Singapore’s newest concept, Medusa, reimagines the traditional Italian osteria not as a quiet, rural haven but as a destination for high-energy revelry, blending bold 1960s Roman design with celebrated Roman cuisine. Located strategically at South Beach Avenue, this 76-seat venue comes from the Fortuna Group, known for the popular Craig Road establishments Fortuna and Fortuna Terrazza, immediately setting a high bar for both ambiance and culinary execution. Medusa officially opened recently, offering diners a vibrant, luxe experience focused on iconic dishes and flavours from the Eternal City.
Design Fuses Diner Aesthetic with Decadence
Stepping into Medusa is an exercise in sensory immersion. Eschewing the typical rustic Italian aesthetic, the space is drenched in crimson hues, anchored by checkered floors and striking red settees that subtly nod to a classic American diner. However, the overarching theme is pure luxury vintage, evoking the glamorous era of mid-century Rome.
The entrance area is designed for spectacle, featuring an impressive array of LED lighting, expansive mirrors, and ceiling clusters of shimmering disco balls—a setup clearly engineered for social media moments. This focus on atmosphere enhances the restaurant’s appeal as a “vibes-first” venue perfect for celebratory gatherings and post-work drinks, particularly given its proximity to the adjacent South Beach office towers.
The restaurant is a personal passion project, conceived by Fortuna Group founder Egon Marzaioli as a heartfelt tribute to his wife, a native of Rome.
Roman Classics Lead a Confident Menu
Backed by the culinary success of its sister restaurants, Medusa faces significant expectations regarding its food offerings. The menu is a comprehensive celebration of Roman gastronomy, featuring regional specialities rarely found outside of Italy, alongside perfected classic pasta dishes.
Start with traditional antipasti like Supplì al Telefono (deep-fried Arborio rice balls) or the highly recommended Burrata Fritta ($26). This starter features a satisfyingly crunchy, breaded shell yielding to creamy cheese, balanced by carbonara cream sauce, black pepper, guanciale, and a bright touch of lemon zest (rated 4/5).
While staples like Tonnarelli cacio e pepe ($28) and Spaghetti carbonara ($32) are present, exploring some of the concept’s more innovative takes is rewarding. The Cappelletti ($38), deemed a standout, comprises ricotta-stuffed morsels served in a rich, buttery prawn bisque similar to a signature dish at Fortuna, finished with lemon zest, basil oil, and raw prawns (rated 4/5). Diners can also sample other fresh pasta varieties with a $10 half-and-half top-up.
For main courses, the menu offers a strong selection of thin-crust pizzas and heartier Roman fare.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Pizza Romana Mortazza & Pistacchio ($35): This creamy base pizza, featuring generous mortadella shavings, stringy stracciatella, and a subtle pistachio mayo, offers a refreshing alternative to traditional orders (rated 4/5).
- Porchetta ($42): A heavier dish of flavourful pork belly and crispy crackling, though its accompanying truffle-infused mash felt overly rich when paired with the cut (rated 3/5).
Diners can also choose from the Pinsa Romana selection, offering different toppings served on thicker, crunchy, Roman-style bread slices, such as the Broccoli Pinsa ($22).
Cocktails and Dessert: A Sweet Finish
No Italian meal is complete without dessert. Medusa’s Truffle Tiramisù ($18) is a dramatic, cylindrical presentation enhanced by tableside shavings of truffle crumble. While its chocolate and sweetness dominate, favouring a less boozy profile, those seeking stronger coffee and liquor notes might prefer the Fortuna version (rated 3/5).
The bar features an array of Greek mythology-inspired cocktails. The signature Medusa cocktail ($30) blends date-infused rum with smooth cream and dehydrated banana, leaning towards the sweeter side, while options like the gin-based Diana offer a sharper profile.
Overall, Medusa earns a strong four out of five, proving itself to be a competent culinary destination where the exceptional atmosphere seamlessly elevates the entire dining occasion.
Need to Know:
- Location: 26 Beach Road, South Beach Avenue, #B1-22, Singapore 189768
- Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12pm–3pm and 6pm–10pm.
- Takeaway: This venue is best experienced for its atmosphere, making it ideal for dine-in celebrations.