Expat Restaurant Guide – Mediterranean

Dolce Vita
If you haven’t been here since the old Pronto days, you won’t recognise the place. We urge you to go there post haste; it will not disappoint. The space is very modern Med, with a minimally decorated, airy, resort-style interior. The top tables, naturally, are on the terrace by the landscaped pool, but there are only a few so make sure you reserve one. From certain angles you can see the high rises of the business district and the Singapore Flyer, a view which is particularly seductive by night. The menu presents diners with a contemporary and elegant take on Mediterranean cuisine and you know you’re in for a culinary treat when the freshly baked bread arrives with five different spreads and dips. Bouillabaisse, turbot with clams and fresh herbs in a beurre blanc, and suckling pig confit are all highlights on the current menu.
Mandarin Oriental Singapore, Level 5, 5 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square, tel: +65 6885-3551.

Esmirada
Big on lively Mediterranean attitude, Esmirada is always reliable for an informal meal. The portions tend to be generous so the dishes are ideal for sharing. Flavours are pretty authentic and the menu covers the whole reach of the Med, from Spanish paella, Italian swordfish carpaccio and Greek moussaka through to the headier cuisines of the Middle East – think mezze platters, falafel and the famous kebabs on pendant skewers. For Convenience, go to the Orchard location; for atmosphere head straight to chijmes and grab a table under the trees. On a moonlit night you could almost imagine yourself in a town square on the balmy shores of the Med… okay, maybe not quite.
Outlet at: Orchard Hotel, #01-29,442 Orchard Road, tel: +65 6735-3476; Chijmes, #01-17, 30 Victoria Street, tel: +65 6336-3684.

Original Sin
Would you ever have imagined a vegetarian restaurant becoming such an institution? We’re sure the people at Original Sin are fed up with comments like that! Part of the Michelangelo’s group, the laid-back ambience here is utterly conducive to lazing away a long lunch or an evening meal, particularly with the Michelangelo’s trademark extensive wine list. The terrace is very popular so make sure you book ahead. Substantial portions of heartily flavoured Mediterranean food and regularly changing specials bring people back here time after time after time, which is no mean feat in fickle Singapore. Expat favourites from the a la carte include the mezze platter, magic mushrooms (not what you’re thinking) and lemon meringue tart.
Chip Bee Gardens, 43 Jalan Merah Saga, #01-62, tel: +65 6475-5605.