The Place Despite a history of 20 years, it was my first time to Flutes restaurant recently where it relocated from Fort Canning Hill to the historic Midtown House (former Beach Road Police Station) in Bugis about a month ago. The contemporary European restaurant is located right opposite So Do Fun (蜀都丰), and it spots an elegant interior designed by acclaimed local design firm David Grace Designs.  

The interior incorporates elements from the building’s history, such as the louvred panel windows and colonial décor, along with a feature art piece by Singapore-based art curator Michele Righetti, as well as bespoke local ceramic tableware from Mudrock Ceramics.  

The Food The menu at Flutes is a blend of contemporary European dishes with subtle Singapore influences. The restaurant is also big on its commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing where all seafood served is responsibly sourced, and meats are procured from suppliers who ensure environmental stewardship. It is helmed by Executive Chef Peter Rollinson and the menu changes with the seasons to reflect the freshest ingredients available. 

In terms of beverages, the wine list includes a selection of sustainable and biodynamic wines with over 300 wine labels. Alcohol pairing is at S$108++ per person. The lunch set is pretty good value at S$58++ for 2-courses and S$68++ for 3-courses. 

I had the Degustation Dinner Menu (S$178++ per person) and here is what to expect from the 5-course dinner menu.  

Snacks 
A trio of snacks to start the meal with the delicious BBQ Yumbah Abalone, Kombu Butter, Truffle; Potato Croquette, Bafun Uni, Oscietra Caviar; and the Kangaroo Tartare, Beetroot, Goat’s Cheese. 

The one which surprised me most was the Kangaroo Tartare which is not gamy at all, and in fact, I thought I was having tuna tartare.  

First 
The first course is the Salad of Alaskan King Crab with Avocado, Horseradish & Dill.  

Second 
Next up is the Aquna Murray Cod with Spring Vegetables and Smoked Mussel Butter.  

Third 
The third course is the Celeriac & Manjimup Truffle with Langoustine and Madeira. 

Palate Cleanser 
A refreshing Gin & Tonic Granita with Kiwi & Apple is served before the main course.  

Fourth 
For mains, the BBQ Zabuton Satsuma Gyu Skewer with Beetroot and Rye is my favourite course for the dinner menu. You get a lovely and tender beef skewer, and the beetroot balances the rich flavour of the beef so well.  

Pre-Dessert 
I enjoyed this pre-dessert of Jerusalem Artichoke Ice-Cream with Manjimup Black Truffle and Caramelized Milk Crumbs more than the dessert course next. It is light and subtle, yet tasty enough for me to finish it all.  

Dessert 
The main dessert features Strawberry & Lime Pavlova with Mascarpone and Calamansi Sorbet. It is more of a personal preference, but I am not into meringue-based desserts in general.  

Sweet Treats 
Last but not least, some final treats to end the meal where I had the trio of Kaya Soy Bon Bon by local brand Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie, Yuzu Jube and a locally inspired Rojak Flower Macaron. 

Rants The 5-course dinner menu is priced on the higher spectrum in the fine-dining market. That said, the pricing of the lunch set is quite ideal for business lunches. The AC in the restaurant is also quite cold, so please wear more if you are easily frozen.  

Will I Return Again? Overall, I had a good meal at Flutes where each dish is well-executed. I like that while it is European cuisine, the dishes also infused bits of other Asian elements. If you are looking to try a fine-dining restaurant, this is one to add to the list.  

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

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

Flutes 
120 Beach Road  
#01-02, Guoco Midtown House 
Singapore 189769 
Tel: +65 6338 8770  

Opening Hours 
Monday to Sunday: 11:30am to 3pm (last order 1:30 pm); 6pm to 10:30pm (last order 8 pm) 

Ranted by The Ranter