PUBLISHED February 27th, 2014 12:52 am | UPDATED May 22nd, 2017 05:34 pm
When most people think of CÉ LA VI, they usually think of the rooftop bar and sky lounge. What you may or may not know is that there is quite an impressive restaurant located on the same level…and they recently welcomed a new Chef and menu.
Not to diminish the quality of the food, but it has to be said that probably the most memorable thing about dining at CÉ LA VI is the view and overall ambience. Taking that rapid lift up to the 57th floor and then heading towards the restaurant, the whole experience is somewhat decadent. Going to the restaurant feels like frequenting an exclusive club where they practically check your ID at each door. However, once finally arriving at the restaurant, everything from the decor to the music and view is just breathtaking and the service is very good.
The CÉ LA VI restaurant, like the bar, is predominantly outdoor so you are somewhat at the mercy of the weather. However at nearly 200m above sea-level it is very breezy and you shouldn’t worry too much about the Singapore heat getting to you.
Cuisine-wise, CÉ LA VI presents a menu of ‘modern’ Asian cuisine, so you can expect a playful fusion of Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Southeast Asian flavours. A perfect example of this fusion of flavours is their Spicy Sashimi Salad ($23) which uses a combination of fresh raw fish, Korean-flavoured chilli, nori, avocado and other ingredients to create something of a symphony of flavours.
Sticking with the Japanese theme, the Salmon Sashimi ($24) and Soft Shell Crab Roll ($25) are great choices as well. The crab maintains a beautiful crunch against the tender grains of rice.
If you are however more partial to Western flavours, then there’s certainly no shortage of well-made dishes. The Heirloom Tomato Salad ($17) and Grilled Australian Lamb Rack ($48) are wonderful representations of just that.
On the drinks front, I was astonished at the range of quality wines on the wine menu, and for prices that weren’t as expensive as you might expect from the venue. As for cocktails, there’s an interesting assortment of Southeast Asian inspired flavours which make for some sweet and tart drinks. Perhaps not comparable with Singapore’s top cocktail bars but definitely satisfying at 57 floors up on a cool night overlooking the city.
I would be lying if I said that the number one draw of CÉ LA VI wasn’t the magnificent view, but I have to admit that I was very pleasantly surprised by the overall dining experience and taste of the food. At a minimum of $80++ per head at dinner, it’s by no means cheap. However, for a romantic dinner, birthday or for taking visiting friends, it’s got to be one of the top spots in town.
On this occasion the meal and photos were compliments of Ku De Ta
Read more reviews at Ramen Matsuri: Happy chickens, make happy chicken soup! and Arbite: European food with a Singaporean twist in Serangoon Gardens