Regular readers know that I am a big fan of the Prive Group by restaurateur Yuan Oeij. After trying their new Josper Grill menu recently, I am convinced that Prive Restaurant at Keppel Bay is one of the best restaurants in Singapore.

The Josper grill is favoured by many well-known chefs around the world. The system has a greater heat control, and the dual function of oven and grill significantly reduces the cooking time of the meat.

There are 8 items on Prive’s Josper Grill menu, with options like seafood platter, kurobuta pork, lamb rack, ribeye and tenderloin. Naturally, prices are slightly steeper. The rack of kurobuta pork is available for $52, while the 280g Ribeye Cap is $75. The normal ala carte menu, on the other hand, is much more affordable. Prices range from $13-24 for appetisers; $24-35 for main courses; and $10-16 for desserts. Prive Restaurant also offers a 3 course set lunch during weekdays at $35.

Between the three of us, we shared 3 appetisers, 4 main course and a dessert platter. For appetisers, we started with the Grilled Watermelon Stack ($15). The sweet and juicy grilled watermelon was great, but I’m not sure if I’d pay $15 for it. I’m not a big fan of salad, but we had a pretty decent Apple, walnut & Brie Salad ($13). For me, the highlight from the appetiser menu was the Pan Seared Foie Gras ($24). Yummy goose liver with caramelised banana strudel, baby spinach and raisin brioche.

After having three appetisers and a glass of wine, we proceeded with the main courses.

To be honest, I thought that the Capellini with Sakura Ebi tasted like bee hoon – an atas $24 bee hoon. Having said that, it was done just right, and the sakura ebi added an additional dimension to a tasty plate of bee hoon.

We also had the Double Rib Lamb Rack ($58) which you see in the photo above. It was actually quite good, but I was preoccupied with the kurobuta pork and ribeye.

I was delighted to see the Rack of Kurobuta Pork ($52) on Prive’s Josper Grill menu. I love pork. The 280g corn-fed U.S Snake River Farm Kurobuta Pork (the first picture of this post) was gorgeous. I’d gladly give up a steak for this rack of kurobuta pork anytime.

“Our steak is better than CUT Steakhouse”. Yuan told us at the start of dinner.

Having heard raved reviews about the steaks at CUT Marina Bay Sands (my foodie friends boldly proclaimed that they have the best steaks in Singapore), I was a little sceptical initially.

My partner and I were left speechless when we had our first bite of the steak. It was SO GOOD – definitely one of the best steaks I’ve had. And you know what? I wouldn’t exchange this steak for any kurobuta pork.

There are four steak options on the Josper Grill menu: the premium Black Angus Tenderloin ($58), 340g Centre-cut Ribeye ($58), 280g Ribeye Cap ($75) and the humongous 450g Thick Cut Ribeye Steak ($90).

The Dessert Platter ($32) is a great way to end the meal on a sweet note. It offers 6 mini version of the ala carte desserts. Clockwise from top left: Lychee Granite, Valrhona Chocolate Mille Feuille, Cinnamon Apple Strudel, Lemon Meringue Tart, Ice Cream Profiteroles, and Sticky Date Pudding.

While you are paying fine dining prices for the experience at Prive Restaurant, the food is hardly so. It is unpretentious and uncomplicated. Prive is definitely in my list of must-go restaurants in Singapore.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Prive Restaurant
2 Keppel Bay Vista
GF Marina at Keppel Bay
Tel: +65 6776 0777
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

Be it an extended lunch break, birthday celebration, friends gathering, or simply just finding an excuse to indulge in a good feast; lunch is always the meal that we look forward to everyday. Here’s a list of the best set lunches in Singapore.

Au Petit Salut

Located at the fringe of Dempsey, Au Petit Salut is a fine dining French restaurant that offers great value-for-money set lunch. For $36++ per person, Au Petit Salut offers a three course set lunch which has choices like Burgundy snails for entrees, the delicious red wine braised beef cheeks for main course, Crème Brulée for desserts and a cup of coffee/tea. I had this fantastic combination when I was there, and it was one of the best lunches I’ve had!

40c Harding road
Tel: +65 6475 1976
Nearest Station: Orchard

Bedrock Bar & Grill

Bedrock Bar & Grill at Pan Pacific Serviced Suites is a modern New York style steakhouse – opened by restaurateur Keith Loh, who is also the owner of Oriole Cafe. The restaurant boosts a dark, sexy, and classy interior; making it the ideal place to bring your client for a business luncheon.

