Singapore is in no way short of dining spots, but sometimes searching for the ideal restaurant for a particular occasion can be a bit of a pain. You want everything to be perfect – the ambience, the service and most importantly, the food.
Lists collating such recommendations are a dime a dozen these days as well though, so we’ve narrowed it down to five restaurants that will help you rise to every occasion and make it as memorable as possible.
Plus, they all feature dining promotions for OCBC Cardmembers which will make the celebrations extra special.
1. Alma by Juan Amador @ Goodwood Park Hotel
Enjoy A Birthday Lunch With The Parents In An Elegant Setting + Stunning Menu
Alma by Juan Amador is no stranger to the food scene here, having been awarded 1 Michelin Star in the Singapore Michelin Guide 2016. Chef Amador’s Modern-European menu integrates Asian flavours and culinary techniques, creating dishes that will blow you away on your special day.
Whenever I try to plan for a birthday lunch with my parents, Goodwood Park Hotel somehow always comes to mind. Alma’s elegant setting within the hotel complements the beautifully plated dishes and the Set Lunch Menu (S$39++) is so reasonably priced for a meal of such a high quality.
Three courses of dishes with incredible depths of flavour await you, with different appetisers and main courses to choose from. I highly recommend getting the Crispy Tofu (add S$7) as an appetiser, which was served in a foie gras emulsion.
I wasn’t expecting much from tofu, but every element in the dish worked so well together. The wild mushrooms brought an earthy flavour, which was accentuated by the black garlic. The tofu was definitely the highlight of the dish, elevated by the smoky flavours of the delicious emulsion.
Another standout appetiser was the Mi Cuit of Salmon, which is essentially salmon that is partially cooked, leaving the fish with an incredible texture. The salmon was topped with rice crispies, giving the dish yet another interesting dimension.
I loved the fresh flavours and the pairing of lemon jam with the salmon – this was a great way to start the meal and worked very well as a palate cleanser.
The Boston Lobster main course is an absolute must-try, and I was so happy to see that it was filled with chunks of fresh lobster. The aglio olio style angel hair pasta was perfectly al dente and had a slight kick of spice that kept me coming back for more with each bite.
While you enjoy the lobster pasta, get your parents to order the Iberico Pork Cheek which is another hit. The dish comes with two pieces of Thai-BBQ glazed pork, served over a chestnut sauce.
The pork was slightly sweet and I would describe it as a European version of our beloved char siew. It was extremely tender and tasted quite rich with the chestnut sauce, but the portion size was perfect to stop the dish from becoming too cloying.
I was spoilt for choice at Alma as all the Set Lunch dishes sounded amazing, and then I found out that paying with an OCBC Card gets you an additional complimentary appetiser with every set lunch ordered.
My parents and I have already decided to go back and celebrate my mother’s birthday, which thankfully falls before 30 June 2017 as that’s when the promotion ends!
Click here for more information on the OCBC Cards Dining Promotion.
Alma by Juan Amador: Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228221 | Opening Hours: Lunch (Wed – Fri) 12pm – 2:30pm, Dinner (Mon – Sat) 6pm –10pm, Closed on Sundays | Tel: +65 6735 9937 | Website
2. La Ventana
Organise A Hen Party With A Lush Backdrop & Stellar Tapas Menu
I always seem to be the one who ends up having to organise my friends’ hen party, and thankfully La Ventana provides the ideal setting. This chic restaurant is nestled amongst the beautiful greenery of Dempsey and features Spanish-style dishes conceptualised by Michelin-starred chef duo, Roberto Terradillos and Toni Gonzalez.
Hen parties are always better when there’s a variety of food to share, and La Ventana now has two Exclusive Set Menus for OCBC Cardmembers that you and the girls can order: The OCBC Voyage Card Special Menu (S$98++) and the Executive Lunch Menu (S$80++).
Each menu boasts exquisite dishes that have been born from age-0ld Spanish recipes, highlighting the best of Spanish flavours.
The Glazed Hokkaido Scallops feature on both menus but are done slightly differently. They were cooked to perfection and served with cauliflower foam that really brought out the scallops’ natural sweetness. I also appreciated the addition of hazelnuts, which gave the dish a well-received contrast in texture.
You’ll find the Slow Roasted Octopus on the Executive Menu, served with a slice of potato and Spanish smoked paprika. I’ve never had octopus prepared like this before; it was as tender as a piece of well-cooked chicken and seasoned perfectly.
