Italian cuisine has always been one of my top three favorites, so I'm constantly on the lookout for restaurants that serve up real, home-style Italian food - without the sky-high prices. In a city like Singapore, where Italian restaurants are plentiful but often pricey, Limoncello Pizza & Grill at Robertson Quay stands out as a delightful exception.

As a pizza lover, the Limoncello Pizza was an immediate standout. The dough transported me straight back to Italy- it had that perfect chewiness and ideal thickness. Not too thin to be crispy throughout, and not too thick to feel doughy. It strikes a beautiful balance, just like the pizzas I’ve enjoyed in Milan and Rome.

 

The ambiance struck a romantic chord - even with the crowd. Yes, it was packed especially as the night wore on. If you're aiming to reach the upper levels where the views are even more breathtaking, navigating the space can be a bit challenging. As the night deepens and the crowd thickens, moving around requires a little patience and finesse. But somehow, it didn't ruin the mood. Instead, it felt like part of the charm. People from all walks of life vibed together, clinking glasses under the iconic LED-lit "tree centerpiece" that lights up the space in a next-level glow. 

What stood out to me most wasn't just the aesthetic or the drinks, but the energy. It's a place where you blend in with locals and travelers alike. It's where the essence of modern Bangkok comes alive - fast, vibrant, unapologetically loud and yet, deeply soulful. After several visits to Bangkok, finally getting to experience one of its famous rooftop bars felt like crossing off a rite of passage. Tichuca wasn't just a night out - it was a celebration of the city's spirit, elevated high above its chaotic streets. 

Tips if you're planning to visit:

• Arrive early if you want a good spot - sunset is a magical time to be there.
• Dress smart casual - it's stylish but not overly strict.
• Be patient - crowds build up quickly, and the wait for the lift can take a bit of time. 

Whether you're in Bangkok for a few days or staying longer, make Tichuca a part of your nightlife itinerary. Just one night there, and you'll understand why this city never sleeps - and why you might not want to either. 

If you're searching for the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a special celebration, OSO Ristorante delivers an unforgettable dining experience that checks all the right boxes. My husband and I recently celebrated our anniversary there, and from ambiance to service to every bite of food, the evening was nothing short of wonderful.

Serene, Classic and Romantic Vibes

OSO Ristorante is perched on the 27th floor of Oasia Hotel Downtown, offering an elevated dining experience - both literally and figuratively. From the moment you arrive, the serene and classic ambiance sets the tone for a timeless evening. Dim lighting adds a touch of romance without being overly formal, while the quiet, refined atmosphere makes it ideal for intimate conversations. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a quiet night out, OSO provides a peaceful, upscale escape in the heart of the city.

Cordial and Attentive Service

The staff were incredibly welcoming and attentive throughout our dinner. They were happy to answer questions about the menu and offered thoughtful recommendations based on our preferences. We appreciated how accommodating they were with our requests - never intrusive, but always nearby when we needed something.

A Taste of Italy: Dishes We Loved

The menu at OSO Ristorante is rooted in authentic Italian flavors, and every dish we tried was beautifully presented and full of depth.

• Fritto - a starter of Sicilian-style deep-fried baby calamari served with creamy mayonnaise. Perfectly crispy and not greasy, it set the tone for the meal with its simple, satisfying flavor.

  
  
  

• Rigatoni with 48-Hour Braised Beef Bolognese Ragout - this dish was rich and comforting. The slow-cooked beef melted into the sauce, coating the rigatoni with a robust, hearty flavor that was incredibly satisfying.

  
  
  

• Filleto (250g Beef Tenderloin) served with Black Truffle Purée and Green Asparagus - the tenderloin was cooked to perfection even if I opted for a medium-well doneness. The truffle added an earthy complexity, while the asparagus brought a nice freshness to balance the richness.

  
  
  

• Tiramisu - light, airy, and just sweet enough to end the meal on a high note. A classic done right.
  

We recently celebrated a very special occasion - our son's graduation - with dinner at Carnaby, a British-inspired restaurant nestled in Robertson Quay, Singapore. He picked the spot himself, drawn by the promise of authentic English fare and a reputation for good music. While I went in with no expectations, I left thoroughly impressed and eager to return. 

First Impressions: Casual Vibe, Serious Food
Carnaby has a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere - think more modern bistro than formal fine dining - but don't let that fool you. The menu tells another story. It's packed with thoughtfully crafted British classics, some with creative twists, and everything sounded so appealing that choosing just a few dishes was a challenge. 

What We Ordered & Loved

• Welsh Rarebit of Westcombe Cheddar with Melted Leeks on Beef Fat Toasted Sourdough ($18) - a rich, savory starter that balanced indulgence with flavor complexity. The beef fat-soaked sourdough gave it an elevated, rustic touch.
  
  
  
• Smoky Fish Pie with Smoked Haddock, Golden Snapper, Leeks, Peas & Carrots ($30) - creamy, rich, and packed with flaky fish and veggies. A warm hug in pie form. 

  

  
  
• Roasted Rump of Angus Beef with Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Vegetables, Horseradish Cream & Gravy ($42) - a hearty, comforting plate done right. The beef was tender and flavorful, and the Yorkshire pudding was delightfully crisp yet fluffy. 

  

  
  
• Carnaby Burger (150g Beef Patty, Red Cheddar, Relish, Carnaby Mayo & Chips; $29) - juicy, satisfying, and perfectly seasoned. The Carnaby Mayo added a unique tang to it. 

  

  
  

Sticky Toffee Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce & Vanilla Ice Cream ($16) - a classic done exceptionally well - moist, warm and sweet without being cloying. A must order dessert, I can come back for more.  

