Dozo

Dozo claims to be “a one-of-a-kind modern Japanese concept that offers a decadent multi-course degustation menu offering the best of Japanese, French and European cuisine in an intimate, stylish setting.” Hmmmmm, big words, but they don’t lie 🙂

Located in a hidden corner within Valley Point Shopping Centre, Dozo serves modern Japanese cuisine with French and European influences at extremely affordable prices. They have no ala carte menu, and offer only Prix Fixe Menus at $39.80++ for 6 courses for lunch, and $59.80++ for 7 courses for dinner where you get to choose each course from a healthy selection of about 5 choices each. From reading the many reviews alone, Elisa could tell that it was clearly a dining experience that one could not afford to miss. Consequently, she decided to drag her mother there one Friday night.

We arrived there slightly unhappy due to their location. As Dozo is located at the second floor the shopping centre, we had to walk out of the shopping centre and take a separate lift to get to the largely secluded second floor. Pretty confusing for first timers.

However, we were amazed once we stepped into the semi-fine dining restaurant which had an elegant and classy decor with soft furnishings, lavish wallpaper and soft lighting. We had definitely not expected such a luxurious setting.

Promptly after we were seated, a waiter came and explained the menu to us. With a healthy range of choices for each course, it was difficult for us to make our choices as we wanted to try so many things and everything sounded good. But yes, one has to learn to sacrifice and make wise informed choices at times don’t we?

Yuzu Sorbet

Not long after our orders were taken, we were offered a complimentary little glass of Yuzu Sorbet as a  palate cleanser. Served on a bed of ice, the sorbet was definitely refreshing with a slight tangy yuzu flavor. However, we all agreed that it was a tad bit too sweet.

Chef's Selection of Assorted Platter

The 1^st Course was the Chef’s Selection of Assorted Platter which consisted of Roasted Foie Gras with Mirin Reduction on top of Bread, Seared Hokkaido Scallops with Yuzu Foam and Asparagus and Smoked Salmon with Crème Fresh. We were advised to start with the Scallop in the middle, the Foie Gras next and then the Salmon. We felt that although it was not particularly spectacular, it was decent and flavors were overall balanced.

Platter of Air Flown Seasonal Sashimi

Next for the Cold Dish, Elisa had initially wanted the New Style Tuna with Crab Meat but decided on the Platter of Air Flown Seasonal Sashimi after being told that there was no more Tuna. The former would definitely be something more unique and different as compared to the latter. Nevertheless, the Sashimi was fresh and the Amaebi (Sweet Shrimp) Sashimi was extremely sweet!

King Crab Claw Salad drizzled with Sesame Vinaigrette

Elisa’s Mum had the King Crab Claw Salad drizzled with Sesame Vinaigrette. It was more of a fruit salad though, as there were more fruits (dragon fruit and mango) than vegetables (lettuce, jicama, cherry tomato). The crab was fresh and tasty, fruits were sweet, and the sesame vinaigrette had just the right flavor, being both sweet and slightly sour at the same time.

Foie Gras Chawanmushi with Black Truffle Slice

Next for Side Dish, again Elisa had initially wanted the Steam Fresh Bamboo Clam but went for the Foie Gras Chawanmushi with Black Truffle Slice after being told they had no more Bamboo Clam (boo….). We felt that the Black Truffle Slice was absolutely redundant as its subtle flavor was overpowered by the strong infusion of Foie Gras flavor even though there was no Foie Gras to be seen. The Chawanmushi overall was smooth, delicate and tasty.

Clam Soup

For Soup, Elisa had the Clam Soup. This soup was rather light, earthy and comforting, unlike the usual Clam Chowders. The clams definitely added sweetness and depth.

Infusion of Cepes Mushroom with Truffle

Elisa’s Mum had the Infusion of Cepes Mushroom with Truffle. Elisa’s Mum felt that the Mushroom Soup was not that impressive, but decent, as there was barely any hint of Truffle.

Baked Atlantic Cod

For Main, Elisa had a hard time choosing between the Baked Atlantic Cod Fillet and the Duck Confit with Blueberry Sauce but finally decided on the former. However, it was a great disappointment as we had been hoping for something more adventurous rather than normal and just nice… No doubt the cod was smooth, but the cream sauce and mashed potato served alongside was bland. It was boring

Beef Tenderloin on 'Pu-Ye' and Granite Hot Stone

Elisa’s Mum went for the Beef Tenderloin on ‘Pu-Ye’ and Granite Hot Stone. If you chose to come to Dozo, come for this. This was the star of the show. It was adventurous, delicious, and different. Served on a sizzling hot stone, the concept is that diners could individually decided and control for themselves how well they want their meat to be. It was definitely interesting and we had fun ‘playing’ with our beef. The well-seasoned meat dipped in the horseradish sauce, coupled with the wonderful texture and marbling of the tenderloin allowed a burst of flavor in your mouth.

Iced Fruity Refresher

Before Dessert, we were served Drinks in little teapots and dainty little cups. The Iced Fruity Refresher was cooling and refreshing, however with the use of canned fruits (tsk).

The Hot Roselle Rhythm on the other hand had a nice sour flavor which Elisa’s mother thoroughly enjoyed.

Freshly Baked Warm Chocolate Cake

If you don’t already know, Elisa is addicted to Dark Chocolate. And if there’s warm chocolate cake with the gooey molten chocolate centre presented on the menu, it is clearly irresistible. Dozo’s Freshly Baked Warm Chocolate Cake with Ice Cream was one of the best Elisa’s ever tasted. There was a distinct separation between the crisp outer layer and the gooey molten chocolate centre. Two Thumbs Up.

Japanese Mochi served with Red Bean and Ice Cream

Elisa’s Mum had the Japanese “Mochi” served with Red Bean and Ice Cream. The Mochi was good, but Elisa’s Mum agreed that it slightly paled in comparison to the Warm Chocolate Cake 🙂

Dozo is definitely a place to go if you want a quiet dinner with your love ones. They pay attention to every minute detail, from the decoration of the entire place, to the arrangement and presentation of every course. Every course is exquisitely presented like a piece of art. Service was top notch as well with every staff being very informative, attentive and friendly at the same time. Finally and again, Dozo is a place to be if you want good food for good value. We’re definitely coming back soon!

Dozo
Valley Point Shopping Centre
491 River Valley Road #02-02/03
Tel:  6838 6966
www.dozo.com.sg