Keyaki @ Pan Pacific Singapore - A Refined Japanese Experience Under New Executive Chef Teruya Noriyoshi

Keyaki at Pan Pacific Singapore welcomes a new Executive Chef, Teruya Noriyoshi, at its helm. With over 28 years of experience, having worked alongside renowned chefs at globally acclaimed restaurants, including several Nobu outlets, Chef Teruya brings not just technical finesse but also a deep respect for seasonality and presentation that reflects the beauty of nature.

Amuse Bouche 5/5

The meal began on a high note with the Amuse Bouche, which featured a quartet of beautifully crafted bites that demonstrated a keen sense of balance and creativity. I started with the Foie Gras Terrine, which came piped into a crispy rice waffle. Infused with brandy, it was rich and luscious, doing a great job of whetting the appetite. The Octopus Carpaccio with White Shrimp followed, an exceptional pairing and meticulously plating of tender octopus carpaccio and creamy shrimp. The King Salmon Sashimi Spring Roll was light and refreshing, while the Japanese Sweet Corn Flan with Uni and Caviar delivered a bold, savoury-sweet finish that stood out for its intensity and creaminess.

Sous Vide Spiny Lobster 3/5

Next came the main appetiser, Sous Vide Spiny Lobster, with a White Miso Américaine Bavarois, Ikura, and Ume Jelly. It was aesthetically pleasing, but the texture of the lobster was slightly mushy at the ends. The Bavarois, despite being miso-based, turned out sweeter than expected, which slightly disrupted the overall balance.

Hokkaido Scallop 4/5

From the teppan counter came a perfectly seared Hokkaido Scallop topped with Wasabi Salsa and Caviar. The scallop was sweet and meaty, and the Wasabi Salsa gave it a bright lift that brought everything together.

Roasted A4 Iwate Wagyu 4.5/5

The main course featured Roasted A4 Iwate Wagyu, served with wasabi mashed potato and a Japanese egg yolk sukiyaki sauce. The beef was beautifully done, with enough fat rendered to bring out all its rich, deep flavours. The sukiyaki sauce, enriched with egg yolk, added a luscious umami boost, and I liked that the mashed potato had a rustic texture, which helped keep the dish grounded and not overly rich.

Nigiri 3.5/5

Following that was a sushi course with three types of Chef's selection Nigiri — Amberjack, Kinmedai, and Suzuki. The fish was fresh, and each piece offered a nice variation in texture and flavour, though I did find the rice just a little grainy in some bites.

Dessert 5/5

The dessert was a wonderful finish. A bittersweet Matcha Mizu Chocolate paired with delicate homemade Wagashi and seasonal fruits. The chocolate was smooth and paired nicely with the strawberry, but the wagashi was the real highlight, one of the best I've had, soft with the right amount of sweetness, carrying the classic flavours of a Japanese sweet.

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.



Keyaki
Pan Pacific Singapore
Level 4
7 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 6826 8240
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (DT, CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Altro Zafferano @ Ocean Financial Centre - A Bright and Bold Refreshed Menu in Celebration of Southern Italian Flavours

Altro Zafferano, perched atop Ocean Financial Centre, returns with a refreshed dining concept centred on everyday social dining. Known for its refined Italian cuisine, the restaurant now embraces a more vibrant and approachable experience, bringing the warmth, boldness, and sun-soaked flavours of Southern Italy to the heart of Singapore's CBD. With a bright Mediterranean spirit and a reimagined menu, Altro Zafferano continues to impress with culinary finesse and soulful, honest cooking.

Pomodoro e Basilico 4/5

We started with the Pomodoro e Basilico ($15), a comforting focaccia that embodies the rustic charm of Italy. Made in-house with sourdough and baked until golden, the base is topped with sweet Neapolitan tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. The tomatoes are the star. They are plump, juicy, and bursting with natural sweetness, elevating this humble starter with their vibrant, sun-ripened flavour.

Insalata di Polpo e Patate 4.2/5

The Insalata di Polpo e Patate ($28) showcases a tender Mediterranean octopus paired with baby potatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and a medley of herbs like parsley, chervil, and chives. The light gremolata dressing lifts the dish with citrusy brightness and herbal freshness, tying all the components together into a well-balanced appetiser that awakens the palate.

Carpaccio di Manzo, Pecorino e Senape 4.2/5

The Carpaccio di Manzo ($26) features Australian grain-fed beef sliced and rolled with rocket leaves, pecorino cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Topped with finely chopped shallots and dressed in a whole grain mustard vinaigrette, each bite is a complex interplay of peppery greens, savoury cheese, tangy balsamic, and tender beef. It is a refined starter with great textural contrast and depth.

