LINO @ Binjai Park - Indulge in New Weekend Brunch with Free Flow Starters, Pizzas, Pastas and Desserts

Casual Italian restaurant LINO has launched its new Weekend Brunch at its Binjai Park outlet.

Weekend Brunch 3/5

Priced at $68 per pax, the brunch includes free-flow starters, pasta, pizza, and desserts, along with a choice of one main per diner. It also comes with coffee or tea, or you can opt for free-flowing prosecco with a $38 top-up per pax. Available every Saturday and Sunday for lunch only, excluding the eve of and actual public holidays, as well as festive periods.

Canadian Oysters

There are five starters in total. We began with fresh, briny Canadian Oysters, topped with a refreshing blood orange granita. This is limited to six pieces per person, with additional orders available at $10 for three.

LINO’s Egg Benedict

Next, the LINO’s Egg Benedict arrived, featuring a base of housemade fried dough, smoked bacon, a poached egg and hollandaise, alongside arugula with grated parmesan. We enjoyed the warm, crunchy dough and the savoury combination of flavours.

Smoked Salmon

The Smoked Salmon came with herb ricotta on crisp sourdough toast, topped with slices of hard-boiled egg. It was simple yet satisfying.

Gnocco Fritto

Each serving of Gnocco Fritto came as a pair of crisp pillows filled with parmesan cream and topped with a slice of prosciutto.

Italian Chopped Salad

For a lighter option, the Italian Chopped Salad offers a crunchy mix of romaine lettuce, Japanese cucumber, salami and more, dressed in a slightly creamy house dressing.

Vannamei Prawns Spaghetti

The pastas fell short for us. While the Vannamei Prawns Spaghetti featured fresh, sweet prawns, the tomato-based sauce leaned too sweet and acidic for our preference.

Vongole Linguine

The Vongole Linguine fared slightly better, though we wished the natural briny sweetness of the clams were more pronounced.

Lamb Spare Rib

Each diner gets to choose one main. We went with the Lamb Spare Rib, featuring a rack of slow-cooked Australian lamb served with sweet peas and potato cubes in a honey mustard sauce. The meat was tender, though much fattier than we would have liked. Other mains include Red Snapper, Pork Sausage and the popular Angus Beef Striploin.

Pancetta

For pizza, the Pancetta is a nice pick if you enjoy pesto. It features a basil pesto base topped with potatoes, Swiss smoked farmer bacon, mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano and an oozy egg. The crust is thin with a slight chew. Other options include Salame Picante, Margherita and Mixed Mushrooms.

Panna Cotta

For desserts, we tried one of each option. The Panna Cotta was smooth and jiggly, topped with honey, raspberry coulis and walnuts.

Cheesecake

The Cheesecake came with hazelnut crumble and raspberry coulis on the side.

Lemon Sorbet

Lastly, there is a selection of gelato and sorbetto in flavours such as vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and lemon. We opted for the tangy Lemon Sorbet, which made for a refreshing end to the 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.


LINO
7 Binjai Park
Singapore 589821
Tel: +65 9738 0891
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Nearest MRT: King Albert Park (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 2.15pm, 5.30pm - 9.30pm

Direction:
1) Alight at King Albert Park MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk down Dunearn Road to Binjai Park Road. Turn left onto Binjau Park Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Opus Bar and Grill @ VOCO Orchard Singapore - Grilled Out Sunday Edition 2.0.

Opus Bar and Grill has recently rolled out a refreshed edition of its Sunday brunch, Grilled Out Sunday Edition 2.0. This new concept introduces a bi-monthly themed culinary series, where each edition has its own menu, ranging from classic roasts and slow-smoked meats to local flavours, spit-roast specials, and festive holiday grills. The experience is further elevated with curated beverage pairings, including wines, cocktails and beers.

Taking centre stage in this Grilled Out Sunday Edition 2.0 à la carte buffet is the mains selection, where the sumptuous meat platter is as much a visual feast as it is indulgent. The Sunday roasts highlight four distinctive fire-led cooking techniques — Grilling, Josper Roasting, Smoking and Rotisserie.

