When hunger beckons, let our list of new restaurants and menus in Singapore be your 2021 guide.
What a year it’s been! Despite the roller coaster ride, our local food scene has always pulled through each month with a slew of brand new establishments. Our list of best new restaurants in Singapore for 2021 features everything from cool Japanese restaurants to fab new wine bars and more!
Best new restaurants in Singapore: The 2021 list
1. Sushi Sato
Tucked away in the lush enclave of Dempsey Hill, Sushi Sato serves as a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. On the outside, it’s reminiscent of a zen Japanese garden. Inside, it’s a mix of greenery paired with a blonde wood palette.
At the helm is chef Yuji Sato, who brings 26 years of experience to the table. Look forward to four dining experiences, with two different courses during lunch and dinner, Uruoi ($150) course and Utsukushi ($220) course, and Omakase ($380) and Kokoro ($480) respectively. Everything served is seasonal and fresh, with seafood deliveries four times a week from Toyosu and Sapporo markets. We’re talking squid, monkfish liver, botan ebi, bafun uni and ikura. The meals are elevated with a curated list of sake, wine and champagne, including rare Juyondai labels.
Sushi Sato, 6B Dempsey Road, Singapore 247662
2. Mezcla
So you love Japanese and Mexican food? How about putting ’em both together in an unconventional twist? Step into the chic shophouse on Craig Road and you’ll be transported to a carnival-esque space with infinity mirrors, dim lights and terracotta walls. On the menu: tacos, tacos and more tacos. We love the meaty options like guajillo-marinated wagyu beef brisket ($11.50) and ancho chile pork jowl ($8.50). But if you’re a fan of seafood, go for the unagi ($8.50) or splurge a little on the uni and scallop ($32).
Oh, and don’t forget to add small plates to your order. The Unicorn ($18 for two pieces) is a great starter of purple tortilla chip, cotija, char-grilled corn and Hokkaido uni. Meanwhile, dessert comes in bite-sized treats with the trio of churro tacos ($9) topped with vanilla creme, Valrhona chocolate and gold flakes. But don’t skip out on the drinks – the bar’s helmed by Diageo World Class Singapore champion and co-owner, Boo Jing Heng. We’re obsessed with the fruity frozen margaritas in flavours like Kyoto grape, pink guava, mango and more. Tip: get them in a flight of three ($16) so you can try a bit of everything. Bottoms up!
Mezcla, 43 Craig Road, Singapore 089681
3. Permata
Hot on the heels of its opening, Permata has now moved on from its buffet spread to a progressive Nusantara menu. It’s led by culinary director chef Mel Dean, so you can expect the same lip-smacking Indonesian and Malay fare but with a modern approach.
We started our meal with a trio of ulam rice ball, beef salad and the namesake ceviche. The latter is chef’s take on his late native Sarawakian grandmother’s Umai with an addition of blue pea gel and orange ginger gel. Up next, a plate of rawon, which originates from East Java, served a la risotto with stewed beef, ramen egg, coconut floss, strips of tempeh and a healthy dollop of sambal for some heat.
Don’t miss out on the botok botok halibut that’s steamed with a medley of Nusantaran spices like curry paste, chilli, lemongrass and grated coconut. Another highlight? The percik lamb ribs braised for four hours. The result: fall-off-the-bone tender meat. Just take note that Permata officially opens its doors to the public on 8 Dec.
Permata Singapore, 73 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198497
4. Fool
Don’t be fooled by its moniker (we just had to make that pun!). Chef-owner Rishi Naleendra, who gave us Kotuwa and Cloudstreet, brings a new wine bar to the scene. Enter the space and your eyes will run along the custom-made banquette seat leading to the open kitchen counter. That’s where all the action takes place.
To complement more than 200 wines in its arsenal, the a la carte menu showcases a mix 5. of small and large sharing plates. That includes chicken liver eclair ($16), veal sweetbread ($16) with burnt eggplant and chimichurri, spaetzle cacio e pepe ($18) and magara lamb saddle ($42) with chickpea and spinach stew. As for the vino, all of ‘em are categorised in themes. For example, Lost in Translation refers to a selection of wine that’s made with intricate and hard-to-pronounce grape varietals. Fascinating!
Fool, 21 Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069620
5. Hortus
Got a thing for Mediterranean food? Hortus has just what you want. This casual resto is hidden within the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, making it a fab pitstop for afternoon tea or dinner. You’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful blooms – and you can enjoy a leisurely air-conditioned stroll amongst nature after your meal.
On the menu, you’ll find salads, dips, meats and more by chef Michael Wilson. The dishes are kept simple to highlight the fresh flavours of the ingredients, with the use of olive oil, herbs and spices to elevate them. Start with small plates like amberjack crudo ($22) before you move on to vibrant veggie dishes like the refreshing watermelon salad with confit kalamata olives, Greek feta and herbs ($15).
