Most Romantic Restaurant in Singapore Without Burning A Hole In Your Pocket

The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar - COMO Dempsey


The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar is a modern European restaurant situated in Dempsey Hill along Holland Road. This restaurant is located in a heritage house, which targets the food markets somewhere between fine and casual dining. This restaurant is good for fine dining, romantic date, quiet meal, private function and al fresco. It is an elegant restaurant with big lanterns hanging from high ceiling and a comfortable colonial vibe. The all-white interior and checkered floor gives a relaxing ambience. There is a view of open kitchen from most tables. Private room looks fantastic. Reservations are recommended.

The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar

A Michelin-star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten cooks indulgent pasta, truffle pizza, steak and savoury desserts. Having a dinner here is definitely more romantic than brunch. However, we booked for a lunch on Saturday and requested for a baby high chair. The restaurant was full house. Nevertheless, there were social distancing where my table was more than 1 metre away from another table closest to us. It was spacious and well-designed. Atmosphere was peaceful yet vibrant. 

The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar

Burrata, Ciabatta bread, Meyer Lemon Cream and Basil

For the main course, I was impressed by the fresh burrata with lemon zest topping. Food was fresh and delicious. Ciabatta bread was hot, ultimate soft and fluffy. Bread crust was crispy. Burrata is Italian cow's milk cheese made from mozzarella and cream. Burrata shell was hard, while the inside contained cheesy cream. I scooped burrata with chunks of bread and dipped into olive oil. I was glad that I could soak up all olive oil on plate. Food portion was slightly smaller than average. Although $36 was on the high side, food was nice.

Black Truffle and Fontina Cheese Pizza

I was delighted to discover the main dishes that perfectly suit the local taste preference. Cooked in a wood oven, the thin crust pizza was smothered generously with truffle and fontina cheese. Thin crust was charred, crispy and tasted a bit burnt, which I liked most. Although $36 was a bit pricey, black truffle and fontina cheese pizza was superb. 

Grand Marnier Soufflé, Passion Fruit Sorbet

Vanilla soufflé was incredibly soft, airy and extra fluffy. Vanilla egg flavour might not be everyone's favourite and not as sweet. However, a hot soufflé can be appetizing when dripped some syrup on soufflé and ate with passion fruit sorbet. Grand Marnier also added fruity orange taste to soufflé. Soufflé was most delicious when it was still hot. Once cold, the texture changed and no longer fluffy.

Warm Chocolate Cake, Vanilla Ice-cream

I confessed that eating desserts while looking at the lush greenery out of the window had spoilt my palate. Warm chocolate cake was too common but we can't resist the molten chocolate with sufficient cocoa without bitterness. Vanilla ice cream was savoury when I ate with molten chocolate. Believe it or not, I ate with my mouth and eyes. Artistic plating was important before I took the first bite. I was intrigued by beautiful appearance and presentable arrangement of the ice-cream and cake that truly meant a lot for the overall impression.

The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar

The staff was thoughtful and reserved a suitable table for four as we have a baby. We had more space and privacy sitting next to the window. Table and chair settings were great. The marble tables were decorated with fresh flowers and condiments. Modern garden chair was cosy and quite ergonomic as it supported my back up to neck. I can sit comfortably on the ample chair and chat with my date longer while ordering more dishes and drinks.

The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar

The restaurant is baby friendly for various reasons. The staffs didn't rush to clear our table for next customers. Tables and chair were big enough to put my baby food. When my baby cried, there were enough space to feed my baby and for my husband to cradle her and walked around without disrupting other diners.

I was surprised to see Crazy Rich Asian actor, Nicholas Young sitting two tables behind me. He dressed casually and he was having a brunch with several friends. The restaurant must be spacious for celebrities to come by. 

The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar

I haven't visited Dempsey Bar, which is located in Dempsey Cookhouse restaurant. I think the drinks and bites should be nice.

The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar

Architectural design is beautiful surrounded by a mini greenery garden. Singapore's hot climate is not ideal for outdoor dining. When the weather gets cooler in the evening, scenic al fresco dining is fascinating, surrounded by trees and grass. There are two flights of staircase at the main entrance. If you come with a wheelchair or baby stroller, you push further to a Japanese restaurant, a sister restaurant of Demsey Cookhouse and Bar. There is a slope at the Japanese restaurant entrance. 

The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar

Honestly speaking, I would give an 8 out of 10 scores for overall rating. We had a wonderful dining experiences in Dempsey Cookhouse. Food was fairly expensive but worth for a thumbs-up dining atmosphere, excellent services and artistic food presentation. If you have engagement or wedding proposal, this restaurant is perfect for fine dining without burning a hole in your pocket. I will return with my family for other signature dishes and awesome vibe. 

Location

Block 17D Dempsey Road,
Singapore 249676


Opening hours

Lunch
Monday to Friday: 12pm to 3pm
Weekends and Public Holidays: 11:30am to 4pm

Dinner
Monday to Thursday and Public Holidays:  6pm to 12am
Friday, Saturday and Eve of Public Holidays: 6pm to 1am
Sunday: 6pm to 10pm


Parking

Free parking in Dempsey Hill. Many parking lots are available at COMO Dempsey Cookhouse compartment. Park your car facing the garden is shortest walking distance to the restaurant.