Robata Akari @ Duxton Hill - Showcases Traditional Robatayaki with Premium Ingredients

Robata Akari, located along Duxton Hill, is a Japanese robatayaki-style izakaya that opened in September 2025. The restaurant centres on the traditional robatayaki grilling technique, where premium ingredients are slow-grilled over charcoal, offering diners an authentic, communal Japanese dining experience in a warm, inviting setting.

We went with the Special Menu ($189), which provided a well-paced journey through appetisers, sashimi, grilled items and hearty mains. There is also a premium menu at $289.

Chef's Selection of 3 Appetisers 3.5/5

The meal began with the Chef's Selection of 3 Appetisers, featuring Wagyu with Sea Urchin, Cream Cheese with Wasabi, and Potato Salad. Among the trio, the Wagyu with Sea Urchin stood out effortlessly. The rich marbling of the wagyu paired beautifully with the briny sweetness of the uni, delivering a luxurious bite that set the tone for the meal.

Chilled Starters - Japanese Salad with Colourful Vegetables

The chilled course was a Japanese Salad with Colourful Vegetables. Unfussy and straightforward, it was light and refreshing, allowing the natural freshness of the greens to shine through. It's a good light starter before the heavier courses.

Sashimi - Chef's Selection of Sashimi 5 Kinds 4/5

Next came the Chef's Selection of Sashimi 5 Kinds, comprising Salmon, Bonito, Tuna, Yellowtail, and Shrimp topped with Salmon Roe. Each slice was fresh and clean-tasting, showcasing high-quality seafood with a balanced mix of textures and flavours.

Deep-Fried - Seasonal Vegetable & Agedashi Tofu 4/5

For the deep-fried course, we had Agedashi Tofu paired with capsicum and Eggplant. The tofu was soft and silky inside, with a light exterior that absorbed the savoury sauce nicely.

Akari's Special - Premium Wagyu Shabu-Shabu/ Sukiyaki 4.5/5

The highlight of the Special Menu is undoubtedly Akari's Premium Wagyu, available as either shabu-shabu or sukiyaki. I opted for the shabu-shabu, which allowed the beautifully marbled wagyu to shine. The beef was incredibly tender, delivering a melt-in-the-mouth texture with rich, beefy flavours.

Robata-Grilled - Eggplant 2.5/5

A series of robata-grilled selections followed, showcasing the restaurant's robata-grilling techniques. The Eggplant paired with Bonito came first, with the skin removed to reveal a very soft interior. Unfortunately, this dish did not quite resonate with me, as the flavours felt relatively mild and the texture leaned towards the mushy side.

Robata-Grilled - Black Cod 3.8/5

The Robata-Grilled Black Cod fared much better, offering a rich, buttery flesh with a pleasing crisp on the skin.

Robata-Grilled - Salmon with Salmon Roe 3.8/5

This was followed by the Robata-Grilled Salmon topped with Salmon Roe, which was cooked precisely, resulting in a moist texture without being dry, reflecting good control over the grilling timing.

Robata-Grilled - Chicken Meatballs with Egg Yolk 3/5

Rounding off the robata items were the Chicken Meatballs with Egg Yolk; while flavourful, the texture was a little too soft for my personal liking, making it less memorable compared to the other grilled dishes.

Claypot Rice with Wagyu & Corn 3.8/5

The Claypot Rice with Wagyu & Corn was a comforting and satisfying dish. The rice was fragrant, infused with wagyu fat for added depth, while the corn introduced a pleasant sweetness and textural contrast.

Dessert - Sweet Potato & Vanilla Ice Cream 3/5

Dessert was Sweet Potato with Vanilla Ice Cream. The sweet potato was naturally sweet with light smoky notes from the fire, pairing nicely with the cold, creamy vanilla ice cream for a simple yet effective hot-and-cold contrast.