Next, dig into mains such as Cilbir ($22) for spoonfuls of creamy eggs in sheep’s yogurt with dill, brown butter and Aleppo pepper. If you’re after something meatier, try the fork-tender spatchcock baby chicken bathed in merguez spices, lemon and olive oil ($28). Psst: hop on the complimentary limo buggy at Gardens by the Bay’s arrival plaza and you’ll get dropped off right at the restaurant’s doorstep.
Hortus, #01-09, Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
6. Rempapa
Chef Damian D’Silva of Restaurant Kin fame presents a newly minted restaurant: Rempapa. The menu is a treasure trove of multi-cultural heritage recipes, from Chinese and Peranakan to Eurasian, Indian and Malay cuisines. Skip the traditional brunch fare and tuck into the likes of Sri Lankan chicken curry and tomato chutney with string hoppers ($16), braised beef with raita and roti ($25), and stir-fried chee cheong fun ($13).
At dinner, the menu spotlights plates like fried nyonya fish cake ($18), lamb leg rendang ($38), seafood bee hoon (from $48) and slow-cooked belly pork ($23) served with Szechuan peppercorn, garlic, chilli, cumin powder, light soya, vinegar and black bean sauce. We’re huge fans of this new eatery; come any time of the day to enjoy flavourful dishes with familiar flavours you’ll love.
Rempapa, #01-01/02/03, Park Place Residences at PLQ, 2 Paya Lebar Road, Singapore 409053
7. Vue
The exquisite rooftop restaurant welcomes a new season with a fresh pre-fixe chef’s tasting menu (from $158 per person) to highlight the finest Autumn-Winter ingredients. We’re talking about Japanese mackerel, winter root veggies, French guineafowl and more. The view from up here is stellar and the ambience is incredibly romantic, so you’ll want to save this for special occasions.
On the four-course menu, you’ll start with appetisers like Australian venison loin tartare or Japanese pen shell giant scallop. Next, move on to pan-seared perigord foie gras or the oh-so-creamy uni risotto (it’s irresistibly good!). For your main course, you can’t go wrong with the melt-in-your-mouth Kumamoto A5 black wagyu sirloin. End it off with a little sweetness in the form of the French acacia honey cake or the decadent molten chocolate tart. Yup, you heard right. The tart oozes a perfectly gooey centre the moment you cut into it, pairing perfectly with the scoop of brown butter ice cream.
Vue, Level 19, OUE Bayfront, 50 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049321
8. Santi’s
Sarnies opens its sister restaurant, Santi’s, right next to its flagship cafe at Telok Ayer. Instead of coffee and stellar brunch bites, the alfresco spot focuses on open flame cooking, quality produce and low wastage. So look forward to an array of flame-kissed food like grilled squid ($21) and steak au poivre ($64).
For carb lovers, there’s a selection of slow-fermented pizzas like Ermah-gourd ($24), which is topped with san marzano tomatoes, kabocha, whipped smoked feta and house madras curry oil. Or try Cremini ($25), an umami flavour mix of lacto-fermented mushrooms, parmigiano crema, fior di latte and roasted garlic oil. Fun fact: some of the pasta dishes are made with discarded sourdough, including the sourdough pici with zucchini flower and ricotta ($26). Wash it all down with a line-up of tipples from top-notch bars like Native or Smoke and Mirrors under the community cocktail menu.
Santi’s, 138 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068603
9. Thirty Six Brewlab & Smokehouse
Brought to you by the folks behind homegrown name Lion Brewery Co, this micro-brewery and restaurant is a stylish mix of food, beer, art and music. With beers brewed on-site, you know you’re in for a swell time sipping on classic, seasonal and rotating guest brews. The 120-seater, complete with an outdoor beer garden, serves a menu that centres on bold flavours from open-flame grilling.
Munch on crusted calamari ($14) with fried chilli, burnt lime and leek ash aioli or spicy pork belly satay ($16) with sambal manis to start. Next, the plate of fish and chips ($25) is calling out your name – it’s fresh and perfectly crisp. For a flavourful, tender and meaty main, try the charred beef short rib minute steak ($34) and pair it with the delicious crunch of a mixed cabbage slaw ($7).
On to the beer selection: it’s available in taster portions for adventurous drinkers who want to try everything. Highlights include Violet No-Regard, a unique purple ale that uses butterfly pea flower to get its hue, and Raspberry Beer-et, a Berliner Weisse made refreshing with a hint of raspberry. Oh, and keep an eye out for art exhibitions and music gigs in the future!
Thirty Six Brewlab & Smokehouse, 36 Club Street, Singapore 069469
10. One Fattened Calf
Good burgers are everywhere, but great burgers are rare gems that must be treasured. You know that feeling when you sink your teeth into a truly amazing burger? The satisfaction is second to none. Enter One Fattened Calf, the newest burger joint to land on our radar. Its location may be a bit of a trek if you don’t live or work in the area, but it’s well worth the journey.
