Ikki Izakaya @ The Metropolis - Japanese Comfort Food with a Local Twist

Tucked away at The Metropolis in Buona Vista, Ikki Izakaya is a modern Japanese-style izakaya that impresses with its expansive space, high ceilings, and laid-back yet contemporary atmosphere. Despite being around for eight years, it still feels like a hidden gem — offering a solid lineup of Japanese comfort food alongside an impressive selection of alcoholic beverages. Whether you're looking to wind down after work or catch up with friends over bites and booze, Ikki delivers an easygoing, fuss-free dining experience.

Spicy Maguro Poppers 4/5

We started the meal with the Spicy Maguro Poppers ($9.80) — a fun and flavourful bite served in crunchy pie tee cups. Inside, you'll find cubes of tuna sashimi marinated in gochujang, sitting on a creamy avocado base and topped with tobiko for that extra savoury burst. It's spicy, creamy, crunchy — all in one mouthful — and a great way to whet the appetite.

Tofu Crisps 3.5/5

We also tried the Tofu Crisps ($9), a simple yet addictive snack that substitutes fries or chips with thin, crispy tofu skin. While not particularly bold in flavour, it's a satisfying vegetarian-friendly option that goes perfectly with a cold pint.

Ikki Maki 4/5

One of the standouts for the evening was the Ikki Maki ($17.70), a rich and indulgent sushi roll that hits all the right notes. Cream cheese, avocado, and mentaiko sauce form the core of the roll, wrapped and topped with aburi salmon, mini fish roe, and a dusting of seaweed powder. Each bite is creamy, smoky, and umami-packed — a roll that's clearly earned its signature status on the menu.

IKKI's Kick Ass Har Cheong Gai Curry Udon 3.5/5

Adding a local twist to Japanese fare, the IKKI's Kick Ass Har Cheong Gai Curry Udon ($16.50) offers a unique blend of flavours. The creamy Japanese curry base is comforting and fragrant, served with a crispy chicken cutlet marinated in traditional prawn paste. While the concept is fun, the execution was slightly off during our visit — the seasoning leaned too salty, which overwhelmed the dish's otherwise enjoyable components.

SPAM Kimchi Fried Rice 4/5

For something more comforting and hearty, the SPAM Kimchi Fried Rice ($12.80) hits the mark. The fried rice is smoky and robust, filled with the punchy flavour of well-fermented kimchi and balanced out by soft, sweet tamagoyaki and pan-fried spam slices. It's the kind of dish you'd want after a long night out.

Ikki's Tsukune Platter 3.5/5

We ended with Ikki's Tsukune Platter ($16.80), featuring five yakitori-style chicken meatballs glazed in a different sauce: Mentaiko, Gochujang Miso, Okonomiyaki, Cheese, and Original. The platter makes for a great sharing dish, offering variety in flavour, though some combinations stood out more than others. Still, it's a fun and interactive way to sample different seasonings, especially with drinks.

Overall, Ikki Izakaya feels like a well-kept secret. It blends local influences with Japanese izakaya vibes in a relaxed and spacious setting. Whether you're in it for the drinks, the creative fusion dishes, or just a chill place to hang out, Ikki Izakaya checks all the right boxes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ikki Izakaya
The Metropolis
9 North Buona Vista Drive
#01-06/07
Singapore 138588
Tel: +65 8138 8578
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm
Sat: 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Paradise Pizza & Elixir Coffee and Wine @ Holland Grove - Indulge in New Lineup of Artisanal Sourdough Pizzas, Pastas and Sides

The introduction of Paradise Pizza was inspired by the popularity of the pasta and pizzas previously served by Elixir Coffee and Wine.

Both brands are still housed under one roof in Holland Grove, allowing you to enjoy quality coffee and wines alongside a refreshed menu of sourdough pizzas, pasta and sides, all inspired by comfort foods from around the world.

Beverages

We opted for a refreshing Yuzu Cooler ($6) and the chocolatey Marou Single Origin Chocolate ($7) for our beverages. For coffee enthusiasts, don't miss their brews made with beans from the award-winning Blacklist Coffee in Perth.

Deep Fried Burrata 4/5

The Deep Fried Burrata ($24) immediately caught our eye from the list of starters. This hearty dish features a thin-crusted fried burrata ball served with pomodoro, arugula rocket, and balsamic caviar. The plate offered a well-balanced blend of savoury and sweet, with the balsamic caviar adding pops of sweet and fruity notes.

