Review: the new Cafe Nesuto at Ion Orchard proves it’s more than a dessert spot. Expect elegant plates, nostalgic flavours, and a banana cream parfait worth every spoonful.
Cafe Nesuto at Ion Orchard is the latest evolution of one of our favourite dessert cafes in Singapore, and it’s serving more than just its signature cakes. Amidst the glossy storefronts of Ion Orchard lies this new, serene dining spot offering a full-fledged menu from savouries to sweets.
Helmed by Nesuto’s brand founder and pastry chef, Alicia Wong, the menu introduces savoury plates created with the same precision that made her desserts popular. These dishes were developed over two years in collaboration with chef Daren Teo, who was classically trained in Provence, blending French techniques with Japanese flair. We popped by for a taste, and here’s what we recommend.
Cafe Nesuto Ion Orchard review: Details at a glance
Best for: Elegant comfort food, refined desserts, and cafe lovers on the hunt for a quiet dining spot in the heart of Orchard
Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 10pm
How much: Starters from $12, salads from $22, soups from $16, mains from $12, desserts from $7
Address: Cafe Nesuto, #04-27 to 32, Ion Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801
A salad that’ll win over sceptics
If you think salads are boring, let this house-cured salmon, fennel and orange salad ($26) prove you wrong. This is one vibrant plate that looks good and tastes scrumptious. The orange slices brighten the plate (visually and culinarily) with a citrus sweetness that offsets any trace of fishiness. Hung yoghurt adds a gentle creaminess, while the dill and fennel lend an herbaceous, aromatic lift. The best bite – in our opinion – comes from consuming all the elements of the salad in equal amounts. It’s light, layered, and more satiating than the usual salad.
A comforting classic reimagined
There’s something instantly comforting about a good bowl of potato soup, and Cafe Nesuto’s roasted potato and leek soup ($16) offers an elevated take on this classic. Drawing inspiration from Chef Daren’s childhood memories of Jack’s Place roasted potatoes, this version is a reimagined, grown-up nostalgia done right. Each comforting spoonful of this potato soup brings a tinge of savoury smokiness from the bacon bits, while the leek adds more depth to the flavour. Far from being one-dimensional, the soup has a comforting, delectable taste that lingers.
A signature main that is (mi)so good
The braised miso chicken leg ($24) is one of the signatures at Cafe Nesuto’s Ion Orchard outlet. Fork-tender and generously portioned, the chicken rests on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, served with broccolini and topped with genmai grains for added texture and a delicious roasted aroma.
The miso sake cream sauce ties it all together beautifully – savoury, slightly sweet, and lighter than we expected. Unlike the traditional French brown sauce, this version plays with umami notes and adds a Japanese touch by using miso. Paired with succulent pieces of chicken, the main left us satiated without feeling sluggish.
A pie-fect ending to the meal
Out of all the sweet treats we tried, the outlet-exclusive banana cream soft serve parfait ($15) is our top pick. Imagine rich Narita Dream Farm milk soft serve swirled with miso caramel, topped with banana slices, chocolate streusel, and buttery pie sticks that reminded us of some of the best croissants we’ve had. It’s a decadent treat that doesn’t feel too heavy, while satisfying our cravings for a sweet ending.
Other sweet treats exclusive to Cafe Nesuto at Ion Orchard include the strawberry crumble tart, passionfruit and vanilla cake and more. Searching for Nesuto’s crowd-favourite cakes? They’re available too. Simply pop by the counter to take your pick. We’ve previously tried and loved the hazelnut, black sesame, and matcha cakes.
If you’ve been a fan of Nesuto, or you’re just looking for a new dining spot in Orchard that doesn’t break the bank, Cafe Nesuto is worth a try. Its dishes showcase the art of placing French and Japanese influences on the same plate, offering refined yet comforting flavours that satiate without being overwhelming. Cap off your meal with one of the many sweet treats, and you’re golden.