Black Throat Sea Perch 4.5/5

We also tried the Black Throat Sea Perch from the à la carte menu. Skewered and slow-grilled over charcoal in irori style, the fish was evenly cooked, moist, and naturally sweet, allowing its quality to shine without excessive seasoning.

Overall, Robata Akari delivers a refined robatayaki experience, with strong execution of its grilled items and premium ingredients, making it a noteworthy addition to Singapore's Japanese dining scene — especially for those who appreciate charcoal-grilled flavours executed with restraint and precision.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Robata Akari
10 Duxton Hill
Singapore 089594
Tel: +65 9647 5330
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Website
Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 5pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Duxton Hill. Walk down Duxton Hill. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Walk down Craig Road towards Neil Road. Turn left onto Neil Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to the staircase behind the open-air car park. Take the stairs to Duxton Plain Park. Turn right and walk down Duxton Plain Park. Cross the tunnel, take the stairs to the road level and walk down Neil Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time bout 6 minutes. [Map]

Terra Tokyo Italian @ Tras Street - Unveils Its First-ever A La Carte Menu and Weekday Set Lunch Starting from $45

Terra Tokyo Italian embarks on an exciting new refresh under the direction of Head Chef Shozo Sugano. Trained in Italy for 8 years, Chef Shozo brings a new perspective to the Michelin-starred restaurant, unveiling its first-ever à la carte menu and an enticing weekday set lunch starting at $45.

The new à la carte dining format invites guests to rediscover the soulful artistry of terra’s Tokyo Italian philosophy, now with the added freedom to curate their own meal and experience in tune with their personal tastes and preferences. It could be a simple evening of pasta and wine, or a leisurely multi-course meal shared with someone special. The choice is entirely yours.

Hokkaido Sweet Shrimp Crudo with Passionfruit and Yoghurt 4.5/5

The meal begins on a high note with the Hokkaido Sweet Shrimp Crudo with Passionfruit and Yoghurt ($28). Fresh, creamy amaebi is artfully paired with passionfruit jelly, diced green apple, yoghurt and crispy focaccia chips. It offers a refreshing balance of sweetness, tang and texture that’s delicious and satisfying.

Smoked Salmon with Creamy Hokkaido Potato 4.5/5

I really loved the Smoked Salmon with Creamy Hokkaido Potato ($29), a silky potato espuma that gently envelops the smoked salmon. Finished with Amur caviar and a hint of lemon, this appetiser is savoury and comforting with an airy lightness in the espuma that prevents the dish from feeling too rich or cloying. It’s a must-try!

Burrata from Puglia with Fruit Tomatoes 4/5

The third appetiser we tried was a classic Burrata from Puglia with Fruit Tomatoes ($24). It’s naturally delightful; it’s hard to go wrong with this combination. Compared to the other appetisers, where Chef presented more unique interpretations, this dish felt more like a safe and less inventive option. Still, the burrata and tomatoes were excellent and tasty.

Linguine al Pomo-d’oro 4.2/5

I’d heard that the pastas at Terra Tokyo were delicious, so I decided to try the Linguine al Pomo d’Oro ($29), a seemingly simple tomato-based pasta with a twist: it’s made with yellow tomatoes (the word “oro” means gold, so the name of the dish is a clever pun!). Finished with guanciale, salsa verde, and Parmigiano Reggiano chips, the dish showcases a simple yet flavourful sauce made with yellow tomatoes, basil, and ricotta cheese.

For something more indulgent, there’s also the Chitarra ai Hokkaido Sea Urchin ($38), which I didn’t try but sounds incredible. In this creative take on carbonara, the uni replaces the egg yolk, while pecorino is replaced by karasumi (salted mullet roe), adding an umami depth to the dish.

Char-grilled A4 Tochigi Wagyu Beef with Fig & Hazelnut Pesto 4.8/5

For the Char-grilled A4 Tochigi Wagyu Beef with Fig & Hazelnut Pesto ($68), the Tochigi Wagyu has been sourced from the very same farm since the restaurant’s opening, thanks to the deep relationship with its producers. Beautifully marbled and richly flavourful, the beef melts in the mouth with a buttery tenderness. It’s a true indulgence, elevated by the Fig and Hazelnut Pesto, which complements the meat’s richness. Each bite felt like a luxurious treat.

