Hortus @ Gardens by The Bay Flower Dome - New Mediterranean Sharing Menu Comprising of 9 Dishes

Nestled within the lush beauty of Gardens by the Bay's Flower Dome, Hortus offers diners a taste of the Mediterranean, surrounded by vibrant blooms and cool serenity. With its focus on fresh, vibrant sharing plates and rustic wood-grilled mains, Hortus presents an experience that goes beyond the food—especially with its newly launched Mediterranean Sharing Set Menu ($68++ per pax), which even includes complimentary Flower Dome admission and a buggy ride to and from the Main Entrance. A perfect little getaway without leaving Singapore!

Hummus, Olive Oil and Paprika 4.8/5

Muhammara, Roasted Bell Pepper and Walnut Dip 4.5/5

The meal kicks off with an array of five sharing starters. The Hummus with Olive Oil and Paprika was an instant hit — creamy, nutty, and elevated by the earthiness of paprika and a generous drizzle of olive oil. It is paired beautifully with the warm, fluffy housemade pita. Equally delightful was the Muhammara, a roasted bell pepper and walnut dip that was slightly smoky, nutty, and tangy — a deliciously vibrant alternative to the classic hummus.

Fried School Prawns, Calamari, Whitebait with Lemon Aioli 4.5/5

Next up was the Fried Seafood Basket, featuring school prawns, calamari, and whitebait, all perfectly crispy and light, paired with a zesty lemon aioli. It was dangerously addictive, with each piece a burst of flavour and crunch.

Yellowtail Kingfish Crudo 4.8/5

The Yellowtail Kingfish Crudo was a standout among the starters. Dressed with bergamot and green olives and scattered with pomegranate seeds, it was refreshingly bright, delicately sweet, and brimming with Mediterranean sunshine.

Kingfish Collar with Cabbage and Fennel Salad and Nduja 4.2/5

Moving on to the mains, we tried the Kingfish Collar with Cabbage and Fennel Salad and Nduja. Grilled to crispy perfection on the outside while keeping the flesh moist and tender, the kingfish was livened up beautifully by a squeeze of lemon and the spicy kick from the nduja. The accompanying salad of cabbage and fennel provided a refreshing counterpoint.

Beef and Lamb Adana Kebab with Sumac Onions 4.2/5

We also sampled the Beef and Lamb Adana Kebab with Sumac Onions. Typically, kebabs can veer on the dry side, but Hortus' version was juicy, aromatic, and full of flavour. The sweet and tangy sumac onions on top brought a much-appreciated brightness to the hearty meat skewer.

Cracked Wheat Salad with Dill, Mint, and Pomegranate 4.2/5

Rice Pilaf with Pistachio and Lemon 4.5/5

To complement the mains, we had the Cracked Wheat Salad and the Rice Pilaf with Pistachio and Lemon. Both were excellent — the cracked wheat salad was herby and fresh with pops of pomegranate, while the rice pilaf was light, fragrant, and enhanced by the nuttiness of pistachios and citrusy lemon.

House churned Vanilla Gelato, Halva, Tahini 4.5/5

Desserts were a true surprise and delight. The House Churned Vanilla Gelato, paired with halva, tahini, pomegranate syrup, and mint, was a symphony of textures and flavours — sweet, nutty, creamy, and refreshing all at once.

Rose and Cardamom Basbousa 4.5/5

The final treat, Rose and Cardamom Basbousa, sealed the meal on a high note. The moist semolina cake, topped with house churned pistachio gelato and cardamom cream, offered a beautiful blend of floral and nutty flavours that was both comforting and exotic.

