Singapore: Equilibrium at Capitol Piazza

Equilibrium is different. Taking on an avant-garde approach to their culinary aspiration, Equilibrium is set to realize an extraordinary experience for diners. Feeling adventurous and waiting to be surprised? You've come to the right place of the Capitol Piazza.

This Italian restaurant is tucked away at the quieter end of Capitol Piazza, which brings you into a rare, serene corner of the city. Equilibrium's leaden-grey interior exudes a sense of stability and grandness that is unmistakable, set amidst details such as hand-picked Oriental centerpieces from far-flung cities.

Innovative delicious drinks from Equilibrium abound. Refresh your tastebuds with The Earl (SGD8), concocted with earl grey tea, hints of rosemary and yuzu. The Earl doesn't impress on the first sip, but the gradual infusion of rosemary enhanced the taste amazingly. On the other hand, The Chrysanth (SGD17) transformed something as dainty and simple as chrysanthemum flowers into something very layered. Choose The Chrysanth for a blend of chrysanthemum tea, tequila blanco, cointreau, dehydrated chrysanthemum, lemon and fresh chrysanthemum flowers (yes, it's alcoholic). Delve into a darker bourbon drink with the Smoky Nectar (SGD18), which comprises a medley of muddled raspberries, raspberry nectar tea, and smoked hickory wood. Newfangled, yet much less promising in taste than the other two.

Featuring Pugliese grilled skewers of pork belly hand, the La Bombette (SGD9.5 per skewer, minimum order of 2) are savoury bites that are served with a delightful mixture of grated parmesan, oregano and chili flakes. They are made especially delicious with the spicy garlic lemon dip provided.

The Caesar with Salmon Salad (SGD15) is definitely the best healthy camouflage, but truly far from it.. check out its sinful ensemble: sliced smoked salmon, romaine lettuce, garlic crostini, crispy bacon bits, shaved grana padano with sous vide egg and homemade dressing. This must be the ideal salad I would build myself.

If you're craving for a seafood choice, grab onto this gorgeous plate of Calamari Alla Griglia (SGD15). A flounce of citrus air, mint butter, and fennel chili elevates the grilled squid and plays on several different flavours on the tip of the tongue. It came at a smaller than desired portion though.

The Panelle (SGD12) drew inspiration from Sicilian cuisine - these crunchy fried fritters made from gram flour were paired with a vibrant cucumber salad and two choices of sauces. First, the mango chutney left a deep impression with its playful fruity taste. The other spicy garlic aioli easily whets the appetite and makes for a good complement. Highly recommended!

Coscia Di Pollo Arrosto (SGD24) is a classic dish of herb-infused roasted chicken leg with potato and vegetable ragout which was less exciting than the others but nevertheless, well-executed and a happy portion that is sufficiently filling.

My favourite of the night goes to the Risotto Al Funghi E Mais Mushroom and Corn Risotto (SGD24) - a lot went into this darling of a risotto to create the taste, including rich chicken broth as the base, sweet corn, farm mushrooms, pepperoni piccanto and a generous serving of parmesan cheese. It was finished with cream, butter and shaved grana padano. Lip-smackingly delicious!

Slices of Italian coppa ham, truffle paste and rucola leaves are sprinkled atop the thin-crusted Sull'Imbrunire, At Dusk (SGD27), which is possibly the most value-for-money given how the chefs created their pizzas with hand-opened bases. They are indeed perfectionist in their pursuit of great pizzas.

Equilibrium's desserts are highly amusing and fun - the Deli Dolce (SGD21) is presented as a charcuterie board with four items masked as different forms of meat: the caramelized onion chocolate caramel jelly with whiskey was a convincing pâté, fruit leathers with pretty golden rims as jamon ham, chocolate as salami, and a cube of bacon jam. Definitely a dinner conversation topic and a memorable dessert to try, however I found that this unconventional dessert may not satisfy your sweet tooth.

Then, they presented to us this winner of a dessert - the Watermelon Carpaccio (SGD14) created from compressed watermelon with milk cheese foam, brown butter dust, mint basil gel and watermelon sorbet. I would surely recommend this to anyone looking for an ace to end your night perfectly. The texture of compressed watermelon is quite out of the world, a little slippery, yet retaining a shadow of its original juicy crunchiness. You've just got to try this for yourself.

Equilibrium has their own bespoke bar, so yes, drink the night away!