Classy rooftop bar and lounge Baia offers fabulous views of the Marina Bay waterfront, but even more impressive than the view are its inspired cocktails.
Can I just say upfront, I’m not normally a fan of rooftop bars?
Not just because I’m somewhat afraid of heights, but mostly because these destinations tend to attract visiting tourists and an aspirational crowd angling for – often at major inconvenience and not a little danger to themselves and others – the best vantage points for inane self portraiture with Singapore’s vaunted city skyline.
Because pics or it didn’t happen.
But I digress. I’m here at Baia, a rooftop dining bar and lounge perched atop Esplanade Mall opened by the local hospitality outfit the ilLido Group (which is behind concepts like Amō and Sospiri). It’s one of the newest hotspots in town with a view. Despite the iconic performing arts centre being just only four floors high, you can take in a full panoramic view of Marina Bay from its rooftop, seeing that it sits on its own man-made promontory on the side of the waterfront that’s largely unimpeded by skyscrapers.
Baia itself is swanky, in a sophisticated Art Deco meets neo-classical Roman sort of way. I love the arches that form its facade (they come alight in the evenings), a design theme that’s replicated throughout the interiors complete with frescoes. There are no pillars within to block your view, and is large enough for some modern-day Cicero or Pliny to address the room like a forum, or more likely, for a bride to do her wedding walk-in to the full appreciation of her guests.
Unlike far too many rooftop venues, Baia takes its food and drink seriously. The menu is largely built around sharing plates of Mediterranean flavours with some Japanese accents. There’s a selection of charcuterie and cheeses if you’re more the peckish kind, as well as some simple bar-friendly snacks like marinated olives or spiced almonds.
Otherwise start with the likes of a lovely creamy Whipped Burrata lashed with honey and a citrus chilli jam that’s absolutely moreish, or an Avocado Hummus topped with a black truffle for an earthy crunch. The Smoked Beef Tartare was a little more unusual, its sesame cream dressing giving it a nutty, unctuous chew. We couldn’t get enough of the accompanying pita crisps too.
For heartier fare there’s a charcoal grill section, or pizzas. Both the Wagyu Beef Bavette and Poussin Chicken Leg were well executed if not spectacular. The pizza was shockingly good though, our pie topped with salami, ‘rella and a red sauce of proper San Marzano tomatoes a delight with every bite.
As for drinks? In my most humble opinion, when it comes to rooftop bars Baia may just offer one of the better cocktail programmes around. This is a very well-thought out cocktail list, split into sections that cater to different moods and palates.
The Singapolitan, for example, draws inspiration from both the Singapore Sling and the Cosmopolitan for an altogether unique fruity wine spritz, while Corona is a bubbly and refreshing vodka highball with citrus and sage notes that’s perfect for watching the sun go down.
There’s the apple-forward Venus Rose for those who love their whiskey sours, or the stiff and briny dirty martini that’s Sorrento Coast.
One must-order? The Amphora, because this is a Martinez that’s aged in a claypot as its name suggests, resulting in a silkier, more integrated version of that classic.
The next table of four admittedly very good-looking girls suddenly abandon their drinks, hurrying off to snap selfies as golden hour sets in with Marina Bay Sands glimmering in the backdrop. I watch, my heart sinking, their barely-touched cocktails fall apart as the ice melts.
Ah well. They came for the view. I stayed for the drinks.
[Photo credits: Baia]
Baia
Address 8 Raffles Ave., Level 4 Esplanade Mall, Singapore 039802 (Google Maps link)
Opening Hours 5pm to 1am Sundays to Thursdays; 5pm to 2am Fridays and Saturdays
Tel (65) 9173 8182
Web www.baia.sg
Facebook baia.sg
Instagram @baia.sg
Reservations book here
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