Black Angus Striploin

From the grill, the Black Angus Striploin delivered the expected beefy flavours. The Josper oven was key in building intense depth in the Garlic and Rosemary Lamb Leg, sealing in its aromatic richness. The Smoked Duck Breast stood out for its tender, unctuous texture, gently infused with a lingering smokiness. A familiar crowd-pleaser, the Rotisserie-roasted Chicken was evenly cooked, with golden skin and a desired succulence. That said, the oven -roasted Crispy Pork Belly fell short of expectations. The crackling lacked the desired crispness, and a slight gamey note detracted from its overall appeal.

An engaging highlight of the brunch is the live guéridon service, where selected savoury items are finished tableside, adding an interactive and theatrical touch to the dining experience.

Moules Marinière

Completing the brunch is a selection of appetisers and sides. The starters were delectable - Crab and Potato, Moules Marinière, and Roasted Tomato Soup were enjoyable and, in fact, more memorable than the sides.

Cauliflower Gratin

Yorkshire Pudding

Among the sides, the warm, cheesy Cauliflower Gratin and the classic Yorkshire Pudding stood out. The latter, being a must-have with any proper Sunday roast, was fluffy and chewy.

Salad Bar

A thoughtful addition is the self-service Salad Bar, where we helped ourselves to fresh salads, cheeses and crackers as we await our orders.

Creme Brulee

For desserts, we had the Apple Crumble, Crème Brûlée, and Ice Cream Sundae. The latter charmed with its nostalgic, old-school presentation. My favourite was the Apple Crumble, served warm with a generous dollop of cream. The buttery sweetness of the crumble hit just the right spot, making it a comforting and satisfying end to the meal.

Ice Cream Sundae

For more information and for dining reservations, please call Opus Bar and Grill at +65 6730 3390 or visit orcharddining.vocohotels.com/dining/opus-bar-grill

Grilled Out Sunday (a la carte buffet)
Every Sunday, 12pm to 3pm $78++ per adult | $39++ per child (6 to 12 years old)
Free-flow alcoholic beverages at $48++ per adult

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.


Opus Bar & Grill
VOCO Orchard Singapore
581 Orchard Road
Singapore 238883
Tel: +65 6730 3390
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Walk down Orchard Road to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

Mr Triple Hotpots (三锅先生) @ Jalan Sultan - A Taste of Northern China with Traditional Copper Pot & Lamb Spine Hotpot

Located along the bustling stretch of Jalan Sultan, Mr Triple Hotpots (三锅先生) offers a robust selection of Northern Chinese specialities, including a variety of hotpot styles and Jinzhou-style BBQ. From the traditional Beijing copper pot to the hearty lamb spine hotpot, the concept here goes beyond the usual hotpot experience commonly found in Singapore.

Classic Beijing Copper Pot 4/5

We began our meal with the Classic Beijing Copper Pot, a style deeply rooted in Northern Chinese dining culture. Unlike the typical flavourful broths we are accustomed to, the pot uses plain water in a charcoal-fired copper chimney vessel. The design ensures a consistent, high heat, ideal for flash-cooking thinly sliced meats. This minimalist approach allows the natural flavours of the ingredients to shine, with the dipping sauces playing a crucial role in elevating each bite.

To complement the pots, we ordered a selection of sliced beef, lamb, and pork, along with bamboo shoots. Each ingredient cooks quickly in the boiling water, retaining its inherent freshness and texture. One particularly interesting accompaniment was the pickled garlic, which was new to me. Its tangy and slightly pungent profile works surprisingly well as a palate cleanser, refreshing the taste buds between bites and preparing you for the next round of indulgence.

Lamb Spine Pot 4.2/5

In addition to the copper pot, we also tried the Lamb Spine Pot (羊蝎子), a dish that may sound intimidating at first. The direct translation can be misleading, but it actually refers to the lamb spine, named for its resemblance to a scorpion’s tail. This was my first encounter with the dish, and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The pot is richly flavoured with spices, and the lamb spine is chopped into chunky pieces, similar to oxtail. The meat is tender and gelatinous, while the radish in the pot soaks up the deeply savoury broth beautifully. Diners can also add additional raw ingredients into the pot, transforming it into a more familiar hotpot experience.

