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 (3–8pm):

• 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]

Fiamma @ Capella Singapore - A Celebration of Italian Family Cuisine Rooted In Heritage and Crafted With Passion

Nestled within the lush grounds of Capella Singapore, Fiamma is a heartfelt tribute to the warmth and generosity of Italian cuisine. In this place, the flame's glow brings people together in moments of celebration. The kitchen is helmed by Executive Sous Chef Antonio Corsaro, whose Neapolitan heritage shapes every creation, and the table comes alive with flamboyantly colourful dishes that highlight the natural beauty and freshness of seasonal ingredients. From richly hued sauces to hand-finished plates, his dishes are as pretty to look at as they are delicious to eat.

Bread Basket

For our dinner, we savoured an elaborate, curated selection of dishes from Fiamma's festive menus and seasonal à la carte menu, a showcase of the range of their culinary artistry. We started with the bread basket and two beautifully plated antipasti, each bursting with colour and intricate plating.

Carpaccio di verdure e frutti invernali 4.5/5

The Carpaccio di verdure e frutti invernali was a medley of finely sliced Italian winter fruits and vegetables, accented with the gentle tang and complexity of aged balsamic, the crunch of walnuts and pomegranate seeds, and the aroma of black truffle. The dish is finished with an artistically arranged selection of edible flowers and fresh herbs.

Carpaccio di ricciola marinata 4.2/5

Offering a contrasting expression of freshness, the Carpaccio di ricciola marinata showcases marinated kingfish paired with sweet pumpkin, orange, spaghetti seaweed, tangy oxalis, and savoury bottarga. Also well-presented with many different elements and textures in the dish.

Gnocchi Fegato Grasso e Funghi 4.8/5

Moving on to the primo piatto, typically a starch-based course, we had three outstanding dishes, making it difficult to rank them. After some deliberation, however, both my dining companion and I agreed that our favourite was the Gnocchi Fegato Grasso e Funghi. This deeply indulgent, earthy dish showcases a balance of finesse and comfort. Excellent house-made gnocchi form the foundation, generously coated in a velvety Albufera sauce with mushrooms, cacao and foie gras. A decadent yet balanced dish that does not feel overly heavy.

Risotto Di Barbabietola E Ricci Di Mare 4.5/5

My second favourite primo piatto was the Risotto Di Barbabietola E Ricci Di Mare, visually striking with the risotto rice dyed a rich, jewel-like pink that contrasts beautifully with the orange uni. The rice is al dente with a slight bite, and each spoonful delivers a creamy, sweet-savoury richness from the beetroot combined with the uni.

Tagliatelle Fatte A Mano Allo Scoglio 4.2/5

My dining companion, on the other hand, preferred the Tagliatelle Fatte A Mano Allo Scoglio. This dish will delight seafood lovers, as it is heaped with clams, plump mussels, squid, and a striking red Mazara del Vallo prawn. The pasta is coated in a rich, flavourful seafood sauce that ties together all the ocean-fresh ingredients.

Filetto Di Wagyu Cotto A Legna Alla Rossini 4.8/5

Between the three Secondi Piatti, the most impressive was the Filetto Di Wagyu Cotto A Legna Alla Rossini, a sumptuous Wagyu beef fillet served with a rich sear of foie gras and generous shavings of aromatic black truffle. Finished with a red wine sauce, this dish is the epitome of indulgent fine dining, a very premium special occasion treat.

Rombo Alla Griglia Spinaci, Gambero Rosso Di Mazzara Del Vallo 4/5

We also had the Rombo Alla Griglia Spinaci, Gambero Rosso Di Mazzara Del Vallo, charred turbot served with spinach and a Sicilian red prawn. The fish was cooked nicely, but the turbot head reduction sauce was a touch too intense for our taste. Thankfully, the touch of lemon and cream added a refreshing lift to the dish.

Melanzane Alla Parmigiana 4/5

For a vegetable-forward option, the Melanzane alla Parmigiana features tender layers of eggplant, smoky scamorza cheese, and a rich, luscious tomato sauce, baked to perfection. Ideal for vegetarian diners or anyone seeking a lighter, yet satisfying alternative this season.

We were more than stuffed by this point, but still eagerly looking forward to the Dolce course because who doesn't love desserts?

Amarena al Tiramisu 3/5

The Amarena al Tiramisu puts a twist on the classic Italian dessert, with Mascarpone Amarena cream, biscuit, espresso, and Amaretto, a sweet, almond-flavoured Italian liqueur. While it is generous with both espresso and Amaretto, this resulted in a dessert that was a bit too soft and watery, and overly sweet.

