Kaarla Wood-Fire Grill and Bar @ CapitaSpring - Pivoted From Fine Dining to Casual Australian-Japanese Restaurant

Formerly a fine dining concept, Kaarla at 1-Arden CapitaSpring has transitioned into a casual Australian-Japanese restaurant that offers a welcoming space for communal dining over wood-fire sharing plates and classic cocktails. Diners can also look forward to regular live entertainment for a chillout evening. Despite this pivot, Kaarla continues its commitment to sustainable dining by using ethically sourced ingredients from artisanal producers and local farms, incorporating over 158 species of edible greens, herbs, and flowers from its 10,000 sq-ft urban farm.

Yuzu Shoyu Salmon Skewers 4/5

Deep-Fried Lotus Root Chips 4/5

Parker Brioche 4/5

Instead of courses and a la carte dishes, the menu is now categorised into more affordably-priced sharing plates suitable for communal dining or after-work drinking sessions. To start the evening, we enjoyed some bar snacks, including crisped Deep-Fried Lotus Root Chips ($12), which were moreish with sweet-savoury furikake and dashi honey. The Parker Brioche ($10) with shio kombu butter added extra butteriness, and the Yuzu Shoyu Salmon Skewers ($15) satisfied with their fatty texture and smoky umami flavour.

Burrata 3/5

Coal Roasted Tiger Prawns 2.8/5

We tried the Coal Roasted Tiger Prawns ($22) and Burrata ($14) from the small plates. The burrata was lusciously soft and pillowy, complemented by a contrasting garlicky goma sauce. However, I couldn't help wondering what happened to the other half of the burrata. The prawns had good flavours imparted from sansho pepper and a tangy native tamarind jam, but they weren't as succulent as expected.

Natural Pork Loin 4.5/5

John Dory 2.5/5

For mains, the Natural Pork Loin ($36) was excellently done over a wood fire, served pink-tender over a bed of braised barley and garden vegetables from the farm. However, the John Dory ($46) fell short with a rubbery texture.

Wood Roasted Pumpkin 5/5

The Wood Roasted Pumpkin ($14) was a highlight for me. Slow-roasted, it had a dense and starchy texture, with a sweetness aptly contrasted by sharp goat's feta cheese and an umami miso glaze made from its own seeds, ground and mixed with miso. Atop the feta cheese was a handful of watercress from its farm, which surprised me with a refreshing, crunchy texture.

Cherry Ripe 4.5/5

Rounding off our meal was a divine Cherry Ripe ($18), featuring a classic combination of tart cherries and bitter dark chocolate ganache, brought together by a creamy coconut fudge.

Garden Fizz, Old Fashioned Kaarla

Alongside the revamped menu, the drinks selection has been refined to a concise selection of four signatures (all at $22), maximising house-grown herbs and kitchen ingredients. The Garden Fizz is a citrusy drink accented with rosemary, while the Old Fashioned Kaarla exudes a much bolder flavour, concocted with Australian bush tomatoes muddled with bourbon to give a slight caramel hint.

For the upcoming National Day, Kaarla is also one of the best options to catch the fireworks:

* Indulge in a 5-Course National Day Dinner priced at $168++ per person. (Available on July 27th, August 3rd, and 9th)
* Raise a Toast with Free-Flow Alcohol for $59++ per person on August 9th, from 6-8PM
* Join the Skyline Sparkle Party every Saturday from June 22nd to August 9th, Tickets are $30 nett per person and include one drink (choice of soft drink, juice, beer, housepour spirits, or wines).

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Kaarla Wood-Fire Grill & Bar
CapitaSpring
88 Market Street
#51-02
Singapore 048948
Tel: +65 8518 3763
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon- Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to Malacca Street. Walk down Malacca Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Duomo Ristorante @ CHIJMES - Italian Classics, Hearty Italian Flavours, Charming Ambience

Recently opened in January 2024, Duomo Ristorante is an aptly named culinary gem nestled within the beautiful grounds of CHIJMES. The menu offers Italian classics made with fresh ingredients from both the Northern and Southern regions, showcasing the hearty flavours of Italian cuisine.

There is a cosy indoor dining area, but the outdoor terrace is particularly delightful, especially on cool evenings. Here, guests can fully immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere while enjoying views of the picturesque CHIJMES hall. The outdoor terrace is thoughtfully accented with Italian decorative touches, creating a charming and inviting ambience that sets the backdrop for a relaxing dining experience.

