We almost missed the entrance to Aniba, a modern Middle Eastern-Mediterranean restaurant nestled in Raffles Place.
It’s accessible only via a private lift tucked down a random corridor in an office building. Aside from the interesting hidden entry, Aniba impressed us with their culinary offerings!
Stylish & Modern Interior
The private lift opens up to a moody but vibey space with textured copper-like wall fixtures.
The main dining space is illuminated only by table lights and mood lighting, making it quite cosy!
There’s a bar counter with a large flower installation and an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs cook.
The view of the Singapore River is the cherry on top, complete with upbeat music to add to the energy!
Aniba Menu
The menu is slim but focused, offering takes on traditional Middle Eastern dishes.
Something interesting is the fact their menu is fully fish-based! They also have vegetarian and vegan options with plant-based versions of their regular menu.
Their dinner menu features cold starters like Cauliflower ($27) with a parsley pesto and curry oil, and Hamachi ($29) sashimi garnished with a tomato-capsicum salsa.
Hot dishes include Linguine Nero ($57) with grilled mackerel and garlic cream or Cod ($64) featuring Chilean Sea Bass and smoked freekeh (a roasted grain from durum wheat).
They even have dessert like Basbusa (semolina cake bites) and Lime, made with a lime curd and yogurt cremeux.
If you’re feeling adventurous, they have a Chef’s Selection menu ($150/pax for 2 to 6 guests) where they curate the entire meal for you!
There is a lunch and brunch menu available as well.
Nibbles
The meal began with a Cone ($7/piece) with trout tartare and quail egg. It was a balanced bite with the creaminess from the egg and umami from the fresh fish!
Their signature item is a take on Pani Puri ($9/piece). This version has yoghurt-yuzu foam filling and is topped with hamachi, creating a unique combination.
We liked the zestiness but felt the cream overwhelmed the other elements, especially the hamachi.
Cold Dishes
All the cold dishes were appetising with lots of fresh flavours.
The Eggplant ($29) looked unassuming but had a deep smokiness, complemented by crunchy pistachios and sweet date syrup.
Our favourite was the Tabuleh ($28), featuring yellowtail ceviche with herbs and tahini. The crunchy texture and light dressing made this addictive and easy to eat!
The Bluefin ($37) had a unique eating style. You crush the nest of fried kataifi and mix it with the cucumber salad and yoghurt foam, before pairing it with bluefin tartare.
The combination of crisp kataifi and creamy yogurt complemented the meaty tuna well!
Mains
The Shishbarak ($51) featured fish dumplings in a warm yogurt sauce. It is reminiscent of wantons but with a thicker skin.
We liked the seasoned filling but it didn’t stand out to us, compared to the Fish Kebab ($54).
The kebabs are made with halibut and seabass grilled on a lemongrass ‘skewer’. These were juicy and meaty, especially paired with the crispy makluba rice.
Kubaneh
The Kubaneh ($18) loaf was fluffy and buttery, amplified by the fragrant sesame seeds scattered in the dough.
This would go perfectly with cold dishes but their side of chilli schug and crushed tomatoes is enough to enjoy the whole loaf.
Desserts
The Malabi ($23) was visually pleasing, garnished with fresh fruit and a kataifi tuile.
It’s a take on a traditional milk rice pudding perfumed with rose water. This was light, creamy and sweet but not too overbearing.
We liked Cacao ($23). It featured a chocolate olive oil baked mousse atop a cocoa-cardamom sable, giving a unique spiced flavour.
This wasn’t too bitter nor sweet, balanced enough to comfortably finish the whole tart!
Cocktails
The cocktail menu is new, featuring Middle Eastern and Asian flavours.
Some options include Coriander ($25) a bourbon highball with coriander and fennel seeds and Basil ($25) with thai basil-infused vodka and passionfruit-vanilla syrup.
We tried the Mango ($25), a tequila highball with mezcal and mango-amba cordial. It didn’t taste strongly of mango but instead had a deep smokiness.
Some drinks can be prepared non-alcoholic, like Chilli ($18 without alcohol) and Cucumber ($18 without alcohol)!
Mediterranean Restaurant In Singapore
All in all, Aniba offers a memorable dining experience! The food is good, the views are great, and the atmosphere is unique. It’s a good spot for a special occasion or a night out with friends!
Check out more unique cuisines in Singapore:
- hayop: Restaurant in Telok Ayer Serving Up Contemporary Renditions of Comfort Filipino Food
- Podi & Poriyal: Contemporary South Indian Restaurant Serving Elevated Vegetarian Cuisine Near Farrer Park
- Burma Social: Stylish Burmese Cuisine In Tanjong Pagar With Unqiue Cocktails
Aniba
6 Battery Road, Boat Quay, #05-03, 049909
Enter by the lift beside MP Thai restaurant
Closed on Sunday
Mon-Thu: 12pm-pm, 5pm-12am
Fri: 12pm-5pm, 6pm-12am
Sat: 8.30pm-2am
*This article is based on a media-tasting event, but all opinions expressed about the food are entirely our own.
*Follow MiddleClass.sg on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram for more food, travel, and trending stories