Helmed by a lovely husband-and-wife duo, the casual eatery is passionate about its beef-and-bun combo. Each patty is made with 150g New Zealand premium grass-fed beef, and each fluffy potato bun is freshly baked in-house. If you’re dining in, we’d recommend the ButterBurger ($15), which replaces cheese with a hunk of melty, buttery goodness. It’s a serious stunner.
Otherwise, you can’t go wrong with the cheeseburger ($15) or OFC burger ($14) stuffed deliciously with charred onions, red onions, house-made pickles and a drizzle of special sauce. For something different, try the GoldBurger ($18) with pulled beef brisket. Don’t forget to top it all off with addictive truffle or smoky cheese fries and Golden Lime Slushies! Psst: the unique burger wrap unfolds in a way that lets you dig in without dirtying your hands. We love!
One Fattened Calf, #01-31, Galaxis, 1 Fusionopolis Place, Singapore 138632
11. Jidai
Its moniker means “era” in Japanese — but don’t think this is just another regular restaurant. Setting up shop in Boat Quay, a hot spot for cocktails bars and pubs, Jidai stands out for its interiors. Step in and you’ll be transported to a modern izakaya. The walls feature a quirky collection of Maneki-neko and the space is illuminated with dim violet lighting, amping up the cool, mysterious factor.
On the menu, you’ll find yakitori delights, handrolls and familiar Japanese bites – all with a little French flair. Highlights include chicken meatball ($4), firefly squid ($6), Iberico pork ($7) and baby eel ($7). For a little East-meets-West action, go for the sea cucumber duck confit ($38) or the seared scallop with barley “porridge” ($26), which is essentially a uni and jellyfish risotto. Don’t miss out on the otoro fatty tuna ($26), served a la beef tartare. Wash it all down with a selection of top-notch sake.
Jidai, 9 Circular Road, Singapore 049365
12. North Miznon
All hail the latest dining concept from Israeli MasterChef judge Eyal Shani. Hot on the heels of pita eatery Miznon comes its sister restaurant, North Miznon, making its first Asia appearance. Worthy of its buzzy Amoy Street locale, the dimly-lit space is chic, vibrant and oh-so-cool. The sleek show kitchen is where the magic happens: chefs dish out fresh creations that highlight the ingredients’ natural flavours. North Miznon’s menu may change daily, but the modern Israeli plates tinged with French and Italian influences are just as stunning from one day to the next.
Take the naked heirloom tomatoes ($19), for example. They look deceivingly simple, but the extra virgin olive oil and sea salt sprinkle bring out the flavours of each slice in a way that may convince even tomato-haters. The modest fennel bulb ($17)? Roasted to perfection. If you’ve got a guest to impress, order the giant octopus carpaccio or sirloin roast beef carpaccio ($47 each) on the rock. Don’t miss out on the resto’s focaccia with tomatoes, onions and green chillies either. These fluffy slabs, served on the house, pair ridiculously well with a green chilli paste featuring garlic, olives, tomato salsa and sour cream. You just can’t stop at one – and we speak from experience.
If you actually have space for dessert after all that, the cardboard platter ($19 per person) is a decadent, must-try mix of Israeli milk pudding, creme caramel, gluten-free naked chocolate cake and more. Sip on organic, biodynamic and sustainable Israeli wines and refreshing cocktails like the Tel Aviv Sour ($21) to cap it all off.
North Miznon, #01-01, 110 Amoy Street, Singapore 069930
13. Corduroy Palace
A fine dining concept and wine hall by the team behind Lucali BYGB, Corduroy Palace is all kinds of decadent, indulgent and luxurious. Step past the pizzas at back alley joint Proper Slice BYGB and you’ll enter this grand yet intimate hidden hangout. Slip into one of the plush banquette seats and take your time to admire the interior’s maximalist aesthetic: hand stitched antique rugs, high-gloss burl wood tables, and contemporary artworks (including a Picasso original in the bathroom).
Of course, wine is the star. The unconventional selection sits in 10 neon-lit wine coolers arranged by price tags (from $100 to $2,000 per bottle). No matter what the mood calls for, the friendly sommeliers will find you something from their eclectic range of rare varieties, cult classics, and natural or biodynamic wines.
Start off your evening with fresh oysters from Normandy ($95/dozen) and caviar-topped xiao long bao from hawker stall You Peng ($50 for 10 pieces). The chicken cordon bleu ($34) wrapped with Benton’s ham, provolone and parmesan, is beautifully tender and crisp on the outside, while the signature 300g prime rib ($150) is a gorgeous slab of roast meat served with a massive loaded baked potato with caviar. Oh, and you can also indulge in caviar bumps served tableside if you’re feeling fancy.
