Christina’s at Mondrian Duxton unveils Mediterranean flavours with menu revamp

By Zawani Abdul Ghani May 2, 2025

Table of Contents

A new menu built for sharing
Sweet surprises that steal the show
An inviting escape, with a little more soul

Set within the vibrant Mondrian Singapore Duxton, Christina’s has long been a stylish, yet relaxed spot for casual catch-ups and quiet escapes. Now, with chef Federico Scordo at the helm, the cafe-restaurant embarks on a new chapter that feels both soulful and refreshingly unfussy.

Raised in Rome and with a career spanning stints in London, Europe, and now Singapore, chef Federico brings a cross-cultural lens shaped by family tables laden with rustic dishes and professional experiences alongside Michelin-starred chefs.

At Christina’s, his vision is clear: To craft heartfelt menus where every dish tells a story of provenance, seasonality, and connection.

In addition to refreshing its menu, Christina’s main entrance has been shifted to face Mondrian Singapore Duxton’s drop-off point directly. It was previously located in the lift lobby.

This move was not only to provide privacy for hotel guests, but also to increase the visibility of the restaurant and frame it as an independent identity, distinct from just another lobby lounge.

As for the menu, it draws inspiration from the rhythms of the Mediterranean, honouring the simplicity of good ingredients — vibrant seasonal vegetables, seafood, legumes, grains — woven together through intuitive, modern techniques.

Here, food doesn’t shout for attention; it lingers quietly, inviting guests to slow down, savour, and share. It’s a spirited reinvention that stays true to Christina’s roots, while deepening its sense of place and purpose.

As the dishes are designed for communal dining — a nod to the Mediterranean tradition of gathering around the table for a hearty meal — the pizza fritta (S$25) is a great way to kick off the meal.

We certainly didn’t expect it, but it won us over almost instantly. Featuring panko-coated fried pizza with mortadella, pesto, stracciatella, and pistachios, its impeccable saltiness and crunch got us hooked from the first bite.

Knowing there was plenty more food ahead of us, we wanted to practice restraint in finishing the whole plate, but we simply couldn’t resist going in for more.

For one, it’s hard to beat the light and refreshing cacciucco (Tuscan fish stew, S$20), a mixed seafood stew served in tomato sauce with sourdough. Comprising mussels, clams, and squid, the ingredients tasted fresh with a pleasant seafood sweetness that prepped the palate for the meal ahead.

When there’s a comforting option of traditional carbonara (S$25) on the menu, who are we to say no? It’s a straightforward version made with rigatoni pasta, guanciale, eggs, pecorino, and parmesan cheese — with an option to add truffle for an extra S$8.

It’s an almost faultless iteration, with just a hint of black pepper that did the trick to cut through the dish’s richness. However, if there were feedback to give, it would be to cook the pasta for about a minute longer to ease the chewiness.

For the meat-inclined, the lamb ras el hanout (S$55) might be right up your alley. Served with lamb eye-loin and a side of couscous, roasted bell peppers, and tzatziki, ras el hanout is a Moroccan spice blend that stands out here.

The lamb’s perfectly tender — albeit a little small for its portion. Just remember to enjoy the couscous with the lamb, as it might prove to be slightly underseasoned, if enjoyed on its own.

Sweet surprises that steal the show

While the savoury dishes are typically what draws a crowd, the desserts on Christina’s revamped menu are an absolute home-run. The pistachio tiramisu (S$16) swept us off our feet; I’d dare say, it’s one of the best ones you’ll enjoy in a while.

We could distinctly taste every component of the dessert — the mascarpone cheese, the pistachio cream, and the soft ladyfingers soaked in espresso. Together, the flavours sang in perfect harmony.

Given that the tiramisu stole the limelight, it’s admittedly tough for the Chocobanana (S$16) to compete. But we have to give credit where it’s due; The thick, luscious semifreddo (a class of frozen desserts similar to ice cream) — made with 70% dark chocolate — was a subtly sweet number that die-hard chocolate fans will relish.

And if you love bananas, you’ll enjoy this even more.

An inviting escape, with a little more soul

While we’re a little wistful about the absence of Christina’s former Happy Hour, the new menu more than makes up for it with bold, confident flavours that feel right at home in this tucked-away retreat.

It’s still one of the city’s better-kept secrets — a calm, contemporary escape in the heart of bustling Duxton. And if you need another reason to pop by, let the desserts be it.

Whether you’re here for a leisurely lunch or a casual business meeting, Christina’s proves that there’s always room for a bit of indulgence.

This was an invited tasting.

For more ideas on what to eat, read our stories on 23-year-old Aspirasi Chicken Rice, and Claudine’s new casual concept, La Terrace.

Enjoy up to 50% off when you dine with GrabFood Dine Out.

Book a ride to Christina’s at Mondrian Singapore Duxton.

Christina’s

Mondrian Singapore Duxton, 01-09/10, 16A Duxton Hill
Nearest MRT station: Tanjong Pagar
Open: Saturday to Thursday (8am to 10pm), Friday (8am to 12am)