Sitting atop Mount Faber, a hundred metres above sea level, is Dusk. The restaurant — and adjoining bar Mirabilis — reopened last year after an extensive renovation.
A quick ride on the recently launched SkyOrb cable cars gets you to Mount Faber Peak, though those with a fear of heights may prefer to take the non-glass-bottomed cars, or simply a standard roadster.
Stepping into Dusk and Mirabilis, we’re immediately captivated by a massive floral installation anchoring the space. We’re told it’s a pair of mirabilis flowers, from which the bar gets its name, though we’re more reminded of the glowing, polychromatic tree atop Tichuca, a rooftop bar in Thailand. Admittedly, the one here is a little less impressive, but it’s still a good backdrop for those who aren’t too keen on flying out to Bangkok just for an Instagram post.
With our stories uploaded, we sit back, ready for a meal against the setting sun and cable cars passing over the skyline.
Kicking things off is a lobster bisque ($18++), which is itself pretty decent, but comes with a xiaolongbao that’s been somewhat unceremoniously plonked into the bowl. There’s certainly a reason why the soup is usually kept inside the bao; served this way the dumpling skin turns stodgy and sad, which really distracts from the otherwise pleasant chili crab filling.
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For our mains, we try the tiger prawn capellini ($28++). One of Dusk’s “signature” dishes, this is made extra fragrant and umami with a prawn-infused oil and kombu.
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Then comes a braised beef cheek ($38++), which is plenty good with the port wine sauce drizzled on top. We question the awkward arrangement of vegetables and potato puree on the side, but that’s perhaps a matter of aesthetic tastes and not so much… taste-tastes.
Desserts at Dusk are generously sized, with each being good for two. The Guinness chocolate cake ($18++) is certainly the winner of the two we tried; it’s decadent and moreish, with a berry compote that keeps us going back for more.
The vanilla pineapple crumble ($16++) is less successful, with a slight cloyingness that leaves us going back for the chocolate cake. It’s a reasonable dessert nonetheless, especially for those who like pineapple.
Over dinner we also try some of the drinks from Mirabilis. We like the Hibiscus & Rose Sour ($22++), where hibiscus-infused rum is paired with lime and rose syrup for a solid aperitif. The Smoky G&T ($22++) is another standout, with lapsang souchong-infused gin and a smoking ring of pine wood set atop the glass.
Mount Faber Peak might not be the most convenient place to get to, but if you’re already in the mood for a cable car ride, then a meal here is probably worth the trip.
Dusk and The Mirabilis Bar
109 Mount Faber Road, Mount Faber Peak
Singapore 099203
Tel: +65 6771 5046
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday and public holidays, 4pm – 11pm; Friday, Saturday and eve of public holidays, 4pm – 2am
