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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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]

Salt and Soul @ Frasers Tower - A Cosy CBD Hideout With Hits and Misses

Salt and Soul at Cecil Street is a fairly new dining spot located right opposite the bustling Amoy Street Food Centre. The space has a warm, welcoming charm, and the menu is concise with a curated selection of starters, pastas, and mains.

Prawn Toast 3/5

We began with two starters. The Prawn Toast ($14) features two deep-fried cristal bread toasts stacked with a thin layer of prawn mousse in between, topped with tomato salsa. Despite the noticeably thin spread of mousse, the prawn flavour was pronounced enough to permeate the fried toast. The crunch was satisfying — thanks to cristal bread’s holey structure — though it did get a tad greasy, even with the tomato salsa adding some freshness.

Pommes Frites 4.5/5

The Pommes Frites ($12) were simple but well-executed. They were crisp with a fluffy interior and well-seasoned. Paired with the spicy tomato mayo dip, it definitely satisfied my friend’s craving!

Beef Bourguignon 2.5/5

For mains, the Beef Bourguignon ($22) comes with braised chuck roll in red wine, pearl onions, carrot, mushrooms, and jus. I was expecting a more decadent, full-bodied sauce, but what arrived was rather watery. While the flavour was acceptable and the meat tender, it was on the stringy side and lacked depth. The mashed potato, however, was delightful.

Seabass en Papillote 4/5

As for the Seabass en Papillote ($22), the fish was moist and tender, with the steamed daikon soft, juicy, and absorbing all the surrounding flavours beautifully. There was a hint of lemongrass, but given the menu’s promise of lemongrass and a medley of herbs with “local aromatics,” I expected a punchier profile.

Beverage options include house pours, beers, cocktails, and coffee.

I really like the vibe of Salt and Soul, though not everything on the menu landed for me. Some items are quite favourably priced, with pastas starting from $13, and with a bit more refinement, it could easily become a regular spot for the working crowd in the vicinity.

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.


Salt and Soul
Frasers Tower
182 Cecil Street
Singapore 069547
Tel: +65 8728 8658
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am -1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Fat Prince @ Peck Seah Street - Mediterranean Food in Singapore with Middle Eastern Soul

Fat Prince is one of those restaurants where the moment you step in, you already know you're in for a treat. Warm light, low seating, soft fabrics. The air hums with conversation and clinking glasses. Intimate yet lively, this is Mediterranean dining with Middle Eastern flair, done the Fat Prince way.

Cashew Hummus 4/5

We started with the house-baked pita bread served with cashew hummus and baba ganoush. The Cashew Hummus ($14) was creamy and nutty, topped with a roasted cashew gremolata and smoked paprika.

Baba Ganoush 4/5

The Baba Ganoush ($14) was smoky and bright, topped with a harissa-tomato topping and fresh parsley. Both were delicious spread over the warm Pita Bread ($5 per piece). Other dip options include Muhammara ($14) and Labneh ($12).

Egyptian House Roll with Date Butter 4/5

Their pillowy-soft Egyptian House Roll ($8), also house-baked, deserves a mention of its own. It comes with a date butter that's slightly sweet, and feels like a Middle Eastern twist on honey butter.

Halloumi 4.5/5

One of the table favourites was the Halloumi drizzled with truffle honey ($16). The cheese was grilled to a golden crust, springy inside, salty in a good way, and the truffle honey added a lovely sweetness and aroma, making us all eye for that last piece.

Chicken and Lamb Skewers 4.5/5

The skewers arrived on a rather impressive large platter, and the meat was plated with a flourish. The Chicken Skewer ($16/piece), served with a traditional Lebanese garlic toum, was tender and juicy with a lightly charred exterior. The Lamb Skewer ($18/piece) was nicely seasoned and complemented by a refreshing mint tzatziki that cut through the richness. They also have a beef skewer option, as well as other tempting mezze plates such as crispy calamari, Fattoush and Tabbouleh salads, fried cauliflower, falafel, and fried harissa chicken!

Build your own kebab - Fried Red Snapper 4.5/5

For sharing, the build-your-own kebab is a fun and communal way to enjoy the evening. The ingredients are vibrant and fresh! We had the Fried Red Snapper ($48), which I loved! It's crispy on the outside, flaky and tender inside, and paired with a very appetising fennel slaw, tahini yoghurt, and pickled vine peppers. If fish isn't your thing, they also have a version with Wagyu Beef Cheek ($68) or a vegetarian Grilled King Oyster Mushroom ($32).

Marble Potatoes with Harissa Aioli 4.2/5

On the side, the Marble Potatoes with Harissa Aioli ($12) were dangerously snackable. Crispy skins, fluffy centres, and a smoky-spicy aioli that kept us reaching for more.

