Find contemporary Australian fare with subtle Asian touches at this cosy, laid-back dining establishment in Singapore's ultra-hip Keong Saik district
Hip ‘hood Keong Saik shows no signs of slowing down, what with the recent bunch of new arrivals in the area. Part of this group of hot new hangouts is contemporary Australian restaurant Luxe – a Sydney-based culinary concept that’s found its way to our shores.
The space is light and airy, and the atmosphere’s convivial. The minimalist, Scandinavian design and the whole white-and-green colour scheme blends perfectly with the restaurant’s brass accents – absolutely lovely. With a comfy lounge section and a spacious, longish bar area at the front of the restaurant, we can see ourselves returning for some light after-work mixes like the Palm Beach (a spritzer of Sipsmith Summer Cup, Riesling, pineapple gum, and hibiscus water) and the refreshing tamarind margarita right before diving into the food.
The lunch and dinner menu isn’t exactly extensive (there are about six entrees and six mains to choose from, to be exact), so you’ll have an easy time picking out whatever catches your attention. Starters like the pork sausage roll with fennel salad ($18) and the handmade buffalo mozzarella ravioli ($22) caught ours and we were sold – we could’ve easily had three more servings of the crusty, savoury, and not to mention buttery sausage roll, and the creamy buffalo mozzarella ravioli was the ultimate comfort food. For mains, the uncomplicated Luxe Burger ($28) stole our hearts with its perfectly-cooked grass-fed beef patty (medium is definitely the way to go) topped with melted cheese and spicy mayo.
Other notable creations that are highly recommend come from the bar food menu, and these include the burrata ($16; it’s creamier and richer than usual!) as well as the addictive parmesan doughnuts that come with an dangerously equally addictive cheese dip ($12). Finally, complete your meal with the dessert of pandan madeleines ($8) – these soft treats come with a side of kaya mixed with coconut cream.
Luxe, #01-04, 1 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089109, p. 6221 5615. Open Tue-Fri 12pm to 12am, Sat 9am-12am, Sun 9am-4pm. Closed Mon.