Casa Mori @ Dempsey Hill - Where Mod-Sin Meets Spanish Soul

Tucked within the verdant enclave of Dempsey Hill, Casa Mori presents itself as more than just another dining destination — it is a thoughtfully curated lifestyle concept that invites diners to slow down and savour the moment. Drawing from the Spanish word Casa (home) and the Japanese Mori (forest), the space beautifully embodies a harmony of warmth, nature, and understated elegance. Just minutes from the city centre, it offers a tranquil escape ideal for lingering brunches, relaxed afternoons, and intimate dinners.

At the heart of Casa Mori is a compelling culinary partnership between Chef Willin Low — widely regarded as the pioneer of Mod-Sin cuisine — and Chef José Alonso of Kulto. Their collaboration feels organic rather than forced, weaving together Singaporean and Spanish sensibilities with finesse. The result is a quietly inventive menu, where familiar flavours are reinterpreted with nuance and intention.

Iberico Secreto 4/5

The Iberico Secreto ($24 for 3pc) sets the tone for the menu’s cross-cultural dialogue. Succulent cuts of Iberico pork are grilled and glazed with an Indonesian-style satay sauce, delivering a smoky sweetness layered with nutty depth. The addition of a bright pineapple salsa cuts through the richness, lending acidity and freshness that keeps each bite balanced and moreish.

Kalipoquetas 4.2/5

Equally intriguing are the Kalipoquetas ($16 for 4 pcs) — a clever portmanteau of curry puffs and croquettes. Crisp on the outside and filled with a warmly spiced mixture of chicken, curry, and potato, each bite is rich and comforting. The accompanying curry aioli adds another layer of indulgence, making this a playful yet deeply satisfying reinterpretation of familiar snacks.

Garlic Huajiao Prawns 4.2/5

The Garlic Huajiao Prawns ($32) deliver bold flavours with finesse. Plump, tender prawns are bathed in a fragrant sauce infused with Szechuan peppercorns, offering a gentle mala numbing sensation that builds with each bite. The confit garlic adds sweetness and depth, while the accompanying bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that addictive sauce.

Squid Ink Fried Rice 4.2/5

The Squid Ink Fried Rice ($38) is a standout for both flavour and texture. The rice is deeply savoury and aromatic, each grain coated in umami-rich squid ink. Topped with crispy baby squid tempura, bursts of tobiko, and a luscious onsen egg, the dish comes together beautifully — crunchy, creamy, and briny elements harmonising in every mouthful.

Broccolini & Brussels Sprouts 3.5/5

For something lighter, the Broccolini & Brussels Sprouts ($24) impress with its balance of texture and flavour. Charred over the grill for a subtle smokiness, the greens retain a satisfying crunch. Tossed with chilli crisp, tahini, and a squeeze of lemon, the dish delivers nutty, spicy, and tangy notes in equal measure — a vegetable dish that holds its own confidently.

Black Cod 4.2/5

A more restrained yet elegant offering is the Black Cod ($38). Delicately cooked, the fish boasts a buttery, melt-in-the-mouth texture. It is paired with Chinese olive mustard leaf and Japanese takana, bringing together Teochew and Japanese influences. The interplay of subtle tanginess and umami creates a dish that feels light yet layered in complexity.

Spring Chicken 4.2/5

The Spring Chicken ($36), roasted in a Josper oven, delivers comforting familiarity done right. The meat is juicy and tender, with a gentle smokiness from the grill. Served alongside a Cantonese-inspired ginger and scallion relish, the dish is lifted with aromatic freshness that cuts through the richness of the chicken.

Black Sesame Cheesecake 3/5

The Black Sesame Cheesecake ($16) with coconut sorbet offers a bold flavour profile, though it may divide opinions. The cheesecake leans on the denser side, with an intense nuttiness from the black sesame taking centre stage. While the coconut sorbet provides a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness, the overall texture may feel slightly heavy for some.

Churros 4.5/5

In contrast, the Mochi Churros ($16) are a delightful finish to the meal. Crisp on the outside with a satisfyingly chewy centre, they bring a fun textural twist to the traditional Spanish churro. Served with both a rich chocolate sauce and a house-made kaya dip, the latter stands out — fragrant, creamy, and unmistakably local, it perfectly encapsulates Casa Mori’s East-meets-West philosophy.

Casa Mori succeeds in creating a dining experience that feels both thoughtful and inviting. Beyond the serene setting and polished space, it is the menu that truly resonates — a seamless conversation between cultures, guided by two chefs with distinct yet complementary perspectives. The dishes are not about bold theatrics, but rather quiet confidence — flavours that unfold gently, revealing layers of familiarity and surprise. For those seeking a dining experience that encourages you to slow down, reconnect, and savour each moment, Casa Mori offers a compelling reason to linger just a little longer.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Casa Mori
Dempsey Hill
11 Dempsey Road
#01-17
Singapore 249673
Tel: +65 8993 6049
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Sat: 11am - 1030pm
Sun & PH: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to the bus stop at Napier Station (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 10 minutes.[Map]

Barrio Spanish Restaurant @ Hillcrest Road - Unpretentious Spanish Cuisine Ideal For Intimate Meals and Get Togethers

Tucked away on the peaceful and charming Greenwood Avenue, Barrio invites guests to celebrate the vibrant flavours of Spanish cuisine. The warm and convivial neighbourhood atmosphere enhances the experience, making it an ideal spot for both intimate meals and lively get-togethers.

