With breathtaking sea and pool views, The Ocean Terrace at the Oyster Box Hotel is reminiscent of the deck of a luxurious cruise liner. But do the food and drinks measure up? Eat Out critic Tracy Gielink pays a visit to find out.

Food

Seafood is well represented, from the ubiquitous prawn cocktail to citrus-and-vodka salmon gravlax, beer-battered fish and, of course, oysters.

The menu also has a casual component that runs the gauntlet from gourmet hotdogs to Portuguese chicken and boerewors pizza.

The buffet at The Ocean Terrace at The Oyster Box Hotel. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

It’s the curry buffet, however, that has become a culinary landmark for locals and foreigners. Over 11 curries appear daily, from local versions of lamb, chicken and prawn to classic interpretations of butter chicken and even a Singaporean fish curry.

The support acts are also impressive: indulge in homemade pickles and chutneys, sambals, poppadoms, roti and freshly baked naan breads.

The five-star environment does brings with it five-star prices, however.

Drinks

You will be able to find just about anything your heart desires. Classic and contemporary cocktails abound, as do quality wines (local and international) from the hotel’s extensive cellar.

The interior at The Ocean Terrace at The Oyster Box Hotel. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Service

It’s not as slick as one might expect in this sumptuous environment. Waiters are pleasant and well intentioned, but efficiency it not always a strong point.

Ambience

The actual terrace, with seats that need to be requested in advance, features white iron tables and chairs under a festooned red awning. With breathtaking sea and pool views, it’s more reminiscent of the deck of a cruise liner. The crisp interior offers wickers chairs, latticework and lazy paddle fans in white, while intricate tiles and large brass light fittings lend a Moorish feel.

A view of the ocean at The Ocean Terrace at The Oyster Box Hotel. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

And…

Arrive early for cocktails in the upstairs Lighthouse Bar.

Eat Out critics dine anonymously and pay for their meals in full. Read the editorial policy here.

Have you dined at The Ocean Terrace at the Oyster Box Hotel? Let us know what you thought of the experience by writing a review.

A couple having evening dinner at The Ocean Terrace at The Oyster Box Hotel. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.