Latin-European Bistro, Sol & Luna opens at 1-Arden

Whenever I think of the CBD, cold, steely buildings and concrete come to mind. The idea of dining in the CBD is not one that I’d naturally gravitate towards because it connotes stress and anxiety. However, Sol & Luna has shown me that there’s another type of experience to be had - a relaxing, and plesant one at that.

Nestled on level 17th of CapitaSpring - one of Singapore’s newest skyscrapers located on Market Street, Sol & Luna is a little secret gem that offers the possibility of a different state of mind to its guests. 

To get to the restaurant, one rides up an elevator from the office lobby to be transported to a lush garden pathway that’s suspended midway between the ground and the sky. Along this winding garden pathway, one gets to admire urban views and also feel a sense of spaciousness from the expansiveness of the high ceilings

It is remarkable to acknowledge that this is where the Golden Shoe Carpark used to be. Who imagined that a trusty old multi-story carpark with a hawker centre would one day become a towering skyscraper with gardens? It’s a helpful reminder that transformation is always possible.

Imagine a glass box with high ceilings amidst a lush green pathway, and you would have conjured up the image of Sol & Luna. The decor is washed with earthy hues that reminds one of Europe, with touches of colour reminiscent of old tiles from a European grandmother’s kitchen in the backyard. The menu - fashioned like a traveler’s journal, is a clever hint that I was about to embark on a delicious journey through Latin Europe.

To begin, chargrilled Padron Peppers and 6-hr baked Duck & Foie Gras rillette were served. The peppers were perfectly grilled, with just the right amount of heat and salt to open up my tastebuds. While I’m not a fan of foie gras and rillette, the satisfying grunts from my fellow diners suggested that it was a dish they approved.

Fried Soft-shell Prawn served with Lime Aioli & Parsley was next. The shiba ebi was fleshy and sweet, while the aromatic parsley gave a fragrant hit. Paired with the citrusy, garlicky aioli, this tapas dish paired really well with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

With Executive Chef Felix Chong at the helm, it is no surprise that the next tapas features an Italian cheese - Tomino. Known for his love for Italian cuisine, Chef Felix is also behind Monti - which has been awarded a quality endorsement by the Italian Chamber of Commerce, and 2 prestigious Temples by the Accademia Italiana Della Cucina 2021. 

A ball of sweet and buttery Tomino cheese wrapped with Parma Ham is grilled, lightly glazed with Acacia Honey and dusted with freshly-ground black pepper before it is served with crisp slices of baguette and a side salad. The warm, melty-yet-firm light-flavoured cheese, paired with the saltiness of the parma ham, kissed by a touch of honey and rounded off by the crunch of the baguette crisp is pure delight.

In between courses, it was lovely to take in the atmosphere of the casual and convivial energy of the restaurant. As the sun began to set in the CBD, the warm, cosy atmosphere in Sol & Luna started to come alive even more. It’s a lovely setting for those wanting to take a breather and be taken on a gastronomic journey of Europe, right in the heart of the city.

For those looking to cool down with something light, the White Gazpacho will be a pleaser for sure. Tangy, textured, and light, enjoy a medley of grape segments, sweet Marcona almonds, and mixed seeds, topped with an aromatic avocado half that has been grilled over lava stone.

Seafood fans must not miss out on the Prawn & Octopus Nicoise Salad. The octopus is ridiculously moist and tender, and grilled to a perfect smokey sensation, just like the sweet, juicy prawns. Accompanied by quail eggs, haricot beans, juicy tomatoes, olives and roscoldo potatoes and spanish anchovy - this salad is a seafood lover’s dream come true.

My pleasurable experience was further elevated when I tasted the Truffle Risotto - perfectly-salted, and packed with flavour. The dust of breadcrumbs with cheese lent additional texture and complimented the truffle and mushroom paste from France like yin to yang. This dish is a must have for truffle risotto worshippers!

If you’re looking to try something unique, the Wood-fired Sardine Stuffed with Mussel, Herbs, Pine Nuts and Wrapped with Parma Ham is one to consider.

For those in the mood for something comforting and will leave some warmth in the belly, try the 12hr Slowcooked Welsh Lamb Shoulder. Served on the bone with Broccolini, the tender meat literally melts in the mouth. Another hearty option is the Baked Veal Shank Pie - perfect with glass of bold red wine.

My top personal favourite is the Grilled Australian Shark Bay Tiger Prawns. Grilled over lava stone and served with White Corn & Tomato Salsa, the prawns are juicy, sweet and succulent, with the perfect hit of chargrilled smokey flavour. Mmm… I could have it all over again right now! My other favourite is the Wagyu Bavette - a juicy piece of flank steak grilled to perfection, served with truffle sauce. Words alone cannot describe how sensational it tasted - you have to try it for yourself and let me know if it hit the spot for you as well.

My gastronomic tour of latin Europe at Sol & Luna took me to both France and Italy before the evening closed. The Tarte Tartin was a delectable combination of caramelised Granny Smith Apples, Puff Pastry and Creme Anglaise - a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. The Tiramisu was airy, suitably rich, with a subtle sweetness, just the right touch of alcohol, and the perfect level of bitterness from the coffee and cocoa. Surprisingly, no cream is used in Sol & Luna’s recipe - I honestly could not tell. Just the perfect sweet ending to a sumptuous journey.

If you are in the CBD, and are looking for a delicious respite - be it breakfast, lunch, tea or dinner, Sol & Luna is the perfect place for a lush, European escape - no passport necessary.

