Pxza Private Dining - An Epic 12 Pizza Dining Experience Comprising of Classic and Contemporary Flavours

In August 2024, we visited Pxza Private Dining, a hidden gem that offers a unique twist on the private dining pizza scene. Unlike traditional spots, Pxza crafts a mix of both classic and inventive pizzas, delivering a memorable feast in a cosy and intimate setting.

Our meal began with a platter of Grilled Zucchini, Grilled Capsicum, Cheese, and Olive, a refreshing and flavourful starter that set the tone for the pizza feast to come.

Garlic Pizza 4.5/5

The Garlic Pizza was an aromatic delight, featuring three variations of garlic: fresh, dehydrated, and slow-roasted. Topped with parmigiano reggiano shavings, each bite was bursting with rich, garlicky goodness and a beautifully savoury finish.

Marinara 4.2/5

The Marinara Pizza paid homage to its Neapolitan roots with a simple yet bold combination of tomato sauce, garlic confit, oregano, and Parmigiano. Its rustic flavours and fresh ingredients highlighted the beauty of simplicity.

Margherita 4.2/5

Next, the Margherita Pizza showcased the classic trio of tomato, mozzarella, and basil — a nod to the colours of the Italian flag. Known for its elegance and minimalism, this pizza delivered the fresh, authentic flavours that make it a timeless favourite.

Pestacchio 4.2/5

One of the more inventive offerings was the Pestacchio Pizza, featuring homemade pistachio pesto, fior di latte, and parmigiano. The nutty, creamy pesto paired perfectly with the cheese, creating a unique, unexpected, and delicious combination.

Burrata 4.2/5

The Burrata Pizza elevated the traditional tomato base with the addition of creamy burrata, fresh basil, Maldon salt, and white balsamic. It was a luxurious take on the Margherita, with rich flavours that felt indulgent yet balanced.

Vongole 4.8/5

The Vongole Pizza was a standout. Topped with white clams, garlic confit, parmigiano, and a touch of lemon zest, it delivered a fresh, briny flavour reminiscent of a classic Italian seafood pasta. It was easily one of the night's highlights.

Miso Eggplant 4.5/5

Another creative offering was the Miso Eggplant Pizza, where miso-glazed eggplant and nori flakes met a drizzle of sesame oil. The Japanese-inspired flavours worked harmoniously, creating a savoury, umami-packed dish.

Fennel Sausage 4.2/5

The Fennel Sausage Pizza combined homemade fennel sausage, onion confit, panna, and parmigiano for a perfect balance of sweet and savoury. The flavours melded beautifully, resulting in a rich and satisfying bite.

Tony's Otak 4.2/5

Tony's Otak Pizza offered a local twist with otak paste, torched ginger, coconut cream, and onions. It evoked memories of enjoying otak with bread, but the pizza dough added an elevated texture and taste here.

Salami Hot Honey 4.2/5

The Salami Hot Honey Pizza featured tomato sauce, fior di latte, salami, and a house-made fermented hot honey. The sweet and spicy combination was masterfully balanced, making each bite irresistibly delicious.

Potato with Raclette Cheese 4.8/5

One of the host's latest creations is the Potato with Raclette Cheese Pizza, paired with creamy raclette with potato and a sprinkle of black pepper for added aroma. It was a comforting, indulgent twist on a classic pairing.

Brie and Figs 4.5/5

We ended with the Figs Pizza, a sweet and nutty masterpiece that perfectly concluded our meal. The flavours were light yet indulgent, leaving us marvelling at how we managed to enjoy 12 different pizzas in one sitting.

Pxza Private Dining is a must-visit for pizza lovers seeking both classic and inventive flavours. With a thoughtful balance of tradition and creativity, each pizza offered a unique experience, making it a memorable journey through the world of artisanal pizza.


Pxza Private Dining
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Carlitos @ Joo Chiat Road - New Authentic Neighbourhood Tapas Bar

Joo Chiat has welcomed a taste of Spain with Carlitos, a neighbourhood tapas bar helmed by Chef Carlos Montobbio. The restaurant offers over 30 types of tapas inspired by Chef Carlos' personal food memories across Spanish cities. From timeless classics to innovative creations, Carlitos captures the essence of Spanish gastronomy in a vibrant, relaxed setting.

Gilda Pintxo 4/5

We began our dinner with the Gilda Pintxo ($10), a skewer of smoked sardines paired with pickles and green olives. For those who might shy away from the bold flavour of sardines, the pickles and olives cleverly balance the dish, adding a tangy brightness that complements the smokiness.

Pulpo La Coruna (Spanish Octopus) 4.5/5

The Pulpo La Coruna ($20) was a crowd-pleaser. Tender Spanish octopus, perfectly cooked, is enhanced by a sprinkle of paprika, adding a mildly sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy touch that elevates the dish.

Tortilla Donostia Slice 4.8/5

One of the standouts was the Tortilla Donostia Slice ($10). This Spanish omelette, made with organic eggs, confit shallots, and potatoes, is enhanced with extra virgin olive oil. The highlight? The runny egg centre adds a delightful texture contrast to the dish.

