One Ninety Bar @ Four Seasons Singapore - A New "Italian Job Afternoon Tea", A Leisurely Escape with Mediterranean Flair

Four Seasons Hotel Singapore brings a taste of Italy to the heart of Orchard Road with The Italian Job Afternoon Tea, an exclusive collaboration with Executive Pastry Chef Andrea Bonaffini from Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River. Joining him are Four Seasons Hotel Singapore’s own Chef Patrick Benedetti and Chef Valerio Pierantonelli, who collectively present an afternoon tea experience that celebrates the flavours, craftsmanship and charm of Italy.

Available until 5 September, the limited-time afternoon tea at One-Ninety Bar features refined savouries, Italian-inspired desserts and handcrafted cocktails, offering a leisurely afternoon escape with Mediterranean flair. Unlike the traditional three-tiered presentation, the menu is served course by course, allowing guests to fully appreciate each creation as it arrives.

Cocktails and Mocktails

Guests can choose between the classic afternoon tea experience at S$68++ per person, which includes coffee or tea, or elevate the experience with the S$89++ per person option, which comes with a signature Italian-inspired craft cocktail alongside coffee or tea.

Additional cocktails are available at S$22++ each or S$42++ for two. La Dolce Vita is a refreshing blend of Código 1530 Tequila, cream, lemon bitters, strawberry sorbet and Prosecco, delivering fruity, creamy and lightly sparkling notes that evoke a carefree Italian summer. The Italian Sour offers a rich, velvety combination of Malfy Gin, Amaretto, fresh lemon juice, pistachio syrup and egg white.

For something lighter, Fioritura combines Monkey 47 Gin, jasmine yuzu syrup and tonic for a fragrant, floral profile with refreshing citrus notes, and is also available as a mocktail. Meanwhile, Pesca Amaro is a sophisticated aperitif-style cocktail featuring Glenlivet 12 Years, Peach Campari and Cocchi Rosa, bringing together fruity, bittersweet and botanical flavours in an elegant finish.

Pomodoro

To begin our afternoon tea, we were served the Pomodoro, an adorable tomato-shaped bite. Beneath the tomato exterior lies an aubergine mousse centre. The entire tomato sits on a bed of Parmesan cheese and is finished with basil oil. It’s like a delicate eggplant parmigiana in bite-sized form, and almost too cute to eat.

Polipo

Polipo was one of the more substantial savouries, featuring charcoal-grilled octopus hidden within a silky smoked potato foam. Capers and lemon add brightness that complements the smoky octopus. Very delicious, and I scooped up every last bit.

Savouries Assortment

Three additional savoury bites were presented together, each showcasing a different facet of Italian cuisine. The Scapece, inspired by the Southern Italian preparation of marinated vegetables, paired courgette with Pecorino cheese. The Tartella featured sweet Carabinero prawn atop a delicate tartlet, complemented by crisp fennel, bright orange and olives for sweetness. Completing the trio was the Maritozzo, an interpretation of the classic Italian bun filled with tender veal loin and a rich tonnata sauce made from tuna and capers, finished with freshly shaved black truffle.

Limone

This was followed by an intermezzo of Limone. This dessert immediately caught my eye with its striking resemblance to those ultra-aesthetic lemon-shaped gelatos that have been taking over social media. It features Amalfi lemon and vanilla granita, with creamy ricotta cheese within, crowned with a light mandarin foam. Bright and citrusy, the dessert was refreshing, though quite sweet, and I found the cinnamon notes slightly more pronounced than expected.

Albicocca

Moving on to the sweets, the Albicocca paired intense Valrhona 70% dark chocolate with hazelnut praline, while apricot and bergamot brought fruitiness and citrusy tartness to balance the richness.

Cakes Assortment

The Raviolo was designed to resemble a miniature pasta parcel, filled with nutty Bronte pistachios and bright orange marmalade, with a crunchy element adding textural contrast to the smooth filling. A super cute dessert ‘pasta’ I’d love to have again.

