Gordon Grill’s NEW European Summer Table Menu

Some restaurants are so iconic that you simply assume you’ll eventually get around to visiting them. For me, Gordon Grill was one of those places.

Despite having lived in Singapore for many years and dining at countless restaurants across the island – including a spate of them during a staycation in Goodwood Park Hotel itself, I had somehow never stepped into Gordon Grill. Located within Goodwood Park Hotel, the restaurant has been serving classic Continental cuisine since 1963, making it one of Singapore’s longest-standing dining establishments. While the city’s dining scene has evolved tremendously over the decades, Gordon Grill has remained true to its roots and is known to this day for its meat trolley service, earning a loyal following for its timeless elegance and traditional tableside service.

Stepping inside feels like travelling back to an earlier era of fine dining. The interiors haven’t chased modern design trends, but that’s very much part of the restaurant’s appeal. The warm wood accents, plush carpeting and old-world ambience give Gordon Grill a sense of character that would be difficult to recreate today.

I recently had the opportunity to finally experience it for myself when the hotel invited me over to sample a selection of dishes that showcase both its classic European influences and contemporary touches. The restaurant has recently launched its European Summer Table promotion which runs until 30th September 2026. These were the dishes I tried:

Insalata di Melone ($30)

The meal began with the Insalata di Melone, featuring Parma ham, buffalo mozzarella, cantaloupe, arugula and balsamic glaze.

This is a combination that rarely goes wrong. The sweetness of the ripe cantaloupe worked beautifully with the savoury Parma ham underneath, while the creamy buffalo mozzarella added richness without overwhelming the dish. The peppery arugula provided a welcome freshness, and the balsamic glaze tied everything together with just enough acidity.

It is a light and refreshing starter that whets the appetite without being overly filling, especially suitable for Singapore’s warm weather.

Calvados Apple Pork Belly ($52)

For the mains, I started with the Calvados Apple Pork Belly, served alongside garlic potato purée, roasted greens and Dijon mustard emulsion.

The pork belly was cooked until tender with a beautifully caramelized exterior and a skin that was perfectly crispy, striking a nice balance between lean meat and luscious layers of fat. The Calvados apple elements lent a subtle fruity sweetness that complemented the richness of the pork instead of competing with it.

The silky garlic potato purée was an excellent accompaniment, smooth and buttery without feeling overly heavy, while the Dijon mustard emulsion introduced a gentle sharpness that helped cut through the richness.

Spanish-Style Beef Short Ribs ($58)

The Spanish-Style Beef Short Ribs proved to be another comforting main course.

The beef was slow-cooked until fork-tender, easily pulling apart with little effort. Rich and deeply flavorful, it was coated in a paprika jus that added warmth and smokiness without overpowering the natural taste of the beef.

Served with the same garlic potato purée and roasted greens, this is the sort of hearty, satisfying dish that Gordon Grill has become known for over the years. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, instead relying on quality ingredients and careful execution. It also proves that the restaurant can also do much more than just good steaks.

Saffron Arroz with Octopus ($48)

The final savory course was the Saffron Arroz with Octopus.

Unlike a traditional dry paella, this was prepared as an arroz meloso, resulting in a creamier, almost risotto-like consistency. The rice was infused with saffron, giving it both an appealing golden hue and an aromatic fragrance. For those who have had both paella and risotti, this dish felt like something in between.

The octopus was tender without becoming rubbery, while the bottarga added bursts of savory umami that elevated the dish. The zucchini contributed freshness and texture, preventing the arroz from feeling too rich.

This was perhaps the most contemporary dish of the meal, bringing together Spanish influences while maintaining the restaurant’s refined presentation.

Crepe Suzette ($26)

No meal at Gordon Grill would feel complete without trying one of its signature desserts—the Crepe Suzette. Prepared the traditional way, it is flambéed tableside with Cointreau and brandy, adding a theatrical touch that’s becoming increasingly rare in modern restaurants.

The delicate crepes were coated in a fragrant citrus butter sauce, with the orange liqueur lending a pleasant brightness while the brandy added depth and warmth. Watching the server expertly work the pan was part of the experience, but the dessert wasn’t all style and no substance. The crepes remained soft and silky, while the scoop of vanilla bean ice cream slowly melted into the warm sauce, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures.

Verdict

Having finally dined at Gordon Grill, I can certainly appreciate why it has remained a favorite for over six decades. Rather than chasing culinary trends, the restaurant focuses on well-executed classics served in an elegant setting that feels increasingly rare in today’s dining landscape. Goodwood Park Hotel’s other outlets are also known for vintage touches in their service, often utilizing the food trolley to serve.

Among the dishes I tried, the Spanish-Style Beef Short Ribs stood out for their tenderness and depth of flavor, while the Saffron Arroz with Octopus offered a more modern interpretation with its creamy texture and pronounced saffron aroma.

Sometimes, there’s a reason why a restaurant becomes an institution. Gordon Grill isn’t about flashy presentations or experimental cuisine—it is about timeless recipes, quality ingredients and consistency. For anyone looking to experience one of Singapore’s enduring dining landmarks, it’s easy to see why Gordon Grill continues to hold its place after more than sixty years.

Gordon Grill
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301744

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm – 230pm, 630pm – 10pm