Mediterranean cuisine from celebrated Spanish chefs at dramatic space atop the new PMQ creative hub
February 27th, 2015
Occupying the entire two top floors of the front block within the repurposed PMQ (Police Married Quarters) heritage complex in Central, the dual-restaurant concept of Isono Eatery & Bar and Vasco Spanish Fine Dining opened in the second half of 2014. A collaboration between local restaurant group Drawing Room Concepts and two celebrated Spanish chefs, Martin Berasategul (seven Michelin stars), and Paolo Casagrande (two Michelin starred Lasarte Restaurant in Barcelona ), Isono set in an expansive, casual yet dramatic, space on the 6th floor offers authentic southern Mediterranean dishes variously sourced from Spanish, Italian and French cuisines; while on the upper mezzanine level, Vasco delivers a unique fine dining experience with elevated renditions of Basque regional cuisine composed into two tasting menus, served in the refined environment of several intimate dining spaces. Open all day, Isono is an appealing destination for relaxed sociable eating and drinks within a stunning setting, and at commendably approachable prices.
Intrinsic to the concept behind Isono and Vasco is the combination of an outstanding culinary team headed by Michelin-starred chefs, and dramatically executed interior design. Following a previous successful collaboration with the celebrated AMMO restaurant at Admiralty, award winning local design firm Joyce Wang have once again created an extraordinary interior for Isono and Vasco within the PMQ space. With the designer’s hallmark meld of contemporary and rustic materials, highlighted with industrial lighting elements, the double-volume space has been transformed into a stunning restaurant that effortlessly accommodates couples, small groups and private parties across a range of settings. The elegant circular white marble bar, with the suspended copper and glass private dining room suspended directly above, is the centrepiece of the voluminous atrium. In addition to several private rooms on the Isono level, outdoor balcony settings across the frontage provide intimate tables for couples. A further outdoor terrace – Isono Alfresco – on the upper level adjacent to the Vasco dining areas, offers a further bar and casual lounge setting.
The Mediterranean-inspired Isono menu designed by Executive Chef Paolo Casagrande features an appetizing range of consummately cooked family-style dishes and shared plates. Options include charcuterie and artisanal cheese platters, homemade paellas and pastas, Mediterranean seafood, and roasted meats. A concise list of avant-garde signature cocktails are characterised by creative ingredient combinations providing flavour profiles designed for pairing with suggested dishes. A well-constructed bar menu lists aperitifs, sherries, premium spirits, beers, while the wine list showcases an exceptional selection of boutique champagnes, together with an assemblage of mostly Spanish, Italian and French red and white wines, available across a wide range of price points.
Isono Eatery & Bar is open daily from midday to midnight. Bookings are recommended for the evenings, and private groups.
Isono – dramatic interior
Isono – contemporary Mediterranean cuisine
Isono – avant-garde cocktails
