Baia @ Esplanade Mall - Rooftop Dining with Marina Bay Views and Mediterranean Fare Under $30

Baia at Esplanade Mall is a rooftop dining lounge bar by the ilLido Group. It has recently revamped its menu, introducing a refreshed lineup of Mediterranean dishes available for both lunch and dinner. The menu is thoughtfully structured, spanning bar bites, starters, mains, and desserts, with concise selections for each course. All food and cocktails are kept under $30, alongside a rotating three-course weekday lunch set ($28++), which further enhances its appeal for daytime dining.

Hamachi Tartare 4.5/5

We started with an elegantly plated Hamachi Tartare ($16), topped with salmon pearls. The dressing was vibrant and herbaceous, with acidity, and the saltiness of the ikura complemented the diced hamachi, creating a bright and tantalising start.

Duck Samosas 4.8/5

Moving on to richer flavours, we had the Duck Samosas ($18) with whipped foie gras and pistachios, as well as the Mezze Platter ($24). The duck filling in the samosas was deeply satisfying, reminiscent of a duck rillette. At the same time, the slightly funky whipped foie gras was velvety and luscious, adding depth and mouthfeel to each bite.

Mezze Platter 5/5

The Mezze Platter was particularly moreish, featuring six distinct dips — from whipped feta and avocado hummus to muhammara (roasted red pepper dip), baba ganoush, and tzatziki with olives and pickled peppers. Each component was vibrant and flavourful, making the platter highly addictive. The pita, aromatic and fluffy, is worth an additional order ($8) to fully enjoy the dips.

Pacific Halibut 3.8/5

For mains, the Pacific Halibut ($26) was served with pumpkin bisque and topped with maitake mushrooms. While the fish fillet was rather bland, the pumpkin bisque lent a subtle crustacean sweetness, while the maitake added a pleasant chew and earthy depth.

Grilled Octopus 4.5/5

The Grilled Octopus ($29) came glazed with a lip-smacking cowboy butter, a compound butter zingy with garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and spices such as smoked paprika, cayenne, and chilli flakes. The octopus was well-executed with a nice char, and the addition of Brussels sprouts provided a delectable textural bite and balance to the dish.

Knickerbocker Glory 5/5

Dessert was a satisfying throwback in the form of a Knickerbocker Glory ($18). Originating in the 1920s, this classic layered ice cream sundae is traditionally served in a tall conical glass with a long spoon and is particularly popular in Great Britain and Ireland, I learnt. Baia’s version struck a nice balance of sweetness and fruitiness, layered with fresh cream, vanilla ice cream, mango, and raspberries, and topped with mini cheesecakes and macarons for an indulgent finish.

Baia offers a relaxing view of Marina Bay paired with a beautifully designed interior, making it well-suited for both daytime and evening dining. Their cocktail menu is also worth exploring, featuring a mix of familiar classics and creative house signatures.

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


Baia
Esplanade Mall
Level 4
8 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039802
Tel: +65 9173 8182
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Mon: 1130am - 12midnight
Tue-Thu: 1130am - 1am
Fri-Sat: 1130 - 2am

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to Raffles Avenue. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Opus Bar and Grill @ VOCO Orchard Singapore - Grilled Out Sunday Edition 2.0.

Opus Bar and Grill has recently rolled out a refreshed edition of its Sunday brunch, Grilled Out Sunday Edition 2.0. This new concept introduces a bi-monthly themed culinary series, where each edition has its own menu, ranging from classic roasts and slow-smoked meats to local flavours, spit-roast specials, and festive holiday grills. The experience is further elevated with curated beverage pairings, including wines, cocktails and beers.

Taking centre stage in this Grilled Out Sunday Edition 2.0 à la carte buffet is the mains selection, where the sumptuous meat platter is as much a visual feast as it is indulgent. The Sunday roasts highlight four distinctive fire-led cooking techniques — Grilling, Josper Roasting, Smoking and Rotisserie.