Fusilloni con Ragu alla Genovese 4.5/5

A standout from the pasta section, the Fusilloni con Ragu alla Genovese ($36) is rich, hearty, and comforting. The artisanal pasta from Southern Italy is coated in a slow-cooked Genovese ragu made from onions and Australian Wagyu beef, simmered in red wine for six hours. Finished with parmesan, bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary, this dish delivers soul-soothing depth and perfect al dente texture.

Rigatoni alla Gricia 4/5

Prepared tableside for a bit of flair, the Rigatoni alla Gricia ($36 per pax) is a decadent experience. The pasta is tossed inside a pecorino cheese wheel, soaking up all the rich, salty goodness, then topped with crispy guanciale and a bold pepper blend of Sichuan and black pepper. A luxurious treat especially for cheese lovers, balanced by the smoky-savoury punch of guanciale.

Tagliata di Manzo, Rucola e Balsamico 4.2/5

For mains, the Tagliata di Manzo ($68) is a masterclass in simplicity done right. The Black Angus grain-fed striploin is grilled over a Josper to seal in juices and flavour, seasoned with rosemary oil, thyme, and fennel seeds, and finished with a drizzle of Lambrusco balsamico. Served alongside fresh Italian rocket and cherry tomatoes, the dish is full-bodied, tender, and focused entirely on letting the quality of the beef shine.

Branzino all'Acqua Pazza 4.5/5

The Branzino all’Acqua Pazza ($58) was another highlight. The beautifully deboned Sardinian seabass, reassembled with the head and tail intact and baked in a delicate broth of vegetable stock, tomatoes, white wine, olives, and parsley. Finished with extra virgin olive oil and Amalfi lemon, the fish is moist and flaky, its flavours lifted by the bright citrus and briny broth. Elegant and satisfying.

Tiramisu 4.5/5

We ended on a high note with the Tiramisu ($24). This refined rendition layers mascarpone cream with gluten-free Savoiardi biscuits, soaked in espresso, orange peel, and a touch of Cointreau, then dusted with cocoa. The dessert is smooth and light, offering just the right balance of bitterness and sweetness, a sophisticated and well-balanced end to the meal.

With its reimagined focus on approachable yet elevated Southern Italian cuisine, Altro Zafferano offers a vibrant dining experience that blends tradition with creativity. Whether you’re here for a business lunch, romantic dinner, or a weekend indulgence, the restaurant’s new menu invites you to savour Italy’s bold flavours in the heart of Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Altro Zafferano
Ocean Financial Centre
Level 43
10 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049315
Tel: +65 65091488
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place. Take Exit C. Walk to Ocean Financial Centre which is on the left. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Big Wine Freaks @ Bukit Pasoh Road - Champagne and Wine Restaurant with Ingredient-forward Cuisine

Big Wine Freaks at Bukit Pasoh is a Champagne and wine restaurant with an outstanding wine selection that showcases labels from a new generation of star producers, natural wines from renowned French regions, and rare picks from unique micro-farms. Channelling the same electric energy as their Moscow origins, the space is brought to life by Sabrina Bignami and Alessandro Capellaro of B-Arch Architectural Bureau in Florence. It's an expressive blend of light, colour, and texture, a setting that speaks about the experience that they want to offer. Their ingredient-forward menu features a raw seafood bar, bite-sized starters, vegetables, and mains cooked over an open-fire grill.

Oysters 3.5/5

Daily from 5.30pm to 7pm is the time for Aperitivo ($58), which I believe is the best way to soak in the atmosphere of Big Wine Freaks. We were served a Cichetti Assortment comprising Oysters, Trout Gravlax, Parma Ham, Arancini, and Padron Peppers.

Parma Ham 4/5

Trout Gravlax 5/5

There was plenty to love about this assortment. It offered a satisfying balance of cold and hot starters and, more importantly, the rich mouthfeel and savouriness that pair beautifully with their wines and Champagne. Both the Parma Ham and Trout Gravlax stood out for their indulgent textures, especially the latter, with its tangy and mustardy toast and delicate ribbons of gravlax that paired perfectly with the glass of Gounel-Lassalle Esprit Voyager we had.

Padron Peppers 4.5/5

Arancini 4.5/5

The Arancini were well executed too. Encased in a crisp golden crust was a molten mixture of rice, mozzarella, and Jamon, made even more indulgent with the accompanying aioli. Rounding off the plate, the blistered Padron Peppers were juicy and vibrant, adding a fresh green bite that nicely balanced the lineup.

