The Knolls is Chef Cristia Nou Picar's Mediterranean dining experience at the Capella Singapore. Famed for its weekend brunch and sunset tea, guests dine on shared tapas dishes like toast of tomato and Iberian ham "reserve", as they overlook the gentle lolling of the South China Sea in the distance.

There aren't many places in Singapore to enjoy refreshing seafront as you dine, so the short journey to Sentosa is well worth it. Surrounded by the lush gardens and restored colonial buildings, it certainly feels as if you've left the city behind. As you dine al fresco, you hear only the chirping of birds, gentle clink of fine china and the occasional splash from the cascading pools of the six-star hotel below. If you prefer to sit indoors, ask for a semi-private table by the large floor-to-ceiling glass doors that seat up to six.

Besides the chef's renowned tapas selection, the restaurant also serves Peranakan, Japanese and Western afternoon teatime offerings, complemented by a specialty tea bar with a showcase of over 40 varieties of premium teas. But remember - if you want to look like an insider, order some of the off-the-menu local specials detailed in our "What We Love" section! (May 2012)

Please click here for a shuttle bus schedule from VivoCity to The Knolls.

"For intimate discussions in an alfresco, laid-back atmosphere, The Knolls, Capella Singapore’s all-day fine dining restaurant is the place to head to. Mornings are the best time to indulge in the tantalizing buffet spread alongside breathtaking views of the South China Sea." -Travel & Leisure Southeast Asia

"The highlight of the meal is their version of churros, the Spanish style doughnut. This one came paired with three ramekins of chocolate, lemon and whipped cream. While chocolate seems to be the most natural pairing, it was the lemon cream that added the perfect tang to the sweetness of the doughnut. It's just the right way to end the meal." -Asia Tatler Dining

"The Knolls has always been more well-known for its popular teatime sets, and the launch of its latest menu that sees dashes of Mediterranean influences, is set to ride on the popularity of its teatime offering. And in true Mediterranean style, the menu places much importance on healthier choices, and is even thoughtfully segmented into "Hearty Selections for Gentlemen" (healthy dishes that are still rich and flavoursome) as well as "On the Lighter Side for Ladies" (light, low-carbohydrate salads, soups and menu items)." -Lifestyle Asia

One of The Knolls best kept secrets is their local favourites, conjoured up off-the-menu to be just like your hawker favourites but with heaps of fresh ingredients and packed with flavour. Word is it that a certain President's wife frequents the restaurant for its char kway teow!

The pan-seared sea bass with black truffle risotto, fricassee and parmesan shavings is another favourite; if you've never experienced the combination of fresh fish, truffles and creamy risotto then you're certainly missing out!

For dessert, Chef Cristia highly recommends the crema catalana with seasonal berries and almond biscuits. The Spanish competitor to its more famous french "Brulee" brother, the Catalana version also has a layer of thick vanilla custard coated with a crisp caramel shell.

Finally, we recommend the wide range on the Gryphon Tea menu, best enjoyed as you ponder the sun setting into the gentle rolling of the waves. (May 2012)

"The service is warm and friendly, the decor slick and the menu offerings solid." -Time Out Singapore (click here for full article)

American Express: 15% off total bill. Offer valid till 31 Dec 2013.