Black Angus Striploin

From the grill, the Black Angus Striploin delivered the expected beefy flavours. The Josper oven was key in building intense depth in the Garlic and Rosemary Lamb Leg, sealing in its aromatic richness. The Smoked Duck Breast stood out for its tender, unctuous texture, gently infused with a lingering smokiness. A familiar crowd-pleaser, the Rotisserie-roasted Chicken was evenly cooked, with golden skin and a desired succulence. That said, the oven -roasted Crispy Pork Belly fell short of expectations. The crackling lacked the desired crispness, and a slight gamey note detracted from its overall appeal.

An engaging highlight of the brunch is the live guéridon service, where selected savoury items are finished tableside, adding an interactive and theatrical touch to the dining experience.

Moules Marinière

Completing the brunch is a selection of appetisers and sides. The starters were delectable - Crab and Potato, Moules Marinière, and Roasted Tomato Soup were enjoyable and, in fact, more memorable than the sides.

Cauliflower Gratin

Yorkshire Pudding

Among the sides, the warm, cheesy Cauliflower Gratin and the classic Yorkshire Pudding stood out. The latter, being a must-have with any proper Sunday roast, was fluffy and chewy.

Salad Bar

A thoughtful addition is the self-service Salad Bar, where we helped ourselves to fresh salads, cheeses and crackers as we await our orders.

Creme Brulee

For desserts, we had the Apple Crumble, Crème Brûlée, and Ice Cream Sundae. The latter charmed with its nostalgic, old-school presentation. My favourite was the Apple Crumble, served warm with a generous dollop of cream. The buttery sweetness of the crumble hit just the right spot, making it a comforting and satisfying end to the meal.

Ice Cream Sundae

For more information and for dining reservations, please call Opus Bar and Grill at +65 6730 3390 or visit orcharddining.vocohotels.com/dining/opus-bar-grill

Grilled Out Sunday (a la carte buffet)
Every Sunday, 12pm to 3pm $78++ per adult | $39++ per child (6 to 12 years old)
Free-flow alcoholic beverages at $48++ per adult

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


Opus Bar & Grill
VOCO Orchard Singapore
581 Orchard Road
Singapore 238883
Tel: +65 6730 3390
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Walk down Orchard Road to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

Sundae Royale @ Resorts World Sentosa - Chef Paul Pairet’s Nostalgic Playground for Artisanal Soft-Serve

Located right next door to Moutarde at Weave, Resorts World Sentosa, Sundae Royale is the latest venture by the acclaimed Chef Paul Pairet. Stepping into this space feels like revisiting a childhood dream, but with a decidedly premium and sophisticated twist. It is a playground dedicated to soft-serve ice cream and sweets, where nostalgic flavours are elevated through Chef Paul’s signature precision and original recipes.

All the mixes here are freshly homemade, reflecting a meticulous approach to both popular classics and the chef's own personal favourites. Whether you are looking for a quick icy treat or a sit-down dessert experience, Sundae Royale brings a unique, world-class craft to Singapore’s dessert scene.

The menu unfolds into several distinct lines: Simple Sundaes, Sundaes Liégeois (topped with homemade Chantilly), and the texture-heavy Sundaes Crunch. Every cup is freshly churned to ensure the perfect balance of smooth texture and bold flavour.

A few standouts include the Caramel-Butter-Soy Ice Cream, which offers a sophisticated savoury-sweet depth, and the Pistachio-Cherry Sundae, which provides a classic nutty and tart combination. For those who prefer something fruitier, the Mango-Raspberry Melba and Strawberry Trifle are vibrant and refreshing. Chocolate lovers shouldn't miss the Chocolate Liégeois, featuring a rich cocoa base topped with that luscious, airy Chantilly cream. It is a rare opportunity to experience an archetypal childhood favourite elegantly crafted with such culinary finesse.

Made fresh at the service counter, the Warm Churros are a must-try. Dusted lightly with sugar, they are served alongside a mini ice cream. The contrast between the hot, doughy pastry and the cold, melting soft-serve delivers the ultimate comfort hug. It’s a simple pleasure executed with high-level consistency. For those seeking a hint of the classic French café experience, Sundae Royale also offers an assortment of homemade pastries and viennoiseries. Paired with their classic line of coffees, it makes for a delightful afternoon pitstop in the heart of the city.

