• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Go to Expat Living Hong Kong
Join our Mailing List

Expat Living Singapore HomepageExpat Living Singapore

Moving to Singapore and not sure where to start? Expat Living is the essential lifestyle guide to living in Singapore.

Menu
  • Living in Singapore
      • Living here
      • Neighbourhood Guides
      • Schools
      • Property
      • Work And Business
      • Finance
      • For Guys
      • Environment
        • Where to live in singaporeThinking of moving to Singapore?
        • Swim School Singapore10 exciting enrichment activities for kids
        • East Coast featureGuide to Telok Kurau on the East Coast
        • speciality movers moving companiesMoving special items from home to home?
      • View all
    Close
  • What’s On
    • Things To Do
    • EL Events
    • Family
    • Concerts & Shows
    • Wine, Dine & Party
    • Network & Shop
    • Sports & Wellness
    • Exhibitions & Workshops
    • Close
  • Kids
      • Enrichment
      • Kids Things To Do
      • Mums & Babies
      • Schools
      • Tots & Toddlers
      • Tweens & Teens
        • Swim School Singapore10 exciting enrichment activities for kids
        • Pacific Prime babymoon travel insurance woman in poolPlanning a babymoon?
        • AIS IBWant to ace the IB exam? Here’s how one girl did
        • White LodgeWhite Lodge’s newest centre is open!
      • View all
    Close
  • Homes
      • Accessories
      • Decorating Ideas
      • Homes Outdoor
      • Readers’ Homes
      • Shopping For Home
        • Justinas siglap homeInside a colourful 1950s Siglap home
        • Courts Sofa10 sofa styles to suit you and your space
        • image-2019-02-18Where to buy cushions, curtains & upholstery
        • image-2019-01-316 online stores for furniture & homewares
      • View all
    Close
  • Travel
      • Asia
      • Australia And New Zealand
      • Rest Of World
      • Travel News
      • Travel Tips
        • Central Harbourfont Hong KongThings to Do with Kids in Hong Kong
        • Pacific Prime babymoon travel insurance woman in poolPlanning a babymoon?
        • Europe trip MelindaMelinda’s adventure in Italy and Germany
        • Pacific Prime travel insurance family beach holiday9 FAQs on travel insurance
      • View all
    Close
  • Wine & Dine
      • Asian Cuisine
      • Western Cuisine
      • Bars & Clubs
      • Groceries & Speciality Services
      • Recipes & Classes
        • The Monarchy teamWe check out a cool British-inspired bar
        • Banana cake recipeTea time recipe: Banana cake
        • welsh lamb premium meat delivery onlineWelsh lamb: Where to find and how to cook it
        • Authors of Table TalesAuthor spotlight: Table Tales
      • View all
    Close
  • Style & Beauty
      • Fashion
      • Hair & Beauty
      • Horoscopes
        • BTL Vanquish Me slimming treatment cutis fire and iceHow to target specific problem areas
        • composite facelift dr wong w aesthetic plastic surgeryHow to get a natural looking facelift
        • MAH Collection Resort wearLooking for stylish resort wear?
        • engagement rings singapore gioia fine jewelleryWhere to buy or customise engagement rings
      • View all
    Close
  • Health & Fitness
      • Dental
      • Fitness
      • Medical
      • Wellness
        • composite facelift dr wong w aesthetic plastic surgeryHow to get a natural looking facelift
        • UP fitnessThe benefits of getting in shape with your partner
        • Pacific Prime babymoon travel insurance woman in poolPlanning a babymoon?
        • benefits of drinking water natural springs water deliveryThe natural remedy everyone needs
      • View all
    Close
  • Shop
    • PRINT MAGAZINE
    • DIGITAL MAGAZINE
    • BOOKS
    • Close
Home » Wine & Dine » Western Cuisine » Restaurant review: Sabio, Chit’s, Verve and Taratara in Singapore

Restaurant review: Sabio, Chit’s, Verve and Taratara in Singapore

Updated on 23rd August 2018 by Expat Living |

A Frenchman, an Italian and a Spaniard decided to open a restaurant. No, that’s not the start of a joke – it’s the basis of this roundup of new and noteworthy places guaranteed to tickle your taste buds. And just to be sure we had something for everyone, we threw in a family-friendly spot on the beach.