Panna Cotta Citrus Saffron 4.8/5

We were, however, a lot more impressed by the Panna Cotta. In fact, this is probably the best Panna Cotta I've eaten so far. It's usually not my go-to dessert due to its often gelatinous texture and bland flavour, but this one surprises with a silky, creamy softness and fragrant vanilla bean. The addition of citrus and fresh fruits keeps it light, lively, and utterly delightful.

Overall, Fiamma presents a celebratory affair this festive season, where authentic flavours, shared moments, and beautifully crafted dishes take centre stage. Coupled with its intimate setting, exclusive location, and friendly service, it offers a memorable experience for life's special occasions.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Fiamma
Capella Singapore
1 The Knolls
Singapore 098297
Tel: +65 6591 5046
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch: 12pm - 230pm
Dinner: 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Shopping Mall. Go to Sentosa Express Station at Level 3 of Vivocity. Take the Sentosa Express Train to Imbiah Station. Alight at Imbiah station. Proceed to Artillery Ave. Walk along Artillery Ave until you come to a road (slope) to the Capella Hotel. Turn right onto the road and walk up the hill to the destination. Journey time is about 25 mins. [Map]

VUE @ OUE Bayfront - New Summer Menu Featuring 2GR Australian Full-Blood Wagyu

Nestled atop OUE Bayfront, VUE continues to impress with its scenic views and elegant French-Asian cuisine. I recently returned to experience their newly launched Summer Menu, spotlighting the exceptional 2GR Australian Full-Blood Wagyu. We had the 4-course prix fixe menu priced at $168++, with optional upgrades available throughout the meal.

Our evening began with warm, house-baked bread served alongside olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar, a simple yet comforting start that set the tone for the meal to come.

2GR Beef Carpaccio (add $12) 4.8/5

I couldn’t resist starting with the 2GR Beef Carpaccio, and it was every bit as indulgent as expected. Delicate slices of richly marbled wagyu melted in the mouth, enhanced with earthy Manjimup truffle, creamy stracciatella, and generous shavings of parmigiana. A dish that lets the premium quality of the beef shine through with finesse.

Heirloom Tomatoes 4.5/5

For a lighter option, my dining companion selected the Heirloom Tomatoes. Naturally sweet and juicy, the tomatoes were complemented beautifully by smoked burrata, tonburi (a Japanese plant seed often called "land caviar"), black olives, and a refreshing mozzarella sorbet that added an unexpected but delightful brightness.

Premium Risotto (add $48) 4.2/5

I opted for the Premium Risotto, a decadent creation that combined tender 2GR beef tongue with Perigord foie gras and a luxurious topping of Oscietra caviar. Each bite was rich, creamy, and intensely flavourful, showcasing an indulgent balance of textures and umami.

Signature Uni Risotto (add $12) 4.5/5

My companion chose the Signature Uni Risotto, which substituted traditional risotto with Japanese multigrain rice, offering a nuttier, more textured mouthfeel. The dish, featuring Hokkaido sea urchin, uni foam, and parmigiano, delivered a briny, oceanic freshness, satisfying yet delicate.

2GR Beef Trio 4.2/5

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the 2GR Beef Trio, an expertly grilled plate featuring three cuts: striploin, oyster blade, and beef cheek. Each showcased a different facet of the wagyu's richness and tenderness, offering variety in both flavour and texture. It is a must-order for beef lovers.

Spanish Lubina 4.2/5

For something different, we tried the Spanish Lubina (sea bass). The fish is dry-aged to deepen its natural flavours and coated with Dukkah spices for a nutty, aromatic crust. Finished with a bright tomato fondue, the dish was clean, elegant, and full of Mediterranean flair.

Strawberry Osmanthus 4.5/5

To end the meal on a refreshing note, the Strawberry Osmanthus featured layers of genoise sponge, rhubarb marmalade, and a light yoghurt sorbet. Delicately floral and not overly sweet, it was the perfect palate cleanser.

Pistachio Apricot 4.5/5

For a richer finish, the Pistachio Apricot dessert paired Sicilian pistachio ice cream with a tangy apricot compote, all topped with crispy brown butter kataifi. It was a harmonious blend of creamy, nutty, and tart.

As expected in a fine dining experience, we concluded with a lovely selection of petit fours.
For those looking to enjoy VUE at a more accessible price point, take advantage of their Sunset Dinner (5:30pm–7:30pm) or Late Night Dinner (9:30pm onwards) promotions. The 3-course menu is priced at $88 (U.P. $128), and the 4-course at $128 (U.P. $168), offering excellent value for the experience and quality on offer.

