Chijmes have changed so much since we've last visited. Or perhaps it's just too long since've last visited. From the outside, it seems really boring, just a few restaurants and that's it, but walking in the courtyard, hey, it is actually a super vibrant dining place.
The Place!
Wharf here is wedged between El Mero Mero and Prive. It also has another outlet at Quayside Isle, Sentosa, and another at Robertson Quay, which probably means that it's price range is of "another level"... Well, the range here's surprisingly quite alright, for the location it is in. While we'll probably visit the other outlet one day, because this one in Chijmes is to our liking, we'll update with another review.
It was 7.02pm and we quickly asked the server if we could order the Happy Hour Mojito offer which has ended at 7pm. We totally understood that prices are system-based, but he was so kind and said, yes, just for us. The Happy Mojito (Wharf Mojito) ($8) was served very quickly, crushed ice and loads of mint leaves, and the refreshing lime juice. For awhile, plus the beautiful scenery, I felt as if I was on the beach. There's close to 100, or more kinds of Mojito in their drinks menu (gasp!) so I think you'll definitely be able to get one that you like.
Looking around the alfresco area, we noticed that they serve very glamorous trays of Oysters. Be it in 6s or 12s, they're both placed in huge re-usable salt bowls and will definitely have the next table looking over at you. Even their Sangria jugs had very elegant cone-shaped glass cups with the tip dipped into ice to keep it cool. Really thoughtful.
We ordered:
We actually wanted to order the Oyster and Mushroom Ajiro, but it was unavailable. So we ordered our beach usual, the Wharf Quesadilla ($16.50). It was crispy, not your usual chewy wrap kind of quesadilla, and just spoonful of avocado and tomatoes salsa. Great for sharing, nothing too full.
The Grilled Oyster & Foie Gras ($25) was quite small as well. With just two little less-than-palm-sized toasts of eggs and Grilled Oysters and generous slabs of Foie Gras, I was glad we had ordered the Quesadilla. The oysters were a bit too metallic, but there was no lemon to neutralise it. The Foie Gras barely covered the taste, but I guess as I am not a regular Oyster person, I probably needed a few more times to appreciate this seafood.
Grilled Iberican Pork ($24) was fantastic. We especially loved the thinly sliced white sweet potato. The crispy edges and warm, mushy inner starch is a very unique and 'atas' way of presenting a common wet market vegetable. Topped with generous sour cream, it seemed like a sour cream and chips side dish. The Iberican Pork was also very well-grilled, juicy and tender, slicing it to smaller pieces made it a very easy to eat dish. And, we love the sauce! It's very flavourful but does not overpower the Iberico's taste. We ended up dipping everything else with the leftover sauce.
Overall, we love their food here, but the portions are slightly below your average. We suggest ordering one or two sides if you're coming in hungry. The staff are extremely friendly too. There's a live band at night when we came, so if you're looking for peace and quiet, do reach before that, or if you're chilling out with friends, it just adds to the already vibrant atmosphere.
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Verdict:
Food: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Ambiance: 5/5
Total Score: 5/5
[1- Never visit again, 2-Won't visit unless there's no other option, 3-Perhaps, 4 & 5- Yes!]
Good for? Couples, Groups, Family
About it:
Oyster Bar & Wine Dining Wharf
Address: 30 Victoria Street #01-19 CHIJMES Singapore 187996
Menu:
Operating Hours:
Dinner (Last order: 30min before Restaurant close)Sun - Mon 5:00pm - 0:00am
Tue - Sat 5:00pm - 3:00am
Lunch (Last order 30min to Closing)
Opened for Lunch on Weekends (Sat - Sun) & Public Holiday: 12:00pm - 4:00pm