Dubai Chocolate Knafeh 4.2/5

Fat Prince doesn't let the meal taper off quietly; the desserts demand some attention, too. The Dubai Chocolate Knafeh ($15) was warm, decadent, and drenched in a dark chocolate sauce. Paired with rose and pistachio ice cream, it offered a contrast of floral and nutty notes. You have to devour it though, before the centre gets soggy from the ice cream.

Baklava Ice Cream 3.8/5

We also tried the Baklava Ice Cream ($14) served with orange honey, almonds, and shards of filo pastry. It has some of the crunch and sweetness of baklava, reimagined into an ice cream dessert.

Drinks

Don't leave without trying their drinks. I like that the drinks menu is inclusive and offers Full Proof (classic cocktails with a full pour), Half Proof (half the alcohol but all the flavour), and No Proof (completely alcohol-free). It's perfect for someone like me who doesn't drink much but still wants a beautifully crafted drink in hand.

Fat Prince creates a dining experience that offers a fresh interpretation of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. The plates are designed for sharing, and the atmosphere invites relaxed conversations. Whether you come for the smoky skewers, the halloumi, or that pretty chocolate knafeh, you have a meal filled with character, warmth, and generosity.

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.


Fat Prince
48 Peck Seah Street
Singapore 079317
Tel: +65 8876 8769
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right onto Peck Seah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

All Hands Café @ Telok Ayer - Boeuf Reopens as All Hands Cafe Serving Housemade Shokupan, Matcha Desserts and Speciality Drinks

All Hands Café in Telok Ayer sports a vibrant blue exterior, a brand new concept by the same team behind the former steakhouse, Boeuf, which once occupied the same space. The beautifully renovated shophouse is modern with charming heritage touches.

Transitioning from its steakhouse roots, the team has reimagined the menu to spotlight freshly baked Shokupan (Japanese milk bread) in creative variations. Alongside the signature bread, diners can also look forward to matcha-based desserts, speciality drinks, and more.

Signature Shokupan 4/5

The Signature Shokupan ($8.94) is a playful twist on our beloved local kaya toast breakfast. It comes with two sous-vide eggs, topped with furikake and kombu-infused soy sauce, and is accompanied by your choice of bread flavour: Kaya Butter Snow, Milo Dino, or Peanut Butter & Jam.

Unlike the typical Shokupan known for its soft, pillowy texture, All Hands’ version omits eggs, resulting in an airier crumb that’s less moist, but still pretty enjoyable.

DIY Shokupan 3.8/5

The DIY Shokupan (from $8.94) lets you build your own toasts with a range of bases and toppings. Start with options like Egg Mayo, Crispy Sunny Side Up, Buttery Scramble, Smash Avo, or Cheesy Tomato, and layer on add-ons such as parma ham (+$6), candied bacon (+$4), sous-vide chicken breast (+$5), or sautéed mushrooms (+$4).

Here we tried the Egg Mayo Garlic Prawn combination, which came with lots of prawns, but I wished it was a little less saucy overall.

Burrata with Parma Ham 4.2/5

If you prefer ready-made options, Open-Faced Shokupan creations are available too. The Burrata with Parma Ham ($14.49) had a hidden layer of green pesto that paired well with the burrata and savoury Parma ham. The addition of compressed tomatoes added a pop of sweetness. Each open-faced toast comes with fries or salad. I’d recommend the crispy fries, which were seasoned perfectly.

We also heard that the A5 Sukiyaki ($28.49) is another delicious option, alongside Kimcheesy ($16.49) and Smoked Salmon Berry ($16.49).

Specialty Drinks

Among their speciality drinks, we tried the eye-catching Blue Spirulina Matcha ($8.49) and the Peanut Butter Hojicha Latte ($8.49). We much preferred the matcha for its surprisingly pleasant combination.

Matcha Brûlée Basque Cheesecake 4/5

Moving to their house-made desserts, the rich Matcha Brûlée Basque Cheesecake ($6.49) would appeal to cheesecake lovers. We liked the prominent matcha notes and the thin caramelised top.

Matcha Banana Pudding 3.8/5

On the other hand, we wished the Matcha Banana Pudding ($6.49) had come in a larger portion with stronger pandan notes, as we expected based on its menu description. However, the matcha cloud that came along was lovely.

Fans of Boeuf will be delighted to know that the cafe has kept a part of its steakhouse legacy with a dedicated menu section, “Keeping the Best of Boeuf”, featuring Boeuf’s Best Selling Rossini Tenderloin, Boeuf’s Bourguignon, and Steak Tartare.

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.


All Hands Café
159 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068614
Tel: +65 9863 1626
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 5pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 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]