Why should one “be” at Rochester? Simply stated, there is a Zen-like tranquility that permeates B@Rochester. Situated on the quiet, leafy green lane of Rochester Park, B@Rochester is a calm getaway from the tumultuous city where guests can enjoy a tranquil meal of contemporary Japanese cuisine with strong European influences.

Between the surrounding greenery and interior décor of dark woods and earth tones, B@Rochester’s ambience offer guests the opportunity to simply relax and enjoy a fine meal. And much like the ambience, the food here is a harmony of simple pleasures brought together with marvelous skill. For instance, the Bonito Broth with prawns, scallops, and mushrooms served with cut calamansi is a star. The savoury broth, crisp sourness of the calamansi, and sweetness of the undeniably fresh seafood all come together in a bowl of uplifting clear flavours that are light on the palate yet bold on the tongue.

As impeccable as the food is, the alfresco bar is reason enough for anyone to “be” at Rochester. The Black Tea Martini, a delicious blend of earl grey-infused gin, rose syrup, and lime juice is refreshing, yet packs a dangerous kick. Though dinner isn’t served at the bar, bar snacks are available to assuage the munchies. (Nov 2011)

“B@Rochester eschews all things pretentious and too-posh, choosing instead to focus on the concept of casual and relaxed dining at affordable prices, set in a modern chic environment amidst the lush greenery of Rochester.” -Lifestyle Asia

“Set in a charming and nostalgic bungalow surrounded by lush greenery in Rochester Park, B@Rochester aims to the preferred out-of-city destination, encompassing quality yet affordable food, innovative beverages and excellent service standards.” -Great New Places

“A quiet respite from the madness of the city and a welcome change to be surrounded by greenery.” -I-S Asia-City

“The Japanese martini ($18) – fresh red and white nama seaweed infused in Skyy Vodka for three days and then mixed in Cointreau – is quite the hit.” -Time Out Singapore

Despite its name, B@Rochester gets nothing less than an ‘A+’ from us. The B@Rochester team sets a very high bar for restaurants that attempt to ride the burgeoning popularity of nouvelle Japanese cuisine. Service is impeccable and there is a clear attention to detail that shines through not only in the food, but also in the smallest things that count.

However, what we definitely love is the manner in which the ingredients take centre stage. Whether seafood or meat, the ingredients are all of utmost freshness, and paired with flavours and techniques that best allow them to shine. Between the baked scallops with cheese and the blue mussels with white wine sauce, any seafood lover would be spoilt for choice. Not to be missed, however, is the Scampi Somen, a signature dish of Japanese noodles in a lobster broth served with scampi.

Diners looking for meatier choices should try the French duck served with sliced pear. The duck, marinated in mirin, has a subtle sweetness enhanced by slices of crisp and juicy pear. We also love the Edgewater Australian lamb, which is perfectly cooked and served with homemade black pepper sauce and accompanied by an equally mouthwatering potato croquette filled with vegetables. (Oct 2011)

"Yet another old black-and-white bungalow converted, this time into a stone- and wood-decorated Japanese fusion restaurant with a sushi bar in the middle, private rooms with a balcony on the second floor, and an alfresco bar area. The business clientele projects a formal vibe onto this casual-leaning quiet space. Thankfully – for them – the dinner-only menu caters to very wide-ranging tastes: from sashimi to stewed somen (thin Japanese wheat flour noodles) with scampi prawns ($28) and a char-broiled Australian Edgewater lamb ($36) served with black pepper sauce. The Japanese martini ($18) – fresh red and white nama seaweed infused in Skyy Vodka for three days and then mixed in Cointreau – is quite the hit." -Time Out Singapore

Get a 20% discount off your bill when you celebrate your birthday at B@Rochester. Valid for dinner only during your birthday month.