Carnaby @ The Quayside - Modern British Diner Paying Homage to Britsh Classics With a Contemporary Twist

Carnaby at The Quayside is a modern British diner helmed by Chef Adam Penney, formerly of Three Buns. It's no surprise that the restaurant has already earned a solid reputation, especially for its exceptional burgers. The menu pays homage to British classics with a contemporary twist, featuring a hearty Weekend and Sunday Roast menu that's perfect for leisurely indulgence.

Woodfired Fish Head 4.5/5

We began our meal with a limited-time special Woodfired Fish Head ($22), served with a Watermelon Chilli Butter Sauce. While it initially appeared heavily coated in sauce, the flavours were impressively balanced. The sauce delivered a fruity sweetness, gentle heat, and buttery richness that complemented the fish beautifully. Expertly grilled, the fishhead was polished clean down to the last crevice.

Welsh Rarebit 4.5/5

Next came the Welsh Rarebit ($18), it is a dish with roots tracing back to the 1700s. Traditionally featuring a savoury cheese sauce over toast, Carnaby's take was a decadent spread of Westcombe Cheddar atop softened leeks on beef fat-toasted sourdough. The leeks were buttery and tender, soaking in the fats and flavours of the melted cheese. The addition of beef fat added depth of flavour to the crusty toast, bringing all the elements together in one indulgent, satisfying bite.

Woodfired Argentinian Grass-Fed Angus Todos Ribeye Steak 4.5/5

Having previously tasted Carnaby's impressive Irish Angus Beef Short Ribs during their "A Taste of Ireland" showcase, I opted for the Woodfired Argentinian Grass-Fed Angus Todos Ribeye Steak, 300g ($59). It did not disappoint. The steak was well-trimmed, evenly cooked to a juicy medium-rare, and full of flavour. A sharp horseradish accompaniment added a bright, acidic tang that perfectly complemented the richness of the beef. Unfortunately, the accompanying chips were a letdown. It was slightly dry and overly salty.

Beer Battered Fish & Chips 4/5

The Beer Battered Fish & Chips ($37), another signature, was a standout. The fish was meaty and flavourful, encased in a light, crisp batter. A particularly complex tartare sauce elevated the dish, and the rustic Mushy Peas was a personal highlight, earthy and textural rather than overly buttery. Again, the chips fell short.

Sticky Toffee Date Pudding 5/5

Dessert was phenomenal. The Sticky Toffee Date Pudding ($16), served with butterscotch sauce and a scoop of house-made vanilla ice cream, was nothing short of divine. Soft, spongy, and soaked in caramel richness, the pudding was elevated further by a finishing touch of buttery crumbles.

To complement our meal, we had two refreshing cocktails. The Toreador ($21) featuring Arette Blanco Tequila and London Calling ($21) made with Jin Jiji Darjeeling Gin. Both were well-crafted and paired nicely with the dishes.

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.


Carnaby
The Quayside
60 Robertson Quay
#01-01
Singapore 238252
Tel: +65 8890 7843
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line), Chinatown (DT, NE Line), Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue: 5pm - 10pm Wed-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop opposite State Courts (Stop ID 06171). Take bus number 51 or 186. Alight 1 stop later. Cross the road and walk to Alkaff Bridge. Cross the bridge and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction of Clemenceau Ave and River Valley. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Clemenceau Ave. Turn right onto Unity Street. Then left onto Merbau Road. Walk towards the river. At the river, turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to bus stop opposite Holiday Inn Atrium Hotel (Stop ID 06149). Take bus number 51, 64, 123 or 186. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to Alkaff Bridge. Cross the bridge and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Altro Zafferano @ Ocean Financial Centre - A Bright and Bold Refreshed Menu in Celebration of Southern Italian Flavours

Altro Zafferano, perched atop Ocean Financial Centre, returns with a refreshed dining concept centred on everyday social dining. Known for its refined Italian cuisine, the restaurant now embraces a more vibrant and approachable experience, bringing the warmth, boldness, and sun-soaked flavours of Southern Italy to the heart of Singapore's CBD. With a bright Mediterranean spirit and a reimagined menu, Altro Zafferano continues to impress with culinary finesse and soulful, honest cooking.

