AO Restaurant (Claymore Drive) — Casual Japanese-led Kitchen from Ex-Esora Chef

# What AO is and where it sits AO (pronounced "ah‑oh") is a casual restaurant tucked behind Cloudmills on Claymore Drive. It's operated by Cloud Restaurant Group, the team behind Cloudmills bakery, and is led by culinary director Araki Takeshi, who previously worked at Esora. The dining room was designed by Grafted Studio and combines wood and stone with an open kitchen. Outdoor seating is available and dog‑friendly.

# The concept and menu The kitchen applies Japanese craft across cuisines: familiar dishes get new forms using Japanese technique. The menu is à la carte, split into starters, sharing dishes, mains and desserts. Prices are described as fairly reasonable, with most dishes in the 20s and 30s (Singapore dollars).

# Noted dishes and what to expect

• Wild Northern Amebi Carpaccio (S$26): a fresh combination of sweet prawn, ikura and scallop that works well as a light starter.
• Challans Duck Rillettes & Foie Gras Terrine (S$20): presented with shaved, cold foie gras atop duck rillettes, offering an unexpected texture contrast.
• Grilled Chicken Wings with Black Truffle Mochi Rice (S$22): wings are tender, coated with black truffle and stuffed with mochi rice — an easy sharing dish.

• "Sakura‑dai" Sea Bream Ramen (S$28): notable for a foamy texture and a creamy sea bream broth. Uses swordfish chashu instead of pork and includes black garlic oil, yuzu and crispy sakura ebi. Described as soothing and less heavy than a pork broth ramen.

Dessert options mentioned include Burnt Bleu Cheesecake with Wildflower Honey (S$20) — a slightly molten cheesecake with a strong blue‑cheese profile — and Tofu Ice Cream — Three Ways (S$16) with Mango Warabimochi, Red Bean Strawberry, and Kaya Gula Melaka.

# Practical observations

# Verdict The reviewer sees AO as an accessible, repeatable spot in town. Prices and the approachable reinterpretation of dishes should appeal to younger diners and those seeking variety without formal dining constraints. Scores given by the reviewer: Taste 4/5, Value 3.5/5, Ambience 3.5/5, Overall 4/5.

# Quick takeaway If you want a casual downtown meal where Japanese technique is used to rework global flavours — and you don't need a private room — AO offers well‑executed, reasonably priced plates that encourage repeat visits.