Review: Spago | Singapore
Perched atop the famous Marina Bay Sands is Spago, a Wolfgang Puck restaurant that has locations around the world. My personal favorite is the Beverly Hills location but the Singapore location has the best views by far.
I went for lunch and made a 12pm reservation in hopes of dodging the suits that were sure to fill the dining area later in the afternoon. Getting to the top of MBS is always an adventure and I got lost as I took the wrong elevator in Tower 2 (which only took me to the 22nd floor) but eventually made it to the top after three elevator transfers. The proposed route involves two elevator transfers so keep an eye out for the lifts that take you up to the 55th floor in Tower 2 and then take a second lift up to the 57th floor. Upon arriving you'll see the Spago Bar and Lounge to your right and the fine dining area to your left. Straight ahead you'll see glimpses of the mouth-dropping view through the welcome area.
The fine dining area has a dress code of business casual and I saw many people turned away for wearing flip flops or swim gear (the restaurant shares a roof with an infinity pool) so I put on a decent dress with slip on sneakers. It seemed to work just fine and I was seated promptly by the window which overlooks the water where you can watch the ships hang out just past the Gardens by the Bay.
The staff were so nice and didn't seem to mind me, a lone blogger, taking a table all to myself. The interior of the dining room is gorgeous with white table cloths and a beautiful orchid center piece. It honestly seemed a lot classier than the Beverly Hills Spago and WAY classier than the Las Vegas Spago (which I think shut down -- good riddance.) I was presented with a very luxe a la carte menu for lunch but opted to go with the Express Prix Fixe: 3 Courses for $45.
The Express Lunch is quite the deal as I recently paid $36 just for one Singapore Sling. I also got my favorite cocktail, Peace on Earth, for an extra $25. I originally ordered the tuna cones but they already had one made for me so I swapped out my first course for the Chicken 'Laksa' Spring Roll per the recommendation of the staff. This appetizer is unique to the Singapore Spago and I'm really glad I made the swap.
I wasn't sure I wanted anything fried but the spring rolls were cooked to perfection and filled with a warm Asian flavors with a thicker curry texture. There is a delicious coconut flavor that lingered with each bite. I didn't see coconut listed as part of the dish so perhaps I imagined it. Whatever it was, it was great. I enjoyed the tuna cone but it paled in comparison to the Spring Rolls.
Next, I got the Steamed Red Snapper. It looked absolutely stunning. The fish was cooked well and the garnish tasted of a light soy sauce and was enjoyable on its own. It's served with a side of rice which was tasty. I tested the sauce that was on the side but I wasn't a fan so I skipped it. I will say that the flavors of the dish, while delicious, were clearly on or around the fish. If you're looking for a fish with deep flavors infused into every bite, you wont get it with this Snapper. However, if you're like me and you appreciate the natural taste of fish, it's pretty good.
Finally, it was time for dessert. Each Express Lunch comes with a Pistachio Panna Cotta. On a hot day, this dessert is truly refreshing with orange flavors all over the panna cotta. There's a lot going on on top of the actual dessert (candied this and that) but the orange gelato was fantastic and the panna cotta itself (ignoring the Pistachio Brittle and other toppings) was divine.
The quality of food, decor, and service at Spago never disappoints (except in Vegas) and I would highly recommend going to Spago for a business lunch or a special occasion. If you only plan to go to Singapore once, definitely go to Spago for either dinner or just head to the lounge. If you come to Singapore often, it's not a must unless you are in the mood for stunning views paired with delicious views. I'll probably be back at some point.
TOTAL COST: $83.57
57th Floor of Marina Bay Sands, Tower 2
Singapore
Takes Visa