The Great Mischief is an artisanal Spanish restaurant located within the prestigious National Gallery Singapore at 1 St Andrew's Road, representing a sophisticated dining concept by The Black Hole Group. This establishment occupies unit #01-17 and stands as one of the first upscale restaurants to serve within Singapore's premier art institution. The restaurant specializes in authentic Catalan-inspired flavors and Spanish cuisine, offering an extensive selection of more than 20 different types of tapas alongside traditional Spanish dishes including expertly prepared paella. The venue combines the cultural ambiance of the National Gallery with refined Spanish culinary traditions, creating a unique dining experience in the heart of Singapore's cultural district.
The menu at The Great Mischief showcases a diverse range of Spanish, Western, and Italian influences, with their tapas selection being the restaurant's signature offering. Each dish is carefully crafted to reflect authentic Spanish flavors while incorporating contemporary presentation techniques. The restaurant has gained recognition for providing fine dining experiences at reasonable prices, making sophisticated Spanish cuisine accessible to a broader audience. Their paella, prepared using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients, has become particularly popular among diners seeking an authentic taste of Spain in Singapore. The establishment prides itself on creating dishes that honor Spanish culinary heritage while appealing to the diverse palates of Singapore's multicultural dining scene.
Located within the iconic National Gallery Singapore, The Great Mischief benefits from its prestigious address and the cultural atmosphere of one of Southeast Asia's largest visual arts institutions. Diners can combine their culinary experience with art appreciation, making it an ideal destination for cultural enthusiasts and tourists exploring Singapore's heritage district. The restaurant can be contacted at +65 9392 2762 for reservations and inquiries. It's worth noting that while some sources have previously indicated halal certification, potential Muslim diners should verify the current halal status directly with the restaurant, as certification details may have changed over time. The combination of its prime location, sophisticated Spanish cuisine, and reasonable pricing makes The Great Mischief a notable dining destination within Singapore's vibrant restaurant scene.
Our order took 45 minutes to arrive, reportedly due to the kitchen being short-staffed with only one
Our order took 45 minutes to arrive, reportedly due to the kitchen being short-staffed with only one chef on duty. While delays can be understandable, the food unfortunately didn’t justify the wait.
The seafood paella was a letdown — lacking depth in flavour and rather uninspiring. We left most of it untouched, hoping for more from a dish that should have been the star.
On a brighter note, the Gambas Al Ajillo prawns were excellent — well-seasoned, perfectly cooked, and full of flavour. Easily the standout of the evening.
One disappointment worth noting: the Golden Hour Menu was never mentioned to us. Even if some items were unavailable, it should have been highlighted. It’s a value-driven set, ideal for two, and presented beautifully on a tiered stand — a missed opportunity that could have elevated the experience.
Overall, both the food and service fell short of expectations. There’s potential here, but execution and communication need improvement.
Ben Goh
Something in the air felt like a renovation was imminent, and definitely needed. When the first thin
Something in the air felt like a renovation was imminent, and definitely needed. When the first thing I noticed was the dirty and stained bench to sit on, my mood to enjoy the evening changed quite dramatically.
In hindsight, this is probably more of a family place to come with kids during the day, than with business partners for an enjoyable dinner discussion. The place is quiet enough to talk, but everything else just feels off. No notable drinks, the lighting is dim and there's no particular warm atmosphere (more grim & dull than uplifting), and the menu is ordinary.
Although the service was fast, I was underwhelmed by the execution of the deliciously worded dishes. The calamari starter looked like a messy plate of small pieces that were too chewy to be nice and resembled more like leftover small pieces from the fryer rather than the tender, sizeable chunks I’d expect.
The idea behind the lamb shoulder pasta is really great, but the execution is mediocre. No contrast or texture gradient, no colour contrasts, a fairly limited amount of lamb chunks, and it all blends together like a large bowl of mash. Disappointing for what is a really good idea.
Would I come back here? No. This is not the place to treat my wife, and I would not bring business connections. The bar is set way higher for that.
Zulqarnain Rahmat
Our order came after 55 minutes. The reason? Short-staffed — only one chef was cooking.
If the food
Our order arrived after 55 minutes. The reason given was being short-staffed, with only one chef cooking. If the food had been good, the wait might have been worth it, but it wasn't. We ordered our steak medium-rare, but it came out well-done. Worse still, it was so tough we couldn't even chew it. As for the paella? It was way too salty and dry. The restaurant is located in the National Gallery building, so you'd expect something decent. It's a fancy place – what could go wrong? Well, everything did. The food today was a total letdown.
Muhammad Iskandar
Ahead of its eventual closure, they released a sundown menu which offered a great deal; starters, 2
Ahead of its eventual closure, they released a sundown menu which offered a great deal: starters, 2 mains, desserts, and drinks for S$50++ for 2 pax.
Upon arrival, I noticed that the fabric of the seats were stained, as if they hadn't been cleaned for a while.
The staff soon came to take our orders, and we only needed to decide on the two mains and drinks. She made a mental note and went off.
We were first served our drinks, and one was wrongly served to us. The first main came, and we had to wait another 45 minutes before the starters, second main, and desserts were served on a tower platter(?). The second main also came out wrong.
We did not inform the staff about the wrongly served drink and mains as we felt they were short-staffed. And funnily enough, even though the restaurant closes at 9:30 pm, the staff approached us for last orders at 7:30 pm, which seemed a little odd.
