• Location: 600 North Bridge Road, Parkview Square, Singapore
• Best Times to Visit: Afternoon tea or early evening
• Dress Code: Smart casual recommended
• Tip: Make a reservation, especially for weekends

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.

Despite the challenging market for local food establishments in Singapore, it's refreshing to see new food specialties making their way to our shores. One of the latest arrivals creating a buzz is Standard Bun, a popular Korean brand known for its unique and indulgent filled buns. They’ve recently launched a pop-up store at Suntec City, running from June 4 to August 3, to test the waters of Singapore's vibrant food scene. 

What’s in the Box?

Standard Bun offers a tempting variety of flavors, and I grabbed a box of 8 distinct buns to sample:

• Salt Mocha Bun
• Coconut Bun
• Red Velvet Cookie Bun
• Earl Grey Cream Bun
• Matcha Cookie Bun
• Milk Cream Bun
• Melon Cream Bun
• Potato Cheese Bun

Each bun is handmade with a soft, chewy base and generously filled with flavored creams or toppings - an indulgence that promises both variety and excitement.

Top Flavors Worth the Hype

Both of these offered unexpected delight. The Melon Cream Bun burst with fruity freshness, while the Earl Grey Cream Bun had a refined citrusy aroma that lingered from first bite to finish — ideal for tea lovers seeking a twist in their treats.

While most of Standard Bun’s flavors lean sweet, they do venture into savory territory. The Potato Cheese Bun was surprisingly enjoyable — creamy, cheesy, and rich with a pleasant lingering aftertaste. However, the base dough seems more naturally suited to sweet flavor profiles, making the savory offerings feel a bit selective and polarizing. 

Standard Bun brings a welcome and whimsical addition to Singapore’s bakery scene. While not every bun is a knockout, the overall experience — from variety to novelty to presentation — is undeniably fun. If you're curious or just in the mood to treat yourself, this pop-up is worth checking out before it disappears in August.

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.