Axis Bar and Lounge

Vibrant yet elegant, and oozing attitude, Axis Bar and Lounge is the place to see and be seen. Located on the fourth floor of Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, with sweeping views over Marina Bay, Axis is a haven for the sophisticated set who enjoy relaxing out to the latest cool grooves and ‘live’ entertainment over a glass of champagne or a smooth cocktail and tapas.

By day, as sunlight streams through the windows, Axis is a chic lounge – perfect for a tranquil moment with a steaming latte or a freshly squeezed juice. Come the afternoon, it is the most stylish place in town to relax over traditional English afternoon tea.

Then, as the lights are dimmed and the music changes, Axis evolves into a polished, alluring bar with live jazz entertainment. Unwind to the smooth grooves of the jazz performers as you sip creative cocktails by floor-to-ceiling windows. The dramatic decor is the last word in post-modern sophistication, and the ambience is enhanced by striking views of the city skyline by night. The bold colour scheme of red, silver and black, the use of luxurious natural elements such as leather, ebony and metal, and the occasional Oriental motif, all serve to heighten the sensuous nature of this upbeat, late-night lounge.

The drinks list offers a wide choice of wines and champagne by the glass, which is changed on a regular basis. It also features an extensive selection of fine vodka, single malts, contemporary and classic cocktails, as well as a wide variety of tapas.

Open daily

Afternoon Tea ~ 3:00pm to 5:00pm

Drinks & Tapas ~ 10:00am to 12 midnight (Sunday) / 10:00am to 1:00am (Monday to Thursday) / 10.00am to 2.00am (Friday and Saturday)

Happy Hours ~  5:00pm to 8:00pm (Daily)

For reservations at Axis Bar and Lounge, call (65) 6885 3098.

Cherry Garden

To experience Cherry Garden is to experience one of the most sophisticated and innovative Chinese restaurants in Singapore. A sense of expectation is aroused even before stepping into the restaurant, with guests arriving via a striking antique entranceway, graced by a symbolic golden lion head carving.

The interior evokes the essence of Chinois chic. The immediate impression may be of entering a private Oriental residence, yet diners soon notice the distinctly contemporary tempo. The five elements are used throughout to harmonious effect, providing a diversity of textures and auspicious Feng Shui elements. Walls are painted white and adorned with a combination of sheer ivory voile and charcoaled teak panels, while wooden tables are paired with comfortable, upholstered chairs. The effect is softened by stylish, pearly-shelled lighting fixtures, which cast warm pools of light and create an intimate evening ambience. Two private dining rooms are available, and are decorated in a residential style, with tasteful chandeliers and period Chinese sideboards.

Cherry Garden offers an extensive modern menu featuring artistically presented Cantonese cuisine. Only the finest, freshest ingredients are used, and the menu is changed every few months to incorporate seasonal produce. Not to be missed are Cherry Garden’s signature dishes such as Double-boiled superior shark’s fin in shark’s cartilage soup, Oven-baked fillet of sea perch in spicy sesame-garlic-balsamic glaze on a bed of soy eggplant, and Fragrant black sesame fried rice.

A further highlight of Cherry Garden is the wide selection of Chinese teas and the extensive wine list, which offers a balanced selection of old and new world wines, specially selected to match with Asian cuisine. There are also a wide range of Chinese wines, freshly squeezed juices, and iced teas.

Awards:

Asia’s Finest Restaurants 2010/2011 by The Miele Guide

Singapore’s Best Restaurant 2009 & 2010 by Singapore Tatler

Singapore’s Top Restaurant 2009 & 2010 by Wine & Dine

Award of Excellence for Outstanding Service 2010 by The Peak Selections: Gourmet & Travel

Open daily:

Lunch ~ 12 noon to 2:30pm

Weekend Dim Sum Buffet ~ 11:00am to 3:30pm

(Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays)

Dinner ~ 6:30pm to 10:30pm

For reservations at Cherry Garden, call (65) 6885 3538.

Dolce Vita

Step into Dolce Vita, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore’s signature restaurant, and be whisked away to the idyllic shores of the Italian Riviera. Understated yet hip, Dolce Vita oozes contemporary charm and offers a refreshing palette of Italian flavours.