VUE’s Summer Menu is a masterclass in showcasing top-quality ingredients, particularly the 2GR Australian Full-Blood Wagyu—elevated with luxurious accompaniments and precise execution. Whether you're here for the views, the beef, or both, this is a culinary experience that delivers from start to finish.

Note: This is an invited tasting


VUE
OUE Bayfront
Level 19
50 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049321
Tel: +65 8879 0923
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon – Thu: 1130am - 2pm, 530pm - 1am
Fri: 1130am - 2pm, 530pm - 2am
Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 2am
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Clifford Centre. Cut across the building. Take the overhead bridge link across the road. Turn right at the base of the overhead bridge. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Oscar's @ Conrad Centennial Singapore - The Sea, Smoke & Spice New Themed Buffet Experience

Known for its generous spreads and lively live stations, Oscar's at Conrad Singapore Marina Bay presents two new themed dinner experiences: The Sea, Smoke & Spice and Flavours of Yesteryear. Celebrating both the bold and the familiar, each theme invites diners to savour distinct culinary stories, from flame-kissed signatures to comforting heirloom recipes.

We tried The Sea, Smoke & Spice theme buffet, and here's our review.

The evening begins with a refreshing taste of the sea. The Seafood Bar featuring freshly shucked Oysters, Slipper Lobsters, Mussels and Flower Crabs is not to be missed. We especially enjoyed the oysters that were sweet, plump, and incredibly fresh.

A surprise highlight was the freshly sliced Jamón. We recommend pairing it with the sweet melon from the fruit section for a classic, satisfying combination.

Another standout for us was the Mushroom Risotto. Served with whipped Chantilly and sautéed mushrooms, it's finished in a dramatic Parmesan wheel. The al dente rice was creamy and well-seasoned, with rich, earthy mushroom notes that packed a punch.

Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder

Chermoula Fish Pot

For those who love deep, bold flavours, the Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder, infused with aromatic spices, was tender and juicy, with a savoury richness. The Chermoula Fish Pot featured flaky fish marinated in North African herbs and spices. Both dishes were flavourful, though potentially a little heavy for those with lighter palates.

Oven Roasted Marinated Angus Beef Striploin

Pulled Beef Sliders and Marinated Spanish Octopus

The Oven-Roasted Marinated Angus Beef Striploin was a crowd-pleaser, especially when paired with the variety of sauces offered. We found the Pulled Beef Sliders to be a little dry, although the flavour came through well. The Marinated Spanish Octopus, served on a soft jacket potato with sour cream and olive oil, leaned salty. While the potato was beautifully cooked, crispy on the outside and soft within, we found it slightly overpowered the octopus.

The heart of the Sea, Smoke & Spice experience lies at the Live Charcoal BBQ. Smoky and sizzling from the grill:

• Sticky Australian Lamb Ribs
• Spice-rubbed Hanger Steak
• Kurobuta Pork Tomahawk
• Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Locally farmed Barramundi and Tara-marinated prawns grilled just right added a coastal flourish to the mix.

Right next to the BBQ, don’t miss the Sizzling Tandoori Delights. We loved the Tandoori Chicken and Seabass, and the Chukandari Paneer Tikka stood out for its bold seasoning. Pair everything with fresh naan bread for a complete experience.

A must-have at Oscar’s: the Signature Seafood Laksa at the Live Noodles Station. Rich, creamy and comforting, served with tofu puff, prawns, fish cake and a quail egg.

Fresh Strawberries

Macarons

To end on a sweet note, the buffet's dessert selection is a dream come true for strawberry lovers. Fresh strawberries shine across shortcakes, praline tarts, mousse domes, and the signature Strawberry Romanoff. The fruit's tartness and aroma cut through the savoury dishes with perfect balance.

Almond Strawberry Tart

Strawberry Cheesecake

Strawberry-Inspired Chocolate Bar

Other strawberry-inspired delights include:

• Almond Strawberry Tart
• Strawberry Cheesecake
• Strawberry-infused Chocolate Bar
• Strawberry Panna Cotta
• Macarons

Strawberry Pannacotta

The Sea, Smoke & Spice dinner buffet is available from Wednesdays to Saturdays, 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and is priced at S$96++ per adult and S$48++ per child (aged 6 to 12). Reservations are highly recommended at https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/oscars

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


Oscar's
Conrad Centennial Hotel Singapore
2 Temasek Boulevard
Singapore 038982
Tel: +65 64327481
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit B. Continue walking along Temasek Avenue to destination Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]