110 Amoy Street is the address of Maggie Joan’s Mediterranean Restaurant. To our dismay, we did not find the restaurant when we arrived at the door step of this address. Little did we expect the entrance to be at the backlane. To get there, you need to enter via Gemmill Lane. This reminded me of a cafe with entrance at the backlane too.
Once at the backlane, we could easily spot “Maggie Joan’s”. When you opened metal door, you will find a world on its own. It feels a bit magical like in the story of Harry Potter; how the wizards and witches entered into their world from the train station.
The restaurant has very little lighting. All were pretty dim except for its kitchen located right at the corner.
The seating capacity was small. Hence to dine at there, it is wise to make a reservation before heading down to the restaurant.
Snacks
When we spotted the Spicy Pork Scratchings on the menu, we were scratching our heads. As we have no idea what it was. We went ahead to try as the diners for the evening are adventurous.
It turned out to be something similar to the Chinese Pork Lard or deep fried Pork Skin kind of snack which I usually avoid.
When I returned, I am planning to try the Roast Jerusalem artichoke, a manchego and Egg, dukka & saffron mayo.
Starters
Heriloom tomatoes, plums & burrata was exactly as the name of the dish. You find all these ingredients.
If you like all the ingredients in this dish, you will tend to enjoy it.
Hokkaido scallop tartars, seaweed, apple & finger lime was the second starters we ordered.
It was a cold dish. I was pretty neutral towards this dish.
Mains
We contemplated between the Roasted Seabass and the Swordfish, quinoa tabbouleh & harissa yogurt. We thought since Swordfish was rare on menu, we went for the latter.
Smoked potato & egg raviolo, spinanch and hazelnuts has a single about 10 cm in diameter raviolo.
As I cut open, the yolk flows. Oh my, eggporn was the word that floated in my head. Thumbs up for this dish from all 3 diners.
The Slow braised lamb shoulder, harissa & pecorino tasted very much like pork. One of our diner who doesn’t eat lamb, tried and find it exceptable. This was my fave dish and easily the best lamb dish in town.
To Share
Rangers Valley Strip Loin with Salsa Verde was the favourite dish of the meal. All three diners agree that it was the best.
The beef has a mint sauce but we prefer it without.
Should beef is not your preference, two others to share on the menu were Magret duck breast and Mediterranean octopus.
Desserts
There were only 2 desserts on Maggie Joan’s menu. I wished I could ordered both. But we decided to go for one as our stomach capacity was limited.
The cake was like any Pound Cake. It was good but not impressive.
NAHMJ Verdict
We were impressed with Maggie Joan’s Mains and To Share. When we return to Maggie Joan’s, we are planning to skip its Starters. While I would certainly hope to see a change in its desserts with something more sophisticated.
NAHMJ would recommend its Rangers Valley strip loin & salsa verde from the To Share with no reserve and the Slow braised lamb shoulder, harissa & perico from Main.
Maggie Joan’s
110 Amoy Street #01-01, Singapore 069930
Tel: +65 62215564
FB: https://www.facebook.com/maggiejoanssingapore/
Menu: https://www.facebook.com/download/preview/175661916098734
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday 1200 to 1430, 1800 to 2300; Saturday 1800 to 2300
Getting There
Enter via Gemmill Lane.
By MRT:
- Downtown line – Telok Ayer station
- North-South or East West line – Raffles Place station
By Bus:
- alight at the Prudential Tower along Cecil Street 57, 131, 167, 186, 700, 970, 971E (nearest bus stop to Telok Ayer Road)
- alight opp The Ogilvy Ctr along Robinson Road 10, 10e, 70, 75, 97, 100, 107, 128, 130, 162, 196, 196e
- alight at the bust stop at One Raffles Quay along Shenton Way 10, 10e, 57, 70, 75, 97, 97e, 100, 107, 128, 130, 131, 162, 186, 196, 196e
Rating: 8/10
