Lolla Restaurant: Singapore Food Review

“Lolla- unpretentious, fuss free classy restaurant.”

Welcome to Lolla. One of Singapore’s best restaurants.

No, they didn’t pay me to say that.

Looking for a classy place to celebrate a friend’s birthday, I found this rabbit hole called Lolla after recommendations from local foodies. Located amongst all the fancy “too-atas-for-you” restaurants at Ann Siang road, Lolla is truly one of a kind here.

Walking in, the atmosphere completely transforms into a laid-back, bustling wonderland with patrons seated at the bar counter peering into the open kitchen. Did I mention I love open concept kitchens? Unfortunately, I made table reservations and was seated in the basement communal table, never to make fun of the chef. But if you do call ahead, request for the counter seat. 

As you can see on the left, the counter seats on the ground floor have more interaction with the chefs who can put on a show whipping up your dinner. The basement seats had a different vibe, warmer in lighting and set in a dinner room with a huge communal table like a school canteen. If you’re the strong silent type, you won’t like these seats as you’re literally forced to sit either elbow to elbow or facing a stranger. Come armed with idle chat material. The diners are pretty friendly here anyway. Except the stereotypical snobbish rich Indonesian teens beside us. They were awful.

The cuisine style here can be described as a fusion of flavourful European and clean Japanese served in small plates. Most dishes are served ‘tapas’ style in minute portions to share, sample and taste. The following photos appear slightly pixelated because well, Lolla is pretty dim in the cellar and poor lighting gives poor photos. Excuses I know, but it’s true.

Probably one of the most highly recommend items at Lolla, is this Sea Urchin Pudding ($19). Mind you, although it comes in this puny looking bowl it was so rich I had to stop every few mouths for a sip of water or to eat something else to prevent from umami overload. The black pudding is made of squid ink, egg yolks, cream and tomato sauce. The sea urchin and squid ink pudding combine for a strong creamy seafood punch, yet in a refreshing and innovative taste. Yes, it might seem overpowering in taste, but I think that’s how it was intended. And it’s deathly delicious.

Duck Rillettes ($15). Cured in duck fat, this was not overly dry or salty while still retaining that full-blooded red meat flavour, going perfectly with the toasted buns. Not diced into unrecognizable strands as well. Quite a generous portion given, making us run out of bread.

Beef Tongue Escalopes ($25). Beef tongue that has been flattened (escalope) by a mallet, thus breaking down fibres in the meat making it tender and cooks faster with less moisture loss. At first it tasted like high-class luncheon meat, but the tongue grows on you. Paired with red pickled radish and mustard, it’s a otherwise light meat complimented with the zing of condiment sides.

Grass fed Ribeye steak ($52). I really hate how crappy the photos turned out. Rant aside, we were expecting the steak to be the restaurant’s Raison d’être (reason for existence) since it’s the most expensive item on the menu. Grass fed beef is supposed to be more beefy flavourful and less fatty, while being a ribeye cut comes with more fats within the cut, thus a good combo. Slightly much cartilage within this meat, but still acceptable. It’s a decent juicy steak no doubt, but I’m afraid the pricing value eludes my fancy. The ribeye at Les Bouchons Rive Gauche is probably of equal quality yet about $15 cheaper.

It’s not bad in any case, I’m just a fussy steak bitch.

Steamed Dark Chocolate Pudding ($15). THIS, right here, was the darling of the night. Thick and rich cocoa chocolate that oozes out when you cut into it. Not jarringly sweet. Steaming also makes it extra moist, and pairs very well with the underrated vanilla ice-cream in the background. You can tell it’s good vanilla ice-cream, with vanilla bean grains scattered across. But the strong flavour of the chocolate overshadows the delicacy of the ice-cream, but still creates a good contrast.

Lolla has excellent ambience and somehow manages not to seem ‘atas’ and overly yuppy-like, which is really rare in this snobbish district. Unpretentious fare with friendly smiling staff, I’d definitely recommend an occasion here. Lolla is one of Singapore’s top restaurants you need to visit.

Damage: $80-$100 per person with wine

*Recommend Reservations