Though Singapore may be an island, there are not many places that allow you to dine with the sea as its backdrop. Via Mar, for one, has the advantage of having both the panoramic view of the city skyline as well as the sea to give its patrons an unrivalled experience of dining by the sea. Aptly named Via Mar, which means by the sea, it dishes out passionate Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine that are bursting with strong flavors and spices. It also doubles up as a bar offering a comprehensive list of drinks which is ideal for the party-goers. Located strategically at the Esplanade, Via Mar is really difficult to miss and it is a fantastic place in terms of accessibility.

• The Vibe
  Via Mar has a chic interior with strong Spanish influence. Its high ceilings and walls are filled with drawings of matadors, drawing nostalgia for the Spanish community here. The glass walls are lined with empty wine bottles to add a touch of sophistication.

• The Food
  When a place is renowned as a watering-hole, one would have some reservations about the food. However, the qualms were soon dispelled upon tucking into the hearty Spanish fare that Via Mar had to offer. The Disco De Tapas ($28), also known as the tapas platter, offers five different types of tapas. The croquette was a harmonious mix of fish, squid and prawns which was served at its best form: piping hot! Garlic prawns is also another mainstay amongst the stable of tapas. The prawns, being firm and fresh, were well sautéed. The crunchy baby squid really made a good appetizer because the batter complimented the squid well and it ignited our appetites for the rest of the meal. Fried chicken wings and cracker chicken sausage make up the remaining cast of this dish.

  The carnivore in you would be delighted at the prospect of sinking your teeth into the Salpicado De Carne ($26) which is a dish consisting of tender beef cubes braised in chef's special sauce. The beef cubes were chewy and painstakingly stewed in the house marinate to ensure the authenticity of the dish.

  No Spanish meal is complete without trying the iconic paella, which is the traditional rice dish that is commonly eaten in Spain. At Via Mar, the Paella De Mariscos ($35) consists of rice mixed with fish, shellfish, peppers, onions and chorizo. The moist saffron-flavored rice had a piquant taste where each grain was infused with the goodness of the savory broth. The peppers and onions add depth and sweetness to the flavors of the dish. The surprise of the dish is the chorizo, a pork sausage that is reminiscent of the Italian salami.

  Desserts are truly worth a try here at Via Mar as they are a steal at their prices. The Crème Catalana ($5) is Catalan custard with burnt sugar topping. It is evocative of the ever-popular crème Brule which is really smooth and goes easy on the throat. Another dessert worth having a go at is the Leche Frito ($5), which essentially is a Spanish fried milk cake that is made up of milk and custard.

• The Service
  The staff is friendly and amicable. They provide prompt service to ensure that the customers are well tended to.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Via Mar Restaurant

Via Mar is the place to go if you want to visit both the restaurant and the pub at the same time. It saves you the hassle of transiting from two places. Via Mar also has an impressive view and romantic setting, which makes it an attractive place for couples and friends to let their hair down and hang out. However, the food here is rather run of the mill which I think does not warrant its premium prices but it still makes a decent chill-out place.