Corduroy Palace, 110 Amoy Street, Singapore 069930 (entrance at the back of Gemmill Lane)
14. Curate Cucina Pisana
This one’s the latest outfit to join the bevy of restaurants in Resorts World Sentosa. At the helm is Pisan native chef de cuisine Davide Bizzarri, so expect authentic traditional Pisan dishes on the menu.
Start your Italian feast with pappa al pomodoro di mare ($24) made of tomatoes, Tuscan bread, fresh basil and garlic, white clams and blue mussels stewed in pescatore sauce. Next, work your way through the fusilli di pisa ($58), a plate of Pisa Tower-shaped pasta with Boston lobster. Other noteworthy picks include cervo ($98), a meaty rack of venison, and fresh pasta such as gigli ($26), a handmade lily flower-shaped pasta dish with cured codfish in saffron sauce. Complete your meal with a wide range of Tuscan wines.
Curate Cucina Pisana, The Forum at Resorts World Sentosa, #01-231 & 232, 26 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 09813
15. Wild Child Pizzette
Wild Child Pizzette is the latest addition to The Cicheti Group. For those wondering what pizzette means, it refers to little pizzas. So expect 10-inch Neapolitan-style pizzas on the menu. Unlike its sister outlet Cicheti’s traditional pizza toppings, you’ll be treated to modern choices like crispy fried Margherita ($21). It consists of deep-fried pizza dough topped with stracciatella, semi-dried san marzano tomatoes and aged parmigiana.
Other noteworthy pizzas include the kale-topped cavolo nero ($18.50), peperonata ($18.50), a pesto spread with roasted seasonal peppers, and trio formaggio ($19), a spin on the classic four-cheese swapping out gorgonzola for taleggio. Since each pizzette yields four pieces, you can order a few for the ultimate fiesta. While you’re at it, check out the selection of antipasti, wine, craft beer and sake.
Wild Child Pizzette, 50 Circular Road, Singapore 049405
16. Revolver
Tras Street is heating up with the opening of Revolver. Expect tasty charred meat, seafood and vegetables cooked on a wood-fired grill or in a tandoor. It’s headed by executive chef Saurabh Udinia, who sharpened his knife at popular restaurants like Indian Accent in India and MasalaBar in Singapore. Here, he’s created a grill menu with Indian and international influences, featuring three introductory dining line-ups to give you a taste of Revolver.
The Discovery menu ($139) features dishes like grilled king prawn and lightly spiced barramundi, while the Experience menu ($168) offers hearty meats like lamb chops and Kashmiri chilli-spiced wagyu scotch egg, alongside a choice of cocktails, wine and sake. Want to skip the meat? Try the Vegetarian menu ($129) showcasing a myriad of meatless plates like smoked aubergine, paneer and stuffed courgette flowers. Completement your dining experience with a three- or five-glass wine pairing.
Revolver, 56 Tras Street, Singapore 078995
17. Griglia Open Fire Italian Kitchen
Taking a cue from grigliata, an outdoor summer BBQ enjoyed by Italians, this new Craig Road restaurant hopes to deliver the same experience with grilled meat, fresh flavours and seasonal produce.
Sitting on the ground level of a shophouse, the Italian restaurant is outfitted in raw materials of bricks, wood and metal to create a rustic and warm atmosphere. The colours are a nod to the backbone of any quintessential BBQ: an open flame. It’s pretty hard to miss the cast iron charcoal grill putting on a fiery performance in the open kitchen.
We started our feast with a selection of appetisers like eggplant ($15) served a la lasagne with layers of grilled eggplant, tomato and basil atop a luscious pool of smoked caciocavallo cheese. And it’d be almost criminal to pass on a plate of burratina ($16) at an Italian establishment. Here, the creamy cheese sits on a tart stuffed with grilled zucchini ‘Scapece’-style (marinated in EVOO, mint, salt, pepper and white balsamic vinegar).
For a little seafood action, opt for the Hokkaido scallop crudo ($22) and hiika squid ($18). The former comes with grilled corn, which adds a nice contrasting texture to the scallop. The latter is served with a vibrant nduja foam that lends a light, refreshing heat to the freshly grilled squid. Marking the end to our starter selection: the humble pasta dish. Artfully plated spaghetti in cream of Datterino tomato ($18) is topped with roasted yellow tomatoes marinated in seawater.
For mains, we were presented with two stellar dishes from the Open Fire Grill section. The wagyu striploin ($68/200g) will satisfy any carnivore with its marble scoring of 3/4. To bring out its natural flavours, the dish is served with red wine jus, pickled mustard and garlic sauce.
The next contender? A glorious charcoal-kissed Spanish turbot ($98/800g). It comes with Amalfi lemon dressing which gives a spritz of herbaceous freshness to the fish. The best part: these folks will debone the fish for you! Finally, we rounded out our meal with the Capri in a cake dessert ($12). Enjoy it with Amalfi lemon cream sandwiched between two slices of flourless almond cake and a scoop of EVOO ice cream on the side.
