It’s not easy to find Braci along the Singapore River. Through a small doorway of a seemingly empty building, then up five floors in a tiny elevator, you emerge into a narrow restaurant that is casual, buzzy, but almost functional in looks. But from its open kitchen that dominates the dining room, the modern European fare that emerges is impressively creative, particularly in the very original use of ingredients and flavour combinations.

The focus here are grills, prepared in a Josper oven and shichirin grill; and they do it very well. Standouts include the abalone, sweet corn and smoked yolk, a lovely sweet combination of flavours; the whimsical yet rich foie gras semifreddo with kumquat and fig vincotto; and the sole fish brodetto and yellow beetroot. For dessert, the gianduiotto with frangelico cream and hazelnuts is most enjoyable.

Don’t miss having a round of drinks up at its charming rooftop bar while you soak in the panoramic view of the historical river below. Service at the bar is particularly warm and friendly. A la carte prices at Braci pinch a little on the wallet, so go for the good-value five-course degustation menus that range between $100 and $200.