Go for the 2 course set lunch which has five choices: Applewood Grilled Chicken ($26), Grilled Ribeye Steak ($32), Grilled Striploin Steak ($30), Chopped Steak Cheese Burger ($26), and Crispy Skin Seabass ($26). Top up $6 for 3 course set lunch.

96 Somerset Road
#01-05 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites
Tel: +65 6238 0054
Mon to Sat: 12pm–2.30pm, 6.30pm–12am
(Closed on Sun)

Boat House Fullerton

For all the folks who are working in the Central Business District, Boat House restaurant at Fullerton is the perfect place for a business luncheon. 2 course set lunch starts at $32++, with the 3 course set lunch at $38++.

#03-01 The Fullerton Waterboat House
3 Fullerton Road
Tel: +65 6538 9038

Cocotte

Located at the Wanderlust Hotel, Cocotte is a French Restaurant that serves unpretentious rustic French cuisine. Their 3 course executive set lunch at $29++ is definitely worth a try. They also have a communal set lunch for 3-4 pax at $156, and it includes dishes like Fried Tripe, Roast Pork Collar, Braised Beef Cheek, and Sole Meuniere.

2 Dickson Road
Ground Level Wanderlust Hotel
Tel: +65 6298 1188

Ember Restaurant

Nestled in Hotel 1929 at Keong Saik road, Ember restaurant offers a superb 3 course set lunch which has often been raved as one of the best set lunches in Singapore.

At $39.50++ (or $45.50++ if you pick a foie gras appetiser) for the set lunch, Ember is more than what we can ask for. This is the kind of place that will leave you yearning for a return, simply for the delicious food in an unpretentious setting.

50 Keong Saik Road Hotel 1929
Tel: +65 6347 1928

Forest Restaurant

Under the guidance of Chef Sam Leong, Forest Restaurant at Resorts World Sentosa serves Chinese cuisine with a Western approach. It has a 4 course Winter Set Lunch at $48++, and for those who are keen to pick up some culinary tips from Chef Leong, you can opt for the cooking class and lunch package.

8 Sentosa Gateway
Level 1 Equarius Hotel
Resorts World Sentosa
Tel: +65 6577 7788
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sunday Brunch: 11.30am – 4pm

Flutes at the Fort

Flutes at the For is one of the more romantic restaurants in Singapore, and it offers a relatively good set lunch (changes weekly). The 2 courses starts at $33++, and 3 courses at $38++.

21 Lewin Terrace
Fort Canning Park
Tel: +65 6338 8770

JAAN

JAAN at Swissotel is my favourite restaurant in Singapore. For lunch, JAAN has a 3 course set menu at $55, but I’d suggest the 5 course degustation lunch, which is a steal at $88.

This romantic restaurant is definitely the place to go if you want to impress your date.

2 Stamford Road
70F Swissotel The Stamford
Tel: +65 6431 5670
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 7pm – 10pm

La Villa

La Villa, a charming Italian restaurant at River Valley, has a very reasonable 3-course set lunch during weekdays at $28, which is perfect if you have a long break or if you are meeting your clients for a casual lunch.

341 River Valley Road #01-03
Tel: +65 6836 5286
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm

Otto Ristorante

If you’re looking to try an Italian restaurant that’s authentic and classic with a modern twist, Otto Ristorante is a great place to head to (if you haven’t already). The set lunch is available at $38++.

28 Maxwell Road, #01-02
Red Dot Traffic Building
Tel : +65 6227 8350
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm
Mon to Sat: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
(Closed on Sun)

Prive Grill

It is no secret that I am a big fan of Prive Grill. They have a 3 course set lunch at $38++ which includes options like ebi capelinni and braised short ribs for main courses.

2 Keppel Bay Vista GF
Marina at Keppel Bay Singapore
Tel: +65 6776 0777

Salt Tapas & Bar

Many people have the perception that Salt Tapas & Bar is very expensive. This is true. Most of the tapas are in the $20 to $30 range. But what you might not know that it has a fantastic lunch set for just $33.50++/pax. It includes a flat bread to share, and 3 tapas per person. When you consider the fact that most of the dishes on the set lunch menu are from the ala carte menu, you will agree that it is a very good deal.

252 North Bridge Road
#01-22A Raffles City Shopping Centre
Tel: +65 6837 0995
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm

South Coast

South Coast, a cafe that serves inspired Australian cuisine at Marina Bay Sands, has a set lunch for S$19++. It includes a selection of 2 courses plus coffee or tea on weekdays from 11.30am to 3pm.

