The Katong area is well-known for its many fabulous gastronomic finds, with different cuisines all merging in this popular dining precinct. It is then not surprising to find an equally sizzling gem of a restaurant tucked away along a row of shophouses on the foodie's haven of East Coast Road . Stonegrill, opened less than a year ago, is a restaurant with a fascinating concept: food served on hot slabs of volcanic granite, cooked right before your eyes. The slabs, which take 8 hours to heat before reaching the desired temperature of 400 degrees Celsius, lock in the aroma of each dish wonderfully well. While this approach of serving food on stone slabs is not new to Singapore , it is the freshness of the food, as well as the laid-back ambience, that makes Stonegrill so irresistible and a must-try dining experience for the uninitiated.

• The Vibe
  Lit with warm, yellow lighting, the restaurant's mahogany and beige interior consists of sleek lines which exude a modern yet slightly Oriental feel. A large poster of volcanic rocks adorns one of the walls, while small candles placed on each table emit tiny flickers of light, providing a romantically inviting vibe throughout the premises. The simple yet stylish interior may be said to be a representation of the cuisine served: simple dishes with basic ingredients, however presented with a touch of class and vogue which makes every dish so appealing.

• The Food
  Stonegrill shows the ability to present simple Western dishes in a captivating manner. In the culinary aspect, the cuisine may be said to be very much no frills, but this in fact displays the restaurant's attention to other details; freshness of ingredients being its most distinctive.

  For mushroom lovers, The Portobello Mushrooms($8.90) come highly recommended, being a good showcase of the restaurant's ability to bring forth the full, authentic flavours of any ingredient. Succulent and juicy, each slice bursts with flavour, leaving a deliciously pleasant aftertaste. Those in the mood for steak might want to try the Prime of the Land($23.90), which is a cut of tenderloin beef, served sans any seasoning. Despite this, the beef is still amazingly tender and exquisitely tantalizing. Equally delectable is the Ultimate Seafood Combo($21.90), which is a mélange of scallops, mussels, a cut of Pacific Dory fish, as well as fresh slices of squid. Brought in daily, the freshness of the seafood may be fully appreciated as there is again, no marination whatsoever, save for a sprinkle of sea salt to stop the food from sticking to each slab. Each piece is piquant with the essence of the sea, making it a must- try item for any seafood lover.

  Dessert-wise, however, the restaurant could do better in terms of range, as there are only 2 dessert items on the menu. Most dessert-lovers will be pleased with the Red Wine Poached Pear($6.90), but those who do not like the taste of alcohol might be disappointed at the only other dessert choice, the ubiquitous brownie with ice cream.

• The Service
  The staff is well groomed and professionally trained, especially with regards to how each dish should be cooked. Do feel free to approach them if in doubt as to how a dish should be done. Quick to offer assistance, the staff added to my overall enjoyment of the meal.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Stonegrill
The unusual manner of cooking is definitely a draw for the restaurant. Ultimately, however, it is the quality of the food and service that is causing diners from all over to gravitate towards Stonegrill. Coupling this with the modern ambience, a Stonegrill dining experience is indeed priced reasonably. Do make reservations on weekends or prepared to be sorely disappointed.