Talk about dining with a view: the new Guriru is a poolside restaurant where you get to feast on freshly grilled meats while enjoying scenic poolside and sunset views!
The ambience and vibe at Guriru is spot-on and you get to lounge comfortably on cushioned chairs while gazing out at the pool. If you’re sensitive to the sun or just want to avoid being out when it’s too hot, try coming a little later in the evening (from 5pm-6pm onwards) when it gets a little breezier.
The place is extra vibey at night when all the fairy lights come on and it’s a bonus if you come in the evening as you might even be able to catch a glimpse of the sunset! Note that Guriru is fully al fresco, with each table sheltered only by tentage or umbrellas, so you might want to avoid coming on days when it’s raining heavily.
Guriru is every seafood lover’s dream, specialising in Japanese Hamayaki, or “fisherman’s grill” where fresh seafood is grilled live to perfection over a fiery charcoal grill. You even get to watch as you food is being grilled through the open charcoal grill (watch out though, as it can get a little smoky if you get too close!).
Guriru also serves a lunch menu from 12pm-4pm, but dinner is when the party starts as you get to enjoy all of Guriru’s signature charcoal-grilled items specially curated and conceptualised by Chef Teppei Yamashita.
Smoked Duck Pizza, $20
Whole Squid, $16
Their grilled items are also super pocket-friendly considering the quality you’re getting: with various grilled meats, seafood and vegetables starting from just $6.50. Must trys from the menu include the Meltique Beef ($18), Black Tiger Prawn ($6.50/pc), Whole Squid ($16), Gindara ($16) and more!
Magic Carpet, $18; Yuzu Highball, $15
Kurobuta Pork Belly, $12
For meats, our favourite was definitely the Kurobuta Pork Belly ($12) which carried an amazing char and was incredibly tender and fatty thanks to being slow-cooked for 4 hours before grilling. The pork belly was also brushed with homemade yakitori sauce that was the perfect balance between sweet and salty, making it taste great just on its own; or you can up the ante by dipping in the mustard sauce provided with it too!
Black Tiger Prawn, $25/5pcs
Half Shell Scallops, $10/3pcs
Gindara (American Black Cod), $16
If you’re more into seafood, make sure to try their Black Tiger Prawn ($6.50/pc) that are super plump, sweet and juicy thanks to the generous brushing of garlic butter while grilling. The Gindara, or American Black Cod ($16) is also super buttery and absolutely fork-tender, with a tantalising smoky char from the charcoal grill.
Meltique Beef, $18
Burnt Round Cabbage, $9
We also recommend that you try the Burnt Round Cabbage ($9): an unassuming vegetable that’s made infinitely better when given the charcoal grill treatment, lending a beautiful char to the exterior while making the inside super tender and sweet. Don’t knock it till you try it!
Fugu Mirin Boshi, $14
One unconventional seafood item that you probably won’t find anywhere else is the Fugu Mirin Boshi ($14) which is actually grilled marinated puffer fish! If trying raw puffer fish sashimi is too adventurous for you, this is a perfectly safe and approachable option to the intimidating fish; and interestingly, it tastes exactly like bakkwa!
Guriru is located within the grounds of the Medical Alumni Association—quite understated and a ways away from the busy city, making it a super chill and vibey place to lounge around and unwind with friends and family. If you’re thinking of taking a dip in the pool while you’re there, unfortunately that is out of the question as pool access is limited to members of the Association only. However, do keep a lookout for Guriru’s monthly pool party where you’ll be able to feast on Guriru’s offerings and swim as much as you like!
Guriru
Ambience: 4/5
Food/Drinks: 3.5/5
Service: 5/5
Price: $$
Worth a visit: Swing by for affordable quality charcoal-grilled food with a view!
Address: 2 College Rd, Level 1, Singapore 169850
Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday, 12pm-10.30pm; Friday-Saturday, 12pm-11.30pm