Overall, the food was great and the atmosphere was good. Just that the service could have been better and the place could have been cleaned better.
Ethan Tan
My recent visit to this restaurant, located within the prestigious National Gallery and sharing the
My recent visit to this restaurant, located within the prestigious National Gallery and sharing the same premises as esteemed establishments like Odette and Art, was extremely underwhelming. Given its prime location, I had anticipated a certain standard of culinary quality. Unfortunately, the experience fell far short of expectations.
I ordered the lamb ragu and the fish and chips. While the lamb ragu conceptually had promise, its execution was severely lacking. It could have been easily prepared by someone with minimal kitchen experience. The fish and chips were even more disappointing—two pieces of tiny fish, soggy fries, and the overall presentation was haphazard and unappetizing. Regrettably, had this restaurant been situated in a more casual location, expectations might have been more forgiving, and the outcome more acceptable. However, a venue within the National Gallery demands far higher standards.
The ambiance also left much to be desired. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a stained sofa with visible food crumbs—hardly a welcoming sight. The chairs were extremely lightweight and unstable, giving the impression they might collapse at any moment.
The one redeeming aspect of the experience was the staff. They were cheerful and courteous, which I genuinely appreciated.
Unfortunately, the overall experience was too bad for a return visit. I would strongly advise potential diners to reconsider before choosing this establishment.
Positive Reviews
Almira Tan
Absolutely loved everything I ordered in The Great Mischief! Particularly my entree of fish and chip
Absolutely loved everything I ordered at The Great Mischief! Particularly my entree of fish and chips. It was cooked to perfection, and the tartar sauce was divine! Dare I say, the best fried fish I've ever had to date! The cheesecake and drink were also really good and complemented the saltiness of the fish.
The place is a bit pricey, yes, but I do think that eating in this cute little cafe within a wonderful museum is a great experience!
Angela Ng
From the moment our dishes began to arrive at The Great Mischief, it was clear the kitchen takes gre
From the moment our dishes began to arrive at The Great Mischief, it was clear the kitchen takes great pride in presentation—and for the most part, execution. Here’s an updated rundown of what we tried:
La Chicky
This is The Great Mischief’s signature chicken burger: a crisp-fried chicken patty tucked into a soft brioche bun with melted cheddar, juicy tomato slices, and crisp lettuce. Each bite delivers a satisfying contrast of crunchy coating and tender meat, with the cheddar adding a rich, savory note and the veggies lending fresh balance. A smear of house sauce ties it all together—simple, comforting, and very moreish.
Croquetas
Golden-brown on the outside, the croquetas hid a luxuriously creamy filling studded with bits of smoky jamón. The shell yielded in a satisfying crunch, giving way to the velvety interior. These made an excellent opener—rich without being greasy, and so addictive that we polished them off before the server could offer more.
Seafood Paella
Served in a shallow black skillet, the paella was a vibrant sight: plump prawns, emerald-green mussel shells, ribbons of roasted red pepper, and wedges of lemon parked atop a bed of saffron-kissed rice. The socarrat (crispy bottom layer) was on point, imparting a nutty depth that complemented the sweet–briny seafood. A few more mussels might have pushed it into perfection, but this hit very close to the mark.
Pescado & Chips
A playful nod to fish & chips, plated with house-made hot sauce, tangy tartar, and a silky aioli. The fish fillets wore a light, crunchy batter that stayed crisp through most of the meal, and the flesh inside flaked apart beautifully. The fries were thin-cut and well-seasoned—great on their own or dipped.
Churros & Chocolate Sauce
The churros themselves were textbook: deep-fried to a dark gold, dusted in a balanced mix of cinnamon and sugar, with a hollow piped center that invites a generous dunk. Unfortunately, the chocolate dipping sauce arrived far too thick—more fudge than molten ganache—making it awkward to coat each churro evenly. A slightly thinner consistency or a drizzle of warm cream would transform this from a good finish to a great one.
Bottom Line
The Great Mischief’s menu is creative, the plating always Instagram-ready, and the flavors generally spot on. A minor tweak to the churros’ chocolate would seal the deal, but otherwise this is a playful, well-executed spot for shared plates and a relaxed evening out.
Ira Ira
Outstanding food! I absolutely loved the mushroom tapas — so flavorful. The duck was perfectly cooke
Outstanding food! I absolutely loved the mushroom tapas — so flavorful. The duck was perfectly cooked and didn’t have that gamey taste, which was a big plus. It's a super cosy spot to chill and unwind. Highly recommend!
Nurul Ain Ithnin
The best meal ever. Brought my daughter to celebrate her birthday. The meat paella was sooo good , t
The best meal ever. I brought my daughter here to celebrate her birthday. The meat paella was so good, the best actually. Our server, JQ, was wonderful, showing so much passion when serving us. She always had a smile on her face every time she brought something from the menu. Thank you for a great evening; there was definitely no mischief in the Great Mischief. ❤️
Wei Ming Tan
Ordered seafood paella, peach sangria & mint meadow. Food was good and filling for 2 pax, though the
Ordered seafood paella, peach sangria & mint meadow. The food was good and filling for two people, though the seafood paella was missing the calamari. Service crew were friendly and helpful. Overall, quite an enjoyable lunch!