Tucked amidst the lush greenery of Dempsey Hill, Casa Mori is a new dining destination that brings together the warmth of home and the tranquillity of nature. Named after the Spanish word for “home” and the Japanese word for “forest”, the restaurant offers a serene retreat away from the bustle of the city. The blush-toned interiors, accented by towering columns inspired by the roots and trunks of the iconic Tembusu tree, create the feeling of dining within a secluded woodland enclave. Helmed by chef Willin Low, widely regarded as the pioneer of mod-Sin cuisine, and chef José Alonso of AC Concepts, Casa Mori presents a thoughtful meeting point between Asian and Spanish culinary traditions.
The menu is where the restaurant’s cross-cultural identity truly comes to life. Familiar Spanish classics are reimagined through an Asian lens, resulting in dishes that feel both inventive and comforting. Highlights include the kalipoquetas, a playful curry puff-inspired take on croquetas, garlic huajiao prawns that lend a subtle Sichuan peppercorn heat to the classic gambas al ajillo, and Iberico secreto skewers glazed with a sweet-savoury Indonesian-style sate sauce. Larger plates continue the East-meets-West narrative, with standouts such as the Hokkien mee fideua, layered with seafood, smoky notes and a satisfying socarrat, as well as the delicately cooked black cod topped with a punchy combination of preserved and pickled vegetables. Even the vegetable dishes impress, particularly the beautifully roasted Brussels sprouts paired with chilli crisp, tahini and lemon.
Beyond the food, Casa Mori invites diners to slow down and linger. A curated cocktail and wine programme complements the menu, while the warm, earthy interiors and attentive service enhance the sense of escape. Although Dempsey may require a deliberate journey, Casa Mori rewards the effort with a dining experience that feels intimate, relaxed and refreshingly distinct. For those seeking familiar flavours interpreted in unexpected ways, this forest hideaway is well worth the trip.