The Fragola was perhaps the prettiest cake, featuring vanilla ganache, biscuit and sweet Cameron Highlands strawberries, delicately adorned with edible flowers for a light and elegant finish.

No Italian dessert selection is complete without Tiramisu, and this was a refined take on the beloved Italian classic, using mascarpone cream, espresso and cocoa biscuit for a familiar combination of creamy, coffee-infused indulgence.

Nocciola

The afternoon tea concludes with Da Condividere (To Share). Nocciola brings together cocoa and hazelnut cake, creamy crema ice cream and a generous pour of warm chocolate foam. The chocolate foam was especially delicious, adding an indulgent touch to the dessert. While designed for sharing, I still found it a little heavy, particularly after the many cakes I’d just eaten. Nevertheless, its chocolate and hazelnut flavours make for a fitting finale, showcasing a classic flavour pairing that rounded off the afternoon tea on a decadent note.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


One-Ninety Bar
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Weekend Brunch: 12pm - 3pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 11. Walk straight down Orchard Boulevard Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Akashi Japanese Restaurant @ Paragon - Buy 1 Get 2 Temaki Deal

Akashi’s popular Twilight Hour promotion runs from Monday to Friday, from 2.30pm onwards, offering a Buy 1 Get 2 deal on all signature temaki (excluding Uni Temaki). Beyond the promotion, we also sampled several of the restaurant’s signature dishes to see whether they were worth a return visit.

Temaki 5/5

We sampled six freshly made Temaki varieties — Spicy Sake, California, Chef’s Special (featuring Tuna and Uni), Salmon & Tamago, Negitoro, and Beef Steak served with a raw egg dipping sauce. Prices start from an affordable $6 and go up to $48 for the premium Uni Temaki. What impressed us most was the generous amount of fillings packed into every handroll. Unlike many temaki, where the ingredients disappear halfway through, these remained generously filled right down to the final bite.

It was honestly one of the most satisfying temaki experiences we’ve had. That said, don’t expect three handrolls to leave you completely full. With a rice-to-filling ratio of roughly 30:70, the emphasis here is clearly on quality ingredients rather than carb-heavy portions.

Nasu Awaseyaki 4.8/5

Nasu Awaseyaki ($20) features Japanese eggplant topped with homemade miso. What stood out immediately was the texture. Instead of the soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency typically associated with eggplant, this version offered a pleasant bite and slight crunch. Encased in a light tempura-style coating, the eggplant remained juicy within, while the savoury miso topping added depth and umami. Interestingly, the combination somehow reminded us of fried bananas! It was unexpected, yet surprisingly enjoyable.

Wakadori 4.5/5

Wakadori ($18) is a pan-seared chicken dish glazed with teriyaki sauce. The chicken was executed beautifully, with crisp, golden skin giving way to tender and juicy meat. We approached this dish with modest expectations, as teriyaki sauces can often lean overly sweet. Thankfully, Akashi strikes a more balanced savoury-sweet profile. As we continued eating, the flavour became strangely familiar, reminiscent of marmite chicken but subtler and more refined. This is the kind of dish that practically begs for a bowl of steamed rice.

Kani Ramen 4.5/5

Kani Ramen ($18) is a stir-fried ramen dish topped with fresh crab meat. The flavour profile was lighter and more nuanced than expected. There was a gentle tanginess running through the dish, which initially led us to believe vinegar was involved. We later learned that the acidity actually came from Japanese sake, lending the noodles a subtle brightness without overpowering the crab’s sweetness. Portion-wise, it was just right, satisfying without feeling heavy or cloying, making it an easy dish to finish.

While the Buy 1 Get 2 Temaki promotion is undoubtedly the headline attraction, Akashi’s signature dishes proved equally capable of holding their own. The standout for us was undoubtedly the temaki, thanks to the freshness of the ingredients and the generous fillings packed into every roll.

