Sky22 @ Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena: more than just dining with a view

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Throw a stone and you'll probably hit a restaurant that banks its reservation list on glamorised decor and stellar views of the metropolis. But the number of restaurants that actually serve up food that is befitting of its ludicrous inflated price tags are few - the new Sky22 being one of the handful that finds a righteous balance between being your business-savy hotel restaurant with mediocre International offerings and a casual dining joint that attempts to keep things playful without being flippant.

Located on the 22nd floor, Sky22's expansive floor to ceiling windows with unobstructed views of the city is an instant selling point. The restaurant pays serious attention to detail, the professional reception area transitioning seamlessly into the casual-chic dining room after traversing past cascading water features and beach-esque wall dividers. Food wise, the hotel does the conventional International buffet spread for an affable $38++ per person with a good selection of meats on offer. The roast pork, I must admit was pretty delicious, crackly roofed and succulent based. The Ala-carte selection on the other hand does have its appeal, ranging from sharing plates to Singaporean delights and innovative mains. Something for everyone.


Unlike the space, clean and simple, the food menu carries many playful plot twists in its wake. The mandatory Chinese New Year Lohei is breathed new life into with The Abundance of Fortune Singapore Laksa Lohei (available 5 Feb to 2 Mar'18) which combines our favourite elements of the local dish in a fun spin-off. Golden tau pok, prawns and a bangin' laksa sauce ties the multitude of colours all in. The residual tanginess from the calamansi and lemongrass brings to mind Assam laksa instead of the more well known curry laksa; ideal in a situation where the appetiser is concerned as it assisted in priming the taste buds for the rest of the meal.


After the riotous tossing, we started with the Oven Baked Camembert Cheese ($18) -the soft cow's cheese reaching even creamier depths when grilled in the pizza oven, but its the Arugula walnut pesto that steals the show. Herbaceous and brilliantly nutty, it's wonderful when scraped against warm sourdough toasts. Make sure to dive in while it's still warm, regardless, it's cheesy scents make it highly irresistible. Proscuitto and Belgian Endive Salad($22) makes the arduous process of incorporating greens into your diet a whole lot easier. Fire roasted Japanese pumpkin and sweet caramelised figs with savoury granola and a hit of pomegranate dressing finding residence in the folds of endive leaves. This dish may not sound entirely interesting to the carnivores amongst us, but the fresh drapes of prosciutto ups the ante. Looking for something a bit more local, the Nasi Ulam Wild Rice Salad will charm your socks off. Traditionally a Malay Herb rice salad, the new take is given a healthy lease with wild rice and fire-roasted sweet potatoes. Perfectly seared octopus grace the top of the salad and despite the multitude of 'spa-food' related ingredients coming together, it's complex and very tasty.

The tastiest dish of the afternoon for me would have to be the Spotted Grouper ($28)- it features a thick slab of perfectly cooked fish cloaked in a deliciously spiced turmeric coconut cream, brightly hued in daffodil yellow for theatrical effects. Sitting atop a bed of pearl barely, okra and a dash of homemade sambal oelek, the overall consensus is that it's crunchy and fresh, creamy and indulgent yet with a slight acidic restraint.

The Singaporean Chilli Crab Pizza ($26) is a conversation starter. A thin crust interpretation of Singapore's national dish. it removes the perils of stains on work shirts while still delivering sneaky hits of spiciness. I would, however, steer you in the direcion of the Sky 22 Tiger Prawn Laksa Lemak ($24) instead - thick vermicelli, utterly delightful after a cheeky skinny dip in the spicy coconut gravy. Don't shy from the accompanying belachan, every small nub bringing a spoonful of fiery red broth to new heights.


Mains at Sky22 deliver a mixed bag of reactions, the Pure Potato Gnocchi ($24) racking in various responses. I for one, thought it was pedestrian; the nobules of potatoes not tender enough that it melts with ease nor crusted enough for a variation of textures. Instead, the vegetarian dish lends itself to rocket and charred vine tomatoes for crunch. If you like a good salad with an injection of carbs, this might be the one for you. Another miss would be the Iberico Pork ($36) which revealed an uneven cook throughout its thick centers. The well-marbled and full flavoured qualities of the Iberico strangely absent in this offering.


Still we can't complain too much, given the killer vibes, gorgeous backdrops and affordability of the restaurant. Stick to my advise and you'll have a very solid and sating dining experience.

That being said, Sky 22 will be pushing out a special set dinner on Valentine's Day that includes set dinner for 2 inclusive of a seafood-on-ice platter followed by soup and a choice of main and a dessert buffet of decadent treats. Add on an additional $28++  per person for 2 languorous hours of free-flow beverages to spice things up a little. For reservations, call +65 63782040 or visit https://www.chope.co/singapore-restaurants/restaurant/sky-22

Sky22
99 Irrawaddy Road
Level 22 of Courtyard by Mariott Singapore Novena
t: 6378 2040
w: www.courtyardsingapore.com

Operating Hours:
Daily: 630am - 10 30am (breakfast); 12 - 2 30pm (lunch); 3 - 5pm (Tea); 6 - 10pm (Dinner)

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