Lamb Skewer 4.2/5

To kickstart the meal while waiting for the hotpot to come to a boil, we had the Lamb Skewers. Grilled to a slight char, the skewers were tender, juicy, and packed with aromatic spices, delivering a fragrant, satisfying bite. It is a great addition to the meal, especially for those looking for something cooked and ready to enjoy immediately.

Overall, Mr Triple Hotpots offers a refreshing take on hotpot dining by showcasing traditional Northern Chinese styles that are less commonly seen locally. Whether it is the simplicity of the Beijing copper pot or the bold flavours of the lamb spine hotpot, the experience here is both unique and comforting — perfect for those looking to explore something different beyond the usual hotpot options in Singapore.


Mr Triple Hotpots (三锅先生)
61 Jalan Sultan
Singapore 198980
Tel: +65 8039 1818
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 4pm - 6am

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge and walk to the end. Continue onto Jalan Sultan until the traffic junction of North Bridge Road and Jalan Sultan. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Shabestan @ Robertson Quay - Authentic Persian Flavours by the Scenic Riverside

Shabestan is a multi-award-winning Persian restaurant located in Singapore's Robertson Quay, celebrated for its authentic cuisine, warm hospitality, and scenic riverside setting. Since its establishment in 2013, the restaurant has aimed to bring the rich, traditional flavours of Persia to a modern audience, becoming a popular destination for both locals and international visitors seeking a refined Middle Eastern dining experience.

Hummus 3.8/5

The Hummus ($16) is made from freshly cooked chickpeas blended with lemon juice, garlic, tahini, and olive oil. It was somewhat puzzling for me as the Hummus was served chilled, whereas I am accustomed to it being served at room temperature. Despite the temperature, the texture remained smooth and the flavours well-balanced.

Persian Bread 4/5

To accompany the dip, we had the Persian Bread, which is freshly baked and noticeably thinner than traditional naan. Though thin, it has a wonderful, chewy, and fluffy texture with a delightful bite. It serves as the perfect vessel for scooping up the creamy Hummus.

Shirazi Salad 4.2/5

For a refreshing start, the Shirazi Salad ($16) is an excellent choice. It features finely chopped cucumber, tomato, and onion tossed in Shabestan's signature Shirazi dressing. The salad is light and fresh, with the crisp cucumber providing a refreshing crunch in every mouthful.

Shandiz 4/5

The Shandiz Kebab ($57) features tender chunks of spring lamb on the bone, charcoal-grilled to perfection. The lamb chops were well-marinated and succulent, boasting a beautiful char on the edges while remaining tender inside. Like all kebab dishes here, it is served with rice and a side salad. We opted for a mix of fragrant Basmati and Saffron rice, which offered a good textural bite.

Prawn Kebab 4/5

Another standout was the Prawn Kebab ($43), consisting of huge, de-shelled tiger prawns marinated in saffron and charcoal-grilled until crunchy and juicy. These were drizzled with a homemade seafood sauce that enhanced their natural sweetness. For this dish, we were served Dill rice, which imparted a lovely herby aroma. A pro-tip shared by the staff: dice up the grilled tomato and mix it into the rice for an extra layer of depth and flavour.

Overall, Shabestan delivers a solid Persian dining experience with high-quality ingredients and traditional grilling techniques that truly shine in their kebab selection.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shabestan
The Pier at Robertson
80 Mohamed Sultan Road
#01-13
Singapore 239013
Tel: +65 9397 6562
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the traffic junction of Clemenceau Ave and River Valley. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Clemenceau Ave. Turn right onto Unity Street. Then left onto Merbau Road. Walk straight towards the river. Turn right at the river. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Viva Lavender @ Lavender Street – Modern European Plates, Charcoal-Grilled Meats & A Cozy Hideaway

Situated along a quieter stretch of Lavender, Viva Lavender brings together modern European flavours, house-aged meats and a breezy, welcoming space that transitions nicely from bright daytime dining to a warm, intimate evening ambience. With a strong focus on charcoal grilling and a surprisingly robust tapas/appetisers selection, the restaurant also offers one of the more attractive weekday happy hour deals in the area.

