Hortus @ Gardens by The Bay Flower Dome - New Mediterranean Sharing Menu Comprising of 9 Dishes

Nestled within the lush beauty of Gardens by the Bay's Flower Dome, Hortus offers diners a taste of the Mediterranean, surrounded by vibrant blooms and cool serenity. With its focus on fresh, vibrant sharing plates and rustic wood-grilled mains, Hortus presents an experience that goes beyond the food—especially with its newly launched Mediterranean Sharing Set Menu ($68++ per pax), which even includes complimentary Flower Dome admission and a buggy ride to and from the Main Entrance. A perfect little getaway without leaving Singapore!

Hummus, Olive Oil and Paprika 4.8/5

Muhammara, Roasted Bell Pepper and Walnut Dip 4.5/5

The meal kicks off with an array of five sharing starters. The Hummus with Olive Oil and Paprika was an instant hit — creamy, nutty, and elevated by the earthiness of paprika and a generous drizzle of olive oil. It is paired beautifully with the warm, fluffy housemade pita. Equally delightful was the Muhammara, a roasted bell pepper and walnut dip that was slightly smoky, nutty, and tangy — a deliciously vibrant alternative to the classic hummus.

Fried School Prawns, Calamari, Whitebait with Lemon Aioli 4.5/5

Next up was the Fried Seafood Basket, featuring school prawns, calamari, and whitebait, all perfectly crispy and light, paired with a zesty lemon aioli. It was dangerously addictive, with each piece a burst of flavour and crunch.

Yellowtail Kingfish Crudo 4.8/5

The Yellowtail Kingfish Crudo was a standout among the starters. Dressed with bergamot and green olives and scattered with pomegranate seeds, it was refreshingly bright, delicately sweet, and brimming with Mediterranean sunshine.

Kingfish Collar with Cabbage and Fennel Salad and Nduja 4.2/5

Moving on to the mains, we tried the Kingfish Collar with Cabbage and Fennel Salad and Nduja. Grilled to crispy perfection on the outside while keeping the flesh moist and tender, the kingfish was livened up beautifully by a squeeze of lemon and the spicy kick from the nduja. The accompanying salad of cabbage and fennel provided a refreshing counterpoint.

Beef and Lamb Adana Kebab with Sumac Onions 4.2/5

We also sampled the Beef and Lamb Adana Kebab with Sumac Onions. Typically, kebabs can veer on the dry side, but Hortus' version was juicy, aromatic, and full of flavour. The sweet and tangy sumac onions on top brought a much-appreciated brightness to the hearty meat skewer.

Cracked Wheat Salad with Dill, Mint, and Pomegranate 4.2/5

Rice Pilaf with Pistachio and Lemon 4.5/5

To complement the mains, we had the Cracked Wheat Salad and the Rice Pilaf with Pistachio and Lemon. Both were excellent — the cracked wheat salad was herby and fresh with pops of pomegranate, while the rice pilaf was light, fragrant, and enhanced by the nuttiness of pistachios and citrusy lemon.

House churned Vanilla Gelato, Halva, Tahini 4.5/5

Desserts were a true surprise and delight. The House Churned Vanilla Gelato, paired with halva, tahini, pomegranate syrup, and mint, was a symphony of textures and flavours — sweet, nutty, creamy, and refreshing all at once.

Rose and Cardamom Basbousa 4.5/5

The final treat, Rose and Cardamom Basbousa, sealed the meal on a high note. The moist semolina cake, topped with house churned pistachio gelato and cardamom cream, offered a beautiful blend of floral and nutty flavours that was both comforting and exotic.

