Just as its name suggests, Pier Eleven has a seaside setting. Secluded and tranquil, the restaurant offers an exclusive dining experience to visitors who yearn for a meal away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Having opened last December, Pier Eleven adds to the collection of restaurants managed by Singapore Explorer which also include Olive Ristorante (at Labrador Park ) as well as Made In China @ Hua Song Museum (located at Haw Par Villa). Coupled with an open-decked rooftop bar, The Edge, the pier-side dining concept certainly spells “different”.

• The Vibe
  Both a restaurant and an art gallery, Pier Eleven exudes an East-meets-West vibe as high-back plush dining chairs with white table-clothed are juxtaposed against abstract wall paintings by local artist Fan Shao Hua and Bali-style daybeds. Red and blue neo-design chairs lining the walls add a contemporary touch to the restaurant's interior, while the alfresco dining area adopts a more natural setting of wood and greenery. With the vast ocean right beneath one's feet and sea breeze ruffling your hair, Pier Eleven provides a stress-free and relaxing dining experience to all visitors.

• The Food
  Contemporary European and Mediterranean cuisine make up the menu, but Chef Alan Koh has taken the overall “east meets west” concept to his gastronomic creations. Aside from mainly Western dishes, there are also distinct hints of Asia in signature dishes. It appears that aesthetics are top on the priority list; as food servings will hardly be satisfactory for the average diner.

  The Chef's Creation of Caesar Salad with Poached Egg ($8) was a delightful surprise as it was served warm. Tossed with anchovy dressing and olive oil, the salad was an interesting take on classic Caesar salad. Warm yolk of the poached egg mixed with fresh and crunchy leafy greens make the dish a very healthy version of Chinese-style fried vegetables.

  Highlights of hot entrees include the Masalla Lamb Rump with Honey Spice ($18) featuring tender and well-cooked lamb shank with diced mixed vegetables and Crispy Skin Cod with Miso & Ginger Soy ($28), a presentation of fresh cod fish doused with Miso and mashed pumpkin. The strong meaty flavour of Masalla lamb interwoven with vitalizing achar-like mix of peppers, cucumber, carrots and onions contrasts well with its light and freshwater fish cousin, with buttery mash potatoes and pumpkin doused with slightly salty miso sauce.

  Whilst main courses are of meagre portions, tempting desserts make up for this. Phyllo Apple and Almond Butter with Vanilla Ice Cream ($8) consists of warm apple sauce and apple chunks oozing out from within the crispy pastry, while cold vanilla gelato glides down the already-warmed throat. In addition to that, Baked Chocolate with Vanilla Gelati ($12) is heaven to dark chocolate lovers. The lava-like warm chocolate is a good complement to the chilled gelati, creating waves of ecstasy as hot and cold meet.

  The restaurant's mocktails also take on a list of interestingly concocted names. There is Autumn – Garden of Eden ($10) made up of a refreshing tangy blend of passion fruit syrup, lime juice, orange juice and pineapple juice, and Winter – French Crush ($10) made up of sweet concoction of blueberry, raspberry, strawberry syrups mixed with tea. A fizzy alternative will feature Silvery Night ($8) made up of pepsi and vanilla ice-cream.

• The Service
  While much of the staff was on break, the restaurant's assistant manager was very friendly and quick to ensure food was not delayed.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Pier Eleven
A visit at night might be more memorable, for tea-lights illuminating each table on the neon-lighted wooden deck after dark will be enchanting and romantic. With the cool sea breeze and a relaxing galleria-like setting under the stars, Pier Eleven disappoints only in its pricey menu and small portions. Nevertheless, it warrants an occasional good escape from one's usual dining style.