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Dining

Olivia Restaurant & Lounge Review: New Must-Try Suckling Pork Belly And Burnt Cheesecake At Keong Saik

Olivia Restaurant & Lounge for legit Catalan grub Famed three Michelin-starred restaurant elBulli may have ceased trading their doors in 2011, after 54 years of operations in Spain, but that’s no reason to cry, as their chefs are still around to this day.

Olivia Restaurant & Lounge Review: New Must-Try Suckling Pork Belly And Burnt Cheesecake At Keong Saik

And one such chef is Alain Devahive, who runs the kitchen at Olivia Restaurant & Lounge in Singapore. With a decade of experience working at elBulli’s food work laboratory, ellBullitaller, Alain is armed with the know-how of creating a gastronomic meal that you will want to go broke for. Food at Olivia Restaurant & Lounge While a complimentary serving of olives are presented to you the moment you place your order, I recommend you still order the Spherical Olives ($1.50+ each) .

Oozing out as we cut into the Mushrooms and Truffle Croquettes ($10+) was a velvety flow of bechamel filling dotted with mushrooms and bits of truffle. With a twinkle in his eyes, our host and COO of Olivia, Miquel, whispered that the Dry-Aged Galacian Beef ($36+) is the reason police will surround the restaurant. My dining companion didn’t really fancy the Homemade “Catalunya” Lobster-Avocado Roll ($29+) , citing the combination of shredded lobster meat and roe was too fishy for her taste—despite the sharp tang from the accompanying ponzu sauce.

To most Europeans, the Classic Tenderloin Steak Tartare with Avruga Caviar & Fries ($46+) is usually enjoyed as a main. It was light on the palate, though I did feel that the fries cheapened the dish.

The Guild Review: Pulau Ubin-Farmed Oysters And Buah Keluak Ice-cream At Keong Saik Road Have your taste buds go on overdrive when you pair the umami-laden rice with the sweet, tender prawns. So step out of your introverted comfort zone and ask for their secret menu items such as the Suckling Pig Belly ($78++) .

To alleviate the heaviness of the dish, you’ll as well be served with a side of caramelised pineapple that’s doused in lime zest and olive oil. And it’s safe to say that Olivia’s Creamy Homemade Cheesecake ($14+) was the kickstarter of the burnt cheesecake trend in Singapore.

It’s so good, a regular literally ran it at 10pm to beg for a slice to take away, before proceeding to eat it in his car. Clan Cafe Review: Hidden Cafe At Keong Saik Road With One Of The Best Kueh Salat In SG Made with a combination of eggs, flour, sugar, blue cheese and cream cheese, this famous Basque delicacy is cooked in a low-temperature oven, resulting in a creamy burnt cheesecake that melts onto the plate —and your heart.

If you have space for a denser treat, order the Warm Chocolate Foam Temptation ($14+) . Chocolate lovers will give it two thumbs up, as it is made with 100% cocoa foam and cocoa nibs.

Just when you think it’s a little too chocolatey, you will find a base of fresh passionfruit hidden underneath the brown mess to cut away the richness. Ambience at Olivia Restaurant & Lounge While its Mediterranean design is no doubt alluring, with deep turquoise booths alongside wicker chairs, it is the stellar service that makes the ambience at Olivia Restaurant & Lounge. Everyone serves you with a smile, and you will feel like a regular even if it’s your first time there.

The verdict If there’s one restaurant you have to go in 2019, it has got to be Olivia Restaurant & Lounge . But judging from both my lunches there, you will leave with more than just a hug—you will leave with a satisfied belly and a huge smile.

Key facts
  • Who: Olivia Restaurant · Lounge
  • Money: $1.50 · $10 · $36 · $29
  • Percentages: 100%
  • Figures: 100%

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