UPDATE: Revisit in 2024, and found that the seats had been changed to plush chairs. Reservation system had also changed. And I enjoyed myself so much more during the revisit.
It was well known that Esquina did not take reservations, thus despite hearing about it, this restaurant went under my radar since I do not have the patience and time to queue for dining in a restaurant. However, when I found out that reservations can be made for lunch (go for lunch instead of dinner to avoid jostling with the crowd), I did not hesitate to make a reservation and head down for a meal there.
The set lunch was priced quite affordably at $40 for three courses meal, where the appetizer of squid (unbelievably easy to chew texture which absorbs the essence of the sauce) with paella impressed me a lot due to the multitude of exciting, zesty flavours incorporated in it.
The same goes for the fresh snapper where the aroma of the sauce added, (with obvious Spanish influence) sent olfactory signals to the brain to say, "This smells awesome!"
The same goes for the fresh snapper where the aroma of the sauce added, (with obvious Spanish influence) sent olfactory signals to the brain to say, "This smells awesome!"
The oysters are very fresh which go very well with the dressing, that has subtle hints of spiciness, thus being very simulating in taste. Though I have to say that I prefer Osia's version.
The sea urchin and crab creation is a must order; it is simply so sublime due to the harmonious, yet feisty marriage of strong taste of sea urchin with huge fresh, succulent chucks of crab meat (surprisingly, the taste of crab meat is still very pronounced). This is the dish that will make one go, "Ooooh."
I love the scallops drizzled in the yuzu ponzu sauce since the sauce did justice to the delicate flavour of the scallops; complementing and enhancing the overall taste, instead of masking over the taste of umi from the scallops. The scallops themselves are fresh, juicy and firm. The vegetables that come with the scallops do better as garnishes only though; they are too bitter for my liking. Thus I think that it is better to eat the scallops and vegetables separately to avoid letting the bitter taste mars the delightful taste of the scallops. The desserts are decent, though not exceptional.
The sea urchin and crab creation is a must order; it is simply so sublime due to the harmonious, yet feisty marriage of strong taste of sea urchin with huge fresh, succulent chucks of crab meat (surprisingly, the taste of crab meat is still very pronounced). This is the dish that will make one go, "Ooooh."
I love the scallops drizzled in the yuzu ponzu sauce since the sauce did justice to the delicate flavour of the scallops; complementing and enhancing the overall taste, instead of masking over the taste of umi from the scallops. The scallops themselves are fresh, juicy and firm. The vegetables that come with the scallops do better as garnishes only though; they are too bitter for my liking. Thus I think that it is better to eat the scallops and vegetables separately to avoid letting the bitter taste mars the delightful taste of the scallops. The desserts are decent, though not exceptional.
Service here is pretty good. One of the male staff is very attentive; I was wandering outside at the side of the road and trying to figure where the entrance is (yes, the layout looks quite confusing) when he came out to greet me. When inside the place, I answered my phone and looked out of the window to look for my companion, that staff immediately knew what was going on, and took the initiative to go out to direct my companion into the restaurant. Big kudos to that staff.
Ambience is well, special. The seats (look like medieval devices) are not exactly comfortable, especially for those of heavy weight. While I was feeling all okay on the seat, my companion was groaning about the slight pain already when he was halfway through his main course; luckily the kitchen was fast to serve up the dishes to shorten his experience with that metal seat. There is no space or backing on the chair to put one's bag, so either take along a small bag or a purse, or use the portable bag hanger (a nifty gadget that can turn into a hook attached to the side of the table). Note: I put this restaurant under "The Best" when not considering the ambience.
Definitely love to go back (though need to change my bag to the small one when I go there; even with the portable bag hanger at hand, it is not advisable to bring a big bag since the seats are not amply spaced between each other).
My Thoughts: Very Nice!
Nearest car park: Open air URA's car park along Jiak Chuan Road and vicinity (parallel parking)
Nearest MRT: Outram Park
16 Jiak Chuan Road
Singapore
Contact No: 62221616
