L'antica Pizzeria Da Michele @ Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre - Celebrating SG60 with Special $60nett Pizza & Wine Promotion

In celebration of Singapore’s 60th birthday, L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, located at the new Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre, rolled out a limited-time promotion — a Chef’s Special Pizza paired with a glass of wine for just $60 nett.

Chef's Special Pizza 4.2/5

For the Chef’s Special Pizza, we had the Mariano Pizza — a tomato-based creation topped with ham, burrata, tomato, and anchovy. Interestingly, the red and white tones from the tomato and burrata resemble the Singapore flag, a thoughtful touch for the nation’s birthday. The creamy burrata, savoury ham, and briny anchovy came together harmoniously atop the restaurant’s signature chewy dough, creating a burst of flavours reminiscent of celebratory fireworks.

Fritto Di Mare 4.2/5

We also tried the Fritto Di Mare ($26), a seafood basket filled with calamari, prawns, Amalfi coast fin fish, and battered zucchini, all encased in a light and crispy golden batter. A squeeze of lemon adds a bright, zesty lift, while dipping into the accompanying mayonnaise gives it a satisfying richness. Perfect as a sharing starter.

King Prawn Linguine 4.2/5

From the daily specials, we opted for the King Prawn Linguine ($42), which was limited to just seven portions that day. The pasta was cooked al dente and coated in a luscious crustacean sauce, full of depth and umami. The dish was crowned with two impressively large king prawns, adding a touch of indulgence to the already hearty plate. It was a staff recommendation that truly paid off.

With its celebratory SG60 promotion, indulgent pasta specials, and reliable classics, L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele is a solid pick whether you’re planning a casual date night, a dinner with friends, or simply looking for a comforting Italian meal in the heart of the city. The warm hospitality and thoughtfully crafted dishes make it a place worth returning to.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


L'antica Pizzeria da Michele
Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre
8 Club Street
#01-08
Singapore 069472
Tel: +65 9823 5724
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 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 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Pagoda Street to North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to Mohd Ali Lane. Walk down Mohd Ali Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Fortuna @ Craig Road - A New Vibrant Menu Inspired by the Street Food Culture of Napoli

FORTUNA, the lively Italian pizzeria nestled in Tanjong Pagar, has launched a vibrant new menu inspired by the street food culture of Napoli. Think bold flavours, soulful dishes and warm hospitality that whisk you straight to Southern Italy.

Wood Fire Bread 4.5/5

Ricotta Dip 4.5/5

We kicked things off with the Wood Fire Bread ($18), served piping hot with Sicilian EVOO and wild oregano, providing an aromatic and crusty texture and the perfect companion to the Ricotta Dip ($12). This creamy whipped ricotta, paired with spicy honey, was an addictive start. It was sweet, savoury and silky smooth, which made us scrape the bowl clean.

Burrata 4.2/5

A classic Burrata ($26) followed, elevated with crispy chilli oil, taralli crumb and basil. That house-made chilli oil? Served on every table and a must-try. Pro tip: Use it liberally, especially with the bread.

Mafalde Ragu 4.8/5

From their hearty pasta offerings, the Mafalde Ragu ($36) stood out; our server highly recommended it and we now understand why. Perfectly al dente ribbons of pasta were coated in a rich beef and pork ragu, finished tableside with smoked provolone flambéed on the spot. Smoky, cheesy and saucy. This is a flavour bomb that we'll return for.

Singapore Tribute Piccola 4/5

The Singapore Tribute Piccola pizza ($35 for 4 slices, $48 for 6) was an instant eye-catcher. Paying homage to our local flavours, it's topped with chilli crab sauce, crab meat, Fior di Latte, lemon zest and fresh herbs. With its airy, flavourful crust, which is fermented over 50 hours and baked in a wood-fired Valoriani oven, this was a standout. Add their signature crispy chilli oil to take it up a notch.

Broccolini 4/5

To balance the richness, we had the Broccolini ($20), charred and tossed in anchovy butter with lemon breadcrumbs and Parmigiano. Light, bright and a welcome palette cleanser in between the heavier dishes.

Fortunamisu 3.8/5

We wrapped up with the Fortunamisu ($18). While we wished the ladyfingers were a little more soaked, the malted crumb and that sweet, fruity liqueur added a fun twist to this Italian classic.

The vibe? Warm, buzzy and utterly inviting, which is very much in line with its Napoli roots. FORTUNA is perfect for gatherings over good food and conversation. Be sure to book ahead, as it was packed even on Friday lunch.