Italian Lava Cake with Raspberry Sorbet 4.2/5

The Italian Lava Cake with Raspberry Sorbet ($17) is Terra Tokyo’s take on a perennial dessert favourite amongst Singaporean diners: a well-crafted molten chocolate cake with a crisp exterior and a gooey centre. We thoroughly enjoyed it, and we left not one lick of chocolate on the plate.

Rare Cheese Cake with Apricot Sauce 4.5/5

The Rare Cheese Cake with Apricot Sauce ($15) is a pretty special dessert, tasting like a light, fluffy cloud with a luscious apricot sauce centre that adds a slight tartness. Whilst I love chocolate cake more than cheesecake in general, this rare cheesecake is the more creative and interesting dessert between the two. Anyway, there is nothing to stop you from having both cakes for dessert, and that’s precisely what I did!

Blending Japanese finesse with Italian heart, Terra Tokyo Italian delivers a dining experience that’s refined and balanced, made complete with an impeccable wine and sake selection by Head Sommelier Daisuke Shibuya. Their new à la carte menu may be concise, but the dishes on offer are solid options that make for a lovely evening out.

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.



Terra Tokyo Italian
54 Tras Street
Singapore 078993
Tel: +65 97512145
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Firangi Superstar @ Craig Road - Launches Brand-New Saturday-Only Champagne Superstar Brunch

Firangi Superstar at Craig Road has introduced a brand-new, Saturday-only affair - the Champagne Superstar Brunch. Showcasing its signature modern Indian cuisine in a free-flow brunch format, the experience offers tiered options, from a food-only package to a premium champagne indulgence. Each set includes a selection of starters, a main course, and free-flow desserts.

Caviar Puri

Spiced Poha Papad Pulled Pork, Mushroom Pepper, Fry Endive Crab, Sunchoke

The brunch starts with the Out of the Box Starterkit, a beautiful presentation that opens up to reveal eight canapé-like bites. We tried both the vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions. The Caviar Puri was one of my favourites, featuring creamy mashed potatoes, tangy crème fraîche, and bursts of savouriness from caviar and ikura.

Sesame Murukku with Salmon/Beetroot Mousse

Podi Cheese Dosa

The vegetarian variation with lemon ikura was equally intriguing. The Sesame Murukku with Salmon or Beetroot Mousse (Veg) stood out too, an aesthetically pleasing bite with savoury mousse atop sweet, crispy murukku. The Podi Cheese Dosa offered moreish, cheesy bites that were easy to enjoy.

Avocado Kulcha with Egg Jam, Biryani-Spiced Bacon/Celeriac

Mango Lassi

Truffle Puri

Overall, the starter kit made for an engaging and playful introduction, though I found the flavours relatively restrained for Indian cuisine. Even the Truffle Puri lacked the bold piquancy I was anticipating.

Steak & Eggs 4/5

For mains, we had the Steak & Eggs (+$20) and Baked Eggs with Keema Pav. The Steak & Eggs featured a grass-fed striploin served with masala scrambled eggs. The striploin was evenly seared, well-seasoned, and flavorful, while the eggs, though nicely cooked, lacked much of a hint of masala.

Baked Eggs with Keema Pav 4.5/5

The Baked Eggs with Keema Pav delivered the most distinct Indian flavours of the meal. The braised minced mutton was heady with spices and heat, rich and deeply savoury, while the accompanying soft, heavily buttered toast balanced the intensity with its comforting sweetness.