Griglia Open Fire Italian Kitchen, #01-01, 37 Craig Road, Singapore 089675
18. Pi Food
The Singapore-Hong Kong travel bubble might have burst, but we can still satiate our wanderlust at Pi Food. This Hong Kong eatery captures the spirit of the Fragrant Harbour with an array of dishes like shrimp wanton ($10.80), stir-fried beef noodles ($13.80), HK-style baked rice with pork chop, tomato sauce and cheese ($16.80), crispy pork belly ($13.80) and more. Sip on drinks typically found in cha chaan tengs (HK cafes) like HK-style coffee and tea. When dusk approaches, the place serves up alcohol to go along with the wok hei sharing plates.
Pi Food, #01-18, 9 Penang Road, Singapore 238459
19. Bedrock Origin
Known for its stellar meats at its flagship restaurant Bedrock Bar & Grill, the homegrown steakhouse has now expanded beyond its Somerset space with a new restaurant in Sentosa. Using the island locale as its interior inspiration, Bedrock Origin flaunts earthy wooden tones with a mix of art deco-inspired elegance. Beyond the main dining room, you can take your meals at the patio where seats at the shaded verandah and alfresco outdoor terrace are lined with lush greenery. Or for an intimate dining affair, there’s the sleek Applewood private dining room.
Beyond the famed meats, the menu sticks to the island theme with an array of choice seafood dishes. Highlights include aged barramundi tail ($88), turbot on the bone ($68) and grilled whole aged snapper ($78). And for those who are leaning toward the plant-based lifestyle, tuck into plates like the meat-free beef wellington ($38) and grilled pear salad ($22).
Round out your meal with a glass of vino. There are close to 100 wine labels to choose from. But for something stiffer, we say go for the whiskey-based cocktails ($15) made with Woodford Reserve.
Bedrock Origin, #01-02, Oasia Resort Sentosa Hotel, 23 Beach View Palawan Ridge, Singapore 098679
20. Proper Slice
From the same team behind the highly raved Lucali BYGB comes a new pizza joint in the Amoy Street enclave. Named Proper Slice, the restaurants take a cue from New York City’s glorious old-school neighbourhood pizzerias.
“Living in New York, there’s always that neighbourhood pizza shop in every neighbourhood or every few blocks. It is not fancy, but it is honest and proper, and that is really what we wanted to create here,” says founder Gibran Baydoun.
Find the entrance in an unassuming lane off Gemmil Lane — just spot the maroon awning — and step in for a fuss-free meal. On the menu is a rotation of oversized pizza pies with options like pepperoni, sausage and spinach, and ricotta. On top of that, the pizzeria also serves up meatballs, stromboli, garlic knots and dessert calzones.
Proper Slice, #01-02,110 Amoy Street, (Entrance off Gemmill Lane), Singapore 069930
21. NAE:UM
There’s more to Korean cuisine than just K-BBQ, army stew and Korean fried chicken. Chef Louis Han is here to show it with his new restaurant. In Korean, ‘naeum’ means a fragrance that evokes memories. And that’s reflected in the episodic menus which showcase chef Louis’ personal journey, from his childhood in South Korea to his culinary career that spans across Abu Dhabi, Seoul, Lebanon and Singapore. That includes top-notch restaurants like two Michelin-starred Mosu and one Michelin-starred Meta, just to name a few.
The 28-seater restaurant is set against the backdrop of birch-coloured furniture and solid oakwood tables, wrapped in a palette of dove grey and off-white for that clean minimalist feel. In his first episodic menu, chef will take you on a gastronomic journey with the ingredients he grew up with, worked with and love. Aptly called My Favourite Ingredients, the five-course menu ($148) features plates like mulhwae (a cold spicy raw fish soup), Jjim (brined grouper served with crab-stuffed zucchini roulade) and gochujang-marinated challan duck. For a complete experience, opt for the alcohol pairing which showcases Japanese sakes and old- and new-world wines.
NAE:UM, 161 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068615
22. Tok Tok Indonesian Restaurant
The Joo Chiat ‘hood welcomes a new entrant to its vibrant dining scene. Enter Tok Tok. Step inside the Indonesian restaurant and you’ll be welcomed with splashes of green, yellow and neutral tones, alongside Balinese-inspired furniture.
Food-wise, think spicy and communal Indonesian dishes. Start with the fritters platter, featuring a mix of fried tofu, corn, vegetables and crispy spring rolls. Next, work your way through hearty plates like gulai kambing (curry mutton soup, $13.80), ayam bakar betutu (Balinese spiced chicken, $29.80), udang sambal pete (prawns cooked with sambal and petai beans, $21.80,) and tumis kangkung (vegetable stir-fry, $7.80). Round out your meal with sweet desserts like roti bakar coklat keju ($8.80), a sweet toast with chocolate condensed milk and cheese.