Hortus isn't just a restaurant — it's an experience. The combination of fresh Mediterranean flavours, an idyllic garden setting, and thoughtful touches like complimentary entry and transport make it a memorable destination dining spot. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a leisurely meal with a view, Hortus delivers in every way.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hortus
Flower Dome
Gardens by the Bay
18 Marina Garden Drive
#01-09
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6702 0158
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Nearest MRT: Bayfront MRT

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 330pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bayfront MRT station. Take Exit B. Take the pathway to Bayfront Plaza Ticketing. Take for the shuttle bus to flower dome or walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

27 Mezze Bar and Grill @ Robertson Quay - Singapore's first Contemporary Turkish Restaurant by a Turkish Couple Who Runs a Top-Rated Restaurant in Turkey

27 Mezze Bar and Grill, located in the cosy enclave of Robertson Quay, is Singapore's first contemporary Turkish restaurant. Opened by a Turkish couple who also runs a top-rated restaurant in Turkey, the kitchen is led by experienced executives and Head Chefs who have honed their skills in some of Istanbul's and overseas finest establishments. The name '27' reflects their passion for food culture, which led to a well-curated menu of 27 dishes showcasing Turkey's rich culinary heritage across its seven regions, all with a contemporary touch. Authentic Anatolian flavours are achieved using herbs and spices sourced directly from Turkey, complemented by selected alcohol and local drinks.

Mezze Platter 5/5

We began our dinner with an impressive Mezze Platter, one of the best I've experienced. Even common choices like Babagannuş and Hummus were elevated in flavour and texture.

Babagannuş

Hummus

The Babagannuş featured a finishing touch of sweet and tangy pomegranate molasses and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for a nutty crunch. The Hummus was enhanced with black currants and pomegranates for sweet contrast and texture pops.

Girit Ezme

Do try Girit Ezme, made with sharp and salty white "Ezine" cheese (sheep and cow), balanced with creamy "Kaymak" Lor cheese, similar to ricotta, blended with basil, garlic, and pistachio.

Muhammara

Fava Tekmil

Both the Fava Tekmil and Muhammara were delectable. The Fava Tekil, made with pureed broad beans, was brilliantly nuanced with aromatic dill and red onion. Equally well thought-out was the Muhammara, which appeared to be a regular roasted red pepper dip but elevated with walnuts for a nutty flavour and textural play.

Kopoglu

The Kopoglu was also a highlight. It was a tasty mix of fried eggplant and tomato with contrasting creamy and refreshing cold garlic yoghurt.

(tasting portion) Mucver 5/5

(tasting portion) Hellim & Sucuk 4.5/5

For appetisers - we had Mücver, zucchini fritters with white "Ezine" cheese, served with creamy salted yoghurt, which was deliciously crispy on the outside and soft inside. The Hellim & Sucuk featured charcoal-grilled cured "Turkish" beef sausage and halloumi cheese, served with Turkish cucumber "Ankara Çubuk" pickle and pita bread, making it a highly flavorful dish ideal for pairing with a drink.

(tasting portion) Dana Şaşlık 4.5/5

(tasting portion) Tavuk Şiş 4.8/5

For the mains, they were prepared in a charcoal barbecue way. We tried the sirloin, chicken thigh, hand-minced lamb kebab, and lamb shoulder. The Dana Şaşlık, a 24-hour marinated sirloin, had a very delectable tender texture, a flavour accented with aromatic herbs, and a hint of smokiness from the charred ends. I reckon slightly less salty would be perfect. The Tavuk Şiş, a 24-hour marinated chicken thigh, was equally tender and more spice-forward with a distinct marination.

Kuzu Tandir 4/5

Tire Kebap 4.2/5

Between the Kuzu Tandir, a weekend special of seven-hour slow-roasted boneless lamb shoulder, and the Tire Kebap, I preferred the latter for its flavour combination. Tire Kebap is hand-minced lamb meatballs paired with a complementary tomato puree and smoked yogurt, finished with an indulgent dose of beurre noisette. I prefer an even more robust tomato puree. The lamb shoulder would be ideal if you are into a gamier taste.

Turkish coffee, Baklava

The dessert was simple but still delightful - Turkish coffee was served with a piece of Turkish Delight and Baklava. As my dining companion noted, it transported her back to Turkey, reminiscing about enjoying the same treat while overlooking the coast during her travels.

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.


27 Mezze Bar and Grill
Village Residence Robertson Quay
30 Robertson Quay
#01-02A
Singapore 238251
Tel: +65 9227 9086
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Website
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 5pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 5pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to 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 to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]