Medusa: Singapore's First Roman-Style Restaurant Is A Sultry Enclave With Vintage Vibes

"Wow, it's so red!" is likely everyone's thought when stepping into Medusa, Singapore's first ever Osteria Romana by Fortuna Group. Opening its doors on 10 January, this Roman-style restaurant is located in JW Marriott Hotel at South Beach Road, right outside Esplanade MRT.

Rome's 1960s Vintage Luxury Era

Medusa sets the tone for a sultry date night dinner. Diners are wrapped in a red cocoon where the walls are painted in a striking crimson and decorated with cheeky artwork. This bold hue also washes over the tables, chairs and retro-style diner booths. It's a red-overdose that inevitably stimulates the mood.

Completing the sensual, upscale ambiance are a mirrored ceiling and a statement light fixture emitting a red neon glow around silver baubles .

Photo from Fortuna Group

On the way to the main dining space, diners will also encounter more red in the form of retro-inspired photo ops.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Roman-Style Menu

Medusa serves up food that's just as bold as its interiors, featuring hearty Roman dishes, often with a generous dose of black pepper and robust pecorino.

Here are our favourite menu items:

Cheese lover or not, the Burrata Fritta ($26) a must-try. Indulgent in texture yet light on the taste buds, this crispy fried burrata is topped with carbonara cream, black pepper, guanciale and lemon zest.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

For mains, the Roman-style porchetta ($26) is an exellent choice. This roast pork dish is commonly enjoyed at Roman markets. Medusa's rendition is a fancier version of it, featuring a tender and fatty roast pork slice covered in a deliciously herbaceous Salsa Verde.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

More of a pasta person? Go for the rich and creamy Caserecce ($35). This classic combines the elements of three cult-favourite pasta dishes: carbonara, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

A pasta dish for sharing is the Fettuccine ($36). It's deceptively simple, made with just Italian butter, water and Pecorino Romano. Still, the result is deeply satisfying. The pasta has a silky, luxurious mouthfeel and a rich buttery taste that makes you feel almost naughty every time you go in for another bite. Tip: it's best shared between at least three diners!

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

If you're craving pizza instead, try the Roman version of it - Pinsa Romana, the oval-shaped Italian flatbread with various toppings. Get the Broccoli Pinsa Romana ($22) for some greens in your meal. Tasty enough even for pure carnivores, it has a crispy bread with pillowy insides topped with broccoli puree, sausage, chilli, stracciatella and crispy broccoli.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

After that feast, shimmy over to the bar for some cocktails ($22 - $30) that are inspired by and named after Roman historical and mythological figures.

Photo from Fortuna Group

Medusa
Location: 26 Beach Road, #B1-22 South Beach Avenue, Singapore 189768 (Esplanade MRT Station Exit F)
Opening hours: 12 to 3pm and 6 to 10pm daily
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