The brainchild of local pastry chef Alicia Wong, Nesuto has grown from its first outlet on Tras Street to Jewel Changi Airport, and now Ion Orchard as Café Nesuto. Even after the usual lunch rush, we arrive to find the still brand-new Café Nesuto still alive with the hum of hungry shoppers and clinking cutlery.
Set on the fourth floor of Ion Orchard, the open-concept café frames shoppers and diners like a living picture. The first thing that catches our eye upon entering the front is the cake rack – a kaleidoscope of bakes that practically demand a second visit for dessert. But this isn’t just your usual Nesuto patisserie. This Ion Orchard outpost marks Café Nesuto’s first foray into savoury dishes, offering thoughtfully crafted meals alongside its signature sweets. It’s the kind of spot that turns a casual coffee run into a full-on indulgent pause in the day.
When it comes to the savouries, the Ion Orchard-exclusive braised oxtail open-face pie ($16) easily steals the show – tender, sweet oxtail layered with creamy potato sauce on a flaky homemade crust. Chef Alicia shares, with a knowing smile, that extra thought went into perfecting that crust, made to hold its crunch for up to 40 minutes. We put it to the test, and 30 minutes on, it's still satisfyingly warm and crunchy – ideal for takeaway, whether for a picnic or a quick lunch on the go.
Dessert offerings remain irresistible. The thick vanilla french toast ($16) comes generously piled with cream, maple syrup, and seasonal fruit, while the warm Ion Orchard-exclusive strawberry crumbled tart ($12) perfectly balances housemade jam and almond cream. Another hot Ion Orchard fave is the banana cream pie soft serve parfait ($15) which sells out fast, so be sure to snap up before lunch time!
The vibe
Warm woods, layered marble, fluted tiles and soft curves create a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. Conversations naturally linger here, whether over a decadent dessert or a slow-braised dish, making it a perfect spot to press pause amid the mall’s bustle.
The food
Highlights include signature savoury dishes like the braised miso chicken leg ($24) with creamy mash and miso sake cream, a refreshing gazpacho cold soup ($18), and the chicken breast with charred corn and greens ($22) dressed in yuzu soy.
Don't skip on the Ion Orchard exclusives, including the chicken open-face pie ($14) which swaps oxtail for braised chicken with genmai and rich potato cream, and the bestselling Singapore Sling cake, a vanilla sponge with coconut mousse, cherry compote and pineapple-lime compote, inspired by the iconic cocktail.
Of course, there are also familiar favourites like the buttermilk scones ($7 per piece), dark chocolate cake with creme caramel pudding ($15), and uji matcha or coffee affogato ($14).
The drinks
Matcha lovers will rejoice at the Kyoto uji matcha latte (from $7.50) – rich, thick, and deeply vegetal. Coffee options are equally refined here too, pairing beautifully with both the sweet and savoury menu highlights.
Time Out tip
The café gets busy during lunch and dinner, so drop by between 3pm and 6pm for a quieter experience – perfect for an indulgent afternoon treat or a relaxed post-shopping refuel.
Café Nesuto is open from Monday to Sunday, 10am to 10pm at 2 Orchard Turn, Ion Orchard, #04-27 to 32, Singapore 238801.
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