There's something special about celebrating life's milestones with good food, a beautiful setting, and a warmth of family. For us, Spago by Wolfgang Puck - perched high above the city on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands Tower 2 - has become a cherished destination for birthdays and special gatherings. We've returned time and again, and each visit only reaffirms why this restaurant holds a special place in our hearts. 

Most recently, we dined at Spago to celebrate our daughter's 19th birthday. from the outset, the service was as warm and polished as usual. The staff were cordial, thoughtful, and attentive without being intrusive - traits that make each visit feel personal and welcoming. 

Complementing this was a generous serving of a selection of free-flowing warm breads, which added a comforting, homey touch to the refined setting. 

For this celebratory dinner, we indulged in a well-curated selection of dishes:

Each dish felt thoughtfully prepared and well-composed. While everything we tried was enjoyable, the Iberico Pork Loin and Milk-Fed Veal Loin were clear standouts - both showcasing exceptional technique and bold, succulent, satisfying flavors. 

To top off the evening, we surprised our daughter with a specialty birthday cake from Origin + Bloom, Marina Bay Sand's in-house patisserie. What made it especially convenient is that the cake can be easily arranged through a request form provided when confirming your restaurant reservation. Once submitted, everything is handled seamlessly - the cake was delivered directly to Spago at our reserved time, perfectly presented for the occasion. The cake was affordable at $38 for a 500g size with generous servings of fresh berries for the flavor that we chose - Pistachio Charlotte. It was a delightful and memorable surprise that added a personal touch to our daughter's celebration. 

Why We Keep Coming Back

Location: Marina Bay Sands Hotel Tower 2, Level 57, Sands SkyPark

Operating Hours: Lunch 12:00pm - 02:00pm / Dinner 06:00pm - 09:30 pm (Sun-Thu); 06:00pm - 10:00pm (Fri & Sat)|

The restaurant has a policy for entry, corkage, cake and dress code - check before coming

Holding two Michelin Stars, The Guest House at the Sheraton Grand Taipei Hotel stands as one of the city's premier food destinations for elevated Chinese cuisine. Specializing in refined interpretations of Sichuan and Jiangzhe classics, this elegant restaurant offers a dining experience that blends time-honored traditions with modern culinary artistry. From exquisite cold starters to luxurious soups and intricate mains, each dish showcases the kitchen's commitment to precision, depth, and creativity. The foodie in me is genuinely excited to try their offerings and experience this culinary craftsmanship firsthand.

What Worked: The Pasta and Salad

Let’s start with the positives. The pasta was genuinely good - beautifully cooked, with well-balanced sauces that showcased the kind of finesse you’d expect from a restaurant of this caliber. Another standout was the Caesar salad, which might sound simple, but here it was executed to near perfection: crisp, fresh, and packed with flavor without being overpowering. It’s one of those dishes you don’t expect to remember, yet it lingered for all the right reasons.

What Didn't: The Pizza and Desserts

On the other hand, the pizza left much to be desired. It wasn’t bad by any means, but it lacked the wow factor - something you’d expect from a place that prides itself on culinary artistry. In fact, there are several other Italian spots in town that do pizza better, both in terms of crust and overall flavor.

The biggest disappointment, however, was the dessert. We ordered what were recommended as best-sellers, hoping to end the meal on a high note. Instead, they felt uninspired and underwhelming - a letdown that’s hard to ignore, especially given how much thought usually goes into finishing a meal strong at a high-end restaurant. The Sticky Toffee Pudding was surprisingly dry - missing the rich, moist decadence that makes the dish a crowd favorite elsewhere. The Devil’s Food Cake also failed to impress, with an ordinary texture and none of the deep, indulgent chocolate intensity the name promises. I expected the Devil’s Food Cake to be a showstopper - rich, indulgent, and deeply chocolatey. Unfortunately, it turned out to be one of the biggest disappointments of the evening. The cake was overtly bitter, lacking the lush, velvety sweetness you’d normally associate with a well-executed chocolate dessert.

Instead of that satisfying balance between deep cocoa flavor and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture, this version leaned too far into sharp bitterness - without the creaminess or complexity to round it out. What should have been a decadent end to the meal felt more like an unpolished attempt at sophistication, missing the mark entirely. For a restaurant of this caliber, these were shockingly underwhelming finishes. 

The Price vs The Experience

With premium pricing comes a certain level of expectation - not just for quality food, but for an overall experience that feels worth it. Unfortunately, Osteria Mozza didn’t quite deliver on that front. While there were moments of enjoyment, they weren’t consistent enough to justify the cost. For what we spent, I expected more across the board: more memorable flavors, more consistency, and frankly, more value.

Would I return? Honestly, not likely. With so many excellent Italian dining options out there - many of which are more affordable and more consistent - Osteria Mozza feels like a splurge that doesn’t quite earn its price tag. It’s a shame, given the reputation and pedigree behind it. Here’s hoping it was just an off night, but for now, I won’t be coming back for a second round.

Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as many locals still call it, is a place that never stops surprising you. The energy here is infectious - the streets constantly hum with the sounds of scooters zipping by, the smell of street food wafting through the air, and the tantalizing offerings of countless eateries. As someone who's spent a lot of time exploring the city, I've come to appreciate the way Ho Chi Minh City blends old and new, local and global, in its food scene. From hole-in-the-wall spots to chic rooftop lounges, the city is brimming with dining experiences that you'll want to savor. Here's a curated list of some of my favorite places that truly capture the essence of this vibrant city.