Restaurant Zen reopens with a sleek, modern makeover

Restaurant Zen, the acclaimed three-Michelin-starred establishment by Swedish chef Bjorn Frantzen, has reopened its doors following a comprehensive three-month refurbishment. The restaurant now boasts a significantly updated aesthetic, characterized by a sleeker, more sophisticated, and edgier ambiance, achieved through a refined color palette, natural materials, and contrasting textures.

The most striking change is on the ground floor, where the previous cozy, "Swedish grandma chic" living room setup has been replaced by a commanding 16-seat stone chef's counter. This new layout allows guests to witness the preparation of their initial seven-canapé course, including the signature truffle-laden "French toast," directly from the chefs. This shift aligns the Singaporean outpost with the counter-dining experience prevalent in other Frantzen Group restaurants globally.

While the main dining room on the upper level retains its general layout, it now features new furniture, lighting, textured wall coverings, and a statement chandelier by Ann Wolff. These elements contribute to a moodier, more urban feel. The produce display, previously shown to guests en route to the dining room, is now located in the upstairs foyer.

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The change is most obvious on the ground floor. Where there were once patterned armchairs, rugs and coffee tables arranged like a cosy, grandma-chic living room – a Swedish grandma, of course, not yours – there’s now a massive 16-seat stone counter.

The tasting menu, curated by Head Chef Kelvin Ng, continues to feature signature favorites with subtle updates. Dishes incorporate globally sourced ingredients, with current offerings including shima aji with artichoke barigoule, quince and nasturtium; chawanmushi with abalone; marron in vin jaune with caviar; and wagyu with oxtail presse and morel, enhanced by a touch of mala sauce. Beverage Director Warren Estrop oversees wine, non-alcoholic, and mixed pairing options.

The top-floor lounge has also been updated with new sofas, coffee tables, and carpeting, enhancing its contemporary feel and providing a refined space for desserts, petit fours, and digestifs.

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It’s part of an effort to match the experience more seamlessly with the Frantzen Group’s other fine dining restaurants around the world, where guests sit at a counter around an open kitchen.