Barrio’s special ‘Ceviche’ 4/5

We began our dinner with a selection of Tapas, and the first was Barrio's special 'Ceviche' ($22), which features marinated seabass soaked in a zesty blend of citrus juices. Barrio's version has more robust, punchy flavours than the usually lighter flavours of ceviche. There are also plenty of fresh ingredients, like diced onions, cilantro, and a hint of chilli. Very addictive crispy tortilla chips accompany the dish, which provides a satisfying crunch and a contrast to the marinated fish.

Barrio ‘Bikini’ Sandwich 4.5/5

We absolutely loved the Barrio 'Bikini' Sandwich ($20), which stars a winning combination of ingredients that come together very well - roast beef, cheese and black truffle. The tender slices of roast beef are succulent and packed with flavour, while the melted cheese provides a savoury creaminess that perfectly complements the beef.

Garlic Prawns 4.2/5

The Garlic Prawns ($30) captivated our senses as soon as the dish arrived at the table, filling the air with an irresistible aroma. Each large, juicy prawn is perfectly cooked and beautifully presented alongside a velvety, earthy hummus and a sprinkling of dried chilli. It is an interesting flavour combination that captures both the taste of land and sea. There's also some crunchy toast to mop up the hummus and garlic sauce.

Fideuà 4.5/5

Our interest was piqued by the arrival of a huge pan of Fideuà ($55 for small, $75 for large), the less often seen sibling of Paella. Originating from the coastal region of Valencia, Fideuà is an interesting twist on the traditional rice dish, using short noodles instead. As we eagerly dug in, we discovered that the noodles had indeed soaked up the rich flavours of the broth and other ingredients like the pork sausage and mushrooms. Whether you prefer this or the rice version will probably depend on what texture you enjoy. We found that the noodle version was softer and easier to bite, whilst the rice version usually has a more chewy texture with some crispy, charred bits. Other options exist for the Paella and Fideuà, such as seafood, squid ink or vegetables.

¼ ‘Cochinillo’ Suckling Pig 3.5/5

Moving on to the main meat dish, we were presented with an impressive platter of ¼ 'Cochinillo' Suckling Pig ($89, good to share between 3-4 pax), a culinary centrepiece that requires approximately 45 minutes of preparation time upon order and is also served with Panadera potatoes and Padron Peppers. With succulent meat and a golden-brown crispy skin, there is little to fault regarding the execution of the dish or its texture, but we found the taste of the suckling pig to be quite strong, which was not to our taste preferences. Perhaps true pork lovers will enjoy this dish more than we did.

Churros with chocolate 4.8/5

Churros ($14) are always a delightful end to a Spanish meal, and Barrio's version is everything I want in a churro. Each churro has a soft, slightly mochi-like centre, providing a satisfying chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the crisp, crunchy exterior. The churros are accompanied by the slightest sugar dusting and a rich, velvety chocolate dipping sauce that offers a decadent finish.

Barrio offers an unpretentious dining experience that captures the essence of community. The food is tasty, and the portions are generally good to share. Little wonder the restaurant was quite full when we visited, with groups of families and friends enjoying the evening and some delicious Spanish food.

Penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Barrio Spanish Restaurant
73 Hillcrest Road
Singapore 288945
Tel: +65 8328 7467
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Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 5pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to Exit B. Walk straight to Hillcrest Road. Turn right onto Hillcrest Road. Walk down Hillcrest Road and make a left into Greenwood Avenue. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Social Bar & Bistro @ Republic Plaza - Western Fare and Handcrafted Cocktails in the Heart of CBD.

Social Bar & Bistro at Republic Plaza offers Western fare and handcrafted cocktails in the heart of the CBD. The comprehensive menu features a range of appetisers, pastas, pizzas, and mains.

Spanish Garlic Prawns 3.8/5

We started with two appetisers: Spanish Garlic Prawns ($18) and Chilli Crab Sliders ($18). The Spanish Garlic Prawns were delectable, served in a rich, garlicky sauce that begged to be soaked up with the accompanying toast — a perfectly appetising start to the meal.

Chilli Crab Sliders 2.8/5

The Chilli Crab Sliders felt more like Mantou with a chilli crab dip, aside from the slice of cucumber tucked between the fried buns. The chilli crab filling was unexpectedly saucy, with a fiery kick that may appeal to those craving bold flavours.

Smoked Salmon Salad 3/5

Catering to the health-conscious lot in the CBD, the menu offers a variety of salads available in both half and full portions. The Smoked Salmon Salad ($18) was wholesome, featuring greens, eggs, and tomatoes, though the balsamic drizzle could have been more inventive.

Grilled Barramundi 3/5

We opted for the Angus Beef Burger ($22) and Grilled Barramundi ($24) for mains. The Grilled Barramundi was slightly dry, but the creamy mashed potatoes slightly mitigated the texture.

Angus Beef Burger 3.8/5

The Angus Beef Burger, with its hearty 200g beef patty in a beautifully toasted buttery brioche layered with caramelised onions and cheese, was tantalising overall. Even more so with the ultra-crisp fries. A less compact and dense patty might have elevated the texture more.

We also tried two simple but delightful cocktails — Apple Crisp ($22) and Mad for Mango ($22). Both were bourbon-based and were just $10 on ladies' night; they were a great addition to the meal.

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.


Social Bar & Bistro
Republic Plaza
9 Raffles Place
#01-01
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 91701395
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

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

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