Want a relaxing dining experience that’ll make you forget you’re in Singapore? Whisk your date away to Panamericana in Sentosa.
Perched on top of a cliff in Sentosa overlooking the glittering Singapore Straits, Panamericana is a prime spot for romantic evenings, vibrant alfresco dining with the family, and spirited nights out with friends. The wood-fire grill restaurant was first introduced to Singapore in 2018, and it remains a popular favourite – even if its secluded location in Sentosa is a tiny obstacle to diners who don’t drive. Curious about what to expect? I popped over to try the new menu and was pleasantly surprised by the same stellar standards…
Panamericana review: Glorious grilled meats and seaside views
If you’ve never been to Panamericana, I get it. It’s one of the more remote restaurants, thanks to its spot on top of a cliff next to the ultra-exclusive Sentosa Golf Club. But that’s what makes it special. In typical Singaporean exaggeration when it comes to getting around the country, it feels like you’ve traversed a great distance to the tip of the island, where you’re rewarded with undisturbed views of ships dotting the waters. And it’s totally worth it.
Over the years, I’ve dined at all three spaces within the restaurant: the elegant indoor tables bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows, the outdoor veranda, and the sprawling tented lawn area which opens up to front-row views of the Singapore Straits.
My recommendation? The lush lawn, which is perfect for those who love a picturesque dining experience. But the alfresco area is a close second. Both offer spectacular sights and cool sea breezes, giving you that calming feeling of being in a tropical paradise. The friendly folks on staff certainly add to those vacay vibes, too!
Start with delightful small plates
Taking inspiration from the food of 14 countries spread out along the Pan-American Highway through North, Central and South America, the menu might come across as a hodgepodge of cuisines at first glance. But it’s all tied together with Panamericana’s Argentinian Asador grill, which fires up succulent meat and seafood dishes.
Carb enthusiasts can make a beeline for the aromatic sourdough slices ($8) served with a slab of butter, citrus salt, and olive oil. The octopus dish ($30) is done a little differently here: with a chilli and seaweed glaze, black-eyed pea puree, chimichurri, and honey buckwheat for a medley of textures. But I’d suggest you skip the Mexican chorizo and beans ($16) – which is exactly what it sounds like – to save space for meatier mains.
Got little ones at the table? They’ll love the mac and cheese ($28) made with the salty goodness of camembert, epoisses, red cheddar, and mozzarella. Every bite is creamy and comforting, but for the price, I wouldn’t complain if the portion was a little bigger.
Where smoke meets sizzle
The feast continues with sublime steak cuts such as ribeye, picanha and T-bone. There’s a certain beauty in wood-fired meats – even better when the proteins are premium cuts from Macka’s, Tender Valley, and Stone Axe in Australia.
My table went with the 1kg Macka’s OP rib ($238) and ended up polishing it all off despite relentless protests of expanding waistlines. The grain-fed black angus beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, served with impeccably tangy, spicy, and refreshing sauces like salsa roja, mole poblano, charred herb salsa, and chimichurri (just take your pick when you order).
Another standout? The pork ribs ($42). Flame-kissed and beautifully glazed with a sweet and sticky barbecue sauce, the meat falls right off the bone. It might be a tad too sweet for some, especially if you’re not a fan of barbecue. But the portion is generous and, fair warning, come prepared to loosen your pants after the meal.
To complement the meats and cut through the richness, order a variety of sides. Tip: you won’t regret getting the Cubano baby corn ($16). Don’t look down on this simple-sounding dish, ‘cos it’s bursting with flavour from cotija cheese, Sriracha mayo, and chives. Another oft-overlooked option, the mashed potatoes ($18) are silky smooth, studded with chunks and topped with peels of crispy potato skin for that lovely crunch.
Sweet dreams are made of these
Since I’ve got a sweet tooth, the crowning glory of a restaurant, to me, is its range of desserts. And even though Panamericana only offers three options, my meal ended on a high.
Here’s looking at you, date and Guinness sticky cake ($15). Picture this: you’re already stuffed to the brim, but somehow you can’t stop shovelling spoonfuls of cake into your mouth. There’s the decadent Horlicks and Maltesers ice cream, the drizzles of gooey Guinness caramel, the crunchy pecan bits, and the incredibly moist cake. Hands down, it beats the other options: classic churros ($15) and soft serve ($12).
To sweeten the deal, keep the booze flowing with red, white and rosé wines, shots, and cocktail concoctions ($26 each). The Cool AF margarita throws jalapeno into the mix for spicy sips, while the Pisco Disco tastes like Christmas with its blend of spiced red wine poached pear, chamomile pisco, lemon, and angostura bitters. P.S. the cocktail lineup isn’t super potent, so lightweights can order drinks (somewhat) freely. Cheers to a leisurely evening of good food and sweet views!
Make a reservation for Panamericana. Address: 27 Bukit Manis Road, Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore 099892; phone number: +65 6253 8182; opening hours: Monday – Friday noon to 3pm, Saturday – Sunday noon to 4pm, Monday – Friday & Sunday 5pm to 10pm, Saturday 5pm to midnight