Patatas Bravas Bonanova 4.5/5

The Patatas Bravas Bonanova ($10) is a classic with a twist featuring deep-fried agria potatoes topped with garlic aioli, spicy tomato sauce, and chilli oil. The crispy potatoes pair beautifully with the bold and flavourful sauces, making this a must-order for potato lovers.

Txipirones Bilbao 4.5/5

The Txipirones Bilbao ($20) showcases squid in two forms — grilled and deep-fried — served alongside squid rice in a robust, flavourful broth. The combination of textures and the deep umami flavours of the squid makes this dish a standout for seafood enthusiasts.

Alcachofa Brasa 4/5

The Alcachofa Brasa ($18), grilled artichokes, is charred over fire to bring out its natural earthy and nutty flavours. The smokiness from the grilling enhances the dish, making it a delightful, rustic option.

Macarrones del Cardenal 4.5/5

The Macarrones del Cardenal ($16) is a hearty pasta dish from Barcelona. Homemade penne pasta is coated in secreto ibérico sofrito and Manchego cream, resulting in a comforting, indulgent bite filled with bold Spanish flavours.

Bunuelos de Pamplona 4.2/5

The Bunuelos de Pamplona ($14) are codfish fritters paired with ajoarriero sofrito and saffron oil. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, the fritters pack the delicate savoriness of codfish, with the saffron oil adding a touch of luxury.

Sobrassada 4.2/5

Bikini 4.2/5

Carlitos also offers Molletes - toasted flatbread sandwiches. The Sobrassada ($10) features pork sausages, burrata, and honey, creating a sweet and savoury medley. The Bikini ($12) is a decadent combination of Iberico ham, brie cheese, and truffle duxelle — a favourite for those seeking rich flavours.

Arroz Caldoso de Gambas 4.5/5

A comforting pot of Spanish stew, the Arroz Caldoso de Gambas ($28) features Mediterranean red prawns poached with vongole veraci clams in a broth enriched with rice. The dish is hearty, flavourful, and perfect for sharing.

Fricando Barcelona 4.5/5

The Fricandó Barcelona ($30) is a rich, thick ragu made with Black Angus beef and fragranced with porcini mushrooms. Paired with maitake rice, it’s a comforting, earthy dish for meat lovers.

Flan y Cafe 4/5

Dessert began with the Flan y Café ($12), a silky Spanish caramel pudding served with Corlado coffee. The creamy flan and aromatic coffee create a delightful end to the meal.

Tarta de Queso 4.5/5

Lastly, we had the Tarta de Queso ($12), a Basque burnt cheesecake tart paired with sangria sorbet. This was the dessert that kept Chef Carlos's restaurant afloat during COVID, and it's easy to see why. The fruity tang of the sorbet perfectly balances the rich, creamy cheesecake.

Carlitos is a welcome addition to Joo Chiat, offering authentic Spanish flavours in a cosy, unpretentious setting. From tapas to stews and desserts, the menu reflects Chef Carlos' culinary journey and love for Spanish cuisine. Whether you're a fan of classic tapas or looking for something unique, Carlitos delivers an authentic slice of Spain right in the heart of Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Carlitos
350 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427598
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Thu: 530pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 330pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sun: 1130am - 330pm, 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon and Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 16. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road, turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Sláinte @ Paragon Shopping Centre - Café By Day, Whiskey Bar By Night

Located in Paragon Shopping Centre, Sláinte offers a distinctive experience that seamlessly transitions from a cosy café by day to an elegant whiskey bar by night. The menu presents brunch favourites in the morning and charcoal-grilled specialities by evening, with an impressive selection of auction-sourced whiskies that elevate the night experience.

Boxty 3.5/5

One unique dish from the breakfast menu was the Boxty ($19.90) — an Irish potato pancake paired with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and crème fraîche. The chunky bacon was savoury, smoky, and nicely charred, complementing the buttery richness of the potato pancake and the eggs. While deliciously buttery, the pancake could benefit from a crispier exterior, as some portions felt a bit soggy. The crème fraîche was more of a sweetened yoghurt, which didn't quite complement the dish as a crème fraîche should.

Ayam Bakar 4.5/5

Sláinte's main courses are charbroiled over applewood, imparting a distinct smokiness. The Ayam Bakar ($24.80) is a must-try — spatchcock chicken marinated overnight. The chicken was juicy and tender throughout, with even the breast meat retaining succulence. Served with a brown sauce and house-made chilli, the dish was flavourful enough to enjoy on its own.

Pulpo a la Plancha 3/5

Another grilled speciality we tried was the Pulpo a la Plancha ($34.80) — a slow-charcoal-grilled octopus leg accompanied by fried onions, mashed potatoes, and grilled vegetables. While the dish was enjoyable overall, some parts of the octopus were slightly off in texture, leaving room for improvement.

