LINO @ Binjai Park

With someone craving Italian food for a birthday celebration and Cacio e Pepe closed on a Monday we started looking for alternatives. After tossing around a few suggestions, we settled on LINO, an Italian concept by the Les Amis Group.

LINO

The festive mood still lingered, with the restaurant adorned in warm seasonal decorations, giving us even more reason to celebrate and soak in the joy of the season.

Entrance

Tucked away at the corner of the non-air-conditioned seating area was a charming garden-like nook, softly lit and lush with greenery, complete with a small basin by the side that added to its quaint, laid-back appeal.

LINO

Let’s browse through the menu and see what we ended up ordering.

Menu

For antipasti, we started with the Tuna “Crudo” as our cold starter. The lightly seared tuna loin (saku-cut) was dressed with pistachio, green olives, peperoncino, a squeeze of lemon juice, and finished with fragrant, fruity olive oil, clean, refreshing, and beautifully balanced in flavour.

Tuna "Crudo" - $16

For the hot starters, it was a rather familiar choice on the table. We went with the calamari, classic breaded squid rings served with lemon and Japanese mayonnaise. Nothing out of the ordinary, but comforting and enjoyable nonetheless.

Calamari - $16

Moving on to the mains, we had the Crispy Duck Leg Confit served with braised lentils and a mixed salad tossed in the restaurant’s Italian house dressing. The duck leg was crisp on the outside yet tender within, making it a satisfying and hearty main.

Duck Leg - $29

The Seafood Stew was both appetising and addictive. Brimming with prawns, snapper, octopus, and clams, the stew was simmered in a fragrant aromatic broth enriched with white wine, and best enjoyed with slices of toasted bread to soak up every last drop.

Seafood Stew - $36 

Moving on to the 12” pizzas, we went with the Mixed Meat. Loaded with pork fennel sausage, bacon, salami and spicy ’nduja, it was balanced with red onions over a base of tomato passata and melted mozzarella. The crust was nicely blistered, holding up well to the generous toppings while delivering bold, savoury flavours in every bite.

Mixed Meat - $29

As we were already quite full from dinner, we decided to share a Tiramisu to end the meal on a sweet note. The housemade Italian mascarpone was beautifully done, layered with coffee-soaked sponge that was rich yet light, making it a satisfying but not overly heavy finish.

Tiramisu - $14

LINO @ Binjai Park
Location: 7 Binjai Park, Singapore 589821 
Website

Tien Court Restaurant

Head up to Level 2 of Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore and you will arrive at Tien Court, where the entrance immediately evokes a strong sense of Oriental heritage, perfectly echoing the restaurant’s name. The space is anchored by sturdy wooden furnishings, complemented by traditional ornaments and classic Chinese decorative elements, setting the tone for a refined and timeless dining experience.

Entrance of Tien Court Restaurant

Following suit with the theme, the interior is nothing short of extravagant. The carpeted floors lead into private dining rooms, each thoughtfully named after a state in China. Staying true to classic 

Interior Furnishing

Chinese dining traditions, the space is furnished with round tables featuring a Lazy Susan at the centre. Crisp white tablecloths and chair covers further elevate the setting, lending the rooms a clean, refined, and formal dining ambience.

Menu

Deep-Fried Minced Crab Meat Balls were served six to a plate, elegantly presented atop a nest of fried vermicelli. The golden, crispy exterior delivered a deeply satisfying crunch with every bite.

Deep-Fried Minced Crab Meat Ball 潮州家乡炸蚧枣 - $22

Inside, the filling was pearly white with finely chopped vegetables, offering a gentle umami sweetness. Distinct chunks of crab meat were clearly visible, highlighting the freshness and quality of the dish.

What's the filling?

We started by ordering individual bowls of soup so we could sample a wider variety instead of sharing a single pot. The Superior Pumpkin Soup with Crabmeat and Fish Maw was especially laudable, its texture reminiscent of shark fin soup, and further elevated with a dash of black vinegar and pepper.

