True to its name, this no-frills spot at arts hub Gillman Barracks serves a pared down but smart menu of appealing seafood specialties; just the stuff you’d crave on a casual night out. There’s grilled pod razor with hot shallot oil (from $12) and diver-caught great Atlantic scallop ceviche ($20), plus—for the indecisive—a comprehensive set for four ($288): Six seafood dishes, two kinds of greens, vermicelli, and creme brulee for dessert. They’ve got something for most tastes—the menu features Southeast Asian, European and even Latin flavors—in a range of formats to suit various appetites. So if you’re not up for a full meal, check out the bar bites, an admirably straightforward selection of simple good things including grilled baby Indian squid ($8) and baked escargot with garlic butter ($10). Desserts are similarly uncomplicated; mostly frozen concoctions (courtesy of their hi-tech Pacojet machine) like homemade Madagascan vanilla ice cream with Guinness Stout and crème de mure ($20). Drink-wise, the cocktails (from $16) are as fresh and fruity as you’d want at a mostly outdoor venue, also incorporating some of those super smooth Pacojet sorbets. Other options include not-too-heavy vinos ($16/glass, $80/bottle), from crisp sauvignon blanc to light-bodied pinot noir, or easy drinking beers such as Orion ($14). Service is equally basic (but cheery): You order at the counter—so take note of your table number—and the food gets served to you. Besides good grub and frosty drinks, the minimalist shack, with concrete floors and black metal accents, is just plain relaxing. It’s surrounded by green space with a view of the southern city skyline in the distance: A great reminder of the simple pleasures in life.
The Naked Finn is on Top Tables’ Top 10 Restaurants in Singapore 2014.