Tok Tok Indonesian Restaurant, 467 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427678
23. Coriander Leaf Singapore Polo Club
Coriander Leaf celebrates its 20th birthday with the opening of its second restaurant. Make your way to Singapore Polo Club and experience a culinary affair amidst horses, gorgeous views and lush surroundings. Just like its flagship at Chijmes, the menu spans various Asian cuisines and is divided into five categories: fresh, spicy, umami, familiar and sweet.
Highlights include Cambodian beef salad ($22), wagyu beef rib rendang ($32), Nyonya assam sea bass ($25) and Burmese khao suey (curried noodles, $18). The cocktail programme spotlights Singapore gins, Thai and Cambodian rums and vodkas, and Indian whiskies. Sip on concoctions like Dark Shadows Margarita (shishito pepper-infused tequila, pomegranate molasses, hibiscus tea, $18), Sin City Snapper (clamato juice, black tomato gin, light soy, coriander, $22) and The Darjeeling Limited ($24), a twist on the Old Fashioned made with amrut infusion and amrut peated.
Coriander Leaf Singapore Polo Club, 80 Mount Pleasant Road, Singapore 298334
24. Chura Sushi Bar
En Group, which gave us Monster Curry and Tamago-En, adds a new mod sushi bar to its repertoire. Named after the word ‘beautiful’ in Okinawan, the moniker stays true to its name with artfully plated sushi plates. For instance, the namesake nigiri set ($35.80) offers 10 kinds of sushi topped with the likes of tuna with sea urchin, amberjack, red snapper and scallop. There’s also the Chura signature roll ($25.80) which features tuna, salmon, white tuna and egg, topped with caviar and ikura. Talk about decadence.
For a little theatrical action, try the volcano roll ($15.80). It comes with deep-fried tempura wrapped in tempura-battered seaweed served over dry ice. Wash it all down with a selection of cocktails. Crafted with the help of House of Suntory, the tipples highlight Japanese spirits like Roku Gin, Haku Vodka and Chita Whiskey.
Chura Sushi Bar, #B1-122A, Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038983
25. Firangi Superstar
Firangi Superstar is the latest dining concept by The Dandy Collection. Located along Craig Road, the modern Indian restaurant evokes a certain cinematic quality across all its four rooms: Officer’s Club, Old Railway Room, Elephant Palace and Jungle Lodge. Taking inspiration from cities like Kashmir, Chennai, Bombay and Rajasthan, the restaurant is brought to life with well-thought-out interiors and furniture — it’s essentially a love letter to India.
The theme extends to the menu, taking a creative approach in creating the dishes. For instance, the cheekily-named This Is Not Aloo Gobi ($16) features cauliflower served three ways: as couscous, tandoor-charred florets and incorporated into a coriander puree. There’s also the Prata Waffle??? ($24), which offers Madras-style fried chicken with curry leaves and garlic sitting atop a waffle-pressed prata and served with butter chicken sauce and jaggery syrup. Meat lovers can tuck into the Indian Saddle ($14/100g), a delicious slab of lamb porterhouse marinated in spiced yogurt.
What’s a restaurant by The Dandy Collection without an impressive cocktail programme? Sip on creative concoctions that spotlight Indian flavours, including Cocktail No.4 (cashew mai tai, $20), a twist on the classic drink with raisin white rum and cashew orgeat. Or try Cocktail No.3 (fenugreek manhattan, $25), a herbal tonic of ghee cognac, fenugreek vermouth and bourbon.
Firangi Superstar, #01-03, 20 Craig Road, Singapore 089692
26. Yen Social
Brought to you by the same folks behind Yen Yakiniku, this new yakiniku joint specialises in dry-aged beef. At the wheel, Taiwanese chef Jones Chen has worked in the famed Da Wan Yakiniku Restaurant in Taipei for eight years. So you know you’re in good hands. Look forward to top-notch cuts with the right balance of texture, flavour and marbling. Menu highlights include whisky dry-aged wagyu ribeye ($58), beef rib finger cubes ($20) and curated sharing platters (from $109) for the perfect communal dining experience. Don’t forget to wash it all down with a super selection of sake, whisky and shochu.
Yen Social, #01-25/26, Duo Galleria, 7 Fraser Street, Singapore 189356
27. Dopo Teatro
Italian meets Japanese at this new establishment. The menu is embellished with a medley of Italian antipasti, salads, pasta, but the highlight has to be the hand-stretched pizzas. The dough is fermented for 36 hours and baked at 320 degrees. The result? A tangy, airy and crisp crust. Go for the unagi pizza ($26) topped with smoked eel, kebayaki mayo, bonito flakes, spring onion and mozzarella. For something ‘gram-worthy, the Ika Sumi ($28) fits the bill. This squid ink pizza is topped with the bright colours of tomato, prawns, clams, squid and ice plant, a contrast against the alluring jet-black crust. Other noteworthy dishes include the binchotan smoked salmon and ikura pizza ($24), caesar salad with soft shell crab ($19) and paccheri pasta with Japanese octopus ragu ($25).