Pomodoro e Basilico 4/5

We started with the Pomodoro e Basilico ($15), a comforting focaccia that embodies the rustic charm of Italy. Made in-house with sourdough and baked until golden, the base is topped with sweet Neapolitan tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. The tomatoes are the star. They are plump, juicy, and bursting with natural sweetness, elevating this humble starter with their vibrant, sun-ripened flavour.

Insalata di Polpo e Patate 4.2/5

The Insalata di Polpo e Patate ($28) showcases a tender Mediterranean octopus paired with baby potatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and a medley of herbs like parsley, chervil, and chives. The light gremolata dressing lifts the dish with citrusy brightness and herbal freshness, tying all the components together into a well-balanced appetiser that awakens the palate.

Carpaccio di Manzo, Pecorino e Senape 4.2/5

The Carpaccio di Manzo ($26) features Australian grain-fed beef sliced and rolled with rocket leaves, pecorino cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Topped with finely chopped shallots and dressed in a whole grain mustard vinaigrette, each bite is a complex interplay of peppery greens, savoury cheese, tangy balsamic, and tender beef. It is a refined starter with great textural contrast and depth.

Fusilloni con Ragu alla Genovese 4.5/5

A standout from the pasta section, the Fusilloni con Ragu alla Genovese ($36) is rich, hearty, and comforting. The artisanal pasta from Southern Italy is coated in a slow-cooked Genovese ragu made from onions and Australian Wagyu beef, simmered in red wine for six hours. Finished with parmesan, bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary, this dish delivers soul-soothing depth and perfect al dente texture.

Rigatoni alla Gricia 4/5

Prepared tableside for a bit of flair, the Rigatoni alla Gricia ($36 per pax) is a decadent experience. The pasta is tossed inside a pecorino cheese wheel, soaking up all the rich, salty goodness, then topped with crispy guanciale and a bold pepper blend of Sichuan and black pepper. A luxurious treat especially for cheese lovers, balanced by the smoky-savoury punch of guanciale.

Tagliata di Manzo, Rucola e Balsamico 4.2/5

For mains, the Tagliata di Manzo ($68) is a masterclass in simplicity done right. The Black Angus grain-fed striploin is grilled over a Josper to seal in juices and flavour, seasoned with rosemary oil, thyme, and fennel seeds, and finished with a drizzle of Lambrusco balsamico. Served alongside fresh Italian rocket and cherry tomatoes, the dish is full-bodied, tender, and focused entirely on letting the quality of the beef shine.

Branzino all'Acqua Pazza 4.5/5

The Branzino all’Acqua Pazza ($58) was another highlight. The beautifully deboned Sardinian seabass, reassembled with the head and tail intact and baked in a delicate broth of vegetable stock, tomatoes, white wine, olives, and parsley. Finished with extra virgin olive oil and Amalfi lemon, the fish is moist and flaky, its flavours lifted by the bright citrus and briny broth. Elegant and satisfying.

Tiramisu 4.5/5

We ended on a high note with the Tiramisu ($24). This refined rendition layers mascarpone cream with gluten-free Savoiardi biscuits, soaked in espresso, orange peel, and a touch of Cointreau, then dusted with cocoa. The dessert is smooth and light, offering just the right balance of bitterness and sweetness, a sophisticated and well-balanced end to the meal.

With its reimagined focus on approachable yet elevated Southern Italian cuisine, Altro Zafferano offers a vibrant dining experience that blends tradition with creativity. Whether you’re here for a business lunch, romantic dinner, or a weekend indulgence, the restaurant’s new menu invites you to savour Italy’s bold flavours in the heart of Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Altro Zafferano
Ocean Financial Centre
Level 43
10 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049315
Tel: +65 65091488
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm)
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place. Take Exit C. Walk to Ocean Financial Centre which is on the left. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]