Bruschetta 4.2/5

We started with a variety of antipasti, the first being a delightful Bruschetta ($21). This classic Italian starter showcased simplicity at its finest. Each slice of rustic bread was perfectly toasted and topped with heirloom Sicilian pizzutello tomatoes and Pecorino cheese shavings. The juicy sweetness of the tomatoes made each bite very enjoyable!

Wagy Carpaccio 4.2/5

The Wagyu Carpaccio ($28) is also delicious. Delicate slivers of wagyu are elevated with a house-made sauce of truffle cream, butter, and parmesan. To add a refreshing contrast, the dish is generously garnished with rocket leaves, which provide a crisp freshness to balance the richness of the wagyu and the creamy sauce.

Seafood Cioppino 4.5/5

For something hearty, opt for their Seafood Cioppino ($28). The base of the Seafood Cioppino is a rich tomato broth infused with aromatic herbs and spices and simmered to perfection. The broth provides a comforting warmth that sets the stage for the seafood medley of calamari, clams, and prawns — a harmonious ensemble that reflects the essence of coastal Italian cuisine.

Bella Duomo 4.2/5

Whilst they are not particularly a pizza speciality restaurant, the pizza we tried here was pretty good! We had the Bella Duomo ($36), where the star of the show is the rich and savoury mortadella cold cut, which comes straight from Bologna. Accompanying it are crunchy pistachios, adding a delightful texture and nutty flavour, as well as creamy stracciatella cheese generously spread across the pizza.

Tagliolini Gamberi & Lemon 4.5/5

Next up were two plates of pasta, both of which I thoroughly relished and savoured. The Tagliolini Gamberi & Lemon ($38) is a dish inspired by the chef's childhood and beautifully captures the essence of an Italian summer with its bright and zesty flavours. Some of my dining companions found it slightly too tangy, but I enjoyed the refreshing acidity imparted by the lemons and capers. Regarding flavour profile, this dish stands out as one of the more distinctive pastas I've had in Singapore. If you opt for this pasta, I recommend mixing it thoroughly with the sauce right away to prevent clumping and to ensure every bite is as delightful as the last.

Gnocchi Funghi & Salsiccia 4.5/5

The Gnocchi Funghi & Salsiccia ($28) is another comforting dish that satisfies my palate. The gnocchi, mushrooms, and Italian sausage are enveloped in a luxurious, savoury sauce. The sausage is slow-cooked with a medley of onions, celery, and white wine, infusing the dish with hearty flavours that linger on the taste buds.

Polipo Arrosto 3.8/5

Polipo Arrosto ($38) celebrates the ocean's bounty with grilled octopus, which offers a slightly crispy exterior with a smoky char while maintaining a firm but not rubbery texture. Accompanying the octopus is a citrusy sauce infused with diced tomatoes and olives, adding a vibrant and tangy contrast to the seafood. Silky smooth potato and rocket salad accompany the dish.

Nodino di Maiale 3.8/5

The Nodino di Maiale ($38) features a pork chop marinated for 24 hours in a fragrant blend of rosemary and thyme and grilled to perfection. It is complemented by a smooth house-made apple mustard that adds a hint of sweetness. The flavours are good, but our pork cut was pretty lean, and I would have preferred the meat to be juicier.

Duomo Tiramisu 4/5

For dessert, the Duomo Tiramisu ($16) is a crowd pleaser. Layers of delicate ladyfinger biscuits soaked in espresso impart a robust coffee flavour. Sandwiched between these espresso-soaked layers is a velvety mascarpone cream. The dessert is elegantly finished with a dusting of cocoa powder, balancing the sweetness with a hint of bittersweet cocoa notes. For inclusivity, the Tiramisu is served alcohol-free.

Panna Cotta Alla Vaniglia 3.5/5

Another option is the Panna Cotta Alla Vaniglia (3.5/5), a creamy and light dessert made from a traditional recipe without gelatin. It's infused with vanilla bean specks and served with some fruits and nuts.

Duomo Ristorante presents a delightful array of dishes to satisfy diverse tastes, complemented by refreshing drinks and a great ambience perfect for enjoying time with loved ones and friends. Immerse yourself in the essence of la dolce vita whilst savouring a slice of Italy in this cheerful communal dining setting!

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Duomo Ristorante
CHIJMES
30 Victoria Street
#01-32
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 89114874
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat: 12pm - 11pm
Sun: 12pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the junction to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]