The sauce was slightly sweet and greatly complemented the saltiness of the octopus, creating a simple-looking dish with a depth of flavour.
When the Fideuà from the Voyage Menu was served, I was taken aback by the portion size – this much and all for just two people! Not that I’m complaining as I’m always up for sharing.
The noodle paella is cooked in a rich seafood broth and topped with chunks of slipper lobster and All i Oli, which tasted similar to mayonnaise. I was initially unsure about the flavours as I have never tried noodle paella before, but this really exceeded expectations. It tasted similar to a delicious Asian chow mein, but had distinct Spanish flavours and flair.
The Crispy Suckling Pig features on both menus, and was a prime example of the delicate balance between sweet and savoury. The skin was extremely thin and crunchy, covering slices of tender and juicy meat.
The pork was uniquely served with a strawberry side salad that was drizzled with just the right amount of balsamic vinegar. The acidity really helped to cut through the saltiness of the crisp pork and created well rounded bites.
You and the girls will probably be full by the time you get to dessert, but you have to save some space to try the Catalan Crème Brûlée on the Executive Menu. It’s one of their signatures and comes in a bowl full of creaminess that remained light on the palate.
Both exclusive menus are available from now till 30 June 2017, so if you know anyone getting married anytime soon… just swing by with your favourites for an afternoon to remember!
Click here for more information on the OCBC Cards Dining Promotion.
La Ventana: 16A Dempsey Rd, Singapore 247695 | Opening Hours: Lunch (Daily) 12pm – 3pm, Dinner (Daily) 6pm – 11pm | Tel: +65 6479 0100 | Website
3. Gordon Grill @ Goodwood Park Hotel
Celebrate That Promotion At Work With A Worthy & Timeless Menu
I’ve only recently realised how many great dining options Goodwood Park Hotel houses. Gordon Grill was established in 1963 and is one of the oldest restaurants on the premises. This fine dining restaurant has a strong reputation for its steaks, and I can’t imagine anything better as a treat for any milestone.
Getting that hard earned promotion at work is a perfect reason for celebration, and there’s now an Exclusive OCBC Set Lunch (S$62++) that you can invite all your buddies to. Who doesn’t love a good steak, right?
The four-course set begins with an Appetiser Sampler that includes a medley of Petuna Salmon, Hokkaido Scallop and Alaskan Crab. I particularly enjoyed the the Alaskan Crab, which was served atop a spool of cold angel hair pasta and garnished with caviar and a white truffle vinaigrette.
I love anything with truffle but it’s often very easy to go overboard and overpower the flavours of the other ingredients. However, the infusion of truffle in the vinaigrette was subtle and highlighted the natural sweetness of the crab.
The Soup Sampler was noteworthy as well. I usually get quite bored (and full) if I’m just served a single bowl of a particular variety but this line up of Poultry Consommé, Soupe Du Jour and Lobster Bisque was a tasting journey in itself, and I recommend savouring it from left to right.
I couldn’t wait for the main event and the U.S. Black Angus Beef Ribeye arrived in all its glory. It was cooked to a perfect medium-rare and served alongside braised cheek, mushrooms, seasonal vegetables and potato mash, with a rich Bordelaise sauce.
The size of that steak was a thing of dreams and I wouldn’t even mind just coming back here as a party of one to celebrate, well, myself.
This exclusive set menu really fills you up, but make sure you leave some room for the restaurant’s iconic Crepe Suzette. Prepared table side, the crepe is flambéed with Cointreau and brandy after being infused with fresh orange zest. Served with decadent vanilla ice cream, this dessert is a party in itself.
The Exclusive OCBC Set Lunch is only available from now till 30 June 2017, but I’m sure it’s not going to be hard to find a reason to celebrate before then.
Click here for more information on the OCBC Cards Dining Promotion.
Gordon Grill: 22 Scotts Rd, Goodwood Park Hotel, Singapore 228221 | Opening Hours: Lunch (Daily) 12pm – 2:30pm, Dinner (Daily) 7pm – 10:30pm | Tel: +65 6730 1744 | Website | Online Reservation | Email: [email protected]
4. Waterfall Ristorante Italiano @ Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
Unwind After A Long Week With Some Friends & Hearty Italian Food
Sometimes, all you need to celebrate is surviving a long week. Waterfall Ristorante Italiano has the perfect setting to help you unwind with a good bunch of friends. This beautiful restaurant is situated in the equally gorgeous Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, which provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
I strongly believe that any situation can be made better with a good meal, and this Italian restaurant is now offering two Exclusive Set Menus for OCBC Cardmembers: Flavours of the Sea and Farm to Fork (S$68++ each).
