A Deep Sea Love Affair

We’re diving into the ocean to fulfill all our seafood cravings for the month.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel
We’re diving into the ocean to fulfill all our seafood cravings for the month.
My Reading Room

OYSTER BAR

Oyster Bar’s revamped bar menu veers away from avantgarde combinations and instead features some of owner Alexis Nicosia’s favourite comfort foods – like deviled eggs and a guacamole-hummus hybrid called… Guacahummus. But the main draw, of course, are the oysters. Airflown from France, the world-famous Gillardeau oysters are a must-try, with a nutty flavour and creamy aftertaste. Some are so large that it can be impossible to down them in one gulp. All we can say is: bottoms up!

CIAO@
CIAO@

CIAO@

It’s pretty hard to find an eatery that serves authentic Italian cuisine at pocket-friendly prices, but that’s exactly what Ciao@ aims to provide. We recommend the Bistecca Di Polipo, $32, a lightly seasoned grilled octopus steak with a slightly chewy texture – perfect for those who like to slowly savour the flavour of fresh ingredients. If you swear by anything truffle, the Tartufina, a pizza topped with mozzarella and truffle paste, will be your new idea of heaven. At just $24, the large serving is perfect for a group of four. But hey, we won’t judge if you decide to order one just for yourself.

TERRA
TERRA

TERRA

It’s easy to confuse Tokyo-Italian cuisine as a form of fusion food, but it actually refers to Italian dishes made with ingredients native to Japan. Nestled within a row of shophouses at Tras street, Terra serves fine Italian meals by Chef Seita Nakahara, who has come up with a degustation menu based on seasonal ingredients. Those with a penchant for umami dishes must try the Spaghetti with Sea Urchin and Bottarga (salted fish roe), $38. Using Hokkaido sea urchin and mullet roe that’s cured in-house, this dish creates gastronomical heaven in your mouth.

Lobster Lovin’
Lobster Lovin’

Lobster Lovin’

We’re mad about lobster, and these eateries are the places to check out to get your fill of this shellfish.

THE PELICAN SEAFOOD BAR & GRILL

The Pelican Seafood Bar & Grill boasts a well-stocked raw bar that comes with a wide array of seafood for your choosing. The star item on their menu is The Pelican Platter, $138, which features a whole steamed lobster and crab, as well as an impressive selection of raw oysters, clams, prawns and mussels flown in from all over the globe. Perfect for sharing between a group of four, the freshness of the seafood is undeniable and top-notch. As a bonus, the steamed crab comes with an abundance of coveted crab roe! PS: If you’ve got a sweet tooth, go for the ingenious ice-cream flavours like White Wine & Sour Cream. They’re priced at just $5 for a generous scoop.

THE MARMALADE PANTRY

If chunks of juicy lobster mixed with tobiko bits and miso mayo doesn’t appeal to you, we don’t know what will. The Marmalade Pantry’s Miso Lobster, $34, offers all that goodness sandwiched between two buttery sesame buns – trust us when we say it tastes as good as it sounds. The bistro’s new outlet in Oasia Hotel offers the same menu as its popular ION Orchard branch, but with a cosier setting. Those who are looking for something healthier can opt for the pan-seared Salmon, $28, served with sweet potato noodles mixed in a refreshing yuzu dressing. Desserts are a must, so opt for their signature Sticky Date and Toffee Pudding, $14, to end your meal on a sticky sweet note!

SAKURA INTERNATIONAL BUFFET

We all try to stay cool at buffets, but when lobster is involved, pardon us for piling a copious amount on our plates. Sakura International Buffet’s latest Seafood in a Bucket offers huge pieces of lobster (cooked on the spot, no less), calamari, mussels and more in an adorable metal bucket. Don’t be fooled by its size – this little bucket contains more than enough to fill you up. And even if it doesn’t, the wide variety of dishes on their long buffet tables definitely will.