MORE THAN A TASTE OF KYOTO
Dining at Keyaki, which boasts a new Garden Pavilion, is a transcendent, all-senses-on-board experience
FEW PEOPLE PICK A RESTAURANT just for the food – just ask any fan of destination dining. There’s always something about the place that adds to the entire experience, whether it’s the chef’s skill or personality, ambience, setting or service. And so it is with epicureans who make reservations at Keyaki at Pan Pacific Singapore.
The fine‑dining Japanese restaurant gets rave reviews for its outstanding kaiseki, omakase and teppanyaki offerings. Also popular is its Bubbly Brunch; available only on weekends and public holidays, it pairs eight courses with free‑flow Taittinger Brut Réserve, shochu, sake, umeshu soda or beer.
Keyaki’s beautiful cuts of fresh seafood, air‑flown direct from Japan and served across its menus, have been lauded as works of art – their quality obvious to the eye even before they’re encountered by the palate. A great way to savour the full smorgasbord of flavours is via the signature Kaiseki Omakase set (available for dinner only).
In keeping with authentic Japanese culinary philosophy, seasonal items are spotlighted in special menus. And it goes without saying that the passionate Keyaki team, led by Kyoto‑trained Executive Chef Shinichi Nakatake – who found his culinary calling at 18 and counts a stint at the Michelin‑starred Joël Robuchon in Monaco as a stepping stone in his career – uses only the freshest seasonal produce. If you can’t wait for the special harvests to reach your plate, make plans to pop by for your Chinese New Year reunion dinner, which usually sees the restaurant offering a premium yusheng dish.
And if these delicate dishes alone aren’t enough to virtually transport you to the dignified refinement of Japan’s cultural capital of Kyoto, the restaurant’s setting would.
ENTER TRANQUILITY
Sitting prettily on the fourth- floor rooftop of the hotel’s podium block, Keyaki exudes the elegant Zen calm of a Japanese garden, complete with koi ponds, manicured greenery and the token tanuki statue that greets guests at the entrance. Were it not for the Singapore Flyer in the distance, it’s easy to forget that you’re in Singapore.
Within the restaurant, dine Western- style in a private room that seats up to 10, or opt for a more authentic experience with a traditional tatami- style private room, suitable for intimate luncheons and dinners for up to six people. Outdoor and semi- private options are also available.
The crown jewel of the space, however, is the newly added Garden Pavilion – a wonderful venue for private parties and corporate events. The path leading to it takes you on a relaxing meander through the garden, and once seated within, Shoji- inspired screen doors part to reveal expansive views of the serene surrounds and let in the sound of flowing water, so you can feast your eyes and ears on the scenery while savouring the restaurant’s award- winning cuisine.
The intimate space can seat up to 40 diners (or 80 standing guests in a cocktail setting), so you can host any event you fancy in the dreamy location. Whether it’s a formal business lunch, a birthday party or even a “destination” wedding, the Pan Pacific Singapore team will customise the space to your needs and see to it that your occasion becomes one to remember.
Now all you need to do is make that reservation, invite the perfect company, sit back and enjoy the feast for all senses. Level 4 Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard | 6826 8240 | dining.ppsin@panpacific.com