This new dining destination in a Sentosa heritage building offers 3 concepts under 1 roof and a botanical escape
With three restaurant concepts under one roof, sprawling grounds and Monet-inspired ideas, 1-Flowerhill also looks set to be a popular place for weddings and events.
Stopping to smell the roses is easier said than done in an urban cityscape, but there’s now a pretty new dining destination for when you want to get away from it all.
Occupying a century-old heritage building and its grounds, 1-Flowerhill on Sentosa Island is an establishment housing three different concepts by the 1-Group: Its signature Wildseed Cafe; the new Wildseed Bar & Grill; and a debuting French-Japanese restaurant.
Yes, lush botanicals are the theme here, as you enter through a white cast-iron fairytale gate and make your way through a colonial-style arch onto a terrace lined with cushy outdoor seating. Step into the building and you’ll find a bar and dining room, with more tables on the verandah. (Don’t know about you, but the word “verandah” brings on all the old-world-charm feels.)
Just exploring the property is a bit of an adventure: It’s all lofty arches, green-and-white balustrades and spiral staircases, taking you back to a time of cucumber sandwiches and afternoon tea.
Inspiration for the space comes from a faraway source: Impressionist painter Claude Monet; specifically, his “Ile aux fleurs near Vetheuil”, a painting depicting colourful flowers in the foreground and a view of a village across the water.
You won’t spot any villages here, but you will get a view of the sea from the lookout point, which also overlooks the new Sentosa Sensoryscape.
More than 50 native and exotic species of botanicals have been planted on the grounds, although many of the flowers aren’t in bloom yet as the landscaping has only just been completed. So, if photo-worthy flowers are what you’re after, give it a month or two before you visit.
On the other hand, the grounds are lush, the patio is welcoming and the crowds haven’t discovered it yet.
The ground floor of 1-Flowerhill houses Wildseed Cafe, an establishment also found at The Alkaff Mansion and The Summerhouse.
Here, you’ll encounter not only the cafe’s signature dishes but also a new, exclusive collection of dishes inspired by local and regional classics – these include Lamb Shank Buah Keluak (S$25), Tiger Prawn Dry Laksa with Rice Vermicelli (S$25) and Lok-Lok with Asam Pedas Broth (S$25).
And, yes, the outdoor patio is pet-friendly.
If you pop by for a drink after (or before or during, who’s taking notes?) hiking the Imbiah trail, there are cocktails (S$18) inspired by local flavours such as pineapple tart, cheng tng and kueh salat; or, on a hot day, the Classic Cendol (S$12) to share is a pretty good idea. There’s also an afternoon tea set (S$58) featuring kueh in collaboration with chef Damian D’Silva of Rempapa.
In the evening, Wildseed Cafe morphs into Wildseed Bar & Grill, a laid-back option for drinks, bar snacks, burgers, pastas and grill classics like Barbeque Iberico Pork Rib ‘Charsiew’ style (S$34).
On the building’s second storey, at the top of the centrally located staircase, you’ll find Camille, which is a fancier, date-night kind of restaurant, best enjoyed with a little wine and a little flourish.
Named after Monet’s wife and muse, this is where you and your dining companion (or just you, no judgment) can treat yourselves to A5 Hokkaido Beef & Tuna Akami Tartare (S$42 for two persons) prepared with tableside showmanship; Wagyu Flat Iron with celeriac and confit banana shallot (S$62); and Deconstructed ‘Black Forest’ (S$28 for two persons), which is assembled performance-style at your table, as if the plate were a canvas.
Dishes here, inspired by Monet’s “La Japonaise” painting of Camille in a kimono, meld French and Japanese influences, as do the delicious cocktails, which are named after the four seasons. They also feature a healthy sprinkling of edible flowers.
Sit out on the air-conditioned terrace or watch the chefs in the open kitchen at one of the tables inside.
We know what you’re immediately thinking: 1-Flowerhill is the perfect place for a blooming wedding. And, naturally, they’ve already thought of that. There’s even a dedicated Bridal Room on the upper floor.
Monet can’t buy happiness, but it can buy champagne.