Il Toro Woodfire Grill @ Gemmill Lane - A Celebration of Woodfire Showcases Fire-Driven Italian-Australian Flavours

IL TORO Woodfire Grill at Gemmill Lane is a brand new concept by Chef Drew Nocente, the same chef-owner behind Cenzo and Chicco Pasta Bar. Drawing inspiration from the Italian tradition of grigliata and shaped by the Australian spirit, the restaurant places fire at the core of its menu. Expect bold flavours, whole cuts of meat, and a warm sense of hospitality, all anchored by the primal draw of woodfire cooking.

Focaccia, Beef Fat Candle 4/5

A playful start to the meal, the Focaccia ($8) comes accompanied by a candle made from beef fat. As it melts, the rendered fat becomes a savoury spread. The Focaccia itself is grilled for a crisp exterior, making this both fun in concept and enjoyable in flavour.

Foie Gras, Fig & Pistachio 4/5

The Foie Gras ($8/pc) is rich and creamy, paired thoughtfully with sweet fig and crunchy pistachio. The combination provides a balance of sweetness and nuttiness, lifting the foie gras without overwhelming it.

Coffin Bay Oysters, Yuzu Koshu & Smoked Beef Fat 4/5

The Coffin Bay Oysters ($6/pc) offer clean brininess with a bright citrus touch from yuzu koshu. The smoked beef fat adds depth, resulting in a finish that is both vibrant and savoury.

Sea Bream, Amalfi Lemon, Bone Reduction and Caviar 3.8/5

The Sea Bream ($22) is served in a ceviche style with Amalfi lemon and bone reduction, topped with caviar. While well assembled, the flavours could be bolder to better highlight the fish's natural sweetness.

Iberico Pork Belly & Sausage Skewer 3.8/5

The Iberico Pork Belly & Sausage Skewer ($8/pc) is hearty and satisfying, and many tables seemed to be ordering it. Although nicely grilled, the seasoning could be punchier to fully showcase the meat's richness.

Tiger Prawns, Garlic Chilli 4/5

The Tiger Prawns ($10/pc) are sweet and smoky from the grill. The garlic chilli brings bold flavour and enhances the prawn's natural sweetness, giving a rich, robust kick.

Octopus, Nduja, Burnt Chive Butter & Miso Corn 4.2/5

The Octopus ($36) is well handled, tender, and has a pleasant bite. The pairing of nduja and burnt chive butter adds layers of umami and spice. The side of miso corn is notably excellent, sweet, juicy, and highly addictive.

Blackmore Wagyu MS9+ Tri Tip 4.2/5

The Blackmore Wagyu MS9+ Tri Tip ($78, 200g) is exclusive to IL TORO and available daily in limited quantities. While tri tip is naturally leaner, it is cooked beautifully here, resulting in tender, flavourful meat with the signature woodfire aroma.

Baby Potatoes, Hot Honey & Ricotta 4.5/5

A standout side, the Baby Potatoes ($12) are tossed in hot honey and served on creamy ricotta. Sweet, savoury and texturally satisfying. This is the kind of side you'll want seconds of.

Mint Slice Al Fuoco 4/5

For dessert, the Mint Slice Al Fuoco ($16) features mint semifreddo, smoked chocolate ganache and meringue. The tableside brûlée of the meringue adds theatre and creates a pleasing caramelised crunch to finish.

Overall, IL TORO delivers a bold, fire-forward dining experience that showcases Chef Drew's strong understanding of balance, produce and smoky depth. The woodfire element is consistent and intentional, from starters to dessert. A welcome addition to Gemmill Lane for those who appreciate grilled meats and Italian-Australian conviviality.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Il Toro Woodfire Grill
18 Gemmill Lane
Singapore 069255
Tel: +65 82591021
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun & Mon)

Direction:
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 6 minutes. [Map]

Uoharu (魚治) @ IOI Central Boulevard Towers - Celebrates 1st Anniversary with Limited-Time Menu and Fun Interactive Activities

Renowned Tokyo izakaya Uoharu (魚治) marks its first anniversary in Singapore with a lineup of limited-time dishes and engaging activities from 14 August to 19 October. Since opening its doors a year ago, Uoharu has impressed diners with fresh produce sourced directly from the famed Toyosu Market. The izakaya has now expanded its offerings to include premium seafood and fish flown in from Hokkaido, further elevating the authentic Japanese dining experience.