Overall, Sundae Royale is a polished addition to the neighbourhood, offering a playful yet high-quality take on soft-serve that will appeal to both kids and adults alike.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sundae Royale
Weave
Resorts World Sentosa
26 Sentosa Gateway
#B1-222
Singapore 098138
Tel: +65 65776255
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Level 3 to Vivocity Monorail Station. Take the Monorail to Sentosa. Alight at Resorts World Station. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

Artichoke @ New Bahru - A New Era As A Pizza Parlor, Transforming from Mezza to Mozza

After 15 years of serving up bold and unapologetic Middle Eastern flavours, Chef Bjorn Shen has given his beloved Artichoke a fresh identity. The long-standing establishment has transformed from mezza to mozza with its brand-new concept – Artichoke Pizza Parlor. This new-school pizza joint celebrates pizza in all its playful, unpretentious glory.

Artichoke Pizza Parlor isn't about chasing traditional wood-fired Neapolitan ideals. Instead, its DNA is part 80s and 90s American-Italian pizzeria nostalgia, part new-school innovation, and all classic Bjorn. The result? An original pizza experience crafted for Singaporeans by a Singaporean who simply loves pizza - not the artisanal, precious kind, but the kind that sparks joy, indulgence, and memories of childhood pizza parties.

Beef Lasagna Nuggets 4/5

The Beef Lasagna Nuggets ($16) are frozen, breaded cubes of beef lasagna deep-fried to a golden crunch. Each bite delivers a contrast of textures. The soft, layered pasta is paired with a crisp breadcrumb coating, all pulled together by a bright, tangy marinara sauce.

Green N' Golden Kiwi 4.2/5

A surprise on the menu, the Green N' Golden Kiwi Salad ($14) features fresh kiwi (both green and golden) topped with pecorino, mint, and black pepper. It's refreshing and unexpectedly delicious, a clever play on sweet and savoury.

Super Crunch Fried Chicken 4.2/5

An Artichoke classic reimagined, the Super Crunch Fried Chicken ($24) lives up to its name. The juicy chicken encased in an ultra-crisp crust, glazed with za'atar honey and finished with garlic sauce. Sweet, savoury, and addictive.

Chicory Salad 3/5

The Chicory Salad ($20) brings together radicchio, endives, roasted red grapes, onions, herbs, mango amba dressing, whipped sesame, and falafel crumbles. While the bitterness of radicchio may not appeal to everyone, the sweet dressing and nutty falafel soften the edge of the acquired taste.

Creamy Green Harissa Prawn Spaghetti 4.8/5

One of the standouts, the Creamy Green Harissa Prawn Spaghetti ($34), is bold and flavour-packed. The zesty, punchy harissa sauce clings to each strand of pasta, making every slurp irresistible.

Rounds: Tropic Thunder 4.2/5

Pizza is the main highlight here, presented in three unique forms: Rounds, Stacks and Slabs.

The Tropic Thunder ($32) comes in the Rounds-style, which is airy, puffy-crust pizzas inspired by Naples' Montanara, fried then baked for extra texture. Topped with Parma ham, burrata, jackfruit, ginger flower, and honey, this is tropical decadence done right.

Stacks: Dirty Duck 3.8/5

Stacks-style is double-decker pizzas with layers of dough stuffed with ingredients. The Dirty Duck ($30) packs Bali-spiced duck, mozzarella, snake bean lawar, sambal matah, and coconut cream. Intense, punchy, and flavour-heavy. Though for me, the richness felt overwhelming for pizza, better suited to a rice dish.

Slabs: Beef Pepperoni, Pickled Long Pepper, Chilli Honey 4.5/5

The Slabs-style is where things get exciting. It is a hybrid of Roman and Detroit styles, featuring a rectangular base with a unique "undercrunch" layer of cheddar baked beneath the dough. The Beef Pepperoni ($26), topped with marinara, pepperoni, chilli honey, garlic oil, and pickled peppers, is balanced, spicy, and satisfying.

Slabs: Bacon Apple Pie 4.5/5

Even better was the Bacon Apple Pie ($32). Pancetta, apple butter, brie, baked apples, mozzarella, hazelnuts, and rosemary come together in a sweet-savoury harmony. Almost like a dessert pizza, it's unconventional yet a standout.

