Why we enjoyed this 79++ set
Ever since I went for Summerhill’s brunch buffet , I’ve been wanting to bring my fiancé there. But it can get a bit hard to book the buffet spots, so I was excited to hear that they had a set menu instead!!
Given that we recently went for Nozomi’s Omakase menu, which was similarly priced (88++) it was hard not to compare the two. So compare we did and we thought that the Summerhill one was better! (Okay, my fiancé thought Summerhill was superior but I liked both!)
Summerhill basically chose their most popular dishes and put it in a set. It starts with the duck fat pavé which I’ve not seen elsewhere and made a good first impression. The pâté was also delicious and I enjoyed the french onion soup! Portion sizes for the first four courses were manageable, which is why we ordered additional duck fat fries to mop up the sauce for the Mussels Normandy (the mussels were kinda small but the sauce was so good it made up for it). The duck fat fries were amazing but that was a mistake cause the last couple of portions felt huge and I really struggled to finish it 😂
The wagyu beef bourguignon was very tender and the mash potatoes underneath were creamy. Their fried chicken was generously portioned and sooooo tender and moist underneath! I wasn’t as fond of the butter drench that came with it since it felt like a savoury yet sweet madeleine and a bit out of place but it’s okay, the chicken was the main star.
My fiancé also loved the chocolate stout cake sundae. The stout is used to enhance the flavour of the chocolate cake, which goes well with the chantilly cream and ice cream. I requested to switch my dessert to banana bread and loved it - sweet rich banana bread which paired with the salted rum butterscotch and was lightened by the cream on top.
Overall, we were super satisfied! While I liked Nozomi’s set, I wasn’t a huge fan of the tempura and signature roll, while my bf wasn’t a fan of the rice. Here, we liked everything. It’s a bit weird to compare Japanese cuisine to French cuisine but if you like both equally and have any to choose just one, my vote would be for Summerhill! We went on a Friday night and the place didn’t feel too crowded, it was a very cosy experience!
If you’re considering a visit to Summerhill, here are a few tips from my experience that might help you fully enjoy their set menu. Booking the brunch buffet can be tricky because it’s very popular, so opting for the set menu is a great alternative that offers the best of their signature dishes in one meal. The portion sizes are just right for most courses, but if you are a big eater, feel free to order extras like the duck fat fries — just be warned they’re quite rich and filling! The duck fat pavé stood out as a unique and flavorful starter, something I hadn’t tried at other French restaurants around town. Also, the wagyu beef bourguignon was incredibly tender with a creamy mash that perfectly complemented the savory stew. For dessert, I swapped the signature chocolate stout cake for banana bread topped with salted rum butterscotch and cream, which was rich yet balanced nicely in flavor. If you appreciate well-paired desserts, it’s worth requesting a substitution. Unlike some Japanese omakase sets we’ve tried, the French dishes at Summerhill all hit the mark. It’s a lovely choice if you want a cozy dining experience on a Friday night without the crowd. Plus, the atmosphere is intimate yet relaxed, making it perfect for a date. Pro tip: check out the latest Summerhill menu online before your visit, as seasonal changes might bring new favorite dishes to try. Whether you’re a fan of French cuisine or just looking to try their famed set menu, Summerhill offers great value and a well-rounded taste adventure in Singapore.
