Il Toro Woodfire Grill @ Gemmill Lane - A Celebration of Woodfire Showcases Fire-Driven Italian-Australian Flavours

IL TORO Woodfire Grill at Gemmill Lane is a brand new concept by Chef Drew Nocente, the same chef-owner behind Cenzo and Chicco Pasta Bar. Drawing inspiration from the Italian tradition of grigliata and shaped by the Australian spirit, the restaurant places fire at the core of its menu. Expect bold flavours, whole cuts of meat, and a warm sense of hospitality, all anchored by the primal draw of woodfire cooking.

Focaccia, Beef Fat Candle 4/5

A playful start to the meal, the Focaccia ($8) comes accompanied by a candle made from beef fat. As it melts, the rendered fat becomes a savoury spread. The Focaccia itself is grilled for a crisp exterior, making this both fun in concept and enjoyable in flavour.

Foie Gras, Fig & Pistachio 4/5

The Foie Gras ($8/pc) is rich and creamy, paired thoughtfully with sweet fig and crunchy pistachio. The combination provides a balance of sweetness and nuttiness, lifting the foie gras without overwhelming it.

Coffin Bay Oysters, Yuzu Koshu & Smoked Beef Fat 4/5

The Coffin Bay Oysters ($6/pc) offer clean brininess with a bright citrus touch from yuzu koshu. The smoked beef fat adds depth, resulting in a finish that is both vibrant and savoury.

Sea Bream, Amalfi Lemon, Bone Reduction and Caviar 3.8/5

The Sea Bream ($22) is served in a ceviche style with Amalfi lemon and bone reduction, topped with caviar. While well assembled, the flavours could be bolder to better highlight the fish's natural sweetness.

Iberico Pork Belly & Sausage Skewer 3.8/5

The Iberico Pork Belly & Sausage Skewer ($8/pc) is hearty and satisfying, and many tables seemed to be ordering it. Although nicely grilled, the seasoning could be punchier to fully showcase the meat's richness.

Tiger Prawns, Garlic Chilli 4/5

The Tiger Prawns ($10/pc) are sweet and smoky from the grill. The garlic chilli brings bold flavour and enhances the prawn's natural sweetness, giving a rich, robust kick.

Octopus, Nduja, Burnt Chive Butter & Miso Corn 4.2/5

The Octopus ($36) is well handled, tender, and has a pleasant bite. The pairing of nduja and burnt chive butter adds layers of umami and spice. The side of miso corn is notably excellent, sweet, juicy, and highly addictive.

Blackmore Wagyu MS9+ Tri Tip 4.2/5

The Blackmore Wagyu MS9+ Tri Tip ($78, 200g) is exclusive to IL TORO and available daily in limited quantities. While tri tip is naturally leaner, it is cooked beautifully here, resulting in tender, flavourful meat with the signature woodfire aroma.

Baby Potatoes, Hot Honey & Ricotta 4.5/5

A standout side, the Baby Potatoes ($12) are tossed in hot honey and served on creamy ricotta. Sweet, savoury and texturally satisfying. This is the kind of side you'll want seconds of.

Mint Slice Al Fuoco 4/5

For dessert, the Mint Slice Al Fuoco ($16) features mint semifreddo, smoked chocolate ganache and meringue. The tableside brûlée of the meringue adds theatre and creates a pleasing caramelised crunch to finish.

Overall, IL TORO delivers a bold, fire-forward dining experience that showcases Chef Drew's strong understanding of balance, produce and smoky depth. The woodfire element is consistent and intentional, from starters to dessert. A welcome addition to Gemmill Lane for those who appreciate grilled meats and Italian-Australian conviviality.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Il Toro Woodfire Grill
18 Gemmill Lane
Singapore 069255
Tel: +65 82591021
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

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

Direction:
Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

54° Steakhouse @ Amoy Street - A Contemporary Steakhouse Redefining the Classics

Located in the heart of the CBD along Amoy Street, 54° Steakhouse is the newest contemporary steakhouse concept by Food Concepts Group (behind Altro Zafferano and Griglia). Its name pays homage to both its address and the precise internal temperature (54 °C) of a perfectly cooked medium-rare steak. Unlike the group’s previous Italian concepts, 54° Steakhouse reinterprets the classic steakhouse through a globally inspired, modern lens.

