Otto’s Deli Fresh by chef Otto Weibel

Here is another restaurant to add to your (ever-growing) bucket list: Otto’s Deli Fresh, a restaurant and deli rolled into one. Founded by chef Otto Weibel, who is also affectionately known as the godfather of Singapore culinary scene, this is one eatery to keep your eyes on – Weibel has mentored several budding chefs for more than four decades. The former director of kitchens for Swissotel The Stamford Singapore and Fairmont Singapore, Weibel also clinched the Epicure’s Excellence award in 2011.

With such impressive credentials we were pumped up for what is to come. Tucked away on the second level of Raffles Holland Village – a mall owned by Raffles Medical Group – the deli overlooks the entire Holland Village. It is the perfect hidden spot to sip a cuppa and watch the world go by.

Once you step inside, you will be greeted with the generous display of cold cuts, meats (from Australia, New Zealand, and Japanese), fresh oysters (from France, Ireland and New Zealand), fine cheeses and seasonal vegetables, all carefully curated by Weibel. And if you pop by during the right season, you might find Italian truffles and special mushrooms (ceps and morels).

With natural day light, wooden flooring and plush electric blue sofa banquettes, the interiors set a homely mood for a breezy lunch or afternoon tête-à-tête.

The food at Otto’s Deli Fresh is a representation of Weibel’s home kitchen. Expect indulgent and hearty dishes such as the perfectly executed white button mushroom soup sweetened with caramelised onions and served with buttery, pillowy toasted brioche ($8.50). The pulled pork burger ($19) with yuzu cabbage salad and house-made pickled Japanese cucumber comes with hand-cut fries and mesclun salad. The picture-perfect Norwegian salmon capellini ($16) makes for great Instagram shots, but we much preferred the beef stroganoff fettuccine pasta ($17); the Hanger steak and pasta is cooked with beef jus, white button mushrooms and caramelised onions.

The star of the show is the Heritage US Kurobuta pork rack (300g, $39), served with house-made BBQ sauce and salad. The rack is seasoned with salt, and grilled with perfect and distinct charred lines. Wash it all down with the house-made lemonade ($9.50) infused with mint leaves – tangy and refreshing.

Desserts are not a light affair – the burnt banana waffles ($11.50) and berries waffles ($11.50) come with two stacks of waffles, served with two scoops of gelato and topped with generous servings of fruits.

A literal stone’s throw away from the Holland Village MRT station, it won’t be long before Otto’s Deli Fresh gets customers buzzing. #02-01 Raffles Holland Village 118 Holland Avenue. Tel: 6694 3291