Sabio is an authentic taste of Spain with some of the best tapas in Singapore 

Sabio Tapas Bar and Restaurant

5 Duxton Hill

6223 4645

Finally, somewhere with atmosphere! Sabio, which recently opened in Duxton Hill is a slice of España so tiny you may blink and miss it as you walk past.

The extensive tapas menu of both hot and cold items, including a special jamón section, features some refreshingly different dishes and high quality ingredients imported from Spain. A mouth-watering platter of cold meats including serrano ham, Iberico ham, lomo and chorizo with Manchego cheese is excellent ($150 grams, $25).  Patata alliolo ($8) is a staple done well; bocadillos ($10) are mini-sandwiches of jamón, Manchego and roasted capsicum, tasty and delightfully elegant; and the saltiness of the bacalao (salted cod loin, $18) is interesting. They all make for tasty accompaniments to our drinks.

Sangria ($10) is served in the original style, with a “tapas” (meaning covering), a small dish to protect the drink and line the stomach; in our case a plate of miniature quail’s eggs and slivers of jamón and gherkin – a very nice touch.

After your Spanish immersion, you may want to take a little piece back home with you. Buy one of their assortment of jars of pimientos and other Spanish goodies, or if you’re very cheeky you could swipe a drink coaster or two. You’ll see what I mean if you check them out; arty, very cool and they have a new addition every month. (Not that we’re condoning that sort of behaviour, of course.)

Beate Baldry

The word “taratata” is a light-hearted and hard-to-translate French retort that means something like “and whatever” 

Bistro Taratata

35 A Keong Saik Road

6221 4506

www.taratata.sg

This, the latest addition to Keong Saik Road, is a Parisian-style eatery serving everyday French food mixed in with dishes that are nothing short of fine dining masterpieces – not just in taste but also in presentation.

The rustic escargots and mushroom cassoulet is an interesting way to serve up snails, their earthy flavours complemented by the mushrooms and balanced with the tomatoes, herbs and butter. The delicate prawn and avocado salad with raspberry vinaigrette and a hearty duck salad with warm goat’s cheese were our choice from the seven starters on the prix fixe lunch menu; at $32, it is shockingly good value for this calibre, choice and quantity of food.

For mains: a sumptuous fillet of cod, gold-flecked on the outside, with wilted spinach, sautéed potatoes and al dente vegetables so pretty that I pause and smile at my plate. Onglet grillé is a cut of beef commonly served in Parisian bistrots, and to ensure tenderness we are advised to order it more underdone than we’d normally have it. The suggestion pays off, the steak is quite rare, but delicious coupled with green Madagascan peppercorns and served with fries.

We haven’t even got to the dessert, but I’m already sold. It arrives to exclamations of appreciation; a giant profiterole swimming in a lake of heady chocolate sauce, filled with vanilla ice-cream and topped with flaked almonds ($15 from the à la carte menu). From the set menu, the exotic fruit and sherbet is quite stunning and the crème brûlée is an elegantly thin custard base with a satisfyingly crackly top.

Incidentally, the word “taratata” is a light-hearted and hard-to-translate French retort that means something like “and whatever”. There’s nothing trivial about this place, however. The atmosphere is easygoing, but these guys are serious and my hunch is once the foodies find out about this spot they’ll be practising their best French accents to get a booking. You heard it here first.

Beate Baldry

What you don’t finish you’ll want to take home for later 

Verve Pizzeria @ One-North
11 Slim Barracks Rise
6776 0665
www.verve.sg

When a restaurant wins a loyal and regular following, it’s sometimes not because of its astonishing food, a particularly stunning view or an amazing wine list. Often, it’s because the food is reliably good, the staff are friendly and the atmosphere is relaxing. And that’s exactly where Verve excels. Instead of kitsch Italian flags and red gingham tablecloths, the place is furnished with smooth wooden tables topped with paper-mat menus in a pleasant, clean and stylish environment. 

To start, the beau and I recommend the beef tenderloin carpaccio ($14), succulent and perfectly seared slices on a bed of salad, and the coriander fish cakes ($16), given a kick with a spicy salsa dip. Feel confident about washing it all down with a glass of the house Chianti or pinot grigio ($12), as both are very drinkable.