Superior Pumpkin Soup with Crabmeat and Fish Maw 金汤蚧肉鱼鳔羹 - $18 

The Double-Boiled Fish Maw Nourishing Soup was served in a piping-hot iron cast bowl, almost too hot to touch. The soup was milky and collagen-rich, and came paired with a thin, crispy long roll for added texture and enjoyment.

Double-boiled Fish Maw Nourishing Soup竹笙养颜汤  - $28

In a cauldron steeped in generational wisdom, Master Chef Lui simmers a rich, peppery bone broth, drawing deep flavor and essence from every bone. Peppery yet satisfying.

Pig Stomach in Peppery Bone Broth 胡椒咸骨猪肚汤 - $14 

Having longed for braised duck, we were delighted to try the Teochew Braised Duck. Using Silver Hill Irish Duck, known for its tender, succulent meat, it’s thinly sliced and braised to perfection in a savory sauce. The slow braising lets the flavors seep deep into the meat, creating a dish that’s both richly flavorful and wonderfully tender.

Braised Sliced Silver Hill Irish Duck 卤香爱尔兰鸭片 - $26 

Succulent oysters nestle in a warm omelette, paired with crisp fresh vegetables, all served on a thin, crispy pancake, a true showcase of Teochew finesse.

Teochew-style Oyster Omelette (20 mins preparation) 潮式煎蚝烙（需时20分钟) - $22

No doubt the exterior is delightfully crispy, but beneath lies a comforting mix of starch, egg, and plump, juicy oysters, dab and enjoy the chill it gives.

Do you like this too?

The Braised Mustard Leaf with Crab Meat in Carrot Sauce was surprisingly good. The mustard leaf was tender without any bitterness, while the carrot sauce and natural sweetness of the crab meat blended beautifully to create a well-balanced dish.

Braised Mustard Leaf with Crab Meat in Carrot Sauce 红梅蟹肉扒芥菜 - $32 

One of the staples of Teochew cuisine is undoubtedly the Signature Teochew Wok-Fried Hor Fun with Diced Kailan and Preserved Radish. Their version stood out, generously topped with sakura shrimps. Though slightly on the oilier side, it was undeniably yummy, I couldn’t resist going back for more than just a few spoonfuls, even though it was meant for sharing.

Signature Teochew Wok-fried Hor Fun with Diced Kailan and Preserved Radish 
潮式玉兰菜圃炒粿条 - $22

Even as we rubbed our bellies and declared ourselves full, our minds knew the meal wouldn’t be complete without traditional desserts to wrap things up nicely.

We started with the Double-Boiled Sweetened Hashima with Red Date and Lotus Seed. Nourishing and often seen as an alternative to bird’s nest, the hashima was comforting and soothing, with a gentle sweetness that warmed the soul.

Double-boiled Sweeted Hashima with Red Date and Lotus Seed 紅蓮燉雪蛤 - $12

Tau Suan with Ginkgo Nut and Fried Dough Stick in a Chinese restaurant came as a surprise. What set theirs apart was the addition of orange peel, giving the dessert a distinctive edge. While I appreciated its uniqueness, I still found myself preferring the classic version without the peel.

Tau Suan with Gingko Nut and Fried Dough Stick 油条福果豆爽 - $7 

Finally, we couldn’t miss out on a Teochew staple. The Steamed Yam Paste Orh Nee with Pumpkin and Ginkgo Nut perfectly satisfied our taste buds, rounding off the meal on a rich and comforting note.

Steamed Yam Paste 'Orh Nee' with Pumpkin and Gingko Nut 金瓜福果芋泥 - $7 

Overall, Tien Court Restaurant delivers a refined yet comforting Teochew dining experience, where tradition meets thoughtful execution. From nourishing soups and classic mains to beloved desserts, each dish reflects care, balance, and respect for heritage, making it a worthy destination for both special occasions and family gatherings.

