Dolce Vita @ The Oriental Hotel, Singapore

Adjacent to the rooftop pool of The Oriental, Singapore, Dolce Vita has the atmosphere of a laid back Mediterranean resort. The white washed walls and stone floors create a bright and airy space during the day and a romantic, tropical feel by night, and panoramic views of the city a simply spectacular. The food is grounded in the techniques and flavours of Italy and France, and lifted by the clever and sparing use of North African and Asian influences. The Executive Set Lunch was ambitiously priced, but the food didn’t disappoint: recklessly creamy lobster bisque with cognac and chive cream, pan-fried Atlantic salmon in pea puree, a dish that really let the maroon salmon and snappy green peas shine through. The sea bass rubbed in a dry mixture of Moroccan spices kept us on our toes, its skin perfectly crisp and its flesh pearly, soft and translucent. We felt the confit of duck leg seasoned with “Six Spices” and paired with sautéed foie gras and a pineapple chutney made with old port wine was less successful, but the desserts more than made up for it; a decadent, frothy chocolate mousse tower with orange foam and a berry and tea jelly, and a novel pistachio cheesecake with an Oreo cookie base. Delicious. WINE: A small, adequate range of wines with a few decent vintages offered.

Dolce Vita @ The Oriental Hotel, Singapore

Level 5, The Oriental, 5 Raffles Avenue, Tel: 6885 3551 / 6338 0066
Operating Hours: Lunch: Noon – 2.30pm Dinner: 6.30pm – 10.30pm