Strawberry Shortcake 4/5

Rum Chocolate Cake 4/5, Carrot Cake 4/5

Desserts are free-flow, featuring a rotating selection that includes Strawberry Shortcake, Cinnamon-Ginger Cookie, Rum Chocolate Cake, Bru Coffee Cannoli, and Carrot Cake with Cardamom Frosting. The Rum Chocolate Cake stood out with its crunchy Parle-G crumble — buttery-sweet bits made from India's nostalgic Parle-G biscuits. I also enjoyed the Strawberry Shortcake for its tender buttery sponge cake slathered with tart berry jam in between, and the Carrot Cake for its moist, spiced-forward sponge cake and velvety cardamom frosting.

Champagne Superstar Brunch takes place every Saturday, 12pm to 230pm. The Marvelous ($68) is a food-only option, and the Magnificent Superstar Experience (+$70 per person) includes 2.5 hours of free-flow Bauget-Jouette Brut & Rosé Champagne, house red and white wines, brunch-time cocktails, house beer, soft drinks, and Masala chai. For the ultimate indulgence, the Massjestica Superstar (+$188) upgrades the experience with premium champagne.

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


Firangi Superstar
20 Craig Road
#01-03
Singapore 089692
Tel: +65 63043022
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Walk to Craig Road. Turn left and walk down Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Turn righ and walk to Neil Road. Cross Neil Road. Walk to Duxton Road. Turn right onto Duxton Hill. Walk to Craig Place. Cut through Craig Place to Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Restaurant Cougar Lee (錦軒) @ Tras Street - Modern Chinese Cuisine with a Global Flair

Restaurant Cougar Lee (錦軒) on Tras Street is the newest addition to the scene, offering a fresh take on traditional Chinese cuisine. At the helm is Beijing-born Chef Ethan Lee, who brings a wealth of culinary experience from across Europe, including Lyon, Italy, and Barcelona, as well as his grounding in his family's Beijing restaurant. His cross-cultural background has shaped a bold and inventive menu that surprises while staying rooted in comfort and familiarity.

Lee's Steamed Roasted Iberico Pork "Siu Mai" 4.2/5

Lee's Steamed Roasted Iberico Pork "Siu Mai" ($3.90/pc, min. 5 pcs) is freshly made daily. These parcels reveal hand-chopped Iberico pork bursting with juicy richness, finished with garden greens and a hint of wasabi for a gentle kick. The presentation stood out — a playful twist on the classic siu mai with a crispy skirt reminiscent of Japanese gyoza.

Fish Maw, Silkie Fowl, Double Boiled Soup 3.8/5

The Premium Double Boiled Soup of the Day is Fish Maw, Silkie Fowl, Double Boiled Soup ($15/pax). It offered nourishment and comfort, though it lacked the depth and intensity one might expect from a traditional Cantonese-style soup.

Yellow Tail Amberjack 3.8/5

The Yellowtail Amberjack ($18) was well-portioned, featuring thickly sliced amberjack accompanied by a combination of tomato and mango. While refreshing, the citrus dressing leaned a little too sharp, overshadowing the natural sweetness of the fish and fruit.

Foie Gras Terrine wrapped in Filo Foil 4/5

The Foie Gras Terrine wrapped in Filo Foil ($6.90/pc, min. 2 pcs) was a creative highlight. Marinated with Chinese spices like five spice, star anise, and dried apple, the foie gras was slow-cooked in German sweet wine, encased in crisp filo pastry, and finished with a fruity vinegar sauce. The result is a beautifully balanced mouthful of richness and acidity.

The Classic Ngoh Hiang 4/5

The Classic Ngoh Hiang ($16) is a refined take on the local favourite. Handcrafted daily, the meat rolls are juicy with a satisfying crunch, complemented by a tangy and mildly spicy Nam Jim sauce that enhances the savoury flavours.

Braised Monkfish 4.5/5

The Braised Monkfish ($48) was one of the evening's standouts. Firm yet delicate, the monkfish paired beautifully with jumbo asparagus and heirloom tomatoes. The savoury, mildly spicy sauce was the soul of the dish, tying everything together in harmony.