Make your day instantly better with beautifully plated dishes, like the ‘Flavours of the Sea’ Starter of Salmon. Fresh salmon fillets are cooked sous vide at a specific 62 degrees, leaving the fish pink and tender inside.
Complemented by wild fennel, asparagus and citrus fruits, this dish is exciting on the palate and a great precursor for what’s to follow.
I love that Italians have a special course just for pasta, and the homemade ravioli from the ‘Farm to Fork’ menu which was stuffed with burrata cheese was a real winner. Treat yourself to the zesty combination of flavours from the San Marzano tomatoes and fresh basil, which cut through the overall creaminess of the dish.
The ‘Farm to Fork’ Main Course of Braised Veal Cheek was one of the more memorable dishes, particularly because of the crunchy parmesan tuiles. Indulge in bites of that moreish delight between spoonfuls of veal, which was so soft and heavenly with the silky mashed potato.
Both dessert courses were a sight to behold, but the Instagram-worthy Gelato Parfait was exceptionally beautiful on a bed of pistachio, pine nut sable and strawberry sauce. If this doesn’t turn your week around, I don’t know what will.
The exclusive menus are only available till 30 June 2o17, so get a few friends together to order both set menus to share and bond over your love for food!
Click here for more information on the OCBC Cards Dining Promotion.
Waterfall Ristorante Italiano: Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, 22 Orange Grove Road, Level One, Garden Wing, Singapore 258350 | Opening Hours: Lunch (Daily) 12pm – 2:30pm, Dinner (Daily) 6pm – 10:30pm | Tel: +65 6213 4138/4398 | Website
5. Morton’s The Steakhouse @ Mandarin Oriental
Take Your Anniversary Date To The Next Level With Delicious Cocktails & Even Better Food
Date night in Singapore is a big deal. I love our local hawker fare, but for that extra special occasion, dressing up and going somewhere nice makes all the difference.
If you’re lucky enough to have found that special someone in your life, celebrate each other at Morton’s The Steakhouse. I promise you that you’ll have a culinary experience like no other, with exceptional service and just the right ambience to get you in the mood.
Morton’s is known for its incredible steaks, so I already knew what I was going to order. Paying with an OCBC Card however, will get you a complimentary welcome drink with every entrée.
I was more than happy to start off with something boozy, and you can choose to have any of Morton’s Signature Mortinis. My partner and I decided on a Cosmopolitan and Lycheetini.
Don’t be fooled for a second by these pretty cocktails – Morton’s knows full well how to make guests feel warm and welcomed.
If you fancy having something to pair with your meal instead, go for a glass of the house pour that’s also included as a choice for the promotion. Even though it’s a house pour, the selection of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is carefully curated to complement the entrées.
Like I mentioned, I knew I was going for the steak, but decided to try one from the Seasonal Menu. The American Wagyu Filet Mignon with Herbed Tallow Butter (S$118) was one of the best steaks that I’ve ever had in Singapore.
I let the knowledgeable server decide on the doneness for me, and the almost rare result was ideal to really highlight the natural flavours of the meat. I only wish this course lasted longer, but I guess there’s always another occasion to plan for.
I’ve come to the conclusion that Morton’s cooks everything perfectly, because even the Seared Halibut with Herb Pistou (S$68) from the Seasonal Menu was to die for. I daresay it was even on par with the steak dish, as the combination of oyster mushrooms, edamame, spinach and pesto-like sauce was savoury goodness on a plate.
The entrées were spectacular, but make sure you also order the Burrata, Mango & Heirloom Tomato Salad (S$38) while you’re at it, which was very refreshing to have on the side with my meal.
If you decided not to start with the complimentary alcohol, end your anniversary date on a high with the signature Chocolate Mortini. The yummy concoction is more alcohol than chocolate (once again, not complaining), but is blended so wonderfully with crème de cacao that you’ll just be left wanting more.
Even if your anniversary isn’t till after 30 June 2017, I’d push it forward just to enjoy this promotion.
Click here for more information on the OCBC Cards Dining Promotion.
Morton’s The Steakhouse: Level 4 Mandarin Oriental, 5 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039797 | Opening Hours: (Mon – Sat) 5:30pm – 11pm, (Sun) 12pm – 9pm | Tel: +65 6339 3740 | Website
*This post was brought to you in partnership with OCBC Cards.