Before your main course arrives, try a small lemon tart gelato ($12). A slightly unorthodox moment to be picking up the dessert spoon, but this is the best palate-cleanser in Singapore. A new batch is made at the restaurant each week using fresh ingredients and a lot of Italian know-how, so it’s sweet, bitter and refreshing all at once.

Fill up with the Enzo pizza ($24) topped with duck, Japanese cucumber and spring onions – what you don’t finish you’ll want to take home for later. Or go with the pasta semplice ($18) a combination of roasted garlic, sundried tomatoes, pine nuts and pasta (pick from fettucine, linguine, penne or spaghetti) tossed in olive oil and dressed with parmesan – another simple thing done right.

Those spoonfuls of gelato will have got taste buds yearning for the full portion, so indulge them with another flavour. The beau abandons his fervent devotion to vanilla; he sinks his spoon into the Bailey’s gelato and repeats with vigour. Look out for the new Verve outlet at Marina Bay Sands!

Kate Mallord

Never mind the planes overhead, enjoy the sea views and breeze 

Chit’s Bar & Restaurant

11 Changi Coast Walk, NSRCC Seasport Centre

6214 9165

Tanah Merah Sailing Club and the old Alice’s have been transformed into an Indonesian restaurant called Gurame and a casual waterside bar and restaurant called Chit’s. Decking has been built out over the sand for an elevated view of the ships moored offshore and the planes coming into Changi Airport. (But they’re not as loud as you might expect.)

Popular on weekends with East Coast cyclists, it’s also very child-friendly; bring a ball for the youngsters to kick around the lawn area. The menu is relaxed dining, with “day & night munchies” – sandwiches, soups, salads, burgers, pizza and pasta as well as local favourites.

We are always on the lookout for the ultimate beachside beef burger and fish and chips, so ordered these and were more than pleased with the quality. The fish was dory – a lovely, moist piece in a crispy batter, the best I have had in a long time. The burger was a homemade patty on a lightly toasted sesame bun with salad; I’ll try it with bacon and cheese next time.

Moreish chicken wings were done local style: marinated and then deep-fried. Another winner was the spicy chicken pizza, a crispy base generously topped with Cajun chicken, onions, capsicum, chilli flakes and cheese. Just a bit of spice – yum!

With a bottle of Marlborough sauvignon blanc at $60, two varieties of beer on tap, eight international bottled beers plus Magners cider, you can settle in for the afternoon to watch the planes come in, and the sun go down. Tip: It’s best to book on the weekends.

Danielle Rossetti

Categories: Western Cuisine Wine & Dine Tags: Chinatown And Club Street East French Italian-1 Mediterranean Restaurant Reviews West Coast

About Expat Living

Expat Living is your trusted guide if you are moving to or living in Singapore! Our team will help you find out about shopping, dining, entertainment, schools, travel, fashion, finance, health and beauty.

You May Also Like

The best sandwiches in Singapore, plus where to find them

The Armoury's got a great selection of craft beers

Gastropubs: We review The Armoury on Beach Road

Restaurant review: Wooloomooloo on Stamford Road,Singapore

Like what you've seen?

Enter your email address to stay in touch!

By subscribing, you'll receive our monthly newsletters and offers, which you can unsubscribe to anytime.

Primary Sidebar

Editor's Picks

Best short breaks from Singapore

Where to live in Singapore expat guide

The expat’s guide to where to live in Singapore

my cozy room

Best Facials Singapore: We review 7 facial treatments!

Journey East Element Sofa

Best furniture shops in Singapore

35 Cool & Fun Things To Do In Singapore

best champagne brunches in Singapore - hilton

Best Brunch Places In Singapore: Champagne Sunday Brunches

What's On

Image of stamp collection at You've Got Mail Exhibition

You’ve Got Mail! Exhibition

The Little Prince_Behind The Exhibition (1). Image courtesy of Singapore Philatelic Museum

The Little Prince: Behind the Story Exhibition

Selling Dreams: Early Advertising in Singapore

Lim Cheng Hoe: Painting Singapore (Singapore River)

