Plum & Toro restaurant - Singapore, Singapore

Barely a year old, Robertson Quay’s new kid on the block, the InterContinental Singapore, is already shaping up to be a gastronomic heavy-hitter with a lip-smacking collection of steakhouse, diners and lush Japanese restaurants.

On the latter, the freshly minted Plum & Toro stands out for both its décor and menu. Local studio Brewin Design Office solved the challenge of a peanut-shaped space by bookending a long teak counter with a bar at one end, and the main room on the other. Proportions are cannily elongated with beveled mirrors and timber screens, while the natural hues of Robertson Quay are subtly referenced in a palette of green marble, white washed oak, and a framed backdrop made of solid teak tubes.

Tetsuya alum Hideki Ii headlines the kitchen, his engaging menu featuring teppanyaki and bincho charcoal grilled delicacies paired with killer Japanese-accented cocktails. Offerings vary according to the season, but already a few favourites stand out, including a tempura of sweet corn served with hoba leaf and sea urchin, deep fried oysters seasoned with Sancho pepper, and grilled abalone hit with garlic and a tart yuzu ponzu.

An outdoor terrace with views of the river and sunset is currently in the works.