Dopo Teatro, #01-11, Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039802
28. Casa Restaurant by Remy Lefebvre
Known as a dining hotspot, the historic Chijmes welcomes a new player: Casa Restaurant by Remy Lefebvre. Step through the glass-doored entrance and you’ll be welcomed by the 35-seater dining space awash in hues of blue, sage green and ivory. The interior is an extension of the locale with its arched mirrors, oar-like shutters and spoked fanlights.
Chef Remy helms this concept. Inspired by the natural environment from his travels across Africa, Brittany, Normandy and Spain, the menu showcases clean flavours, fresh ingredients and the art of woodfired cooking. Go on a gastronomic journey with the four-course Discovery Menu ($118), six-course Experience menu ($198) or the eight-course Carte Blanche menu ($258).
You’ll choose from a selection of 16 dishes, including gambas (smoked Mediterranean prawn with Japanese influence), dry-aged wagyu beef with seasonal vegetables, and grilled line-caught cod. On weekends, indulge in a boozy multi-course brunch affair ($198) featuring snacks, vegetable-focused plates, meat and fish platters and an array of desserts.
Casa Restaurant by Remy Lefebvre, #01-20, Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
29. Heart of Darkness
It seems like just yesterday that Heart of Darkness moved to Keong Saik, but these folks have already doled out a refreshed menu. Revolving around Vietnamese cuisine and soul food, it offers a smorgasbord of bar bites and sharing mains.
Start light with the fruit and vegetable platter ($38) – think of it as a healthy spring roll stuffed with the likes of aubergine, grapes and strawberries. Or you can sin your way through dishes like bahn bao ga ($14), dumplings filled to the brim with minced chicken; and calamari ($18), a whole squid on a bed of sriracha mayo. We paired the seafood with Kato Kichibee “Born” Gold Junmai Daiginjyo. It’s a smooth sake that complements the fried goodness of the squid.
We also tried a selection of meat that’ll make carnivores roar with jealousy. The crispy pork belly ($22) is marinated in beer for three days before it’s sous vide overnight and deep fried. The result? A perfectly crunchy crackling we can’t get enough of. Up next, cacao pork ribs ($32) and black angus prime rib ($42). The pork is fall-of-the-bone tender, and the cacao BBQ sauce lends a sweet, smoky taste. Meanwhile, the steak acts as the perfect final act to our savoury course. We suggest you pair it with the Pierre Cotton Orange Carbonique 2019 to bring out the natural flavours of the beef.
The evening came to an end with a duo of taro coconut panna cotta ($12) and Black Shadows Expresso Martini Stout. The former is made with Director’s Cacao Nib Porter soil and the latter is a creamy boozy tipple that has hints of chocolate, coffee and hazelnut.
Heart of Darkness, 1 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089109
30. Clos Pasoh
Tucked away on the second floor of a heritage building, Clos Pasoh is the newest kid on the Bukit Pasoh block. If you’re wondering about the origins of its name, Clos means ‘walled vineyard’ in French while Pasoh is a nod to its location. Modelled after a brasserie, the space is embellished with earthy tones, lush foliage and rattan dining chairs (by Singapore designer Ong Shunmugam).
Co-owner and chef Louis Pacquelin is at the helm, plating out ‘new school French’ dishes. “New school French is a shift from fine dining. My menu remains true to the brasserie dishes that inspired me, but I have reinterpreted them to broaden their appeal to include another generation of diners as well as non-French diners,” he explains.
Take the tete de veau, for example. Traditionally, it features a whole calf’s head with ravigote sauce. But chef Pacquelin switches things up. The head is presented in a crispy dumpling and paired with fresh wasabi. Other noteworthy dishes include pot eu feu (beef stew, $138), lobster bisque ($29), and poireaux vinaigrette (marinated leeks, $18). What’s a brasserie without the mention of vino? Here, the wine list boasts up to 1,500 labels. We say, pick a bottle and unwind at the terrace overlooking the vicinity.
Clos Pasoh, Level 2, 48A Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089859
31. Iko Restaurant & Bar
The moniker is a play on words. In Japanese, it means ‘let’s go’. And if it’s read backwards, it refers to the word ‘okinami’, which means ‘offshore wave’. So what can you expect at this new Neil Road establishment? Modern Japanese plates served against a funky backdrop. We’re talking about neon lights, a 9m mural of ocean waves and groovy tunes playing in the background.
The dinner menu is divided into six categories: Raw, Cold, Small, Robata, Rice and Noodles, and Sweet. Start your meal with the uni ($28) which is presented as a parfait with purple cauliflower pudding, dashi jelly and, of course, a generous dollop of buttery uni. Under the Cold section, you’ll be surprised to see burnt aubergine ($12), but the charred vegetable is cooled down with a sesame yoghurt sauce. Next, work your way through mains like pork loin ($36), angus short ribs ($38) and Japanese black cod ($38), which is cured in saikyo miso for up to 72 hours.