Mentaiko Lemon Butter 4.2/5

The Mentaiko Lemon Butter ($22) pasta was a delightful surprise. The mafaldine’s curly edges excellently picked up the bright sauce, which, though initially more sour than expected, became increasingly enjoyable. The generous addition of tobiko provided extra bursts of salty notes and crunch.

Jap A Dog 4.5/5

Paradise Pizza created Jap A Dog ($26), inspired by the popular hot dog chain in Canada. The combination of Arabiki sausage, furikake, kewpie mayo and bonito flakes was harmonious and reminiscent of an okonomiyaki. Make sure to dig into the pizza while it's hot to appreciate the chewy, freshly made sourdough base fully! There are currently 7 other pizza flavours to check out, including interesting options like Hot Assam and Black Truffle, as well as classics such as Pepperoni and Margherita.

Darn Good Tiramisu 4/5

We completed our meal with the Darn Good Tiramisu ($14), crafted with mascarpone and Blacklist’s espresso, following the same recipe as the restaurant’s sister brand, Fat Belly. While I found it slightly too creamy for my liking, the flavours were spot on, making it a satisfying end to our meal.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Paradise Pizza & Elixir Coffee and Wine
Parksuites
24 Holland Grove Road
#01-18
Singapore 278803
Tel: +65 6908 5547
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Website
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC, EW Line), Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 11am - 9pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

Direction:
Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk to bus stop at Buona Vista MRT station (Stop ID 11361) along Buona Vista Road. Take bus number 92. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road and walk to Holland Grove Road. Walk down Holland Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Holland Road (Stop ID 11261). Take bus number 7, 61, 75, or 165. Alight 3 stop later. Walk straight down Holland Road to Holland Grove Road. Turn left onto Holand Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Verandah @ Rael's @ The Star Vista - Opens A Second Outlet in the West

Verandah @ Rael's, having opened its doors at TripleOne Somerset, is thrilled to unveil its second outlet at The Star Vista. Boasting both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a private room, this new establishment offers the perfect space for gathering with family and friends to indulge in your favourite Peranakan and Indonesian comfort dishes.

Kueh Pie Tee 3.5/5

We kicked off our dinner with the Kueh Pie Tee, featuring bite-sized crispy tart shells accompanied by a sweet mixture of vegetables and shrimp. Diners can enjoy the interactive experience of assembling their own delectable bites, and for those seeking a spicy kick, a dollop of homemade chilli adds an extra dimension of flavour.

Verandah's Achar 3.5/5

A newcomer to the menu, Verandah's Achar, offers a mildly spiced and sourish condiment, providing the perfect accompaniment to the main dishes.

Nonya Ngoh Hiang 4.2/5

The Nonya Ngoh Hiang emerged as a crowd favourite. Its deep-fried rolls were filled with flavorful minced pork, prawns, and the sweetness of water chestnut encased in dried beancurd skin. It was so delightful that we found ourselves requesting a second serving.

Verandah's Specialty Sambal Brinjal 4/5

Sambal Long Beans 4/5

For our vegetable dishes, we savoured the Verandah's Specialty Sambal Brinjal, wok-fired and adorned with the restaurant's tangy house speciality sambal, as well as the new Sambal Long Beans, where crunchy beans are stir-fried in a fragrant and spicy sambal sauce.

Tau Yu Bak 3.8/5

Introducing another addition to the menu, the Tau Yu Bak featured pork braised in caramelized soy sauces with spices. This resulted in a savoury dish with a hint of sweetness, though some felt the pork could have been more tender.

Curry Chicken 4.5/5

A definite must-have was the Curry Chicken, where tender chicken pieces were bathed in a rich and fragrant curry gravy infused with ground herbs, spices, and a hint of lemongrass. The irresistible curry gravy left me reaching for more to drench our rice in.

Assam Fish 4/5

Finally, the Assam Fish, filleted for ease of consumption, was simmered in a mouthwatering Assam gravy that tantalized the taste buds with its spicy and tangy flavours.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Verandah @ Rael's
The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
#01-33/K2
Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 6380 2381
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Website
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Elixir Coffee and Wine @ Holland Grove - Indulge in Elevated Brunch and Coffee During the Day, Delight in Pizzas and Wines for the Evening

Elixir Boutique Roasters, known for its artisanal coffee and cafe fare, may ring a bell for many cafe-goers. Formerly located in Bukit Timah, the reimagined establishment has since found a new home in Holland Grove under a new name, Elixir Coffee and Wine.

With a brand new menu created by Executive Chef Victor Loy, Elixir invites diners to indulge in brunch and coffee during the day and delight in pizzas and wines in the evening. The menu offers elevated brunch classics, fun bites, and unique sourdough pizzas.