As I got out of the taxi at Market Street, I was surprised to see the new high-rise icon of the financial district, CapitaSpring. Gigantic to the eye and futuristic in design, Sol & Luna is perched on Level 17 where a four-floor garden oasis lies.

Waiting for the lift Sol & Luna presented an unusual sanctuary in the sky for anyone really, to chill. A new style of work from anywhere, I was greeted with a welcome drink then shown around the oasis. This concept of work, play and socialize was about building community.

Seating all around, that welcomed anyone looking for a sanctuary far from the madding crowd, there were plug points too to encourage laptop users from around Raffles Place. Open from breakfast to dinner, this all day dining venue was perfect.

Stepping into the restaurant I thought it might be better to frequent in the day as the backdrop of buildings and blue skies lent an ambience hard to match. I was about to be proved wrong as the night wore on and lights from surrounding buildings illuminated like gemstones in the night.

Being a corporate girl, it took me back to my days of burning the midnight oil as I slaved over completion of an urgent project. Those days were far behind having become an entrepreneur, a master of my own time. 

With so much on offer, Sol & Luna had an amazing array of four European cuisines – Italy, France, Portugal & Spain. Named after the sun and moon the idea was that diners could frequent any time of day. Pick up a croissant and coffee or take advantage of the one-for-one afternoon tea with European pastries so authentic. I know I would be up for a Croque Monsieur, one of my favourite French savouries.

We were informed that the rooftop on level 51 housed a green forest where herbs and other fresh ingredients were grown. With a 24,000 square feet green oasis surrounding Sol & Luna I felt it was the perfect getaway within the city, especially so for office workers needing some downtime or a luscious break. This entire concept screamed sustainability!

I was intrigued by the weekend brunch which had so many options at such reasonable prices. At lunch a fabulous option of a 2-course meal at $35++ or 3-course meal at $40++ weekday set lunch menu. Enough of options it was time to get started on actually experiencing the extensive menu ahead of us.

Fried soft shell prawns which hailed from Portugal, seasoned with Maldon sea salt and served with Japanese mayonnaise. Followed by an inventive prawn and octopus Nicoise salad. Grilled over lava stone, the octopus was a stunner. Tender to the bite this paired well with prawn, an unusual take on Nicoise.

I was most excited at trying the white Gazpacho as I had never had it before. A Spanish cold soup this was simply delicious. A blend of white grapes and Marcona almonds it was presented with a grilled avocado in the centre. I loved the nutty flavor that dominated. In my mind a must try dish!

As I sipped on Pinot Grigio and made way for the truffle risotto, a mental note to have a tiny bit of rice as this carbo-based dish is typically what I usually stay away from. Surprised to note as I tasted a spoonful that it was very light with perfect consistency. Still, while I enjoyed it I kept space for other dishes to come.

Having never tried anything like this, the wood-fired sardine stuffed with mussel, herbs, pine nuts and wrapped with Parma ham was definitely the five-star dish of the night. Speaking to Chef Felix Chong he said this dish was inspired by a herb-crumbed anchovy dish from the sea-side region of Liguria in Italy. Served with butternut squash this was certainly unusual and delicious.

More seafood with grilled Australian Shark Bay tiger prawns. So fresh and a must try for clean eaters who love grills accompanied with white corn, tomato salsa, dill and Italian parsley. Sol & Luna certainly have a winning formula in their lava stone grill which makes food all the more tasty.

While the baked veal shank pie would be a great lunch treat that would serve me for the day, I loved the 12-hour slow cooked Welsh lamb shoulder on the bone. Falling off the bone a few sprigs of broccolini were a perfect accompaniment to this full-bodied dish. I wish I were in winter having this. It would have been apt to consume it all.

The king of the night appeared last of all – Wagyu flank woodfired with truffle sauce. Again a shout out to meat lovers who may or may not want to share this fantastically grilled steak. I was actually ready for dessert having had these amazing feasts.

Looking forward to something French the tarte tatin was to die for. With crème anglaise sauce and a layer of Frangipane almond I could have had the whole tart. Just when I said I was full to the brim. How desserts can make me change my mind! For tiramisu lovers this was also good though my pick was the tarte tatin.

From cocktails to mocktails and so many varieties of food and wine, I felt Sol & Luna did indeed encapsulate the essence of Europe. Not only in the bistro but also around the green oasis and alfresco terrace.

As one of five concepts at 1-Arden, the latest hospitality venture of 1-Group, Sol & Luna has hit the spot and paved the way for the others to make their debut. I am looking forward to that!

The values of the bistro radiate the beneficence of the Sun and Moon. In support of 1-Group’s sustainability vision of ‘lifestyle thrivability’, Sol & Luna practices responsible sourcing and traceability by propagating the world’s highest 1-Arden Food Forest at level 51, as well as getting ingredients from local sources wherever possible, including prawn and fish farms, and producers such as the award-winning Edible Garden City Singapore. The bistro’s kitchen also upvalues ‘ugly’ vegetables and upcycles ingredients where all parts are fully maximised and used multiple times in different forms for varied purposes.

Lofty urban hideaways can be commonplace these days; but the Green Oasis makes Sol & Luna one-of-a-kind. Located amidst such architectural exuberance, functional diversity, and proximity to nature, makes the setting special. One feels light-years from the hustle and bustle yet at the core of the community. And being at the epicentre of it all at Sol & Luna, you will be able to recalibrate your thoughts, reclaim your drive, reconnect with yourself, nurture your relationships, and find balance in your own ‘cosmos’ – any time of day and any cycle of the spheres.