[Review] Revamped Christina’s at Mondrian Singapore Duxton Serves Up Soulful Mediterranean Cuisine

Tucked in the charming enclave of Duxton Hill, the newly reimagined Christina’s at Mondrian Singapore Duxton is now opened as a Mediterranean-inspired all-day dining destination. Chef Federico Scordo now helms the kitchen, presenting food that seeks to be soulful, ingredient-driven and designed for sharing.

Chef Federico brings a deep respect for ingredients, a sensitivity shaped by his experiences in Rome, London, and now Singapore. His menu at Christina’s seeks to offer a la dolce vita experience without the theatrics, through thoughtful cooking that lets produce, herbs, seafood, and grains shine in their own right.

We visited Christina’s to experience its new menu offerings firsthand. These are the items we savoured (note that some of these are sampling portions and not the actual serving size):

Cacciucco (S$20)

A rustic Italian seafood stew made with a rich tomato base and a generous mix of prawns, fish, clams, and calamari. Served with a side of crusty sourdough, this dish was comforting and nourishing. The tomato broth had depth, sweetness, and just a tinge of heat.

Christina’s Crushed Potatoes (S$14)

Roasted baby potatoes rested atop a bed of vibrant beetroot hummus, finished with aioli and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This was a well-balanced dish with the earthy hummus and tangy balsamic elevating what could have been a simple plate of potatoes. A great starter to open up the palate.

Croquetas with Spicy Jam (S$15)

Crispy and golden on the outside, creamy and comforting within. These ham croquettes paired excellently with a dash of chilli jam for a sharp punch. We appreciated how the jam cut through the richness without overwhelming the palate.

Pizza Fritta (S$25)

Imagine traditional pizza dough, but deep-fried in panko crumbs to achieve a crisp yet airy texture. Topped with folds of mortadella, stracciatella cheese, a fresh house-made pesto, and roasted pistachios, this dish managed to feel indulgent but not heavy.

Traditional Carbonara (S$25, add truffle +S$8)

Chef Federico’s homage to his Roman roots comes through in this authentic carbonara: no cream, just a rich emulsion of eggs, pecorino, parmesan, and the salty umami of guanciale. The rigatoni was perfectly al dente. For an extra luxe touch, you can opt to add truffle (+S$8), although the dish stands strong even without it.

Polpo Materca (S$32)

Two-way cooked octopus that is tender yet with a satisfying bite. It was served atop creamy house-made hummus, complemented by a sweet tomato confit. The dish felt like a personal memory plated. Chef Federico has mentioned how childhood snorkelling trips to catch octopus in Italy inspired this dish.

Gambas al Ajillo (S$34)

Wood-fired king prawns cooked in garlic and chilli flakes, surrounded by a medley of vegetables and finished with romesco sauce. The char imparted by the wood-fire grill added a rustic aroma. The prawn was succulent, and the sauce delivered robust Mediterranean character.

Lamb Ras el Hanout (S$55)

This lamb eye-loin dish was a hearty main packed with North African influence. Served with fluffy couscous, roasted bell peppers, and a refreshing tzatziki, the spice blend (ras el hanout) gave it complexity without overpowering the dish. A great alternative for those seeking something bolder than the typical steak or roast.

Pistachio Tiramisu (S$16)

The classic Italian dessert got a nutty, luxurious twist here. Layers of mascarpone cream and Italian pistachio spread enveloped espresso-soaked ladyfingers. Light yet decadent.

ChocoBanana (S$16)

A semifreddo dessert blending 70% dark chocolate with banana. Silky in texture, deeply chocolatey with a sweet, natural finish from the fruit. Very rich dessert to finish off heavy.

Overall, Christina’s offers a refined, yet accessible dining experience, with dishes priced in the range of $14 to S$60. It is affordable enough for casual dinners, yet special enough for celebratory occasions. The reimagined Christina’s offers both sophistication and comfort, with food that’s both nostalgic and inventive. Worth a try if you like Mediterrean food.

Location:
Christina’s, Mondrian Singapore Duxton, 16A Duxton Hill, Singapore 089970

Opening Hours:
Daily, 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM

High Tea:
Fridays to Sundays, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM