The Place A new addition to Duo Galleria in Bugis, Vitis Wine Bar and Bistro is the newest dining and drinking concept in town founded by Gary Low, former head sommelier at top restaurants in Singapore like Jaan by Kirk Westaway and Burnt Ends. The space of Vitis occupies what used to be a food court, and it is located right outside the Downtown Line MRT exit in Bugis. 

Vitis Wine Bar and Bistro touts itself as the first wine bar in the world to solely focus on Asian wines and Asian winemakers. The interior is elegant and exudes nuanced sophistication, without coming across as overly formal for a space to unwind. 

The Food While the spotlight is on Asian wines, that is not to say it does not carry other old and new world wines as well. The wines have been specially selected from some of the top vineyards in Asia, and is paired with Asian inspired dishes crafted by Chef Kenneth Lin. Highlights of the wine menu include the 2019 Long Dai Cabernet Blend from China and the 2016 Fratelli Vitae Chardonnay from India. You also get lesser-known wines from the likes of Houli Valley in Taiwan! 

One PSA I feel the need to inform everyone is the awesome Social Hour deal from 5pm to 7pm (weekends included) where you can enjoy selected wines by the glass at S10. This includes the NY Penfolds X Thienot Rose, Champagne, France as well. Selected lights bites are also priced at S$10 each during this time period. 

In terms of the food menu, there is a very good value set lunch at S$38 nett for 3 courses, while 3 course set dinner is priced at S$88++ and 3 course wine paring at additional S$58++. 

Alternatively, you can just do the ala carte menu which is made up for small plates, mains and raw dishes. 

I went for the ala carte menu and started with a trio of snacks first – Oyster with Ponzu; Chutoro Tartlet; and Pig’s Tail. 

The Grilled Sumi Ika (S$28) comes with Glutinous Rice, Ebimame and Kecap Salsa where the rice is enveloped within the octopus. The portion is quite big and is good for sharing for 2-3 pax. 

It sounds like a light dish, but I was surprised by how big the portion of the Thai-Style Eggplant Salad (S$18) is. The eggplant is sliced into thick stripes, and it goes well with the tangy green chilli sauce along with Ajitama and Asian Fresh Herbs. 

For mains, the best part of the Broiled Mussels (S$28) for me is the prawn bisque, which I couldn’t help sipping to the last bit. The fresh mussels are paired with vegetables and sourdough. 

There is also the Assam Glazed Ribs (S$26) if you fancy a tangy flavour where the ribs go with Assam Kicap Manis Glaze, accompanied by Rojak Salad. 

On to desserts, I had the Deconstructed Chocolate Cake (S$18) which should be good enough for chocolate lovers where it uses Valrhona Chocolate, Lychee and Sponge Cake. 

A more Peranakan inspired dessert will be the Black Glutinous Rice (S$12) with Chili Mango Ice Cream, Coconut and Pandan. Overall, it is not too sweet and well-balanced. 

Rants Nothing in particular.

Will I Return Again? A classy space to enjoy a wide variety of wines apart from Asian wines, with some really good value Social Hour and set lunch prices. The staff is also knowledgeable about what they are serving, so if you have any questions about wine in particular, there is so much to learn. 

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

Vitis Wine Bar and Bistro 
7 Fraser Street 
#01-46/47, Duo Galleria 
Singapore 189356 
Tel: + 65 8823 3993 

Opening Hours 
Monday to Friday: 12pm to 2:15pm; 5pm to 10:15pm
Saturday: 5pm to 10:15pm
Closed on Sunday 

Ranted by The Ranter