Wood Fired Marshmallow 4/5

For dessert, the Wood Fired Marshmallow ($19.80) offered a hands-on treat. After roasting the marshmallow over the fire, we dipped it into salted chocolate ganache and then into crushed pistachios, a fun and satisfying end to the meal. The extensive drinks menu showcases rare auction-sourced whiskies alongside a broad wine selection.

Avery Shake

For non-alcoholic options, the milkshakes are a must-try; the Avery Shake was particularly rich, featuring avocado, berries, and milk. Their coffees, brewed from Allpress Espresso beans, are equally noteworthy.

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.


Sláinte
Paragon Shopping Centre
290 Orchard Road
#04-09
Singapore 238859
Tel: +65 87594368
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line), Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 9am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 10pm

Direction: 1. Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. At the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link, cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 2 or 3. Proceed to the road level. Walk down Orchard Road until the junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link. Cross the road and walk to Paragon. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

MoVida @ Raffles City - Australia’s Hatted Spanish Restaurant, MoVida Original Opens Outlet in Singapore

Raffles City has recently undergone a refresh of its F&B offerings with the opening of several new restaurants, including Mensho Tokyo, Casa Vostra, Wo Wo Dian, and more. One of the notable additions is MoVida, a beloved tapas restaurant from Melbourne that is widely credited with starting the tapas craze there. The Singapore outlet promises to deliver the same energy with a menu that mixes signature tapas with some exclusive local items.

Burrata 4.5/5

We started the meal with the Burrata ($18.80), served with asadillo salad and crispy pan coca. The burrata was exceptionally creamy and fresh, with the tangy salad and crispy bread providing the perfect contrast in texture and flavour. It's an excellent way to kick off the meal.

Jamon Iberico 5/5

Another standout was the Jamon Iberico ($30), featuring Blázquez 100% Jamon Iberico de Bellota, aged 36 months, served with pan Catalan. The jamon itself was rich, savoury, and delicious on its own. But when paired with the fresh, garlicky pan con tomate, it created a beautifully balanced bite.

Abalon 3.5/5

An exclusive to the Singapore outlet, the Abalon ($16) featured slow-cooked abalone grilled over charcoal and topped with lardo and butter emulsion. Each bite of the abalone was tender and bouncy, with the rich, buttery emulsion bringing out the delicate flavours of the abalone.

Ancho 4.5/5

The Ancho ($8) was another delightful dish. A Cantabrian artisan anchovy was served on a thin, crispy crouton paired with smoked tomato sorbet. The contrast of sweet and savoury flavours with the coolness of the sorbet made for an unexpected and refreshing tapas experience.

Cangrejo 4.5/5

A personal favourite, the Cangrejo ($9) featured sweet de-shelled spanner crab on a warm crumpet, paired with a saffron emulsion and finger lime. The balance of flavours in this dish was spot-on, with the citrusy tang of the finger lime lifting the sweetness of the crab.

Bomba 4.2/5

The Bomba ($8) was a crispy Catalan potato bomb filled with chorizo and mojo picon with a Canary Island dressing. The golden-brown exterior gave way to a flavorful filling, and the bold flavours of the dressing made each bite an explosion of spice and umami.

Croqueta 4.2/5

Another Singapore exclusive, the Croqueta ($9), was filled with a creamy mixture of leek and lobster, encased in a crispy, light shell. The piquillo pepper added a slight sweetness that complemented the luxurious and indulgent filling.

Pincho 3.5/5

The Pincho ($20), featuring 150-day aged Angus beef skirt grilled over charcoal, was paired with a sweet onion and sherry sauce. While the flavour of the beef was robust, I found the texture to be a bit too tough for my liking.

Patatas Bravas 3.8/5

After hearing several recommendations, I had high expectations for the Patatas Bravas ($17). The potatoes themselves were perfectly crispy, but the accompanying Singapore-style chilli crab sauce, while an interesting local twist, didn't quite hit the mark for me. The garlicky flavour didn't quite meld with the potatoes as well as I had hoped.

Cecina 4.8/5

The Cecina ($32) is a must-try dish featuring air-dried Wagyu beef served alongside truffle potato foam and a poached egg. The combination of melt-in-your-mouth beef and creamy potato was decadent, with the egg adding a richness that brought everything together beautifully.

Pancetta 4/5

The Pancetta ($34), featuring roasted crispy skin pork belly, was another popular item on the menu. The crackling skin was perfectly crisp, while the tender meat was balanced by the cumin mint carrots, which helped cut through the richness of the pork.

Arroz Con Leche 4.2/5

For dessert, we had the Arroz Con Leche, a Spanish-style rice pudding spiced with cinnamon and paired with roasted pineapple. The dish was topped with rose rice ice cream and a crispy rice cracker, creating a delightful mix of textures and flavours and providing a sweet, creamy finish to the meal.

Overall, MoVida offers a refined and exciting take on Spanish tapas, with a few interesting twists exclusive to Singapore. It's a great addition to Raffles City’s evolving dining scene.

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]