“Probably Japanese cuisine”.

If you agree, it’s high time you headed to Mio, the latest Japanese concept to grace Outram Park.

Clean and minimalist with tasteful touches of greenery, the Neil Road restaurant’s interior is inspired by kanso, a Japanese Zen philosophy that places emphasis on simplicity.

Sit around the Zen Garden, a moss art centrepiece conceptualised by landscaping company KokeZen, and bask in the beauty of it all.

The two-storey space (and “indoor garden”) is also filled with plenty of natural light, serving as a sanctuary one can easily seek respite in.

Here at Mio, precision and finesse go hand in hand to produce works of art, celebrated through a rotating menu of traditional, yet artisanal fine Japanese cuisine that changes with the seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter).

You won’t go wrong with the artfully plated sushi, sashimi, and even “Wagyu Specials” — the Hamachi Carpaccio (S$25), Sake Mentaiko Maki (S$22), and IG-worthy Sushi Ball (S$18 for 8pcs) can attest to that.

Other standouts include the Gyu Sando (S$26), Seafood Mentaiko Pasta (S$22), and the off-menu Truffle Tamago Sando (just drop them a DM or put in a request while making your reservation).

You can also find Bao of Threes (S$17), a trio of ebi croquette, Japanese chashu, and miso nasu bao, a nod to their sister brand, the now-defunct Bao Makers.

Although you might be tempted to go for the classic side dishes like Tori Karaage (S$15) and Assorted Tempura (S$15), the unassuming Kani Tofu (S$7) is a force to be reckoned with. Silky tofu, crabmeat, and tobiko draped in a blanket of luscious (and very concentrated) century egg sauce — I couldn’t stop going back for more.

The fun-to-eat Nori Taco (S$14 for 2pcs), served with avocado puree and sushi rice, comes with your choice of Assorted Sashimi, Soft Shell Crab (+ S$2) and/or Negitoro Uni (+ S$8). I especially enjoyed the former, with its bright pops of ikura and crisp tempura nori shell.

If you’re dining in a group, look no further than the Potato Nesuto Tempura (S$16), a dramatic step up from the usual truffle fries in a bowl. I’m sure you and your dining partners will be more than happy to pick apart this “tower” of hand-shredded truffle potatoes.

These thin and crispy fries were served alongside an addictive kaffir lime aioli I simply couldn’t get enough of. Way to go, Mio.

The bestselling Hotate Salmon Zaru Soba (S$29) is a dish I’d gladly have for lunch on the regular. Buckwheat soba noodles served chilled with torched salmon and Hokkaido scallops, and sous vide egg yolk in a light, mildly sweet Japanese dressing — perfect for sweltering hot afternoons.

As for dessert, the Goma Goma (S$15), unfortunately, fell short. Although I enjoyed the sweet and nutty housemade black sesame ice cream, the black sesame cake was lacklustre (tasting more like chocolate). Also, the speculoos crumble could’ve been balanced out with some sort of citrus element, or even replaced by bittersweet matcha crumble.

Instead, give the Daigaku Imo (S$13) or Dango Azuki Bean (S$10) with green tea ice cream a go.

A slice of serenity awaits at Mio — make your reservations here before the lines start forming.

Mio 美桜
Facebook | Instagram | Website
???? 82 Neil Road, Singapore 088843
???? 12pm–3pm, 6pm–9.30pm (Tue to Thu), 12pm–3pm, 6pm–10.30pm (Fri & Sat), 12pm–4pm (Sun), Closed on Mon

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