Not too long ago, Gemmill Lane in Singapore was perhaps only known for two things: bar-restaurant-brunch-spot, Club Street Social, and French restaurant, O Batignolles. Lately (as we’ve documented in our neighbourhood guide below), Club Street’s quiet little sister has seen more foot traffic, thanks to a handful of hot new openings along the street. Watch this space; because we foresee back alley parties, street closures and more establishments to join the fold when Gemmill Lane hits big.
Angeleno
After a five-year stint as Head Chef at the much-lauded Osteria Mozza in Marina Bay Sands, Chef David Almany has left to open his own Italian-American restaurant. Taking over the premises of Luke’s Oyster Bar, Chef David’s Angeleno marries fuss-free Italian dishes with seasonal farm-to-table produce from California. Signature dishes here are unmistakably Italian like veal parmigiana and meatballs in organic tomato sauce, but American influences become apparent in dishes like spaghetti of Maine lobster with roasted tomato and tarragon. The restaurant trades Luke’s Oyster Bar’s rather cold, modern look for something a little more rustic and romantic, as befitting of the cuisine.
Angeleno, 20 Gemmill Lane, Singapore 069256. p. 6221 6986.
Gemmills
The story is that John Gemmill, a banker in the 1800s, erected Singapore’s first public drinking fountain near Amoy Street. Honouring this moment centuries later is Gemmills, a bar that, likewise, serves as a watering hole for the parched and weary. Opened by the folks behind Maggie Joan’s, you can find a staggering selection of 50 labels of red and white wines here.
Gemmills, #01-02, 110 Amoy Street, Singapore 069930, p. 6221 5564.
Maggie Joan’s
Moosehead Kitchen and Bar’s owners, Glen and Daniel Ballis, along with their friend, Darren Micallef, are the brains responsible for this so-hip-it-hurts space, which is named after Daniel’s two grandmothers (Maggie and Joan). The tight menu, crafted by chef Oliver Hyde (he’s the former sous chef of Pollen Singapore), is modern Mediterranean, and features fresh plates like an egg, dukkah and saffron mayo appetiser, amazing-sounding seafood entrees (scallop carpaccio, peas and ham is one), and hearty mains like a slow-braised lamb shoulder. Read our full review here.
Maggie Joan’s, #01-01, 110 Amoy Street, Singapore 069930, p. 6221 5564.
Delicacy
There are three carefully-considered and affordable menus, designed perfectly to sync up with every time of day. A charming European brunch selection for a chilled out breakfast meeting, a colourful deli vibe for those busy lunchtimes, and an innovative Mediterranean menu teamed with fine wine and cultured ales to wash away a long day come nighttime. All of the above are happily presented by GM Yiyeksi Marhoulova, who feels like an old friend before your bum even hits the seat. Try the walnut croquetas (they come with walnut truffle mayo), the grilled prawns with chilli flakes and soya cream sauce, and desserts like the banana rice pudding (if you have room, the churros are great as well). Read our full review here.
Delicacy, 10 Gemmill Lane, Singapore 069251, p. 9830 0908.
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Don’t be fooled by the “bar” part of this restaurant’s moniker; the name of this full-fledged French restaurant is a play on the French word “baratin”, which means smooth talk. Chef-owner Francois Mermilliod, formerly of Absinthe, offers plenty of seafood options at his casual space, and ingredients are procured from sustainable and ethical sources. If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, start with the Alaskan king crab with angel hair pasta, uni and espelette or yellow fin tuna ceviche, followed by the chorizo-squid ink risotto or the whole fish of the day with lemon thyme jus. Then, finish off your meal with desserts like the vanilla tofu with roasted pineapple, rice krispies and coconut ice cream.
Bar-A-Thym, 18 Gemmill Lane, Singapore 069255, p. 6557 2224.
Club Street Social
This charming little bar-slash-restaurant serves casual American-inspired cuisine with bold flavours. In the evenings, it brims with CBD folks who come here for its awesome snacks and killer sharing plates, such as the crispy fried chicken with lemon and aioli. It’s also a fab weekend brunch spot with stellar egg dishes – the soft scrambled eggs with fortina and chives – deserve an honorary mention.
Club Street Social, 5 Gemmill Lane, Singapore 069261, p. 6225 5043. Open Mon-Fri 12pm-late, Sat 11am-late, & Sun 11am-4pm.
O’Batignolles
Owned by Parisian-born couple, Antoine and Marie, this cosy French bistro cuts out the middleman and works directly with independent vineyards in France, allowing them to price great wine brands at extremely affordable prices – from $7 a glass to $35 a bottle. Their extensive menu features over 50 French wines, some of which are only exclusive to the restaurant.
O’Batignolles, 2 Gemmill Lane, Singapore 069247, p. 6438 3913.
Le Spa
Knots, stiff muscles and body aches get the boot at this affordable spa that offers a modest but varied list of services. Prices start from $28 for a 30-minute Taiwanese foot therapy, and you can add on scrubs, guasha treatment, and cupping to your quickie or a two-hour-long body massage.
Le Spa, 14 Gemmill Lane, Singapore 069253, p. 6222 6803.
Pilatique Pilates Studio
A specialist on Stott Pilates – which focuses on restoring the natural curvature of the spine and rebalancing the muscles around the joints – this studio offers a repertoire of workouts that helps improve daily activity performance, build better posture, and develop agility and strengths while preventing injuries.
Pilatique Pilates Studio, 8 Gemmill Lane, Singapore 069250, p. 6221 3630.
The Comb Hair Studio
Ombre, balayage, lobs, waves, and the latest hair trends materialise at this minimalist hair salon, run by a team of trend-conscious Korean hairstylists. A cut by a senior stylist costs $60; colouring starts from $100; and a perm will set you back $150 to $400. Scalp treatments are also available from $120, if you’d like it to give it more love.
The Comb Hair Studio, 12 Gemmill Lane, p. 6438 3138.