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


Fortuna
7 Craig Road
Singapore 089667
Tel: +65 9115 1597
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Wed: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 930pm
Thu-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Royal Host @ Takashimaya - Celebrates SG60 & Its 1 Year Anniversary with Locally Inspired Dishes

To mark Singapore’s 60th birthday and one year since opening at Jewel Changi Airport, Royal Host unveils a special SG60 menu that fuses familiar local flavours with Japanese-Western flair. Here’s what we tried from the limited-time offerings, available till 31 August 2025.

Singapore Sling Mocktail & Vanda Miss Joaquim Tea

The Singapore Sling ($10.30) mocktail reminded us of a fruity punch that is light and refreshing, though nothing groundbreaking. On the other hand, the Vanda Miss Joaquim Tea ($6.80) was surprisingly memorable. Delicately floral, this orchid-and-cornflower blend slowly grows on you with every sip.

Laksa Flame Duet Grill 4/5

The Laksa Flame Duet Grill ($30.60) was the star of the meal. A surf-and-turf combo featuring juicy laksa-marinated prawns and chargrilled chicken thigh, this dish hits all the right notes. You can choose between Laksa Sauce and Truffle Cream Sauce; we recommend the Laksa. Rich, creamy and full of lemak without being jelak. Bonus: the tomato steak with melted cheese on top adds a nostalgic Western touch.

Flame Shell Symphony Pasta 3.8/5

This Flame Shell Symphony Pasta ($28.60) is a bold, seafood-forward dish with generous chunks of crab meat and prawns. The sauce, inspired by chilli crab, leans sweet and spicy, but we found the overall flavours a little too light. Spice lovers may still enjoy the kick.

Laksa Crunchy Slaw 3/8

A reinterpretation of the classic coleslaw, the Laksa Crunchy Slaw ($7.60) is dressed in a tangy laksa-spiced emulsion and topped with fresh coriander and crispy fried shallots. While refreshing and easy to eat, it didn’t leave a lasting impression.

Cendol Delight 5/5

We’d return just for this! The Cendol Delight ($8.60) swaps the usual shaved ice for scoops of luscious coconut gelato, topped with Japanese azuki beans, pandan jelly and crushed walnuts. The thick house-made gula melaka ties it all together. It’s nostalgic, indulgent and our favourite of the lot.

Royal Host's SG60 limited-time menu is a fun and respectful nod to Singapore's culinary heritage, with the inclusion of Singapore's favourites such as laksa, chilli crab and cendol -reimagined through a Japanese-Western lens.

To sweeten the celebration, Royal Host is offering a 1-for-1 promotion on their signature “ROYAL” Hamburg Steak (U.P. $24++) from 6 to 8 August 2025, available at both Jewel Changi Airport and Takashimaya outlets. This juicy patty made with premium steak-grade beef is one of their crowd favourites, definitely worth checking out if you haven’t tried it yet!

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


Royal Host
Takashimaya
391 Orchard Road
#B2-25/26
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 6908 1339
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Road (NS Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Cafe Oriental @ Amara Singapore - August Local Legends Series: KEK Seafood

In celebration of SG60, Amara Singapore has partnered with two iconic local legends to present a unique dining experience at Cafe Oriental, blending nostalgic flavours with creative modern interpretations.

During my visit in May, I had the opportunity to experience the collaboration with the century-old Chin Mee Chin Confectionery, featuring signature savoury dishes like Curry Chicken, Char Kway Teow, and Mee Siam, alongside sweet treats including Kaya Toast, Chocolate Cupcake, and an exclusive Durian Horn Pastry.

From August 5 to 31, the spotlight shifts to renowned zi char brand KEK Seafood, known for its wok hei-rich classics and inventive creations. Diners can savour the collaboration during lunch (12pm to 2.30pm) and dinner (6pm to 9pm) at Cafe Oriental.

Spicy Crab Meat Pasta 3/5

The Spicy Crab Meat Pasta offered a sweeter, milder take than what we'd personally prefer. However, it may serve newcomers to the dish well, although our pasta was slightly overcooked.

Prawn Paste Chicken Burger 3.8/5

The local favourite 'Har Cheong Gai' can be found in the Prawn Paste Chicken Burger, served with a side of crunchy sweet potato fries. The chicken patty was thick and juicy, but it was a touch dry overall.

Lala Pot 4/5

The Lala Pot swaps the usual clear broth for a hearty collagen base, served with thick vermicelli and a splash of brandy on the side. Clams were fresh and sweet.

Butter Cereal Fish & Egg Fried Rice 3.5/5

The cereal fish from the Butter Cereal Fish & Egg Fried Rice was a standout, being both crispy and tender, with a distinct butter aroma. The egg fried rice, however, was dry and fell short of expectations.

Black Pepper Angus Beef

While we don’t take beef, we heard fellow dining companions mention that the Black Pepper Angus Beef was peppery and tender.