Lim Cheng Hoe: Painting Singapore

Five Oxen Wu Guanzhong

Wu Guanzhong: Expressions of Pen & Palette

Passion@KampongGlam

Passion@KampongGlam

Follow us @expatlivingsg

If you have no plans for the weekend, bring the fambam to #prudentialmarinabaycarnival for a blast! Happening till 24 March, the carnival features over 40 exciting rides and games. We had such a fun time last night 🎠🎡🎢 - Anthia
Head online to read our new round up on online stores for furniture like this one from @soulandtables! We're loving this contemporary piece!
Retail therapy that gives back?! We’re on board! We chatted to Leah Lambert in our February issue about @glamorousgiving. Pencil it in for the 20-21st of February. More details online ✨
Celebrate Valentine's with an exquisite five course meal for two at Café Melba for just $88++ PER COUPLE!
That fresh 🍓 tart (and everything else) looks YUM!
#ValentinesDaySG #CelebrateLove #CafeMelbaSingapore #expatliving #expatlivingsg
Wow! I love the look of this underwater restaurant in the Maldives. Lindsay Yap checked it out for us on page 130 of our Feb issue 🌊
Have you made plans for Valentine’s Day? If not don’t sweat it! We have plenty of ideas online or in our February issue 🥰❤️
Drinks tonight? Try Jigger and Pony’s signature creation, Donkey Kong - a banana-infused Monkey Shoulder Scotch!
We're giving away FREE copies of our latest Home & Property Guide for a limited time only! Grab your copy here: expatliving.sg/HPG_IG
Want to look professional and put-together, yet stylish at the same time? @rougesingapore has some of the most comfortable and flattering officewear that'll take you from day to night, office to bar. Digging the fun colours I wore in this mini shoot for our January workwear fashion spread 💃 - Anthia // #expatlivingsg #expatlivingsingapore #expatliving
Discover romantic bars and restaurants, Japan journeys and kid-friendly holidays in our latest issue! Grab your copy here: expatliving.sg/el-shop/
Have you ever been to Japan? Our editor headed to Kyushu and loved it! Her full story online now 🇯🇵
Where’s your favourite spot on the East Coast? This month we chatted to Rachel House and Sam Chapman about the ins and outs of living on Telok Kurau. See page 64 🍃
Gorgeous diamonds don't always have to be crazy expensive - @diamantipertutti is a designed-in-Belgium jewellery label offering modern and well-priced designs that incorporate ethically sourced diamonds 💍 They've just opened their first Singapore store in Raffles City! - Anthia
I’m sure by now you have all seen our cover, but where is this stunning view?! It’s in Italy 🇮🇹 In an area called Puglia which is located in the heel of Italy. More details on page 139 @borgoegnazia
We are loving The Monarchy’s new Quintessentially British Cocktail bar and Ultra lounge, open from 5pm till late Tuesday’s to Saturday’s check them out on the trendy Tras Street #expatlivingsg #themonarchysg #cocktailbar #ultralounge #singapore #hermajesty #trasstreet #peakyblinders #kevinseah
It’s my favourite round up of the year *drumroll* It’s our vegetarian and vegan round up!! Check out the 30 restaurants we chose in our January issue or online 🥰- Michaela
Brilliant weekend at the @SingOpenGolf! Well done @jazzjanegolf on becoming the third Thai champion to conquer the green!
We had a peak inside a Siglap 1950s home this January. We love the colours! 🥰
Early morning prayers. Piercings. Pots of milk. A long procession. To those who aren’t familiar with the Hindu ritual of Thaipusam, it may all seem a strange combination. Learn more about this festival in our things to do section online and head down to see it on Monday (21st Jan)
Throwback to our Christmas fashion shoot for the December issue! We had such a blast at @thesummerhousesg and @wildseedsg 💃
Recently went to South Africa for the holidays and loved it! If you guys haven’t gone you need to. Table Mountain is incredible. Would also recommend a game drive, we loved @amakhala - Michaela
Results are out! Check out some of the best in business based on your votes 👉 expatliving.sg/readerschoice
Get a glimpse into some of the most remarkable interiors of colonial buildings in this new book! To get yours 👉 expatliving.sg/colonialstyle
From all of us at Expat Living - here's to a wonderful year ahead! 🎉
  • Competitions
  • Noticeboard
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • advertise
  • Contact
  • Privacy

© 2019 Expat Living Singapore, All Rights Reserved.

Near me
40 km