The much-anticipated opening of the National Gallery is only a month away, but if you simply can’t wait, then head to the Gallery’s first restaurant opening next week instead.
Aura, by the il Lido Group (behind places like Osteria Art and Southbridge), is set to open its doors this Thursday (Oct 1). The sprawling space is sitting on one of the building’s best locations, with a 90-seater Italian restaurant and an expansive 200-seater rooftop bar and lounge on the fifth and sixth floors, respectively.
The restaurant will serve Italian dishes of antipasti, pastas and mains that are all based on seasonal produce. Expect a four-course set dinner to go for $68, three-course set lunches for $32 and an airy Sunday brunch for $48 or $98 with free flow Prosecco and Bellinis.
If you love a good view, head straight to the Sky Lounge that overlooks the Padang and the CBD. They will do a raw bar with roasted vegetables, salads, homemade breads and seafood—most of which will be priced at $18. There’s also the tea lounge, which will serve a European-style high tea with sandwiches and pastries, as well as a nighttime lounge for cocktails and Champagne.