AT first sight, United Square seems like an unlikely location to find good Mediterranean food.

I say this because at first glance the place seems dotted with just coffee shops and fast food outlets.

On weekends, it is crowded with children all determined to scream louder than the other.

If you ignore these distractions and head towards the side of the building, you'll come across a most inviting place - Bungalow.

Bungalow is a cosy restaurant with good potential for being the hangout place for adults living in the Novena area.

The restaurant's airy interior is bright and cheerful, thanks to its floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

There is a tented seating area outside, which looked too much to handle on a sunny afternoon, unless accompanied by a refreshing glass of sangria.

However, at dusk, when the lights are switched on, the al fresco atmosphere looks quite romantic, although there is the constant reminder of the busy road outside.

The kitchen is run by executive chef Walter Loo and he has created a menu of tasty tapas and hearty main dishes.

The tapas I tasted were mostly good.

The grilled foie gras ($15) is lightly toasted and fragrant, as are the clams in white wine (almejas a la marinera, $12 a pot).

These two items already should fill the stomachs of nibblers.

Make sure you taste the garlic prawns with chilli oil (gambas al ajillo, $10). The sight of the crimson layer of oil may be a turn off for some, but give it a chance.

The prawns were succulent and perfectly compliments the savoury mix of chilli and olive oil.

Soak up the sauce with a chunk of bread and it'll be heavenly.

This is probably one of two dishes here I will return for.

BIGGER SERVINGS

We were also served aubergine with parmesan (berenjenas con queso parmesano, $8).

This is a huge serving, although it consists of just three slices of eggplant with cheese in between.

The smell is heavenly but it is a little greasy. This dish is perfect to share with your companions.

Another must-share option is from the Mains menu.

The Spanish basked seafood rice (paella marisco, $28) is delicious, with seafood overflowing from the pot.

The smell hits you first and the sight made my mouth water.

The rice is soft but the seafood fresh.

If you intend to order this, you'll need patience. It takes 45 minutes to prepare, so if you are firm on an arrival time, you might want to call ahead with an order.

Another main dish to check out is the cod ore spaghetti in olive oil ($14). The roe's satliness is a nice contrast to the pasta.

We were served one that seemed a little oily but that is easily resolved by requesting for less oil.

For a group of undecided diners, there is the Bungalow Tasting Plate at $45. This has wagyu beef, lamb cultet, Chorizo susage and chicken in picante sauce.

What didn't work for me here were the soups and desserts.

The lobster bisque ($12) and Trio Mushroom soup ($8) were not spectacular; and the dessert selection will not rock your world.

But those are minor deviances, considering the atmosphere and quality of the other dishes.

Bungalow Tapas Bar & Grill
#01-14/15 United Square
Tel: 6258 9442
Opening hours: 11am to midnight (Sun to Thurs), 11am to 2am (Fri and Sat). Drink all you want for $38 from 7.30pm to 11.30pm (Thurs, Fri and Sat).
Rating: 3.5/5