A MODERN MIDDLE EASTERN DINING LOUNGE
A MODERN MIDDLE EASTERN DINING LOUNGE
Being hidden from plain sight along Peck Seah Street adds to the exotic allure of The Ottoman Room. Situated behind and accessible only through Fat Prince cafe and bar, a dramatic ambience awaits past the entrance and through the arched black and gold passageway.
Illuminated by candlelight, the modern Middle Eastern restaurant exudes a luxurious yet laid-back look and feel. Dine under a canopy of 39 suspended oil lanterns, all specially designed for the place. Along the walls, lit brass sconces with cut-out patterns cast interesting shadows on the hand-painted plaster walls. The aged treatment on the surfaces, featuring a delicate filigree motif, evokes a time-weathered look and adds to the lived-in opulence of the interiors.
The Ottoman Room was designed by Michael Goodman of EDG Interior Architecture + Design, who is also partner of the restaurant group behind the concept. According to Michael, this vision was derived from his dining experience in a beautiful candlelit courtyard of an old villa in Marrakech, Morocco.
“There, I felt like royalty, but it wasn’t pretentious, and instead cool and casual,” he says. To embody the opulence of the Ottoman Empire, but with the warmth of a buzzing social-gathering place, the designer used custom- made chesterfield sofas, armchairs upholstered in jewel-tone fabrics, mismatched Middle Eastern printed fabric throw cushions, heavy drapes in a rich burgundy hue and Turkish rugs. The 13 unique rugs, along with colourful bowls used as washbasins, and tableware, were handpicked from Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. While the furniture is kept low-slung and loungey, chequerboard panels overhead lower the ceiling level for a more intimate, cosy feel.
The nosh is equally tantalising. Take your pick from unlimited mezze (small plates), to go with a choice of a meat or fish main dish, as well as two other options from the “Earth” selection of the menu. Currently open only for dinner ($74++ per person), it makes for a great spot for both group catch-ups and intimate dinners.
THE OTTOMAN ROOM IS AT 48 PECK SEAH STREET, TEL: 6221-3683.