Potato Brioche 4/5

A must-try to begin is the Potato Brioche ($8), served with three types of housemade butter – Original, Whipped Caramelised Onion, and Beillevaire Salted Butter. Fluffy and pillowy, the brioche offers a comforting start, elevated by the rich butters.

Yellow Tuna 4.2/5

Beef Tenderloin Tartare a la Parisien 4/5

Seafood lovers will appreciate the Yellow Tuna ($24), inspired by smoky Korean beef tartare. Wild-caught Australian tuna is seasoned with smoked ponzu, sesame oil, and crowned with cured egg yolk, its freshness balanced by sweet nashi pear. Alternatively, the Beef Tenderloin Tartare à la Parisien ($28) delivers a more classic rendition. Finely chopped Black Onyx beef is combined with Dijon mustard, gherkins, capers, shallots, and Worcestershire, then topped with egg yolk and accompanied by crisp paprika chips.

Amela Tomatoes 4.2/5

For something refreshing, the Amela Tomatoes ($22) makes a delightful Mediterranean-style salad with Japanese Amela tomatoes, French beetroot, and smoked Greek yoghurt. Each element is carefully prepared — the beetroot marinated French-style with orange juice and sherry vinegar, while the yoghurt is smoked with applewood, giving depth to the vibrant dish.

Capellini 4/5

Pan-Seared Hokkaido Scallops 4/5

The Capellini ($58) is an elegant cold pasta inspired by Japanese noodles, topped with raw Mozambique langoustines and caviar. Seasoned with truffle oil, shio kombu, and Sichuan pepper, the dish is refined yet indulgent. Another highlight is the Pan-Seared Hokkaido Scallops ($32), paired with smoked Snake River Kurobuta bacon and truffle leek velouté — a surf-and-turf interpretation that strikes a balance of richness and delicacy.

Satsuma Wagyu A4 4.2/5

Of course, the stars of the menu are the steaks. Using a signature method, each cut is first seasoned with a proprietary spice blend before being grilled over Australian ironbark wood for a smoky depth, then finished over white binchotan charcoal for that perfect caramelised crust.

USDA Prime Linz Heritage Angus 4.2/5

Black Onyx Angus by Ranger Valley 4/5

Australian Sanchoku Wagyu 4.5/5

- Satsuma Wagyu A4 ($98/170g) from Kagoshima impresses with its silk-like texture and snowflake marbling.

- USDA Prime Linz Heritage Angus (from $98/320g) delivers bold, full-bodied flavours.

- Black Onyx Angus by Ranger Valley (from $78/250g) is prized for its buttery richness from long grain-feeding.

- Australian Sanchoku Wagyu (from $48/300g) balances tenderness with clean, juicy flavours.

To further enhance the experience, housemade sauces ($8++ each) are available — from the house-blend 54 Steak Sauce to Café de Paris, Chimichurri, Pepperberry & Brandy, and Béarnaise.

The Lemon 4.2/5

Burnt New York Cheesecake 4.5/5

Desserts are no afterthought here. The signature The Lemon ($18) surprises with its citrus parfait encased in a delicate white chocolate shell, revealing a refreshing yuzu gel core with lemon sorbet and crumble. For something more indulgent, the Burnt New York Cheesecake ($14), double-baked with French cream cheese and paired with vanilla-blueberry compote, hits the spot. Chocolate lovers will adore the Cold Fondant ($16) — layers of sponge, praline, mousse, and a liquid Gianduja hazelnut-chocolate centre, crafted with Valrhona chocolate for a decadent finish.

Cold Fondant 4.2/5

54° Steakhouse is not just another steakhouse in the CBD. With its meticulous approach to steaks and a globally inspired menu that strikes a balance between creativity and comfort, it stands out as a destination for both meat lovers and those seeking contemporary dining flair. From refined appetisers to showstopping mains and inventive desserts, it delivers a complete dining experience worth seeking out.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


54° Steakhouse
54 Amoy Street
Singapore 069880
Tel: +65 8893 7701
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Song Gye Ok @ Telok Ayer Street - Korean Speciality Chicken Grill From Seoul

Song Gye Ok, founded in Seongsu, Seoul, is one of Korea’s most talked-about chicken grill houses, drawing long queues for its juicy six-part chicken cuts. Touted as the world’s first restaurant dedicated to chicken speciality cuts, Song Gye Ok has now landed in Singapore along Telok Ayer Street. The interior draws inspiration from traditional hanok elements, blending Korea’s timeless dining culture with a modern city vibe.