Octopus 3/5

The mains feature selections from the Josper Basque Grill. The Octopus ($58) was incredibly well cooked, with a texture and flavour that stood out as one of the better renditions I've had. Unfortunately, the dish was slightly let down by an oversprinkle of finishing salt.

Beef Short Rib 3/5

For the Beef Short Rib ($46), while the meat wasn't as tender as hoped, it made up for it with flavour. The caramelised, charred exterior imparted a depth and smokiness that was deeply satisfying.

Donut 4.5/5

Dessert was a pure joy. The fluffy Donuts, filled with berry jam and custard, were a delightful way to end the meal. While I would have preferred the custard to be a touch lighter, the overall experience was still indulgent and comforting.

There's also a noticeable attention to detail when it comes to presentation. Each dish is served on dinnerware by Ginori 1735, the renowned Florentine porcelain house now under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele. The wine-by-the-glass list is equally thoughtful, featuring over 40 rotating options that highlight fresh finds from their cellar. Every glass is served in exceptional stemware, featuring brands such as Zalto from Austria, Sydonios from France, and Kimura from Japan, which further elevates the overall experience.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Big Wine Freaks
44 Bukit Pasoh Road
Singapore 089857
Tel: +65 6019 0765
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 530pm till Late
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Turn right and walk down Teo Hong Road. Walk to Bukit Pasoh Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

MoVida @ Raffles City - Affordable San Sebastian-Inspired Lunch Set from $29

Movida introduces a wallet-friendly San Sebastian-inspired lunch set, starting from just $29 – an attractive deal given its prime city centre location. Available daily from 12pm to 3pm, the set lets diners choose from 2 Tapas + 1 Main for $29, 4 Tapas + 1 Main for $35, or 5 Tapas + 1 Main for $40. Perfect for foodies looking to sample a spread of dishes in one sitting, this offering brings variety and value to the table.

We went with the 4 Tapas + 1 Main option, and since there were two of us, we managed to sample a total of 8 tapas. It gave us an excellent overview of the selection available.

Crab Crumpet 4/5 and Home-made Duck Rillette in Crumpet 4/5

The Crab Crumpet (+$2) was a delightful one-biter. It is light, fresh and elegantly paired with saffron emulsion and finger lime. Meanwhile, the Home-made Duck Rillette in Crumpet was richer and more flavourful, featuring confit duck, pipparas, gherkin and a touch of oriental mustard for contrast.

Tuna Tartare with Grilled Avocado 4/5

Tarteleta 4.2/5

Two tapas stood out in particular. The Tuna Tartare paired well with roasted avocado and a bright citrus dressing, a refreshing and well-balanced dish. The Tarteleta (+$2), a brik pastry tart filled with chicken liver parfait and verjuice, surprised us. Despite usually avoiding liver, this tartlet delivered a burst of flavour that was both rich and nuanced.

Anchoa 3.8/5

Pan con Tomate & Jamón 3.5/5

The Anchoa (+$2) – a Cantabrian artisan anchovy with smoked tomato sorbet – impressed with its quality and pleasant saltiness. However, as we shared it, the portion felt a little too small to savour fully. The Pan con Tomate & Jamón was classic but unremarkable, with a faint 'bad oil' aftertaste on the bread that distracted from the otherwise fresh components.

Croqueta Del Dia 4/5

Octopus with Panchetta 3/5

The Croqueta del Día, made with Manchego cheese, was a comforting and well-loved classic. Ask the staff about the daily flavour. On the other hand, the Octopus with Pancetta was a miss – the pancetta overpowered the octopus entirely, which got lost in the bite.

Gambas al Ajilio 3.5/5

Paella del Día 4/5

For mains, we tried the Gambas al Ajillo and Paella del Día. The gambas were fresh and crunchy but let down by burnt garlic, which left a bitter finish. The portion also felt a little small as a main, though the preceding tapas helped to fill us up. The highlight was the Paella, a squid ink version with calamari and fish. It is bold, briny, and well-executed.

Flan 3.8/5

Churros con Chocolate 3.8/5

For an additional $8, you can opt for dessert. Our pick is always the Churros, served with a chocolate sauce, but it was a bit too diluted for our liking. While the texture was crunchy, we missed the chewy centre we're accustomed to. The Flan, a creamy Spanish-style caramel custard, was pleasantly spiced and complemented by pestinos pastries that reminded us of masala chai. The third option available is a Spanish-style Rice Pudding.