If you’re looking for a casual Japanese dining spot that delivers quality ingredients, well-executed dishes and excellent value during off-peak hours, Akashi’s Twilight Hour promotion is certainly worth checking out.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Akashi Japanese Restaurant
Pargaon
290 Orchard Road
#B1-01/02
Singapore 238859
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. At the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link, cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 2 or 3. Proceed to the road level. Walk down Orchard Road until the junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link. Cross the road and walk to Paragon. Journey time is about 12 minutes. [Map]

Seoul & So @ National Gallery - Brings Contemporary Korean BBQ to National Gallery Singapore with Value Lunch Sets

Seoul & So debuts at National Gallery Singapore, introducing a fresh Korean barbecue concept set within one of the city’s most iconic cultural spaces. Located on Level 5, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience where guests can enjoy grilled premium meats while overlooking the Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery installations, blending art, architecture, and cuisine into a single immersive setting.

Created by the award-winning team behind Seoul Restaurant (Conrad Singapore Orchard), Seoul & So is the Rhee siblings’ modern take on Korean barbecue. While grounded in authentic Korean flavours and traditional techniques, the concept embraces a livelier, more contemporary approach, offering both à la carte dishes and curated tasting menus designed for sharing.

I visited on a weekday for lunch and was particularly drawn to their wallet-friendly 4-Course Lunch Sets. Priced at $45 for Set A (Beef) and $35 for Set B (Pork), each set comprises an Appetiser, Main, Post-Main, and Dessert. With two of us dining, we opted to try both sets for a more comprehensive experience.

The meal began with an assortment of Banchan, Korea’s signature side dishes. The spread offered a delightful variety of flavours and textures — from tangy pickles to savoury bites — thoughtfully prepared to complement the grilled meats that followed.

For the mains, Lunch Set A offers a choice between USDA Prime Short Ribs or Rib Fingers (Aus Wagyu 6/7), while Set B features Jeju Pork Belly or Iberico Pork Collar, each portion at 150g.

Rib Fingers (AUS Wagyu 6/7) 4/5

We had the Rib Fingers (Aus Wagyu 6/7), a premium cut sourced from between the rib bones. Known for its rich marbling and intense beefy flavour, this cut delivers a deeply satisfying bite. As it grills, the fat renders beautifully, creating a lightly charred exterior while keeping the interior juicy. The presence of natural tendons adds a slight chew, giving the meat a robust texture that enhances its overall appeal.

Jeju Pork Belly 4.2/5

The Jeju Pork Belly was equally noteworthy. Imported from Jeju Island, the cut stood out for its clean, natural sweetness and balanced fat content. Grilled to a gentle crisp on the outside, the pork retained a tender, juicy centre without feeling overly greasy. The rendered fat imparted a buttery richness that coated the palate, elevating each bite with a luxurious mouthfeel.

Mul Naengmyeon 4.2/5

For the Post-Main course, diners can choose from Kimchi Jjigae, Doenjang Jjigae, Mul Naengmyeon, or Naeng Kalguksu. We selected the Mul Naengmyeon and Kimchi Jjigae for contrast.

The Mul Naengmyeon was a refreshing interlude. Served in an icy, clear beef broth, the dish delivered a clean, subtly tangy flavour with a hint of sweetness. The buckwheat noodles were springy and pleasantly chewy, complemented by slices of cold beef, crisp cucumbers, and pickled radish. It was light, cooling, and especially satisfying after the richness of the barbecue.

In contrast, the Kimchi Jjigae offered a comforting depth of flavour. The stew leaned towards a balanced, hearty profile rather than an overly sour or fiery one. Well-aged kimchi had softened beautifully, infusing the broth with richness, while tender pork and silky tofu added substance to the dish.

The meal concluded with a simple dessert of ice cream paired with coffee or tea — a light and pleasant finish to the multi-course lunch.

Kimchi Jjigae 4/5

Seoul & So’s 4-Course Lunch Sets impress with both value and quality, making it an accessible way to enjoy premium Korean barbecue in a refined setting. Situated within the National Gallery, the restaurant offers more than just a meal — it delivers a dining experience that seamlessly weaves together culture, flavour, and contemporary flair.


