What’s Buzzing? There are many dining options in National Gallery Singapore such as Cantonese restaurant YAN or the 2-Michelin Starred Odette. A more casual Italian option will be Aura, which boosts a good skyline view of the city from its rooftop bar. The Italian restaurant, managed by the ilLido Group, has a more formal dining space at level five while its rooftop bar concept is at level 6. Since its opening for about a year till date, we returned to check out its new weekend lunch menu, which is essentially a three-course affair from S$48++ per person. We preferred the ambience at the rooftop bar better, with nice natural daylight and a dining view.

The Highlights One good thing about this menu is that you will get to try all the antipasti, even if you dine alone. There is no first world problem of deciding which option to have. You can expect Parma Ham with Burrata Cheese, Salt & Paprika Calamari, Tuna Tartare & Avocado Crostino, Burnt Wheat Orecchiette with Pesto & Porcini and Trofie with Crab Busara. In general, the antipasti selections were good and it offered a balanced mix of options for a start. The portions will be customised according to how many people you have on your table, but as a general rule of thumb, try not to overeat as there are some pretty heavy and hearty dishes here like the Burnt Wheat Orecchiette with Pesto & Porcini.

On mains, we had the options of the  Grilled Snapper with Mediterranean Vegetable Stew, Black Cod with Artichoke Heart and Sea Urchin Sauce (additional S$12), Smoked Duck Supreme with Celeriac and Lemon Spinach
or the Tajima Beef Sirloin with Truffle Potato and Asparagus (additional S$22).

The Tajima Beef Sirloin with Truffle Potato and Asparagus we had turned out to be a really small portion, to say the least. That said, it was decent but it didn’t justify the additional S$22 price.

Instead, opt for the Black Cod with Artichoke Heart and Sea Urchin Sauce, a nice touch of Japanese Uni sauce to elevate the flavours of the cod fish.

F0r desserts, opt between the Aura Tiramisu or Apple Crumble with Rum Custard and Blue Berries.

The Weekend Lunch is available from 12 noon to 2:30pm at the Restaurant and Sky Lounge on every Saturday and Sunday, and is priced at S$98++ per person with free flow of Prosecco and Bellini or S$48++ per person for food only.

This was an invited tasting, though all opinions expressed are our own.

Make your reservation instantly at Aura here.

Aura
1 St. Andrews Road
05-03 and 06-02
National Gallery Singapore
Singapore 178957
Tel: +65 6866 1977

Ranted by The Ranter