If the brief is ‘client meeting in the CBD’, The Spot is where many flock to for a fail-proof option. This all-day dining restaurant and bar is wedged in the heart of Marina One, and despite its semi-casual appearance, don’t expect the standard bistro fare here. The menu is pegged as contemporary European, but there’s a distinct Asian feel in the use of ingredients. Expect plenty of finesse and creativity, without anything being too far-reaching for a casual lunch appointment.
A must-order to start? The salmon nachos – a snackable, shareable tower of crispy gyoza skin with tartare, bonito mayo and wasabi guac. Another safe choice is the pork belly ‘char siu’, which is thoughtfully topped with pickled cucumbers, mustard and apple purée to cut through those fatty, melty layers.
Other table favourites include stuffed chicken wings packed with truffle chicken mousse and a hint of Sichuan peppercorn; hay-smoked hamachi with a trio of condiments – yuzu kosho, pickles and wasabi ponzu; and one of Chef’s signatures – the chilli crab pancake. The crispy dashi-infused egg layer comes with chunks of blue crab and is crowned with a heaping load of coriander – diabolical, but perfect if coriander is your thing.
Fill up on mains like a tamarind-glazed toothfish donabe, which is cleverly mixed with rice pops for extra texture, or gnaw on a heaving rack of Iberico pork ribs, grilled over binchotan and finished with a kicap manis glaze. Round off with desserts like the Chocolate Tart 2.0, a rich chocolately medley featuring banana and rum ice cream.
The Spot has also got a hidden cigar lounge and an adjacent wine shop by 1855. Pop by between 5pm to 9pm on weekdays for classic cocktails at $17 each and more happy hour deals.
The vibe
Business-casual and stylish – fitting if the brief is ‘client meeting in the CBD’.
The food
Contemporary European with a distinct Asian feel in the use of ingredients. Think chilli crab pancakes, hamachi with wasabi ponzu, toothfish donabe and pork ribs glazed with kicap manis.
The drink
Classic cocktails like your espresso martini and negroni are readily available, and of course, there’s a more-than-decent selection of wines – both by the glass and bottle. Else, pop by the adjacent 1855 wine shop to pick up a bottle.
Time Out tip
Customise your meal based on your appetite level. Two, three and four-course lunch sets are available ($45, $55 and $65 respectively), while dinner starts at $88 for a six-course meal and $108 for the full eight-course experience.