Coffee lovers would be happy to know that they serve coffee brewed using beans from award-winning Blacklist Coffee in Perth. For wine lovers, the restaurant holds a curated wine list of old and new world vintages.

Stracciatella 4/5

Our meal began with a more classic dish, the Stracciatella ($20). Here in the Stracciatella, we had sourdough bread smothered with creamy burrata, complemented by pecorino cheese and sweet and slightly smoky blistered tomatoes.

For all three tartines we sampled, their bread base is all made using the same sourdough recipe as their pizza dough.

Turkish Eggs 4.5/5

Try the Turkish Eggs ($16) for something more exciting. Chef Victor told us that this is one of their bestselling brunch dishes.

On the sourdough, the flatbread is baked to order. It's topped with garlic yoghurt, paprika oil, poached egg and a super addictive Lao Gan Ma-inspired housemade chilli crunch. The added pomegranate gave pops of refreshing sweetness amidst the spicier and garlicky bites.

Salumi 4/5

The Salumi ($16) would be a treat for bolognese lovers. The flatbread is generously topped with nduja and accompanied with tangy sumac onions and a blend of fresh herbs like coriander, arugula, mint and dill. I recommend sharing this for more enjoyment, as the heaviness may feel a little flat halfway through.

Salad 4/5

Next, we moved on to the Bites section, which is available for order from 12pm. The simple-looking Salad ($12) had a refreshing mix of radicchio, wombok and mint in white balsamic with crunchy hazelnuts.

Burrata 4.5/5

Bet you’ve never had burrata done in this manner! Elixir’s Burrata ($24) continues an unexpected use of the housemade chilli crunch we loved on the Turkish Eggs.

While the flavourful chilli crunch may slightly mask the creamy sweetness of the burrata, we thoroughly enjoyed the exciting pairing and side of pickled cherry tomatoes! This will be up your alley if you're looking for something different.

Tête de Moine 4/5

Consider the Tête de Moine ($22) for a side to pair with your wine. The beautifully shaved Swiss semi-hard cheese is served with poached apricot and fried walnuts, boasting a creamy and nutty flavour with a subtle tangy finish.

Baby Octopus 4.5/5

My favourite from the Bites menu was Chef Victor's Baby Octopus ($18). It had baby octopus coated in a thin exterior of seasoned flour and deep-fried to the perfect crunch.

I thoroughly appreciated how the light batter allowed you to still enjoy the octopus's chewiness and how the umami black aioli didn't overpower. This is one dish I will definitely re-order on my next visit.

Not-Carbonara 4.5/5

For fans of white pizzas, go for the Not-Carbonara ($26), the restaurant's signature pizza inspired by the well-loved carbonara dish. While you will see authentic-carbonara toppings of egg yolk, guanciale, prosciutto and pecorino cheese, the play on its name is due to the inclusion of a rich and creamy mornay sauce on its base.

While we found the pizzas slightly too thick around the crusts, we enjoyed the chewiness from the sourdough and the flavourful combination. It leans on a saltier end with a generous hand of fragrant black pepper, but my dining companion and I did not mind it at all.

Hot Mama 4.2/5

Here is another appearance of the special housemade chilli crunch on the Hot Mama ($28) pizza. This is one boldly flavoured piece, with the fragrant spiciness from the chilli crunch and additional spiciness and saltiness from slices of Calabrese salami, alongside onions and fennel.

Cali Cali 4/5

Cali Cali ($26) was inspired by Chef Victor's trip to California, focusing on the marriage of flavours from the country and Italy. This piece saw toppings of sausage, chopped kailan, guacamole and chilli flakes. After sampling the first two, the flavours here are more 'safe'.

Pistachio Cake 3.8/5

Our dessert for the day was the Pistachio Cake ($14) drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a dollop of crème fraiche chantilly. This was a piece that was light and nutty but not exceptional.

