The Place Helmed by Executive Chef Alex Phan, Park Hotel Clarke Quay’s Porta has introduced modern takes on European food which are both accessible and approachable. With prior experiences at the kitchens of Tipping Club, Open Door Policy, and Sorrel, the chef has the finesse to introduce a pleasant element of surprise to many of the items on the menu.

Despite being located in a hotel, Porta manages to steer away from the demands as an all-day dining restaurant of the property. The decor of the restaurant takes on a modern contemporary look with many semi-private tables for a more intimate dining experience.

The Food While I visited the restaurant for dinner, I learnt that their Set Lunch starts from S$18++ for a 2-course meal, which is frankly very affordable for a quality lunch spot in town. And back to its dinner menu, Porta recently did a refresh of its menu and I thought it was perhaps timely to return.

Starting with the salad Chicken & Egg (S$14), which comes mix with edamame and baby corn. Good appetiser to start the meal, even though I personally prefer the Grilled Summer Vegetable with Hummus (S$14), where the greens are mainly locally sourced. Kudos to the efforts of the kitchen.

If you prefer to start your dinner right with savoury appetisers, go for either the Confit Lamb Pastilla (S$14) or the Spicy Salmon Tartare (S$16). The Pastilla is a crispy deep fried roll with Australian Lamb shank fillings and served with yogurt, pistachio and cumin. It is enjoyable.

And for our love of salmon, the tartare comes served with crispy seaweed, lending the dish a good mix of textures. Both starters are highly recommended.

For mains, I would recommend either the Duck Ragout (S$24) or the Roast Chicken Leg (S$24). The former being a pasta dish, with pappardelle. It is a competent take, amongst the table favourite.

The Roast Chicken Leg’s crisp skin and juicy meats, coupled with the complements (wild mushroom and Lyonnais potato), makes this a rather satisfying keto-friendly option on menu, less the potatoes of course.

Other new mains on the menu include the Barramundi (S$24) with Ratatouille and Mussels, and the Pork Belly (S$26) done with BBQ Sauce and served with Pineapple puree and charred leak.

I found the pork belly a tad dry during my visit, and admittedly I didn’t have it immediately when it was served. This could be a brilliant option if it is enjoyed hot from the grills.

A pleasant surprise here are the desserts; expect the unexpected. The kitchen breaks down the traditional and familiar desserts to give diners a refreshing and satisfying take. My favourite of the lot, the Key Lime Meringue (S$12) is basically served with nicely scooped spheres of Kaffie Lime, Meringue and Cream. Have each with the vanilla crumbles, a sweet end to the meal here at Porta.

If you are going for ice cream and tarts, go for the Spiced Apple Tarte Tatin (S$14). Or if you are a chocolate lover, the Black Forest (S$14) would be the default choice for you, which is served with a chocolate lava cake as its centrepiece.

Rants Competition in the Robertson Quay precinct is steep, and Porta needs more than just good food to pull the crowds in.

Will I Return Again? Second time back at Porta, and am not disappointed on both occasions. Affordable good modern European food, in an environment and service which would be sure to impress your fellow diners.

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

Make your reservation instantly at Porta here.

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 4/5
Hole in the pocket: 3/5
Ambience: 3/5
Overall Experience: 4/5

 

 

 

Porta
1 Unity Street, Level 1
Park Hotel Clarke Quay
Singapore 237983
Tel: +65 6593 8855

Opening Hours
Daily: 11am to 10:30pm

Ranted by The Rantee