Tien Court Restaurant
Location: Copthorne King's Hotel Singapore, 403 Havelock Rd, Level 2, Singapore 169632
Nearest Station: Havelock (TE16)
Website

Keef The Beef Bungalow

Keef the Beef is one of Singapore’s homegrown restaurants known for quality steak dinners. In addition to its well-executed meats, the restaurant offers private dining rooms that cater to various occasions and events. Located along Rochester Road, it sits comfortably away from the bustle of shopping malls, providing a more relaxed and intimate dining experience.

Keef The Beef Bungalow

The alfresco dining area is equally inviting, set against a charming and quiet backdrop that feels perfect for a romantic date. With its serene surroundings and laid-back atmosphere, it offers an ideal setting to enjoy a leisurely meal away from the city’s rush.

Alresco

We had made a reservation and were ushered to the upper level. As we walked up the stairs, we couldn’t help but notice the many pickleball rackets displayed along the stairway, available for sale, a quirky and unexpected detail that added a touch of personality to the space.

Rackets

This seating area feels like a quiet, tucked-away passage within the building. With only a few tables lined along the corridor and positioned facing the shutters rather than the main dining room, it offers a sense of privacy and calm. The dim, warm lighting and cushioned bench seating create an intimate atmosphere, perfect for an unhurried meal away from the livelier main dining area, almost like having your own secluded corner within the restaurant.

The Area where We Dined

After placing our orders, we were served a basket of warm bread, perfect for dipping into the olive oil provided, a simple yet comforting way to begin the meal.

Complimentary Bread

For sides, we chose The Keef’s signature salad. Unlike the usual medley of vegetables, this unique mix featured beetroot, almond flakes, edamame, and French beans, all brought together with a light, flavorful dressing.

Keef's Salad - $23

or appetizers, we tried the Ehire Yaki, grilled stingray fin served with a side of mayo. It was a unique experience, with a taste and texture reminiscent of tender cuttlefish, offering a delicate, slightly chewy bite that paired perfectly with the creamy mustard sauce.

Ehire Yaki - $14

Since The Keef specializes in beef, you know their meat won’t disappoint. We went with the chef-recommended USDA Ribeye, opting for the boneless cut cooked to a perfect medium as suggested. Available in 350g or 600g portions, the steak was flavorful on its own, though a light dab of the accompanying salt enhanced its natural richness. It arrived garnished with a sprig of rosemary and a few cherry tomato slices, adding a simple yet elegant touch to the presentation.

USDA Ribeye - $97 (350g)

The ribeye is cooked to a beautiful medium doneness, with a warm pink center that looks juicy and tender, framed by a well-seared, caramelised crust. The fat is gently rendered, giving the meat a glossy sheen and promising rich, beefy flavor in every bite, an ideal balance between tenderness and depth.

Medium Doneness

The Lobster Tagliatelle is another standout chef’s recommendation on the menu. Generous chunks of lobster are paired with mussels, clams, and scallops, tossed through silky ribbons of tagliatelle and bathed in a rich, fragrant sauce. 

Lobster Tagliatelle - $59

Each bite is brimming with ocean sweetness, making it a luxurious and deeply satisfying seafood indulgence.

Lobster Meat

We also indulged in the Fish & Chips at The Beef Bungalow. The barramundi was fried to a perfect golden crisp, flaky and tender inside, served with a fresh salad and a generous portion of hot, crunchy fries, pure comfort on a plate.

Fish & Chips - $36

We ended the meal on a sweet note with a tiramisu to share. Served elegantly in a glass and finished with a delicate dusting of gold leaf along the rim, it was light yet indulgent, with well-balanced coffee notes and creamy layers that made for a satisfying and pleasant finale.

Classic Tiramisu - $16

We simply enjoyed the creamy mascarpone paired with espresso-soaked ladyfingers, delicately adorned with golden leaves, making each spoonful a smooth and elegant finish to the meal.

Tiramisu

If you love beef and want to impress your date or celebrate a special occasion, Keef The Beef Bungalow is definitely worth a visit.

