Occupying one of the restored shophouses along Duxton Hill is a new restaurant, which has recently opened its doors to fill a gaping hole in Singapore's food and beverage industry. Currently, diners go through the tedious process of dressing to the nines before they going down to a prim-and-proper fine dining restaurant to enjoy a meal. At The Universal, there is no need for formal graces. Rather, diners are encouraged to let their hair down and completely relax while they enjoy a fine dining experience in a laid-back environment.

• The Vibe
  The wine bar is found on the ground floor where diners can chill out with a glass of wine after dinner. The owners of The Universal hope to share their love for wine with diners and have imported more than 500 labels from 1937 to present day.

  Tread up the flight of stairs leading to an intimate dining area on the second level. Only able to accommodate a maximum of 35 people, the restaurant hopes to provide a cozy ambience and offer attentive, personalized service to all patrons. You will be greeted by a casual interior with white tables and thickly padded orange chairs. Doing away with all ostentatious décor, diners will find a snug and inviting setting where they want to linger on.

• The Food
  For starters, you may try the Pan Fried Foie Gras served atop a Corn Blini with Compote of Seasonal Fruits ($30). The foie gras is slightly charred but complements the fruit puree well, leaving a tangy taste on your tongue. An alternative will be the Seared Scallops on Sweet Onion Compote and Fresh Asparagus accompanied with Sun Dried Tomato Emulsion ($22). It is a delight to find smooth and firm scallops, its freshness apparent, and a mild sweet taste, which triggers your senses as you bite into them.

  If you would like a bowl of heart-warming soup, the Wild Mushroom Cappuccino ($12) is recommended. The name of the soup is aptly given because the mushrooms are grinded into fine powdery form, which resembles the cinnamon powder sprinkled on top of a cup of cappuccino. Unlike the usual mushroom soup, this version is thinner and creamier.

  Continue with the Chilean Cod with Homemade Cep Infused Spaetzle and Wilted Spinach Drizzled in a Red Wine and Wild Mushroom Sauce ($32). This dish will definitely not disappoint you. The cod goes well with the red wine sauce and what really impressed was the freshness of the fish as it slipped gently down my throat.

  Another notable dish is the Beef Tenderloin wrapped with Procuitto Ham and topped with Oyster Fritters and Asparagus accompanied with Béarnaise Sauce ($36). The beef tenderloin is done to perfection, retaining the effervescence in the inside while the oyster fritters placed deftly on top of the creation is fried to a crisp. Otherwise, you may also try the Duck Confit with Roasted Ratte Potato and Beetroot Mousse Drizzled with a Homemade Sage Infused Orange Sauce ($30), which will not fail to please your taste buds.

  For dessert, you must definitely try the Flourless Warm Chocolate Cake with a flowing chocolate center served with French Vanilla Pod Ice Cream ($15). The highlight is the warm chocolate cake, which has a liquid centre such that the fudge oozes out instantly when you cut into it. As it is flourless, the chocolate cake is extremely soft and rich. The Strawberries Sautéed with Fresh Sweet Basil and Black Pepper Topped with Coriander infused Cream ($15) is a mildly sweet dessert good enough to satisfy cravings for sweet treats. However, as the ingredients used are seldom found in desserts, one will find that the unique taste needs a bit of getting used to.

• The Service
  The manager, Mr. Rene Bennett, is a warm and hospitable host. He takes the effort to know diners personally and attend to their needs, ensuring that every diner leaves The Universal a happy customer. He is also pleased to share his expertise in wine with diners if they need recommendations. In addition, the staff is professional and meticulous in their service.

The SD Food Advisor's take on The Universal
The Universal has achieved what it set out to do – provide diners with a casual fine dining experience. It is a joy that through a simple affair like this, one can now indulge in delectable fine dining cuisines. The personalized service will make you feel right at home and for sure, The Universal is a place you want to visit time and time again.