To celebrate the occasion, Uoharu has introduced a series of interactive activities such as the Egg-slide Challenge (win your dish for free if you succeed!), mochi pounding, Polaroid snapshots with a complimentary sake shot, and a lucky-draw Fuku Stick with prizes including free beer and dishes.

Seared Miso Sashimi Tartare 3.5/5

The Seared Miso Sashimi Tartare ($14.80) arrives dramatically, fire-torched tableside. Wrapped with seaweed and creamy egg yolk, each bite is rich, smoky, and texturally layered. It is a fun and flavourful start to the meal.

Akita Smoked Radish with Cream Cheese 5/5

The Akita Smoked Radish with Cream Cheese ($10.80) is a simple yet outstanding dish that stole the show. The crunchy, smoky-sweet radish paired with smooth cream cheese was so addictive that we immediately ordered a second serving.

Japanese-Style Tomato Salad 4.2/5

Refreshing and light, the Japanese-Style Tomato Salad ($12.80) showcased tomatoes with an incredible natural sweetness, enhanced by a nutty goma sesame dressing.

A4 Wagyu Baguette with Cured Egg Yolk 3/5

Priced at $16.80 for two pieces, the A4 Wagyu Baguette with Cured Egg Yolk ($16.80 for 2pc) comes with its own Egg-slide Challenge. While the wagyu itself was tender and savoury, the highlight here is the fun activity rather than the flavour.

Grilled Seasonal Shellfish 3.8/5

Grilled Seasonal Shellfish ($38.80) comprises a trio of scallop, turban shell, and surf clam.. The scallop and clam were sweet and delightful, though the turban shell proved tough and less enjoyable.

Beef Tongue and Daikon Nitsuke 4/5

The Beef Tongue and Daikon Nitsuke ($21.80) was a comforting and flavourful simmered dish. The tender cubes of beef tongue practically melted in the mouth, balanced beautifully by the sweetness of slow-cooked daikon.

Beef Bone Marrow with Baguette Toast 3/5

The Beef Bone Marrow with Baguette Toast ($25.80) delivers rich, buttery marrow spread over crisp baguette, making it a decadent drinking snack. Indulgent as it is, the heaviness may not appeal to everyone.

Jumbo Sea Tiger Prawn with Mentai Aburi 4/5

The Jumbo Sea Tiger Prawn with Mentai Aburi ($26.80) impressed with its sweet, briny flesh crowned with creamy, smoky mentai, which is decadent and indulgent. Personally, I felt the bold topping overshadowed the natural sweetness of the prawn, though I can see how the punchier flavours would appeal to the younger generation.

Oden Moriawase 4.5/5

The Oden Moriawase ($18.80 for 7 kinds/ $32.80 for 20 kinds) is a quintessential Japanese comfort dish. The lightly seasoned dashi broth, sweet daikon, and variety of fish cakes made this a must-order, especially for sharing.

Chicken Wing 4.2/5

Grilled and perfectly executed, the Chicken Wing was juicy with a crisp skin, which is always a crowd pleaser.

Premium Seafood Donabe 4/5

Packed with crab, hotate, aka ebi, salmon, and ikura, the Premium Seafood Donabe ($29.80) was brimming with oceanic flavours. The donabe sealed in all the goodness, with fluffy rice soaking up every drop of umami essence.

Uoharu Singapore celebrates its milestone in true izakaya spirit with great food, premium seafood, interactive fun, and plenty of sake to go around. While not every dish hit the same high note, highlights such as the Akita Smoked Radish with Cream Cheese, Oden Moriawase, and Jumbo Sea Tiger Prawn with Mentai Aburi make this anniversary menu well worth a visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Uoharu (魚治)
IOI Central Boulevard Towers
2 Central Boulevard
#01-16
Singapore 018916
Tel: +65 6931 2733
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Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Shenton Way (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit E or F. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 4. Cut across Asia Square Tower to Commerce Street. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]

CUDO @ Stanley Street - Modern Comfort Food with Latin Soul

Located along Stanley Street, CUDO is the latest bold concept by the team behind Siri House and Moxie. Rooted in the spirit of modern Latin American cuisine, CUDO draws on bold, comforting flavours reimagined through a contemporary lens. With Chef Steve at the helm, the menu offers a vibrant medley of dishes inspired by his culinary travels and nostalgic eats, all given a fresh, creative twist.

