MoVida: Another cave-like place for the record, serving Spanish tapas and dishes

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been bookmarking a bunch of cave-inspired cafes and restaurants lately. So far, there’s Gochu Korean Dining & BBQ, the Cavern Restaurant tucked inside Rainforest WILD Asia, and now this one: not quite a cave, but close enough... MoVida at Raffles City Shopping Centre.

Another “cave” to add to the list! Like all good caves, this one was cosy and cool, but minus the bats! We settled into plush cushions, and honestly, the only thing missing was a little fireplace O.O

MoVida began when Spanish-born chef Frank Camorra and Andy McMahon transformed a small Melbourne eatery into a lively Spanish bar, bringing the warmth and bold flavours of Spain to Australia through shared plates and bar-style dining.

Sinking into the plush sofa, it felt like an underground fiesta waiting to happen. Dark, romantic and cosy... the kind of place where conversations linger and time slips by. A great spot for a date? I don’t think anyone’s going to debate me on that.

Inspired by Spain’s post-Franco “La Movida Madrileña” cultural revival, the restaurant embodies that same creative, free-spirited energy... alive in every dish and alleyway.

Both my companion and I went for the $33 set, which came with three tapas and one main each.

We picked a mix to share visually (if not literally):

Huevas: homemade potato chips with whipped cod roe and marinated mussels.

Tomato Salad: heirloom tomatoes with confit fennel, simple yet refreshing.

Tuna Tartare with Grilled Avocado: roasted avocado paired with bluefin tuna and a bright citrus dressing.

I had no idea what to expect size-wise and decided to just let the dishes surprise me. It turned out that the portions were on the smaller side, not quite for sharing but perfect for tasting your way through the menu. Take a peek:

The dishes were bite-sized and tiny, perfect for tasting a bit of everything without the risk of spills or awkward moments across the table.

For our mains, we chose:

Gambas Al Ajillo: juicy prawns cooked in garlic, chilli and EVOO, with an earthy, spicy finish that lingered just enough. The mashed potatoes soaked up all that garlicky oil, and the bread on the side was perfect for mopping up what was left.

Gambas Al Ajillo: prawns cooked in garlic, chilli and EVOO, served with mashed potatoes and bread.

Pollo Agridulce: roasted free-range chicken that stayed wonderfully juicy, coated in a tangy-sweet agridulce sauce. The green padrón peppers added a gentle, smoky kick that tied everything together without overpowering the dish.

Pollo Agridulce: roasted free-range chicken with green padron peppers and a sweet-sour agridulce sauce.

Overall, dining at MoVida felt like an immersive escape. Part Spanish adventure, part urban hideout. The food was an interesting and fun introduction to Spanish flavours, with each plate offering something a little different.

But what truly made it stand out was the combination of both the food and the ambience... that cave-like interior, warm lighting and laid-back energy that made you forget you were in the middle of Raffles City!

Location: MoVida, #03-43 Raffles City Shopping Centre, Singapore 179103