Lychee Blossom and Aperol Spritz

Top up $4 for non-alcoholic beverages like Lychee Blossom or Shirley Temple, or $8 for alcoholic options such as Kalimotxo or Aperol Spritz. These make great pairings to round off your lunch.

Movida's new lunch set offers a solid, value-for-money experience that encourages exploration of Spanish flavours. While there were hits and a few misses, the variety and affordability make this a worthwhile option for a satisfying midday indulgence in the heart of the city.

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


MoVida
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#03-43
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 83808509
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

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

HighHouse @ One Raffles Place - Affordable New Set Lunch Menu Starting from $48++ Per Person, Available Till 15 June

Perched on Level 62 of One Raffles Place, HighHouse offers a set lunch menu starting from $48++ per person for two courses. The new menu, crafted in collaboration with Chef Daniele Sperindio of Art di Daniele Sperindio, is available for a limited time until 15 June. With an impressive skyline view and a well-curated selection of hot and cold appetisers, mains, and desserts, HighHouse is the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or a business meeting. We tried the three-course set ($58++ per person) to experience a little bit of everything – and it certainly delivered.

Sticky Mango Highball 3.5/5

We started our lunch with a Sticky Mango Highball ($20) — we couldn't resist, especially with the tempting cocktail menu and that spectacular view. Made with Chalong Bay Thai Agricole, Mango Sticky Rice Cordial, and Bright Citrus, the alcohol level was generous. However, we found it lacking the distinct sticky mango element that the name promised.

Summer in Seoul 3.8/5

For appetisers, we chose one cold and one hot dish. The first is the cold appetiser: Summer in Seoul, which features chilled somen noodles, aged watermelon, and geranium leaf in a tomato broth. It was a refreshing start to the meal, and the geranium leaf reminded us of a pesto-like flavour, giving it a surprisingly Italian twist. The aged watermelon also added an interesting, almost meaty texture to the dish.

Saikyo Miso Foie Gras 4.5/5

Our hot appetiser was the Saikyo Miso Foie Gras, which was the highlight of the meal. The sweet corn velouté was creamy without being cloying, while the crispy Sichuan corn and pork pancetta added delightful texture and flavour. The foie gras itself, marinated in miso, was elevated beautifully, enhancing its rich flavour without overpowering the dish. We couldn't get enough of this one.

12-Hour Slow Cooked Sakura Pork Belly 3.8/5

Moving on to mains, we had the 12-Hour Slow Cooked Sakura Pork Belly. It came with a strong char flavour and was paired with a coffee balsamic sauce that leaned quite sweet. It reminded us of Hong Kong-style char siew, though we wished the pork belly could have been a touch more tender and the sauce slightly less sweet. On the side, there are Brussels sprouts, brown butter carrot sauce (very delicious) and a crispy piece of coconut sticky rice, which we found the rice a little too hard for our liking.

Spanish Octopus Reginette Pasta 3.8/5

The other main was the Spanish Octopus Reginette Pasta, featuring fork-tender chunks of octopus tossed in a lobster bisque reduction. The addition of kimchi added a nice crunch from the cabbage, but overall, the dish leaned on the salty side, possibly due to the furikake topping. A little less salt would have made this dish perfect.

Matcha Gateau 4/5

Coconut & Cashew Tart 4.2/5

For dessert, we went with the recommended Matcha Gateau and Coconut & Cashew Tart. The Matcha Gateau was delightful: a soft Sencha Jaconde Sponge layered with a high-quality Matcha Ganache. The pairing with Grapefruit Compote added a refreshing citrus kick that balanced the richness nicely.

However, the Coconut & Cashew Tart truly stole the show. Its buttery tart shell was filled with Almond Cream, topped with a Sea Salt Cashew Mousseline, and paired with roasty Barley Tea Ice Cream. This was easily our top pick for dessert.

Whether you're looking to impress clients or simply enjoy a relaxed meal with breathtaking views, HighHouse ticks all the boxes. This limited-time lunch menu, thoughtfully crafted with Chef Daniele Sperindio, is available until 15 June — making it the perfect reason to plan a visit soon. With its beautiful setting and well-executed dishes, HighHouse promises an elevated and memorable dining experience. Be sure to reserve early if you want one of the coveted window seats.

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


HighHouse
1 Raffles Place
L61-62
Singapore 048616
Tel: +65 9677 8074
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu: 1130 am–1 am
Wed: 1130 am–2 am
Fri-Sat: 5 pm–2 am
(Closed on Sun)

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