Torched Truffadito 4.5/5

We began our dinner on a high note with the Torched Truffadito ($25). This refreshing small plate features thick slices of Japanese yellowtail, macerated in soy sauce and gently torched for a touch of smokiness. Finished with chipotle aioli, pickled cucumber, and radish, the dish is a beautiful balance of freshness, savoury, and zesty crunch.

Warm Crab Queso 4.2/5

The Warm Crab Queso ($18) is CUDO's take on a classic cheese dip, elevated with luxurious touches. The dip combines cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, smoked mozzarella, and chilli cheddar, infused with Worcestershire, Tabasco, and white onion confit. Sakura ebi oil and crispy ebi add an umami punch, while zucchini and lump crab bring freshness and texture. It is perfect when scooped up with the accompanying fried tortillas.

Calabaza 4.2/5

A vegetarian delight, the Calabaza ($12) spotlights roasted Japanese pumpkin with a smoky chipotle aioli spiked with yuzu kosho. The sweetness of the pumpkin is complemented by pomegranate molasses, salty cotija cheese, and pistachio dust, which is a creative and flavour-packed small plate.

Disco Fries 4.5/5

Inspired by Chef Steve's time in Staten Island, the Disco Fries ($16) are indulgent, satisfying, and utterly addictive. Crisp fries are blanketed in mozzarella and cotija cheese, drenched in a beef jus-based brown gravy, and tossed with chorizo, pickled onions, and salsa Rosada. It's a glorious mash-up of American diner nostalgia with Latin vibrancy.

Chipotle Butter Prawns 4.2/5

The Chipotle Butter Prawns ($18) bring the heat and depth of flavour. Tiger prawns are rubbed with chipotle, roasted, and glazed with agave molasses before being finished with a torch. Served with house pesto and lime, each bite is smoky, sweet, and savoury with a zesty lift.

Grilled Seabass Fillet 3.8/5

The Grilled Seabass Fillet ($33) was beautifully plated with parsley-lime sauce and pineapple salsa, but the over-charred skin was slightly too bitter, distracting from the fish's freshness. While the flavour elements were sound, the execution slightly fell short of the mark.

Spaghetti Con Camarones 4.5/5

One of the showstoppers of the evening, the Spaghetti Con Camarones ($38), features squid ink pasta tossed in a luxurious Ancho bisque and topped with grilled tiger prawns. The sauce, made from sundried tomatoes, capers, white wine, ancho chilli paste, and seafood stock, packs rich, crustacean flavours balanced with tang and spice. Finished with chipotle oil, it's a must-order.

Coconut Tres Leches 4.2/5

Light yet indulgent, the Coconut Tres Leches ($14) delivers a tropical spin on the classic dessert. The housemade sponge is soaked in coconut milk, vanilla, and condensed milk, then sprayed with white rum and topped with coconut cream, toasted coconut flakes, and berry compote, making for a refreshingly sweet end to the meal.

Chocolate Tart 4.2/5

For chocolate lovers, the Chocolate Tart ($16) hits the spot. A silky chocolate mousse ganache is encased in a tart shell and garnished with cocoa pearls, housemade chilli jam, and candied nuts, creating layers of richness with a slight kick.

Toffee Plantain 4.2/5

The Toffee Plantain ($15) is a decadent finale, combining a moist plantain-banana sponge with banana mousse, vanilla ice cream, and caramelised plantain. The orange zest adds a lovely citrusy lift, rounding off a dessert that’s both comforting and refined.