Marmite Pork Chop 4/5

The Marmite Pork Chop featured thick pork cuts coated in a well-balanced marmite glaze, sweet and savoury.

Bak Kut Teh 3.8/5

Surprisingly enjoyable, the collaboration’s Bak Kut Teh had a peppery broth that was aromatic without being overpowering, paired with tender ribs.

Spiced Chilli Prawns with Mantou 3.8/5

The sweet chilli sauce in the Spiced Chilli Prawns with Mantou was mild enough for spice-averse diners. Served with fried mantou for dipping.

KEK Signature Moonlight Horfun 4/5

One of our KEK Seafood's must-order items is definitely the KEK Signature Moonlight Horfun. Wok-hei flavour remains distinct here, and the horfun is satisfying.

Chocolate Cupcake, Durian Horn Pastry

We got to sample desserts from Chin Mee Chin, their Chocolate Cupcake and Durian Horn Pastry. These old-school-style bakes will satisfy those with a sweet tooth.

Reservations for KEK Seafood at Amara Singapore can be made through https://singapore.amarahotels.com/offers/local-legends-cafe-oriental-x-keng-eng-kee-seafood.

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.


Cafe Oriental
Amara Singapore
165 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088539
Tek: +65 68792626
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 830pm
Sun: 11am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Peck Seah Street towards Gopeng Street. Turn right onto Gopeng Street and walk down Gopeng Street. Turn left onto Tras Street and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Waterfall Ristorante Italiano @ Shangri-La Singapore - Unveils a Revamped Menu Celebrating Southern Italian Flavours

Waterfall Ristorante Italiano at Shangri-La Singapore has introduced a newly refreshed à la carte menu featuring over 20 new dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of Puglia, the Southern Italian hometown of Chef de Cuisine Simone Loisi. The updated offerings blend timeless Italian classics with modern techniques, providing both loyal patrons and newcomers with a vibrant take on Italian dining.

Focaccia 4.2/5

We began our dinner with a warmly baked Focaccia, golden and crisp on the outside, yet moist and fluffy on the inside, with a gentle chew. The addition of olives and herbs elevated its aroma and flavour, offering a comforting and aromatic start to the meal.

Frittura Di Pesce 4.5/5

From the antipasti selection, the Frittura Di Pesce was a standout, an assortment of lightly battered and perfectly fried seafood, including baby cuttlefish, octopus, and prawns. The thin, crispy coating provided just the right crunch, while a squeeze of lemon and a dollop of aioli added brightness and creaminess that tied the dish together beautifully.

Orecchiette Al Ragu Di Braciole 4/5

For pasta, we opted for the Orecchiette Al Ragu Di Braciole. The small, ear-shaped pasta was cooked al dente, offering a satisfying bite. Its concave shape was ideal for holding the rich tomato-based sauce, which was deeply flavoured from slow-cooked pork, pecorino cheese, and fresh parsley. Each mouthful was a comforting balance of savoury and herbaceous notes.

Rustica 4/5

From the pizza selection, we chose the Rustica. Topped with mozzarella, goat cheese, thyme, honey, walnut crumble, and dried figs, it was an impressive harmony of flavours. The savouriness of the cheese paired delightfully with the sweetness of the honey and figs, while the walnut crumble added texture and earthiness. It is a well-executed, sweet and savoury finish.

Tiramisu Classico 4/5

To end the meal, we indulged in a trio of desserts: Tiramisu Classico, Cannoli Siciliano Fatto In Casa, and Torta Al Formaggio E Pistacchio.

The Tiramisu Classico was my personal favourite, featuring the classic elements of savoiardi ladyfingers, mascarpone, coffee, and cocoa powder, all perfectly balanced and executed with finesse.

Cannoli Siciliano Fatto In Casa 3.8/5

The Cannoli Siciliano Fatto In Casa featured a crispy homemade shell piped with sweetened ricotta, elevated by hints of orange zest, bitter chocolate chips, and crushed pistachios. It was rich, textured, and satisfying. The Torta Al Formaggio E Pistacchio was enjoyable, with a creamy texture and nutty undertones. However, the pistachio flavour could have been more pronounced to leave a stronger impression.

Totra Al Formaggio E Pistacchio 3/5

Waterfall Ristorante Italiano's refreshed menu is a warm tribute to Chef Simone Loisi's Southern Italian roots. With elevated classics, quality ingredients, and thoughtful execution of flavours, the restaurant continues to deliver an authentic yet refined Italian dining experience in an elegant resort setting.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Waterfall Ristorante Italiano
Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
22 Orange Grove Road
Level One, Garden Wing
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 62134398
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes. [Map]