Culina has always been known as a primo spot to pick up imported food and wines and have a bite to eat in the bistro. They recently moved from Dempsey Block 8 to the COMO Dempsey complex, and even though they’re only a few blocks down from the old locale, the new space is like a whole new world. Big, bright and sporting a bistro, wine bar, al fresco dining area, and marketplace, the new Culina is already scoring big with patrons.
Our experience:
From first glance we could immediately tell that the new Culina is definitely a change from the old. The previous space was rustic and cosy which we do miss, but the new space is huge at 15,000 square feet and it has a brighter atmosphere with COMO’s signature white walls and greenery. There’s ample seating, a big bar in the middle, and just like before you can choose your meats, cheeses and more from the marketplace and have them prepared and served at your table or take them home.
The menu features fresh items from the marketplace like oysters, smoked fish, charcuterie and cheese. Then you have loads of modern European dishes to choose from. We got off to a great start with the burrata salad ($26) with tomatoes and basil pistou, then dug into the Culina burger ($28) with a wagyu beef patty, Emmental cheese, tomato chutney and a side of broccolini ($9). The plancha-grilled King George Whiting fish ($15 – $25 prep fee) wasn’t our favourite, but we managed to end the meal on a good note with a divine cheese platter ($28 plus $5 prep fee) ofthe truffle brie, comte and manchego.
About:
Culina has been with the COMO Group since 2012, so it made sense that they would make the move to join COMO’s other dining venues at the Dempsey complex. As far as we can see, they’re just as committed as always to importing only the best products for the marketplace and the bistro. Whether you’re eating in or grabbing delish items to go, you know you’re getting the best quality produce, meats, seafood, and other artisan food items.
UJ Tips:
Be sure to check out the marketplace before settling in for your meal, because they have tons of great options that change with the seasons, so you never know what goodies you might find. Keep in mind though that they do charge a preparation fee if you’re dining in. There is also a decent selection of wines in the marketplace, so you can either grab a bottle there and then pay a corkage fee to drink it at your table, or order a bottle off the wine list without a corkage fee.
Culina at COMO Dempsey, Block 15 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249675. p. +65 6474 7338. Open daily 11am – 11pm
