If we weren't in the business of sharing our favorite dining experiences, we would keep this hidden gem of a restaurant our little secret. Housed in what used to be Ficus Station, a stop on Sentosa's monorail system, Suburbia is the fine dining brainchild of the Wine Network group. Only mere minutes from the hustle and bustle of the city, Suburbia offers an oasis for those seeking to escape and relax in the tranquil surroundings of nature, making it the perfect place for a quiet date or an elegant wedding. The modern clean lines of the restaurant stand elegantly against a manicured landscape, creating a comforting ambience with soft lighting and and gentle breezes from the nearby coast -- a peaceful and welcome respite from the often maddening crowd of the city centre.

The ambience of the restaurant is more than sufficiently matched by the cuisine prepared by Chef Odin Fu, who has more than 30 years of experience working at top hotels in the region. He demonstrates his dedication to perfection in his craft in the Modern European delights from his kitchen, which is cemented by his occasional appearance to ensure we are suitably satisfied. With soothing jazz playing softly in the background, diners can enjoy a fine dining experience that is not overly formal.

A two-storey establishment, Suburbia offers wonderful indoor and al fresco dining on its ground level with an adjoining wine bar linked to a well-stocked wine cellar courtesy of its lineage, while the upper level hosts private and corporate events such as birthdays and weddings. Wine-themed dinners are also a common occurrence and there is an wide range of iconic and premium wines from South Africa, Australia, France, New Zealand, Germany, US, Chile and Spain. (Feb 2012)

"If western cuisine with a contemporary touch served in a haven of peace and tranquility, far from the madding crowd appeals to you ... this is where you want to be. It is simply perfect for a romantic rendezvous with your paramour. The baked filo pastry pesto escargots ... a twist on that French classic of snails in parsley butter. Three cute parcels of golden brown crisp filo pastry on squares of garlic bread...reminded me of giant wontons and primed my appetite for the next course"" - Affluent Magazine

"The wine list is gorgeous, which is only to be expected of a restaurant-bar started by the Wine Network people at Dempsey." - Elle Living

"Suburbia is beautifully positioned in the two storey Ficus Station on Sentosa, next to the gorgeous ficus tree after which it is named. The setting is breezy, relaxed, and surrounded by greenery, perfect for alfresco dining on the timber decking with its appealing sofas. From the crumb-free state of our plates, it was clear we really enjoyed the tiramisu and strawberry & rhubarb cheese trifle" - Expat Living

"If you want to enjoy a romantic dinner, Suburbia's location at a defunct Sentosa monorail is an impressive choice." - The Peak

"There is a wide selection of iconic and premium wines from South Africa, Australia, France, New Zealand, Germany, US, Chile and Spain to pair with the contemporary European cuisine being offered." - Wine & Dine.

We love that Suburbia offers an escape into the serenity of nature so close to the city centre. Suburbia has an extensive Modern European menu with excellent choices for both seafood and meat lovers.

For those partial to crustaceans, we'd suggest the crab meat daikon salad with piquant notes of honey mustard vinaigrette, a light and refreshing start to the meal. We also loved the Alaskan crab cake, which is topped with a generous portion of juicy grilled prawns and accompanied with tomato salsa while fried leek and lemongrass sprinkled liberally across the dish provide added texture and flavour. Enjoy this with a glass of Gravitas Chardonnay Reserve 2006 from New Zealand, which offers notes of honey and citrus, a beautiful finish to a seafood dish.

Another satisfying starter is the pan-seared foie gras with apple chutney, which comes accompanied by a brioche crouton and offers a richness that is nicely balanced with a selection of seasonal fruits and Modena balsamic. For meat lovers, there are few things in life like the flavour of a grilled steak, and Suburbia's main of grilled chilled rib eye of beef here doesn't fail to disappoint. A lovely smoky flavour is imparted on one's first bite, with a tenderness and just a hit of that sweet fatty taste that lingers after each subsequent bite. To round off that sweetness, one can try a glass of Cline Mourvedre Small Berry 2004 from Sonoma; the flavours of tobacco, plum, chocolate and eucalyptus mint subtly hold its own next to the steak. (Feb 2012)