SGO Signature Grill Platter 4/5

We started dinner with the SGO Signature Grill Platter ($98), featuring six unique cuts of chicken – boneless neck fillet, gizzard, heart, soft bone, thigh, and tenders – accompanied by a side of fresh vegetables. The staff not only grills the chicken for you but also introduces each cut, making it an experience to appreciate the nuances in textures and flavours. Paired with an assortment of chilli and dipping sauces, the platter lets you savour the versatility of chicken beyond the usual cuts.

Uiseong Garlic Fried Rice 3.5/5

For something heartier, the Uiseong Garlic Fried Rice ($16) is a comforting option for sharing. Served in aluminium foil, the rice is topped with garlic, kkari pepper, seaweed, egg yolk, and cheese before being heated over the grill. Fragrant and cheesy with a robust garlic aroma, it makes for a satisfying carb dish, though it can be a bit heavy after the grilled platter.

SGO Cheonggguk Doenjang Stew 4/5

The SGO Cheongguk Doenjang Stew ($24) is a traditional Korean dish featuring tofu and vegetables in a rich, fermented soybean paste broth. Deeply savoury and wholesome, it is a soulful companion to the grilled meats and a dish that brings balance to the meal.

Bibim Noodles 4/5

The Bibim Noodles ($22) was another highlight, tossed in a punchy gochujang sauce with fresh vegetables. Sweet, spicy, and refreshing, the noodles were elevated by the addition of tangy pickled vegetables, making this dish particularly enjoyable.

Overall, Song Gye Ok offers a unique Korean dining experience, focusing on speciality chicken cuts – a concept rarely seen in Singapore. While the grill platter is the star, the supporting dishes, such as the doenjang stew and bibim noodles, complete the meal nicely. Worth checking out, especially for those curious about exploring chicken in its full versatility.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Song Gye Ok
113 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068582
Tel: +65 8088 3850
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk straight down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Gwanghwamum Mijin @ Far East Square - Famous Halmeoni-style Korean Cold Buckwheat Noodles from Seoul Opens in Singapore

Gwanghwamun Mijin, an institution since 1954, has finally arrived in Singapore with its first overseas flagship. A stalwart in Seoul’s dining scene, the restaurant has been listed on the MICHELIN Guide Seoul since 2018 and has earned the coveted Bib Gourmand for eight consecutive years. Known for its traditional halmeoni-style (grandmother’s style) Korean cold buckwheat noodles, the brand draws long queues in Korea. For its Singapore debut, the broth and noodles are flown in directly from Korea to maintain authenticity, while kimchi and sauces are freshly prepared on-site daily.

Signature Buckwheat Noodles 4/5

A must-have at Gwanghwamun Mijin is the Signature Buckwheat Noodles ($15), served with or without slush ice. The proper way to enjoy the dish is to add ground radish, chopped green onion, seaweed flakes, and mustard sauce into the seafood-rich dipping broth before dipping the noodles in for that refreshing slurp. While the flavours were light and delicate, I found that the noodles and broth during my visit were not chilled enough, which slightly diminished the full appreciation of this traditional cold noodle dish.

Bibim Buckwheat Noodles 4/5

For those who prefer something punchier, the Bibim Buckwheat Noodles ($16) is tossed with a variety of vegetables (beansprouts, lettuce, radish kimchi, cucumber, cabbage) and topped with a half-boiled egg. The noodles are coated in a spicy, sweet, and tangy gochujang sauce, delivering bold flavours with a delightful crunch from the vegetables.

