Mediterranean cuisine borrows cultures from Italy, Spain, France, Greek, Levant and Maghrebi which is the reason why this cuisine is so diverse. And it is one of the few cuisines that is healthy yet packed with flavors, as it involves loads of vegetables, beans, nuts and seafood. Singapore has its fair share of establishments for you to dine at when you’re in a mood for a Mediterranean affair.
Artemis Grill
A newcomer to the hood, this place is all about sustainable Mediterranean food, with grassfed and hormone-free meats, and plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options, too. You can’t forgo the raw bar, which is stocked with fresh seafood like halibut crudo and the Sturia caviar, with straciatella cream, dill cucumber and potato celery blini. Hot off the grill are the Greek sea bass, with Mediterranean spiced rub, and the milk-fed Dutch veal chop with roasted leeks and blackberries. A real highlight is the list of organic and biodynamic wines from the Mediterranean region, best enjoyed their terrace. #04-01 CapitaGreen, 138 Market St. Make a reservation via Chope here.
Maggie Joan’s
We have loved Moosehead for a long time, so we have been absolutely delighted by the arrival of the more upscale sister restaurant Maggie Joan’s, a narrow and beautifully decorated hole-in-the-wall Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, accessible only via the alley behind Amoy Street, now home to a row of cool restaurants. The space, while intimate, is rather non-descript with typical wooden furniture and raw, exposed bricks. They serve up modern, aesthetically driven plates like hamachi crudo, pickled tomato and basil, Inka roasted cauliflower, and the egg with dukka & saffron mayo. #01-01 110 Amoy St. Make a reservation via Chope here.
Moosehead
A restaurant we happily go to again and again, Moosehead has had some changes lately: an interior renovation has made the space more cool and comfortable, and new chef Seumas Smith has brought in some exciting new signature dishes that blend seamlessly with the Aussie-Mediterranean sensibility and respect for vegetables we expect from Moosehead. Don’t miss the cauliflower with garlic miso and gooey leek confit and the Inka three bean salad with padron peppers, snow peas and edamame with feta. You won’t even need to get to the meats, though the flank steak is affordable and delicious. 110 Telok Ayer St. Make a reservation via Chope here.
Original Sin
There’s a lot to eat in Holland Village, but little to write home about, with exceptions like this perennially crowded Mediterranean establishment that makes you wonder why restaurants bother serving meat at all. The hearty, delicious food is strictly vegetarian, and the friendly staff will be on hand to recommend something suitable. Try the mezze platter, the Turkish flatbread with mushrooms and goat cheese and the moussaka. #01-62 Chip Bee Gardens, 43 Jalan Merah Saga. Make a reservation via Chope here.