Seoul & So
National Gallery
1 St. Andrew’s Road
#05-03
Singapore 178957
Tel: +65 64232807
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Turn left onto Coleman Street. Walk down Coleman Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is around 5 minutes. [Map]

HighHouse @ One Raffles Place - Limited Time Collaboration with Two Michelin Starred Meta

For its latest edition of The High Table, HighHouse has partnered with Chef Sun Kim of two-Michelin-starred Meta for a limited-time collaboration that brings his distinctive brand of contemporary Korean cuisine to HighHouse. Available until 27 June, the exclusive Korean-themed menu highlights Chef Sun’s ability to draw upon his heritage and traditional cuisine, while incorporating modern techniques and global influences.

Perched above the city with sweeping views of Singapore’s skyline, HighHouse offers a dynamic backdrop where guests can dine, socialise and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. As the day turns into night and the music picks up, the ambience becomes very lively.

For The High Table, Chef Sun Kim adapts to HighHouse’s convivial dining concept, presenting a collection of dishes that are sophisticated yet approachable and designed to be enjoyed in a more relaxed, social setting with plenty of drinks.

Our meal began with a selection of appetisers, accompanied by mocktails from HighHouse’s extensive drinks programme, which offers a wide range of cocktails, wines, spirits and non-alcoholic options to suit different preferences.

Eggplant with Salsa 4.2/5

I enjoyed the Eggplant with Salsa ($28), which featured crisp, fried eggplant topped with puffed quinoa, confit garlic, and a citrus-soy dressing. Moreish, crispy and easy to share, it works especially well as a bar snack.

Beef Carpaccio

The Beef Carpaccio ($32) features hay-smoked beef tenderloin complemented by charred leeks and mustard dressing. It looked promising; however, as neither my dining companion nor I could consume raw beef, we were unfortunately unable to sample this dish.

Grilled Spanish Octopus 4.2/5

Served as part of the lunch set menu, the Grilled Spanish Octopus was well executed, with a lightly crisp exterior and a tender, succulent interior. It was served on a bed of cream-cooked potatoes and accompanied by a herb dressing, olives, and sweet Chitose tomatoes for bright, Mediterranean-inspired flavours that we enjoyed.

Kingfish Sashimi 3.8/5

The Kingfish Sashimi ($30) showcased pomelo, shiso, wasabi and gochujang. The citrus of the pomelo complemented the clean flavour of the kingfish. A touch of wasabi and gochujang provided gentle heat to the dish.

Lobster Cevan Jjim 4.2/5

The Lobster Cevan Jjim ($72) is inspired by the Korean steamed seafood dish haemultang jjim. Succulent lobster and a savoury seafood broth are served over a silky steamed egg custard, and finished with chilli oil. My dining companion found this dish to be on the salty side, but I enjoyed it very much. That said, considering the price point, I felt the BBQ Short Rib offered better value for money and would be my pick between the two.

BBQ Short Rib 4.8/5

The BBQ Short Rib ($88) is a magnificent platter of melt-in-your-mouth tender beef slices, served with gochujang-tossed mushrooms, shishito peppers, onion purée and a pickled cucumber salad. This allowed the beef flavours to take centre stage while the acidity from the pickled cucumber and gochujang helped cut through the richness of the beef. Incredibly flavourful and delicious, this was the standout dish of the meal for me.

Steak Bibimbap 4/5

Rounding out the collaboration is the Steak Bibimbap ($58), Chef Sun’s take on one of Korea’s most iconic dishes. Featuring flank steak, Korean zucchini, Korean bean sprouts, black fungus and sesame oil, the dish is fragrant, hearty and comforting. While the flank steak was tender enough, I personally preferred the more buttery BBQ Short Rib to the leaner flank steak.

In fact, I found myself pairing some of the short rib with the bibimbap rice, which proved a satisfying combination, as the fat from the short rib mixed into the rice. All the more reason to order a few dishes and share among friends.

Yoghurt Ice Cream 2.8/5

For dessert, we were served a combination of Yoghurt Ice Cream with pomelo, mandarin and basil. The tangy yoghurt ice cream, together with pomelo and mandarin, provided a light and refreshing finish after a heavy meal. However, I found the addition of basil somewhat unappealing, and it did not work for me. Presentation-wise, the dessert also lacked visual appeal.