Perilla Buckwheat Noodles with Marinated Salmon 4.2/5

Exclusive to Singapore, the Perilla Buckwheat Noodles with Marinated Salmon ($20) features nutty buckwheat noodles infused with fragrant perilla oil and powder. The freshly cut salmon sashimi, marinated in soy sauce, cooking wine, and minced garlic, adds a savoury-silky element to the dish. A vegetarian version of this noodle is served in Korea and is also available in Singapore.

Steam Korean Dumpling 4/5

Handmade daily, the Steam Korean Dumplings ($7 for 3pc) are generously sized and filled with marinated minced pork, spring onions, leek, garlic, and tofu. Juicy and flavourful, these dumplings are limited in quantity each day, making them a worthy side to the noodles.

Buckwheat Spring Onion Seafood Pancake 3.8/5

A twist on a Korean favourite, the Buckwheat Spring Onion Seafood Pancake ($19) features buckwheat flour in the batter, resulting in a lighter texture with nutty undertones. Pan-fried to golden perfection, the pancake strikes a balance of crisp edges and a chewy interior, generously studded with kimchi and fresh seafood, including shrimp, squid, clams, mussels, and fish.

Bossam 3.8/5

The Bossam ($15 Small, $20 Medium, $30 Large) here is tender and succulent, seasoned with a medley of herbs such as Chinese Angelica, Star Anise, and Cinnamon Bark, imparting a rich, aromatic flavour. Best enjoyed wrapped in fresh napa cabbage leaves with a spoonful of house-made kimchi and sauces like ssamjang or punchy saeu-jeot.

Fried Pork Cutlet 3/5

Mijin’s Fried Pork Cutlet ($18) is prepared the traditional Korean way, with pork machine-pressed and marinated for over 8 hours before being coated in egg, flour, and fresh breadcrumbs. Fried until golden, the cutlet is served with rice, coleslaw, and a house-made tonkatsu sauce crafted locally.

Overall, Gwanghwamun Mijin offers a taste of tradition and history in Seoul. While some execution details (like the temperature of the cold noodles) could be improved, the variety of dishes and dedication to authenticity make it a noteworthy addition to Singapore’s Korean dining scene.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Gwanghwamum Mijin
Far East Square
47-49 Pekin Street
#01-01
Singapore 048779
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 930pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Pekin Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

boCHINche @ Club Street - New Weekly Offerings Including Free-Flow Steak Experience on Weekend

boCHINche, the beloved Argentinian steakhouse on Club Street, has rolled out a brand-new line-up of Weekly Offerings, specially curated by Executive Chef Fabrice Mergalet. Regulars and steak aficionados alike will be thrilled by its latest weekend indulgence — a free-flow steak experience. Available every Saturday and Public Holiday from 11.30am to 3pm, you can tuck into a 90-minute feast of unlimited steaks, featuring the restaurant's Signature Argentinian "Frimsa" Ribeye, Frimsa Sirloin, and the premium add-on, "Robbins Island" Inside Skirt.

Frimsa Sirloin 3.5/5

Each portion (200g) is grilled over a fragrant blend of jarrah, apple, and lychee wood, imparting a distinct smokiness. The Signature Argentinian "Frimsa" Sirloin, being a leaner cut, made for a great opener. Mine was evenly cooked, succulent, with a lovely char on the surface.

Argentinian Frimsa Ribeye 3.8/5

In contrast, the Signature Argentinian "Frimsa" Ribeye (British Angus, grass-fed, and 28 days wet-aged) was juicier, with its marbled fats rendering beautifully to enhance both flavour and texture.

“Robbins Island” Inside Skirt 3.8/5

For an additional $10, diners can upgrade to the "Robbins Island" Inside Skirt, a Full Blood Wagyu cut that's grass- and cereal-fed, aged for 38 days. With high marbling, it proved the most flavourful of the trio, especially at the charred edges. Its natural fibrousness gave it a chewier bite as well.

This 90-minute free-flow Argentinian steak experience is priced at $55 per person. For just $8 more, complete the meal with free-flow sides - crisp Provençal Fries tossed with garlic and parsley, and refreshing Mixed Greens dressed in balsamic.

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.


Bochinche
27 Club Street
Singapore 069413
Tel: +65 6235 4990
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down South Bridge Road towards Ann Siang Road. Turn right onto Ann Siang Road. Walk down Ann Siang Road. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]