The Place Pronounced as “one-view”, I checked out the few weeks old 1-V:U located at the rooftop of The Outpost Hotel in Sentosa. Branded as the first and only rooftop dining and lifestyle destination, it is an interesting concept by 1-Group (which also manages restaurants like Stellar, The Alkaff Mansion, The Summerhouse, The Garage) given that it brings the conventional day club by the beach vibes to an elevated rooftop spot.

The first thing which drew my attention was the view. Nice breeze in the air, an unobstructed view of Palawan beach and the Singapore Straits even if it means one dotted by vessels. This destination actually makes me forget I am in Singapore.

It is a two-in-one concept at 1-V:U. First, the Day Club by the tempting pool and pool sofas with a view and DJ to spin out music, and next the 60-seater Restaurant which dishes out progressive Asian cuisine helmed by Singaporean Executive Chef Ace Tan with past stints at restaurants like Les Amis and Bacchanalia. If you fancy a more intimate dining experience, there is a chef table experience right in front of the open kitchen.

1-V:U is easily accessible at the top floor of The Outpost Hotel, which is in the same development as the latest Far East Hospitality project in Sentosa, which also includes Village Hotel Sentosa and the heritage The Barracks Hotel Sentosa.

The Food I managed to try a mix of dishes from both the Day Club and Restaurant. The drinks menu is quite extensive here with a good range of cocktails, spirits and wines, such as the vodka based Tropiloca (S$20) and rum based Sunset on V:U (S$22).

For a start, the Oyster Sling (S$6 per piece; minimum 2 pieces) is very fresh and is chef’s take on the Korean dish Nam Jin, Singapore Sling granita and pickled shallots. Strange to say for oysters, but the combination is quite refreshing, particularly with chef taking inspirations from this time working in Korea.

Moving on to the Crispy Cauliflower Florets (S$11), the beer battered texture makes it quite different from other versions, and further Asian element is evident from the curry kombu dressing served. This serving is quite big and good to share between 3-4 persons.

Another refreshing starter I had was the Kaffir Lime Seafood Ceviche (S$18), a good combination of tuna, prawns, hamachi, avocado, tomatoes mizuna and roasted peanuts. It is interestingly served with prawn crackers, so the best way to have it is to scoop the ceviche with the crackers.

Who can resist chips and truffle oil? VU’s Loaded Chips with Kombu Truffle Oil, Sherry Vinegar, Grated Parmesan (S$12) goes well with the accompanying truffle aioli sauce and I am sure it will make you forget your keto-diet.

For something heavier, go for the V:U Wagyu Patty Melt (S$25) where the housemade patty is a mix of beef and pork. If you love cheese, there is a good ratio of cheddar and gruyere here, sandwiched between the delicious Japanese milk bread toast. Other ingredients include scrambled eggs, caramelised onions, kimchi slaw and chips.

Pizza and pasta generally work well for a pool party. The Loaded Prawns Pizza (S$25) here comes with different types of prawns like poached prawns, tempura prawns and Sakura ebi, along with Béchamel, avocado and Ebiko ponzu mayo in the homemade pizza dough.

On the other hand, the Hot Tomato Crab Pasta (S$24) is slightly spicy as the Capellini is tossed in a chilli tomato sauce with swimmer crab and laksa leaves and served with a side of beer battered soft shell crab.

From the Restaurant, the French beans and Winged Beans Hot Salad with ‘Bumbu’ Sauce and Natto (S$12) is a relatively healthier option after all the sinful treats from the Day Club. The French beans and natto combination work well for me and I was surprised that I enjoyed this dish.

An interesting take on burger, the ‘Lion head’ Asian Hamburg (S$20) with sautéed shimeiji, black garlic onion sauce and plum compote is strong in Japanese elements and I like the black garlic onion sauce and the mushrooms here, which balance the flavour of the burger well.

On to a meaty dish, the Glazed Oyster Blade Steak has strong Asian elements as it is served with lettuce leaves where the recommended way is to wrap the beef and have it with the lettuce. This Korean style serving extends to the ingredients as well, where the thinly sliced beef is served with kimchi, Asian pesto sauce, along with garlic chips, yam cream and pickled pearl onions (S$40 for 200g; S$75 for 400g).

If you still have some space, a good side dish to have is the Jospered Corn with Shiso Honey Glaze (S$6 for 3 pieces).

Rants Sentosa is not the most convenient location to visit without car. Do note that The Outpost Hotel is an adults-only destination, which applies to 1-V:U as well, aka ditch the kiddos.

Will I Return Again? The dining vibe at 1-V:U is something I will return for as a day club and restaurant concept on a rooftop is too alluring. 

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

Make your reservations instantly at 1-V:U here.

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 3.5/5
Hole in the pocket: 4/5
Ambience: 4/5
Overall Experience: 4/5

1-V:U
Level 7 The Outpost Hotel
10 Artillery Avenue, Sentosa Island
Singapore 099951
Tel: +65 6513 7708

Opening Hours

Restaurant
Breakfast: Daily, 6:30am to 10:30am
Lunch: Weekdays, 12pm to 2pm
Brunch: Weekends, 11.30am to 2.30pm
Dinner: Sunday to Thursdays, 6pm to 9.30pm ; Friday and Saturday, 6pm to 10pm

Day Club & Rooftop Bar
Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 1am
Friday and Saturday: 11am to 3am

Ranted by The Ranter