CUDO impresses with its thoughtful reinterpretation of Latin American dishes, presented with flair and rooted in comfort. From inventive appetisers to bold mains and delightful desserts, it’s a welcome addition to Singapore’s modern dining scene.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


CUDO
13 Stanley Street
Singapore 068732
Tel: +65 8221 6330
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 1130pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street, walk to Boon Tat Street. Turn left onto Boon Tat Street. Turn right onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to Mccallum Street. Turn right onto Mccallum Street. Turn left onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Chamoon Hot Pot (享月汤皇) @ Scotts Square - Up to 40% Off For The New Truffle Omakase Experience

Chamoon Hot Pot, China's top clear soup hotpot brand, has launched a new 12-course Truffle Omakase Menu in Singapore. Dubbed the "Hermès Set Menu of the Hot Pot World," this luxurious offering is available at just $99.80++ per person (minimum 2 diners), with up to 40% off in its launch weeks starting from 16 May 2025. We were invited to try this decadent hotpot experience.

The dipping sauce is served directly to your table, setting the tone for a seamless and personalised experience.

Appetiser Duo Platter 3.8/5

Our meal began with the Appetiser Duo Platter: Braised Firm Tofu (tau kwa) and Braised Pork. While the tofu was a tad dry, both were flavourful and well-seasoned, offering a hearty start to the omakase journey.

Salmon Sashimi 4/5

Another appetiser in the set is the thickly sliced and refreshingly chilled Salmon Sashimi. It stood out with its clean flavours and creamy texture. It paired beautifully with the classic soy sauce and wasabi combination. It is simple but satisfying.

The real star here is the soup. We tried both the Signature Matsutake and the Morel Mushroom broths. The Matsutake soup delivered a bolder, more umami-rich profile, with a depth that speaks of health and tradition. The broth is so comforting and layered that we recommend enjoying a few sips before adding the other ingredients — let the base shine first.

Signature Matsutake Fried Rice 4/5

The Matsutake Fried Rice was piping hot in a claypot. This mushroom-forward fried rice was delightfully fragrant and packed with umami. Though it lacked the coveted "crispy bottom" that claypot is known for, the flavour more than made up for it. We found ourselves craving more - it's that addictive.

"Hermès" Beef & Prawn Paste 4/5

The beautifully plated "Hermès" Beef & Prawn Paste platter lives up to its name with handcrafted paste made with tiger prawn, wagyu beef, matsutake mushrooms, and dragonfruit. It was delicately seasoned to highlight the seafood's natural sweetness and the beef's richness. The platter is smooth, bouncy, and luxurious with every bite.

Australian M9 Wagyu 4/5

Melt-in-your-mouth slices of top-grade Australian M9 Wagyu were a delight. Rich marbling gave each bite a buttery texture, and the beef cooked quickly in the hot broth while maintaining tenderness and depth.

Tiger Prawns and Kanto Sea Cucumber 4/5

The Tiger Prawns were plump, fresh and sweet. Bonus points for the servers offering to peel them for us. The Kanto Sea Cucumber from Hokkaido, known for its smooth and slightly chewy texture, added a unique and luxurious bite to the meal.

Yunnan Wild Mushroom & Vegetable Platter 3.8/5

This colourful Mushroom & Vegetable Platter featured a range of mushrooms and seasonal vegetables flown in from Yunnan. It balanced the meal with earthy, wholesome notes and paired well with the robust mushroom broth.

Daliangshan Buckwheat Tea 3.5/5

The meal is complemented by a pot of Daliangshan Buckwheat Tea, a caffeine-free brew with a toasted, nutty aroma reminiscent of roasted corn tea. It's an acquired taste, but one that works well to cleanse the palate. Each set also includes fruits and dessert of the day.

Chamoon's Truffle Omakase is a luxurious hotpot affair that redefines the dining experience, focusing on premium ingredients and nourishing, broth-forward indulgence. From the earthy richness of truffle-infused matsutake soup to the handcrafted "Hermès" prawn paste and melt-in-your-mouth Australian M9 wagyu, every course is thoughtfully curated to delight the senses while supporting wellness.

To celebrate its launch, enjoy up to 40% off this indulgent 12-course set:

• 40% off from 16–22 May
• 30% off from 23–29 May
• 20% off from 30 May–5 June

For those seeking a more intimate gathering, Chamoon also offers private rooms that seat up to 12 guests, with a minimum spend of $1,200 - perfect for special occasions or hosting a premium hotpot party in style.

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


Chamoon Hot Pot 享月汤皇
Scotts Square
#03-01/02
6 Scotts Road
Singapore 228209
Tel: +65 6258 5232
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to Scotts Road. Turn right onto Scotts Road. Walk down Scotts Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]