Keef The Beef Bungalow
Location: 2A Rochester Park, Singapore 139252
Website

Wildseed Cafe At The Garage

Wildseed Café at The Garage sits peacefully within the lush Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Offering contemporary café fare with a wholesome twist, it’s the perfect spot to pause from the city.

Wildseed

 Surrounded by greenery, it nourishes the body, restores the mind, and feeds the soul, ideal for a mid-walk break or a quiet catch-up with friends.

Alfresco Seating

The interior design is intentionally laid-back and understated, favoring simplicity over elaborate decor. This minimalist approach allows the surrounding greenery and natural light to take center stage, creating a tranquil and calming atmosphere. 

Interior

Every element feels thoughtfully curated to encourage relaxation, making it a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Interior

We started with an Asian favourite, Chicken Satay. Served on a banana leaf with fragrant peanut sauce, onions, cucumber and soft rice cakes. For those who prefer something different, beef satay is available too.

Chicken Satay (12 Sticks) - $25

Grilled Seabass Fillet served with broccolini and potatoes, finished with a delicate seaweed beurre blanc.

Grilled Seabass Fillet - $28

Served with blue pea rice, the soft beef cheek rendang was richly packed with aromatic herbs and spices. It suited our taste buds perfectly, with achar on the side to complete the meal.

Beef Cheek Rendang -$32

Fried Soft Shell Crab paired with sweet crab meat and juicy Cameron Highlands cherry tomatoes, generously coated in a bold, flavourful chilli crab sauce. The crab was crisp on the outside yet tender within, with the sauce striking a perfect balance of savoury, sweet and mildly spicy notes. No wonder this dish comes highly recommended by the chef.

Soft Shell Chili Crab Linguine - $32a more 

Kelong Tiger Prawn & Scallop Pizza layered with mozzarella and creamy mascarpone, topped with sweet Cameron Highlands cherry tomatoes and finished with vibrant pesto. The seafood was fresh and succulent, pairing beautifully with the rich, cheesy base, while the pesto added a fragrant, herby lift. Visually stunning with its golden crust and vivid colours, this pizza tasted just as impressive as it looked.

Kelong Prawn & Scallop Pizza - $32

We tried their refreshing, fruity mocktails, each served beautifully with fresh fruits and a sprig of mint. The vibrant presentation made them as delightful to look at as they were to sip, adding a light and refreshing touch to our café experience.

Mocktails - $15 Each

How could we miss out on a sweet ending with Wildseed’s Signature Cakes? 

It's Desserts Time!

This Black Sesame Petite Cake features beautifully piped swirls on top, hinting at the indulgence within. Rich, nutty and deeply aromatic, it’s a true black sesame lover’s delight, dense yet refined, and the perfect way to end the meal on a sweet note.

Black Sesame Petite Cake - $13

The Cocoa Petite Cake was undeniably rich in cocoa, with every bite feeling luxuriously indulgent. Smooth, deep chocolate flavours were complemented by its elegant finish, adorned with delicate gold leaf that elevated the presentation and gave this petite dessert a truly refined touch.

Cocoa Petite Cake - $13

We had the Strawberry Shortcake Petite Cake as well, topped with fresh strawberry slices and delicate crisp flakes scattered over the cake. Light, fruity and refreshing, it was a lovely contrast to the richer desserts.

Strawberry Short Cake Petite Cake

Whether you are taking a leisurely stroll through the Botanic Gardens or simply seeking a quiet escape from the city, Wildseed Cafe offers more than just food and drinks. It’s a moment of calm and indulgence. From the peaceful, minimalist interior to the thoughtfully crafted dishes and refreshing mocktails, every detail invites you to slow down and savor the experience. It’s the perfect spot to nourish the body, refresh the mind, and leave with a sense of serenity in the heart of Singapore.

Wildseed Cafe At The Garage
Location: Singapore Botanic Gardens, 50 Cluny Park Rd, Level 1, Singapore 257488

Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens (CC19)
Website