Truffle Mushroom Croquette 3.5/5

Perfect as a starter to warm up the palate, Truffle Mushroom Croquette ($8 for 2 pcs) comes crispy on the outside and creamy within. The truffle is intentionally subtle, allowing the mushroom filling to stand out without being overpowering. A comforting, easy-to-like bite.

Gambas Al Ajillo 3/5

A classic Spanish dish - Gambas Al Ajillo ($22) featuring four shrimps and toast. The house-made chilli oil adds personality, but we wished for a more potent garlic punch and more of that sizzling olive oil base to mop up with bread. Still enjoyable but could be bolder in flavour.

Padron Peppers 3.5/5

Padron Peppers ($16) came in a generous portion, ideal for sharing. Mildly spiced, light cream sauce on the side and topped with shaved cheese. Works well as a snack between heavier dishes or with drinks. Simple but satisfying.

Charred Cabbage 3.8/5

One of the more memorable vegetable dishes is the Charred Cabbage ($16), where the wedges of cabbage are juicy inside, served with herb yoghurt and house chilli oil, and topped with crispy kale for texture. While delicious, smaller wedges might allow the charred flavour to develop even more deeply. Still a solid, well-balanced plate.

Spanish Vintage Chilled Striploin 3/5

Known for dry ageing and grilling their meats, we were recommended the Spanish Vintage Chilled Striploin ($42/300g). It was well-seasoned and delicious with the grilled garlic, but the cut leaned a little ‘veinier’ than ideal for us. That said, it showed enough promise that we’d gladly return for their Tomahawk next time.

Braised Lamb Shoulder 3.5/5

Fork-tender and deeply comforting, this Braised Lamb Shoulder ($36) comes with silky pomme purée and yoghurt. The flavours reminded my dining partner of a refined rendang, which is rich and aromatic. Best shared, as the dish becomes quite heavy after several bites.

Miso Black Cod 4.5/5

A standout for me is the Miso Black Cod ($45) - buttery, silky, and melts instantly - complemented by a luscious tobiko beurre blanc that adds brininess and depth. A dish we would order again without hesitation.

Saffron Risotto with Hokkaido Scallop 4.5/5

Another favourite of the night is the Saffron Risotto with Hokkaido Scallop ($38), which was exceptionally fresh, and the ponzu pearl rice carries beautiful umami with each spoonful. A luxurious, well-executed entrée.

Hot Yuzu Margarita and Negroni

Espresso Martini and Mimosa

Viva Lavender runs a Monday–Thursday Happy Hour (4:30-6:30pm):

• 1-for-1 cocktails from $15
• Housepour wines at $10/glass
• Beer Bucket at $35 for 5 bottles

We tried four cocktails, including their Hot Yuzu Margarita, Negroni, Espresso Martini and Mimosa, and all were surprisingly well-balanced. Definitely worth stopping by early for drinks.

Viva Lavender strikes a balance between cosy neighbourhood charm and polished modern European dining. While a few dishes could deliver a punchier flavour profile, the seafood plates and lighter tapas truly shine, making it a spot worth returning to, especially with their generous weekday Happy Hour.

The restaurant also caters well to private events and group bookings, offering two private sections: a contemporary front bar area ideal for smaller, social gatherings and a warm, semi-private rear dining space suited for seated meals or intimate celebrations. Both areas are available with a minimum spend requirement, providing flexibility depending on the group size and occasion.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Viva Lavender
161 Lavender Street
#01-02/03/04
Singapore 338759
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Nearest MRT: Bendemeer (DT Line), Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 230pm, 430pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bendemeer MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road at the traffic junction of Lavender Street and Kallang Bahru. Turn right and walk down Lavender Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to the bus stop at Lavender MRT station (Stop ID 01311). Take bus number 133 or 145. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to Foch Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Horne Road. Walk down Horne Road. Turn right onto Tyrwhitt Road. Walk down Tyrwhitt Road. Turn left onto Lavender Street and walk down Lavender Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 15 minutes. [Map]