#01-85, Marina Bay Sands
10 Bayfront Avenue
Tel: +65 6688 7600
Daily: 8am – 12midnight

Sky on 57

Sky on 57 by Chef Justin Quek not only has a terrific view of Singapore’s skyline, but it is also one of the most romantic Chinese restaurants.

The business luncheon menu ($50 for 3 course, or $60 for 4 course) is actually very reasonable. It offers some of Justin Quek’s signature dishes like Foie Gras Xiao Long Bao, Beef Broth, Singapore Sakura Chicken RIce, and Kaya Macarons. For the excellent view and good food, I would think that this is one of the best set lunches you can get in town.

10 Bayfront Avenue
#57-00 Marina Bay Sands, Sands Skypark Tower 1
Tel: +65 6688 8857
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm

The Royal Mail

Located at the iconic Ascott Raffles Place, The Royal Mail serves modern interpretation of classic British cuisine. It has a 3 course set lunch at $38, with good options such as Sautéed Beef Salad, Pumpkin Risotto, Pan Fried Sea Snapper, and Banoffee Tart.

Ascott Raffles Place
2 Finlayson Green
Tel: +65 6509 3589
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6.30pm – 11pm
Sat: 6.30pm – 11pm

The White Rabbit

The White Rabbit at Dempsey is easily one of the most stunning restaurants in Singapore. For lunch, they offer a 3 course set menu at $38++, while there is also a 4 course degustation menu at $98++ per person.

39C Harding Road Singapore
Tel: +65 6473 9965

Updated: Read my list of Valentine’s Day Restaurant: 2011 Edition for more choices, and my guide to Valentine’s Day Gifts: Food Edition.

Saint Valentine’s is a strange little thing, it comes and leaves in a hurry, but memories will always stay behind. Even though it is a day where retailers, florists and restaurateurs rejoice – I believe in Valentine’s day. The idea behind it (less the commercialise plots), is very sacred; Valentine’s is all about you and me.

Have you decided on a romantic restaurant for your Valentine’s Day Dinner?

Everyday is Valentine’s, so long we are happy together. Yes that’s true, but Valentine’s is the only day that you can walk around with big bouquet of roses without having the whole world staring at you. This is the day where you have the perfect excuse to splurge on an expensive meal without feeling guilty. This is the day where you can justify spending a bomb to get the Tiffany blue box or that Gucci wallet without any nagging feelings. This is Valentine’s day.

Many people always have problems finding a nice restaurant for Valentine’s day. The guys will have a headache on where to bring their girlfriend, wife, and mistress, while the ladies will dream of where their man will bring them to, or in a slightly unfortunate twist, planning for their ideal Valentine’s day venue.

I’m no male chauvinist, but I firmly believe that a guy should plan the surprise, and search for a suitable Valentine’s day restaurant to bring their other half, well at least for Valentine’s day.

Here is a list of romantic restaurants in Singapore to celebrate Valentine’s Day:

Au Petit Salut
40c Harding road
Tanglin Village (Dempsey)
Tel: +65 6475 1976
$148++ per person (5 Course dinner on 14th)

Bistro One Zero Three
103 Pasir Panjang
Tel: +65 6476 6373
(Closed on 13th-23rd feb, for early Valentine’s only)

Boat House Fullerton
3 Fullerton Road
#03-01 The Fullerton Waterboat House
Tel: +65 6538 9038
(Please call restaurant to check if they are open on 14th)

Flute at the fort
21 Lewin Terrace
Fort Canning Park
Tel: +65 6338 8770
$228++ per couple (First seating 6.30-8.30pm)
$298++ per couple (Second seating 8.30pm onwards)
(Closed on 15-17th Feb)

Prive Restaurant
2 Keppel Bay Vista
GF Marina @ Keppel Bay
Tel: +65 6776 0777
$108++ per person (8 course dinner at restaurant)
$68++ per person (3 Course dinner at Bakery cafe)

Wild Rocket
10A Upper Wilkie Road
GF Hangout @ Mount Emily
Tel: +65 6339 9448
(Closed on 13th-18th Feb, for early Valentine’s only)

The White Rabbit
39C Harding Road
Dempsey
Tel: +65 6473 9965
$98++ per person (5 course dinner with glass of champagne)
(Closed on 15th-16th feb)

* * *

I will be adding this list to the top of my Delicious page if you need to find this page the next time. Remember to call the restaurants in advance and make your reservations. Have a good Valentine’s Dinner!