charred, tentacle slices with a crisp, golden-amber-brown exterior. The taste is smoky and savoury, well seasoned, complemented by a tender, slightly chewy, pleasingly firm texture.

^{UNA Restauirant – Paella de Mariscos}

Paella de Mariscos ($62): A flavourful rice dish packed with fresh seafood, including red sea prawns, clams, black mussels, saffron, sofrito, and parsley oil. The taste is a harmonious blend of briny seafood and rich, aromatic sofrito, while the mouthfeel is satisfying, with tender prawns and plump mussels providing a contrast to the flavourful, slightly creamy rice.

^{UNA Restauirant – Asado Moralejo Lamb with Cauliflower}

Asado Moralejo Lamb with Cauliflower ($46):Tender, grilled lamb served with a cauliflower puree, florets. The lamb’s taste is deeply savoury with a subtle, smoky undertone, while its texture is tender and succulent. The cauliflower puree and florets provide a smooth, creamy contrast.

^{UNA Restauirant – Rubia Galicia Gold – Costillas a la Parrilla}

Rubia Galicia Gold – Costillas a la Parrilla ($138): A prime rib served with a rich Fricandó sauce, oyster mushrooms, pumpkin purée, and parsley oil. The ribs were well-marbled and tender, offering a deep flavour that’s enhanced by the grilling process.

^{UNA Restauirant – Rubia Galicia Gold – Costillas a la Parrilla}

The smoky, charred exterior pairs with a juicy interior, providing a straightforward balance of savoury and slightly sweet tastes. If you only know about Wagyu and Hanwoo, put Rubia Galicia Gold on your list of meats to try.

^{UNA Restauirant – Rubia Galicia Gold – Costillas a la Parrilla}

While it doesn’t have that intense marbling known to Wagyu and Hanwoo, Rubia Galicia has a deeper stronger flavour.

^{UNA Restauirant – Crème Catalana}

Crème Catalana ($16): A classic Spanish dessert like crème brûlée, topped with fresh fruits that are flambéed table-side on piping hot plates, a welcomed theatrical moment that made the dining experience even better.

^{UNA Restauirant – Turrón de Almendras}

Turrón de Almendras ($22):A traditional almond nougat cake, served with raspberry sorbet and hazelnut streusel.

^{UNA Restauirant – Turrón de Almendras}

The cake has a smooth, creamy texture with a pleasant crunch from the toasted almonds. The flavour is a nuanced blend of sweetness and nutty richness, with the almonds imparting a deep, toasty flavour that complements the subtle honeyed sweetness of the nougat.

UNA Restaurant Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the meal at UNA and they are going into my list as one of the best Spanish restaurants in Singapore. The food is great, the ambiance comfortably romantic, and the service impeccable and friendly. Highlights include the grilled octopus, paella, Rubia Galicia grilled ribs, and the incredible desserts. I’ve heard good things about their suckling pig so that’s going on the to-order list the next time I visit. Overall, if you’re willing to splurge a little, UNA at Alkaff Mansion is worth it. Get your reservations in.

Food 4/5
Ambience 5/5
Service 4/5

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UNA At The Alkaff Mansion

10 Telok Blangah Green,
Singapore 109178 (Google Maps)
Tel: +65 8126 8844
www.una.sg

How to get into UNA At The Alkaff Mansion

T: + 65 8126 8844
E: [email protected]
Via sevenrooms

UNA At The Alkaff Mansion Opening hours:

Lunch, Tuesday to Friday: 12:00PM to 2:30PM
Dinner, Tuesday to Sunday: 6:00PM to 10:30PM