The High Table by Chef Sun Kim is available for lunch and dinner at HighHouse until 27 June, offering diners a rare opportunity to experience a more casual yet equally thoughtful expression of the celebrated chef’s modern Korean cuisine.

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.


HighHouse
1 Raffles Place
L61-62
Singapore 048616
Tel: +65 9677 8074
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue: 1130am - 11pm
Wed-Fri: 1130 am - 1am
Sat: 5 pm - 1am
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Numb Restaurant (川麻记) @ Marina One - New Seasonal “Wild Origins” Menu, A Refined Journey Through Southwest China

Nestled within the lush greenery and cascading waterfalls of Marina One, NUMB offers a dining experience that feels like a quiet escape from the city. With its latest seasonal menu, “Wild Origins”, the restaurant invites diners to reconnect with the raw, untamed flavours of Southwest China, drawing inspiration from the mountainous regions of Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan.

Yunnan Wild Mushroom Black Chicken Soup 4.5/5

A comforting and nourishing start to the meal, the Yunnan Wild Mushroom Black Chicken Soup ($24.80, for 2–3 pax) is inspired by the forest abundance of Yunnan. Slow-simmered black chicken is paired with prized wild mushrooms such as porcini, agaricus and cordyceps flowers, resulting in a deeply aromatic broth that feels both restorative and delicately layered.

Sichuan Spiced Grilled Beef with Lettuce Wraps 3.8/5

The Sichuan Spiced Grilled Beef with Lettuce Wraps ($30.80) features char-grilled beef seasoned with aromatic Sichuan spices, served with fresh lettuce for wrapping. While the beef itself is tender, it felt slightly underpowered on its own. The accompanying sauce and spice mix are essential to bring out the full flavour. Larger lettuce leaves would also improve the overall eating experience, making it easier to wrap and enjoy each bite.

Marbled Wagyu Beef in Traditional Guizhou Sour Soup 4/5

This dish offers a contrasting profile to the earlier soup. The Marbled Wagyu Beef in Traditional Guizhou Sour Soup ($42.80) features premium wagyu slices simmered in a fermented broth. The result is a refined balance of tangy acidity, mellow spice and umami richness, complemented by mushrooms and tender beef. It’s a comforting yet complex dish that showcases the depth of regional flavours well.

Signature Sizzling Fish Fillet with Tofu 4.5/5

A standout of the meal, the Signature Sizzling Fish Fillet with Tofu ($49.80) is filled with tender fish slices and tofu in a fragrant, spicy broth. The fish is incredibly soft and delicate, while the tofu absorbs the broth beautifully. The dish is rich in aroma and layered heat, though adding a contrasting texture, such as vegetables or vermicelli, would elevate it even further.

NUMB also introduces a range of seasonal beverages inspired by wild fruits and botanical notes. We tried three:

• Wampi & Hog Plum Jasmine Iced Tea
• Pink Guava & Green Grapes Jasmine Tea
• Green Plum & Starfruit with Yunnan Olive

Each drink was light, refreshing and well-balanced, offering a nice contrast to the bold, spice-forward dishes. Priced at only $5.80 each.

To celebrate the launch of “Wild Origins”, NUMB is offering a limited-time Membership Top-Up Promotion at its Marina One outlet, with perks such as dining discounts, bonus credits and waived corkage.

Overall, the menu delivers a thoughtful exploration of Southwest Chinese flavours, balancing boldness with refinement. It’s a great spot for gatherings, whether for casual meals or more intimate group dining, especially if you’re looking for something that goes beyond the usual Sichuan fare.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Numb Restaurant (川麻记)
Marina One West Tower
5 Straits View
#01-12
Singapore 018935
Tel: +65 9460 1960
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Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Shenton Way (TE Line), Marina Bay (CC, NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at the Downtown MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Straits View. Turn right onto Straits View. Walk down Straits View. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Marina Bay MRT station. Take Exit 1. Turn left onto Commerce Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]