Tucked away in a quiet corner shop house unit in the heart of the Central Business District in Far East Square, Intrepid Gastro Bar beckons with an understated rustic vibe in contrast to the hustle and bustle of its surroundings. The restaurant boast a well-stocked bar, alfresco dining space as well as an interior dining space that offers a refreshingly laid back setting with its wooden boarded ceilings and dim lighting.
The Melbourne-inspired menu offers a good range of dishes for brunch; lunch and dinner, accompanied by a wide selection of ice-cold craft beers, wines and beverages. For the adventurous, gastronomic highlights that hail from Australia include Kangaroo Sliders (S$18.50+) and Tandoor Style Crocodile Skewer (S$12+).
Do keep a lookout for monthly events that features set meals for both groups and individuals.
Small Plates
Crab Cake with Bacon & Apple Slaw (S$10+)
Accompanied by mixed salad, creamy avocado dressing and apple slaw, the crab cakes make a great appetiser with its sweet undertones and juicy chunks of crab meat. The fluffy cakes are generously chunky but it comes in cute, mini sizes that make it easy to pop into your mouth. The portion size is also great for sharing although it is certainly tempting to eat it all!
Main
Salt Baked Barramundi (S$22+, individual portion)
Served with chardonnay venus clams, warm potato salad, smoked oysters and mixed beans salsa, the Salt Baked Barramundi is moistly cooked with a hint of sweetness. It is fresh with no fishy smell and well cooked to produce an ideal texture.
Kangaroo Sliders ($18.50+)
One of the star attractions which stole the limelight, Kangeroo Sliders is a must-try quintessential Melbourne dish. The chunky kangeroo meat sandwiched between portion-friendly buns and accompanied with parma ham, truffle aioli and homemade potato chips makes this exotic meat dish looks more inviting than intimidating even for a first-time experience. The meat is moist, succulent and well marinated. There are no surprises here and the taste of the meat is striking familiar, it is not difficult to fall in love with it. The only downside to this dish is the potato chips which get a little soggy and it is recommended to devour those crispy treats fast.
Salad
Salad of Ancient Grains (S$15+ with House-smoked salmon, S$12+ without)
This is a healthy and hearty option with its varied mix of mint pomegranate and beetroot, tossed with barley, mint, pomegranate and beetroot ricotta. The wholesome mix of grains, fruits and vegetables pack a punch of natural flavours that is light but delicious. I like how the pomegranate bits add a refreshing crunch to this colourful dish. Diners have the option to top their salad with the house-smoked salmon for an additional S$3+. The salmon adds a mouth-watering fragrance and it is apparent this is not the typical smoked salmon. Smoked in house, the salmon adds a smokey and sweet flavour that complements the flavours of this dish very well!
Salad of Grilled Haloumi (S$14+)
Served with preserved lemon, kalamanta olive and marinated tomatoes, the Salad is refreshing on the palate and an unconventional variation from the usual salad options. The salad hits sour and salty notes which whets the appetite.
Dessert
Rose Pavlova (S$8+)
End your meal on a sweet note with this velvety-smooth dessert. This pretty dessert comes in a generous portion that is great for sharing. The texture of the vanilla bean ice cream is interestingly light but chunky. Topped with cream, lychee and pomegranate, it is the perfect balance of sweet and sour.
Drink
Summer Beer Sangria (Carafe) (S$35+)
Refreshing, light and sweet is how I would describe the Summer Beer Sangria. The combination of New Zealand Great White Beer with lychee and liquer certainly hits the right notes when paired with the meat dishes.
Intrepid Gastro Bar is located at 40 Pekin St #01-01 Far East Square, Singapore 048770 (next to Water Gate)
