Singapore’s local gastronomic scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, constantly evolving with exciting new culinary concepts and unique dining destinations. As we cross the midyear mark, this dynamic food scene shows no signs of slowing down, with a new restaurant opening seemingly every other week. From cozy Italian joints to date-night worthy spots and buzzy Korean addresses, there’s a culinary adventure waiting for everyone.
While Singapore boasts an abundance of solid Italian fare, Fortuna emerges as a standout, offering a captivating blend of Sicilian and Neapolitan cuisine. Helmed by renowned pizza maestro Giorgio Sorce, Fortuna presents artisanal pizzas crafted with a distinctive style that marries traditional Neapolitan dough with Sicilian ingredients, creating a harmonious fusion of flavors. From fried and baked pizzas to their signature Napoletana, each iteration is a testament to Sorce’s mastery of dough-making, resulting in a crust that is both crispy and chewy. Fortuna’s menu goes beyond classic toppings, offering delectable, well-balanced combinations like prawn, stracciata, pesto, and lemon zest. Don’t miss out on their Fortuna pizza, plated with truffle, anchovies, olive, and mozzarella, a symphony of umami flavors. While the pizzas are the stars, Fortuna’s pasta dishes are equally impressive, each plate prepared à la minute, from seafood bisque to slow-cooked ragout. The ‘1000’ Layers Lasagna stands out as a unique culinary experience, showcasing a compressed iteration of the classic dish, featuring crispy layers of pasta, Provolone cheese, and pistachio pesto, culminating in a savory and creamy bite.
For those seeking a sophisticated Korean dining experience, Na Oh, helmed by three-Michelin-starred chef Corey Lee, is a must-visit. Located on the third storey of the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre in Jurong, Na Oh offers a romantic homage to Korean heritage, extending from the menu to the ceramicware. The food, plated simply but artfully, exudes sophistication, showcasing clean and refined flavors. Highlights include the refreshing Mulhwe, served in an icy kimchi broth, perfect for the summer months, and the nourishing Samgyetang, a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, presented in grand fashion. Na Oh’s commitment to cultural immersion extends beyond the food, with a glossary on the menu introducing traditional Korean culinary terms and highlighting the Korean artisans and designers who crafted the restaurant’s décor.
Big Wine Freaks, a new addition to Singapore’s burgeoning wine bar scene, is a vibrant destination that offers a unique blend of sophisticated ambiance and delectable cuisine. With statement design, eclectic music, and mood lighting, Big Wine Freaks provides a high-octane aesthetic unlike anything else in Singapore. The restaurant’s clever space segmentation allows guests to choose between opulent high chairs at a liquid metal table in the center of the space or a moody amphitheater outfitted with couches for lounging and people watching. While Big Wine Freaks might feel like a nightlife destination, the food is equally impressive. The restaurant boasts some of the best seafood cold plates in town, from melt-in-your-mouth scallop crudo served with sweet Japanese melon to perfectly paired ama ebi with kiwi and tarragon. Don’t miss out on the caviar-laden French oysters, a perfect complement to the extensive wine list, featuring over 500 labels sourced from micro-farms dedicated to organic and sustainable farming practices. Big Wine Freaks places a particular emphasis on Burgundy and Champagne, offering a curated selection for discerning wine enthusiasts. For mains, the beef rib, paired with confit carrots and served on a bed of sourdough mash, is a solid choice, but the unassumingly named mushrooms are a must-try. A luxurious mix of morels, girolles, and blue-foot mushrooms, charred and sauced to perfection, this savory smorgasbord will elevate your perception of fungi. A runny yolk served in the middle adds a final umami touch, creating a memorable culinary experience.
Odem, Singapore’s first makgeolli bar, brings new light to this humble, naturally fermented Korean beverage. With a highly curated selection of over 30 bottles from different parts of South Korea, every bottle at Odem comes from a small-batch craftsman, meticulously crafted using local fruits, flowers, and top-grade Korean rice. Indulge in a makgeolli flight, allowing you to explore a diverse range of flavors and textures, from floral and fruity lychee-rose Odem house-brew to a milky unclarified variety with alluring funk. The chic restaurant, nestled within the lifestyle hub of New Bahru, offers contemporary Korean fare, featuring refined comfort food like fresh oyster pancakes, perfectly marinated barbecued galbi, and indulgent toro kimbap. Odem’s dessert menu features a single dish, but it’s a memorable one. The savory and complex black garlic tart, baked with seasonal berries and served with smoked jujube chantilly cream, provides a fitting end to the meal.
Camille, a tender exposition of Japanese-French cuisine, has found a tranquil home in an idyllic corner of Sentosa at 1-Group’s latest multi-concept destination, 1-Flowerhill. Reflecting its botanical locale, Camille is adorned with a calming palette of cream and beige, providing an enchanting backdrop for its beautiful installations and artful florals. This sense of elegance extends to the cuisine, where Japanese and French culinary traditions converge in delectable plates of sheer art. Camille offers a delightful showcase of the season’s finest produce, evident in starters like the decadent Hokkaido Beef & Tuna Akami Tartare and the sweet Heirloom Tomatoes served with creamy goat cheese croquettes and a chilled shiso sorbet. For a lighter option, the Camille Garden features pan-fried seasonal vegetables, paired with celeriac and butternut pumpkin puree, topped with crunchy edible nut soil. The Magret de Canard, a flavorful duck dish, is brightened by marinated plum and heirloom beetroot. Round out your meal with a punchy dessert, such as the Deconstructed ‘Black Forest’, a glorious dark chocolate mousse contrasted by a sour-sweet cherry sorbet. Camille also boasts a roster of delicate cocktails infused with flavors inspired by the four seasons. We recommend the Seduction in Autumn, a blend of sakura sake, haku Japanese vodka, and milk oolong tea, a silky treat that will leave you wanting more.