Its location next to the hotel’s newly refurbished outdoor pool lends the restaurant a casual, convivial atmosphere. Guests can choose to eat al-fresco at the patio by the pool, with tantalising glimpse of the Singapore skyline in the distance. By night, the subtle lighting of the pool and patio enhance the mood. The cool, clean design of the interior is ideal for those who prefer to dine in air-conditioned comfort. Large floor-to-ceiling glass panels enable diners to enjoy the view, and create a sun-kissed and light ambience. The red walls, stone-flagged floor and comfortable wooden dining chairs add to the relaxed, resort feel, which is echoed by a couple of simple canvas panels in vivid Mediterranean colours: One in cool azure, aqua tones; the other like the blaze of a summer sunset.

The focal point of Dolce Vita is the large open kitchen, where diners can enjoy the spectacle of the chefs at work. The menu presents the best of the Italian specially created by Michelin-starred Chef Marco Pedrelli. It appeals by being simple, wholesome, and down-to-earth. There is an unwavering commitment to use only the freshest ingredients of the best quality; and luxurious produce are flown in from the various parts of Italy. For wine connoisseurs, there is also a wine chiller featuring over a hundred labels of fine wine to complement your meals.

Awards:

Singapore’s Best Restaurant 2008, 2009 & 2010 by Singapore Tatler

Singapore’s Top Restaurant 2008, 2009 & 2010 by Wine & Dine

Open daily:

Lunch ~ 12 noon to 2:30pm (Monday to Friday)

Weekend Brunch ~ 12pm to 3pm (Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays)

Poolside refreshments ~ 11:30am to 6:30pm

Dinner ~ 6:30pm to 10:30pm

For reservations at Dolce Vita, call (65) 6885 3551.

MELT ~ The World Café

Melt Into Something More Comfortable ...

An exciting metamorphosis has taken place at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore resulting in a refined, diverse eating experience. MELT is the height of all-day-dining sophistication, a thoroughly modern take on the global trend for dining as theatre. Gone are the days when food preparation was hidden away and ingredients were kept under wraps. MELT proudly puts its pristine produce and its talented chefs on display. MELT is a place where cultures and cuisines mingle, and where the emphasis is placed on a sensory discovery. This unique restaurant takes the buffet concept to a whole new, enticing level, and turns it into an authentic culinary journey. Certain items are prepared in advance and beautifully displayed, but the vast majority of the dishes are created right before your eyes.

It’s like browsing through a vibrant, multi-cultural market, where you can take your pick of favourite cuisines from around the world. Easily accessible counters and cooking stations are positioned throughout the room, where our chefs are ready to cater to your every desire. At breakfast, waffles, pancakes and eggs are whipped up on the spot. For lunch, how about fresh pasta, or something straight from the Chinese wok cooked just for you? An aromatic Indian dish from the tandoor, or spicy Thai seafood might be just the ticket in the evening. The chilled island is home to an enticing array of salads, hors d’oeuvres and sushi. If a more casual mood takes you, pull up a seat at the patisserie counter, the fresh juice bar or the coffee bar for an instant pick-me-up.

MELT has been designed to stimulate all the senses, and the flow of diners between the food stations creates energy and fluidity. Visually, MELT is seductive and features eclectic Asian elements such as lanterns, bamboo motif on the walls and intricate woven rattan partitions which divide the space into different seating zones.

Natural, textured materials including stone, wood, leather and glass are used throughout creating a stylish, cosmopolitan look, while warm hues of crimson, brown and aubergine instill a feeling of comfort. Lighting effects range from subtle and intimate, to more dramatic points where pools of light illuminate specific design features and live cooking stations. A focal point is the show bar with its sensational flushed pink, mirrored counter which accentuates the contemporary nature of the restaurant.

Awards:

Singapore’s Best Restaurant 2009 & 2010 by Singapore Tatler

Singapore’s Best New Restaurant 2006, Culinary Hall of Fame, by Singapore Tatler

Singapore’s Top Restaurant 2009 & 2010 by Wine & Dine

Opens daily:

Buffet Breakfast ~ 6:30am - 10:30am

Sunday Brunch ~ 12:00pm – 3.00pm

Buffet Lunch ~ 12:00noon - 2:30pm

Buffet Dinner ~ 6:30pm - 10:30pm

A-la-carte ~ 6:30am - 11:00pm

For reservations at MELT ~ The World Café, call (65) 6885 3082