Hortus isn't just a restaurant — it's an experience. The combination of fresh Mediterranean flavours, an idyllic garden setting, and thoughtful touches like complimentary entry and transport make it a memorable destination dining spot. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a leisurely meal with a view, Hortus delivers in every way.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hortus
Flower Dome
Gardens by the Bay
18 Marina Garden Drive
#01-09
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6702 0158
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Nearest MRT: Bayfront MRT

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 330pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bayfront MRT station. Take Exit B. Take the pathway to Bayfront Plaza Ticketing. Take for the shuttle bus to flower dome or walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

The Library @ Boat Quay - New Bespoke Bar Serving Omakase Cocktails

Tucked away on the second floor of a shophouse along the river in Boat Quay, The Library is a hidden gem that just opened in April, offering a bespoke bar experience that stands out from the crowd. With an omakase-style cocktail concept led by the charismatic mixologist Fire, this intimate bar invites guests to sit back and let their taste buds be surprised. Perfect for an unhurried afternoon escape or a sophisticated evening out, The Library is redefining cocktail culture with creativity, hospitality and a personal touch.

Omakase Special (for 2) 4/5

We started our experience with the Omakase Special for 2 ($38), which was served elegantly in a traditional Chinese teapot with matching cups. After a quick chat about our preferred flavour profile, Fire crafted a Gin-based cocktail layered with fresh watermelon, mint, almond and a splash of Malibu. Refreshing and well-balanced, it was the kind of drink you could sip all day. To top it off, it came with a side of delightful homemade cookies.

Blue Sky 4/5

Next, we tried the Blue Sky ($28), a signature cocktail that immediately transported us to a tropical beach. A blend of Blue Curacao, Yuzu Gin, Bombay Gin, lemon juice and coconut water, Fire 'upgraded' the drink with a swirl of coconut cream, creating a cloud-like effect floating in the blue. Inspired by Thailand's skies, Fire recommended this cocktail to pair with their Thai-Style Top Shell, and the match was spot on.

Omakase Cocktail 4/5

As we were eager for another surprise, we left our next drink in Fire's hands once more. He returned with a fruity Omakase Cocktail ($33) made with rum, pineapple juice, passionfruit, and champagne. Light, bubbly, and tropical, this cocktail paired wonderfully with our ordered fresh oysters — a refreshing combo that made for an indulgent treat.

Japan Hyogo Oysters 4.2/5

Speaking of oysters, the Japan Hyogo Oysters ($28 for 6 pcs) were a standout. They were sweet, plump, and generously sized, served with lemon wedges and Tabasco for those who like a tangy kick. Simple and satisfying, they were the kind of dish that speaks for itself.

Thai-Style Top Shell 4/5

We highly recommend the Thai-Style Top Shell ($22) for something with a spicy punch. Tossed in a fiery garlic sauce and served with crunchy cucumber slices, it delivered both heat and flavour in every bite. Generously portioned, this addictive dish is ideal for sharing over cocktails.

Chicken Gyoza 3.5/5

If you're after something more filling, go for the Chicken Gyoza ($18 for 10 pcs). These golden dumplings had crispy skins and juicy fillings, served with a tangy soy-vinegar dip on the side. They did the job nicely and helped round out our drinking session.

The Library also offers two private rooms — one overlooking the river through large windows and the other tucked deeper inside for a more secluded setting. These spaces are ideal for small gatherings, private parties or business meetups.

The overall vibe here is relaxed and cosy, even on weekday afternoons. The bar is open Monday through Friday, with Wednesdays reserved exclusively for members. For those interested, the members' package starts from $2,000 and includes six bottles of Ballantine's, one bottle of red or white wine, and unlimited oysters from 6 to 9 PM. Members also enjoy access to live music on members-only nights.

Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or simply someone who enjoys discovering cool hidden spots, The Library offers a delightful escape with bespoke drinks, tasty bites and a welcoming ambience. With Fire at the helm, every visit feels like a personal experience — and we're already looking forward to our next surprise.

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


The Library
41A Boat Quay
Singapore 049830
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu-Fri: 2pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun: For private events only
(Closed on Wed, for members only)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn right and walk towards the river. At the river, turn left and walk down the river. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]