Sundae 4.2/5

The Sundae ($20) is a playful finish featuring passionfruit ice cream with lemongrass cream, banana bread croutons, meringue, and macerated strawberries. Light, tropical, and fun.

Cinnamon-Cherry Pie 4.2/5

A hearty bake, the Cinnamon-Cherry Pie ($18) combines almond frangipane and sour cherry filling within a buttery crust, topped with cookie crumbs and orange cream. A tart, fragrant balance of sweet and spiced.

Mud Cake 4.8/5

The Mud Cake ($14) is not your average chocolate cake. Served warm with banana & raisin jam, layered with banana bread, then topped with chocolate milk, Ovaltine crunchies, and smoked salt. Rich, nostalgic, and delightfully messy, it is pure Bjorn style.

Artichoke Pizza Parlor is Bjorn Shen's most personal and playful project to date. It's a place where pizza isn't bound by tradition but reimagined with bold ideas, local flair, and plenty of heart. Come with an open mind (and stretchy pants), and you'll leave grinning because pizza is meant to be fun.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Artichoke
New Bahru
46 Kim Yam Road
#01-02
Singapore 239351
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue: 5pm - 10pm
Wed-Sun: 11am - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction River Valley Road and Clemenceau Ave. Cross the road and cut through UE Square to Unity Street. Turn right onto Unity Street and walk to Mohamed Sultan Road. Cross the road and walk to Kim Yam Road. Walk down Kim Yam Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

True Cost @ Suntec City - Rooftop Restaurant and Bar Overlooking Suntec City Offering Asian and Modern European Flavours

True Cost in Suntec City's Sky Garden prides itself on offering diners food and alcohol at low markups. The menu primarily features Asian and Modern European flavours, complemented by an extensive beverage list, which includes house-made cocktails, mocktails, wines, spirits, and beers.

The rooftop restaurant and bar provide a scenic overlook of Suntec City, with gorgeous natural sunlight pouring in during the day.

For a complimentary entry, visiting between 3pm to 5pm on weekdays and 9pm to 10pm daily is best. Outside these times, a moderate entrance fee of $5 per person for lunch between 12pm and 3pm and $10 per person for dinner between 5pm and 9pm. However, there's a 50% discount on the fees daily from 5pm if you opt for bar seating.

Watermelon Ceviche 3.8/5

We began with the refreshing Watermelon Ceviche ($9). The combination of tomatoes, feta cheese, pecans, olive oil, and watermelon created a delightful mix of textures and flavours. The fragrant and crunchy pecans were a standout.

Octopus Carpaccio 2.8/5

Next, we tried the Octopus Carpaccio ($15.95), which was unfortunately less impressive. The sliced octopus, tossed in a bright orange dressing with tahini, sundried tomatoes, and za'atar, was too chewy and tough. At its price point, it felt slightly overpriced.

BBQ Pork Ribs 4/5

True Cost's BBQ Pork Ribs ($18.50) appeared to be a popular choice among diners. Served alongside grilled corn and kimchi cucumbers, the fall-off-the-bone ribs had a pleasant hint of smokiness. Although the slightly spiced corn was a touch dry, the overall dish was satisfying.

Crab Linguini 4/5

For our second main dish, we had the Crab Linguine ($22). The al dente linguine was tossed in a rich, savoury, buttery bisque sauce with ample crab meat.

Baklava Sundae 4.2/5

Dessert was the Greek-inspired Baklava Sundae ($11), which was made with a base of sunflower seed mousse, pistachio ice cream, and cherry syrup drizzled over. We broke into the thin, super flaky pastry and were pleasantly surprised by the balanced sweetness. The layered textures - from the crushed nuts and crisp pastry to the nutty sunflower seed mousse and tangy cherry syrup, were delightful. While a richer pistachio ice cream would have been preferred, it worked good as a sharing dessert to end the meal.

Reservations to the restaurant can be made at their official website, https://www.truecostsingapore.com/.

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.


True Cost
Suntec City
SkyGarden
#03-302/303
3 Temasek Boulevard
Tel: +65 88940615
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10.30pm

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

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]