Travelling to Elixir Coffee and Wine is out of the way. Hence, I recommend making reservations at https://elixircoffeeandwine.com/pages/reservations to ensure an available table.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Elixir Coffee and Wine
24 Holland Grove Road
#01-18
Singapore 278803
Tel: +65 6908 5547
Facebook
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Website
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC, EW Line), Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 830am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 830am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Buona Vista MRT station (Stop ID 11361). Take bus number 92. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road, turn right and walk towards Holland Grove Road. Turn left onto Holland Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Aliight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Holland Village, Holland Road (Stop ID 11261). Take bus number 7, 61, 75, 156 and 165. Alight 3 stops later. Walk towards Holland Grove Road. Turn left onto Holland Grove Road. Walk to destination. ourney time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Dan's Steaks Bar & Grill @ The Star Vista - A Home-grown Steakhouse By Ex-Radio DJ Daniel Ong

Dan's Steaks has expanded into 4 outlets in Singapore, one of which is at Star Vista, which I visited recently. It is known for its large cuts up to 1.2kg. House cuts that are good for one are available as well. To complement your steaks, the restaurant has also curated a list of wholesome starters and sides and a considered selection of wines, cocktails and craft beers, including the much beloved Brewlander.

Pan-seared Hokkaido Scallops 4.5/5

We started with Pan-seared Hokkaido Scallops ($27), which is very well received by customers. The scallops were served piping hot in aromatic garlic butter sauce and were exceptionally plump and succulent. I love the charred sides that gave an edge to their texture. It would have been perfect should the accompanying toasts be just plain toasts to sop up the garlic butter.

Austige Wagyu Hanging Tender 3.8/5

From House Cuts, we had Austige Wagyu Hanging Tender (230g $46 with one side) served with Chimichurri and Dan's special mustard. It is one of the more exclusive cuts the restaurant offers with a limited daily quantity. It's well-liked for its leanness and beefy flavour. Ours was beautifully charred, forming a tantalising crust. Dan's special mustard has a hint of fiery kick, which I reckoned it's from the use of wasabi, and together with the tangy Chimichurri, the sauces cut the meat's richness. However, I found the steak lacked some salt to bring out its full flavour.

Fresh Creamed Spinach 3.8/5

Each House Cut comes with one side of choice. I had the Fresh Creamed Spinach that came bright and sunny with a fried sunny side-up. Though it was just a dish of spinach and cream, I love the idea of beefing up the side with a fried sunny side-up and mixing the egg yolk in helped to make it creamier.

Dan's Mac & Cheese 3.5/5

The sides are available in generous portions for a la carte orders. Dan's Mac & Cheese ($14) with triple cheese is definitely a crowd-pleaser for all cuts. It was done al dente and wasn't overly creamy, but it was relatively mild tasting. Adding some sharp-tasting cheeses will help to give it some oomph.

Pan-Roasted Mushroom 4.8/5

The much-recommended Pan-Roasted Mushroom ($14) featuring a trio of mushrooms is one of the best I had. These well-roasted morsels, especially those with caramelised edges, were so flavoursome with aromatic white wine, balsamic and garlic. It is a must-have if you drop by Dan's Steaks.

This Star Vista outlet has a very cosy ambience, with warm natural lights from its glass facade. The drinks menu is designed to go with the food menu. Diners can look forward to good craft beers and a good selection of 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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Dan's Steaks
The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
#02-22
Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 81233853
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thur: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]

Monki (台灣小吃部) @ The Star Vista - Homely And Comforting Taiwan Cuisine

Monki (台灣小吃部) is a Taiwanese restaurant that has moved into Star Vista, located just beside the taxi stand. I remembered visiting the cafe previously at Holland Drive, but I was only there for desserts. I will try out some of their snacks and mains this time.

Taiwan Century Egg Tofu 3.8/5

We started with the chilled Taiwan Century Egg Tofu ($8), generously topped with pork floss and bonito flakes. While it is an appetising starter, I felt the century egg lacked that pungent I was looking for.

Double Mix Mee Sua 4.2/5

There are a few combinations for the Mee Sua, and I went for the Double Mix Mee Sua ($11), picking the big intestine and oyster. The big intestine was not gamey. I recommend adding more vinegar and a dash of chilli to elevate the taste profile to enjoy the thick, smooth, and slurping goodness.

Taiwan Braised Pork Rice 4.2/5

The Taiwan Braised Pork Rice ($9) comes with fragrant and fluffy rice topped with fatty braised pork. I like that it is very saucy, allowing the rice to soak up the delicious sauce for a delightful mouthfeel. It even comes with a braised egg and tau pok.

Taiwan Fried Chicken Cutlet 4/5

We also ordered the Taiwan Fried Chicken Cutlet ($8) to complete our meal. It is incredibly huge, tender and juicy with a crispy coat.

The dishes here felt homely and comforting. Maybe I have been missing Taiwan since the closure of the border due COVIID.


Monki (台灣小吃部)
The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
#01-41
Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 62588112
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1030am - 9pm
Fri: 1030am - 930am
Sat: 9am - 930pm
Sun: 1030am - 830pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]