Grilled King Prawn with Handmade Noodle 3.8/5

The Grilled King Prawn with Handmade Noodle ($32) featured springy noodles cooked in a prawn and tobiko bisque, topped with a grilled king prawn. While the presentation was appealing, the bisque could have been more robust and flavourful to bring the dish to life.

Homemade Burnt Cheesecake 4.5/5

Dessert was a delightful surprise. The Homemade Burnt Cheesecake with Chives ($12) is served with salted egg yolk ice cream. The cheesecake was creamy and luscious, with the chives adding an aromatic twist. The salted egg yolk ice cream paired perfectly, elevating the dessert with a sweet-savoury balance that kept us going back for more.

Guests can look forward to a wide range of offerings, from à la carte "tapas-style" small plates and mains to handcrafted desserts. For those seeking value, the set lunch and dinner menus are a great introduction to Chef Lee's creativity – starting from $25 for lunch and $35 for dinner, an exceptional value for its calibre.

Special Promotion – Enjoy over 50% OFF Set Menus:
Lunch: 4-course set at $25 (U.P. $55) | 5-course set at $35 (U.P. $88)
Dinner: 5-course set at $35 (U.P. $88) | 6-course set at $50 (U.P. $158)

Restaurant Cougar Lee (錦軒) combines Chinese tradition with European finesse, bringing a touch of flair and imagination. Chef Ethan Lee's creations showcase an adventurous yet thoughtful approach, offering a refreshing perspective to contemporary Chinese dining in Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Restaurant Cougar Lee (錦軒)
61 Tras Street
Singapore 079000
Tel: +65 81624965
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Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Fortuna Terrazza @ Craig Road - New Amalfi-inspired Cafe and Burnch Terrace by The Team Behind Fortuna Italian Trattoria

Fortuna Terrazza, situated along Craig Road, is an Amalfi-inspired café and brunch terrace newly opened by the team behind Fortuna Italian Trattoria, located just a stone's throw away. Taking on a distinctly different vibe from its sister concept, Fortuna Terrazza is bright and sunny, dressed in lemony-yellow hues and breezy shades. The menu leans brunch-centric, rounded out with a selection of mains, pastas, and panuozzi crafted with their signature pizza dough.

Folded Eggs alla Diavola 4/5

From the brunch selections, I had the Folded Eggs alla Diavola ($26), which resembled a breakfast-worthy fried pizza. A layer of ricotta spread over Fortuna's fried pizzetta formed the base, topped with wilted spinach, tender folded eggs, and savoury strips of salamino Napoletano, finished with crispy shallots and threads of chilli. It was hearty and wholesome.

Caprese Panuozzi 2/5

From the panuozzi section, I opted for the Caprese Panuozzi, essentially a Caprese salad encased in a folded pizza. While the marinated ox heart tomatoes were sweet and juicy, the overall combination didn't quite come together. The tomato's marinade leaned overly acidic, and the cheese, which was meant to be mozzarella, was runny to the point that I initially mistook it for stracciatella. With nothing substantial to bind the filling to the pizza base beyond the tomato's juices, which unfortunately caused the inside of the pizza to be soggy, the result felt loose and unbalanced.

Amalfi Ravioli 2/5

There are 2 pasta dishes, in which I had the Amalfi Ravioli ($29), featuring crab and ricotta-filled ravioli in a vibrant limoncello sauce accented with basil and chilli oil. The sauce was divine, but the ravioli itself fell short of expectations. The dough was tough and a little dry, with one even arriving cracked, and the thick rims gave a heavy, doughy bite that took away from the delicacy of the filling.

To round off the experience, Fortuna Terrazza also offers a range of Bellinis, wines, and signature drinks, which include the Pistachio 2.0, an indulgent iced coffee topped with pistachio cream.

Overall, while Fortuna Terrazza is charming and enjoyable, with its energetic vibes and wholesome, joyful offerings, the dishes could be more polished to live up to its concept.

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


Fortuna Terrazza
10 Craig Road
Singapore 089670
Tel: +65 9115 1597
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Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 430pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]