Aura – Rooftop Space, Italian Food and Art
PUBLISHED January 28th, 2016 05:00 am | UPDATED June 19th, 2020 04:35 pm
The National Gallery is, without a doubt, a special place in Singapore. History was made in the former Supreme Court until 2005 and now, this heritage building has become a hub for art aficionados and foodies alike, thanks in part to snazzy establishments such as Aura.
Brought to you by restauranteur Beppe De Vito, Aura is split into two levels – a dining area bedecked with gorgeous art pieces on the fifth floor and a rooftop sky lounge with a wonderful view of the Marina Bay. While the latter is the perfect place to kick off a night of after-work drinks, one should dine at the restaurant below deck to to really appreciate Aura.
Taking the traditional approach without shying away from modern twists, an ideology best exemplified by the tangy and smoky Scallop Crudo with Truffle and Smoked Quail Eggs; While we appreciate the same effort in the sweet-savoury Grilled Octopus with Crispy Egg and Corn, the texture and doneness of the octopus was not well executed.
The Mediterranean flavours of Italy was represented by the Burnt Wheat Orecchiette with Asparagus and Guanciale – a type of pasta that is traditionally known as a peasant’s dish. Light and milky flavours distinguished the al-dente, ear-shaped wheat pasta shells, with every bite filling our hearts with warmth. The Burrata Cheese Ravioli with Amatriciana had seductive nuances of truffle, and each individual dumpling had a strong earthy tang.
Even though the Black Cod Baked in Cartoccio was fishy, the odour didn’t detract us from enjoying the fish’s remarkably silken flesh; in fact its flavour was flawlessly enhanced for some mythical culinary reason. Aura’s kitchen team confirmed that they were on top of their game that evening when the Grilled Lamb Chops, Eggplant and Fresh Herb Salad was brought out. If you want some melt-in-your-mouth goodness, this is one dish to go for.
With desserts like the Amedei Chocolate & Banana Cake, Bailey’s & Hazelnut Feuillantine, and Molten Chocolate & Red Berries Cake, folks with a sweet tooth will be thoroughly satisfied at this classy ristorante.
Rarely does a much-hyped about restaurant actually live up to its fanfare, but Aura has done so with aplomb. With an exceptional menu that pays tribute to Italian cuisine and a breathtaking rooftop space, there is at least one more reason to visit the National Gallery Singapore this year.
Aura is located at #05-03 National Gallery Singapore, St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957. Tel: +65 6866 1977
Opening Hours: Open Daily – 12pm to 2.30pm, 6.30pm to 10.30pm (restaurant), 11.30am to 1pm (Sky Lounge). To visit Aura’s website, please click here.