Wash it all down with intriguing tipples from the bar programme. We hear there’s a vegan sake, gin made with Japanese tea leaves and hojicha-infused whiskey, just to name a few.
Iko Restaurant & Bar, 65 Neil Road, Singapore 088897
32. Basque Kitchen by Aitor
Probably one of the first places to introduce Basque cuisine on our sunny island, the eponymous restaurant has moved from its Amoy Street locale to the historic Fullerton Waterboat House. Still helmed by chef Aitor Jeronimo Orive, the new spot boasts a pintxos bar and lounge, a 38-seater main dining hall, an eight-seater private dining room and an exclusive members-only space.
The restaurant is outfitted by design agency Grey Matters and inspired by the four elements of earth, eater, fire and air. Think along the lines of charcoal stained oak floorboards, plush velvet banquettes and a semi-open kitchen, all wrapped in hues of warm orange and oaky tones with accents of gold and copper.
Food-wise, tuck into artisanal Sanfilippo anchovies served with tomatoes and flatbread, goose barnacles with sous vide abalone, wagyu burger and oysters from the a la carte menu. But we’ll be coming for the lunch ($158) and dinner ($248) tasting menus. Charcoal-grilled meat and seafood take centre stage with dishes like blackspot bream and razor clams, beef loin served with truffle jus, and sea anemone paired with bomba rice and sea succulents. Round off your meal with a selection of over 600 wines curated by Vincent Jaureguiberry, who has worked with award-winning restaurants locally and abroad.
Basque Kitchen by Aitor, #02-01/02/03, The Fullerton Waterboat House, 3 Fullerton Road, Singapore 049215
33. Alleybar
This Emerald Hill fave is back on our radar with its new food and drinks menu. A perfect excuse to take in the gorgeous architecture! From Peranakan swing doors at the entrance to hand-woven lanterns illuminating the space to the sleek 15-metre brass bartop, Alleybar is where old meets new.
Executive chef Chan Kar Meng, who sharpened his knife at Red Tail Bar by Zouk and one Michelin-starred restaurant Jag, helms the kitchen. Start your meal with light bar bites like oysters ($26) topped with sherry mignonette, ginger flower ponzu and lemon, and burrata ($23) with beetroot, tomatoes, hazelnut and parma ham. But leave space for mains like the decadent lobster roll ($32) or pita pockets ($23) that come in three flavours: massaman pork, ‘philli’ cheesesteak and soft shell crab.
Want a cocktail to go with your food? The Untold Edition showcases a trio of tipples made with the age-old technique of milk clarification. Inspired by the classic pina colada, The Ghosted Colada ($22) ditches the flashy colour palette for a romantic purple hue spiked with Plantation 3 Stars Rum. For something more potent, The Unseen Sour ($22) fits the bill. Made with fresh lemon juice, Bulleit bourbon and sugar syrup, the drink comes with a crimson red layer of merlot. The creativity even extends to our national drink, the Singapore Sling. As its name suggests, The Invisible Sling ($22) opts for a more alluring look with just a tinge of pink.
Alleybar, Peranakan Place, 2 Emerald Hill Road, Singapore 229287
34. Fukui
The local dining scene welcomes another omakase restaurant along Mohamed Sultan Road. Located in a shophouse and spanning 3,000 square feet, Fukui takes inspiration from the titular prefecture of Japan. Step into the restaurant and you’ll notice the intimate 12-seater sushi counter set against the undulating silhouettes of mountains found in that coastal region.
It’s led by chef Nick Pa’an, who has worked at the now-defunct Santaro Japanese Restaurant. The omakase menu (from $88 for lunch and $188 for dinner) revolves around seasonal produce and ingredient-focused plates. Here, the kitchen makes sauces like ponzu and shoyu from scratch and brings out natural flavours of the fish through traditional straw fire cooking techniques. Get ready for your taste buds to be titillated!
Fukui, 25 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 238969
35. Hashida Singapore
Chef Kenjiro ‘Hatch’ Hashida’s namesake restaurant makes a comeback with a new space at Amoy Street. The new Hashida is a beautiful amalgamation of old and new, with three private dining rooms adorned with different themes. At its core, Hashida is an omakase restaurant. But during lunchtime, you can opt for set meals (from $120) that feature deftly crafted sushi and fresh sashimi. During our visit, we were treated to a series of exquisite plates over seven courses, from chawanmushi to don topped with uni to melt-in-your-mouth sushi.
Hashida Singapore, #01-01, 77 Amoy Street, Singapore 069896
36. Kitch
Conceptualised by Les Amis Group, Kitch brings together Peperoni Pizzeria and Yujin Bowls under one roof. Get pizzas in XXL portions ($55) and hearty Japanese salmon bowls like aburi mentaiko ($14.90). It’s all available for takeaway and delivery, so you can mix and match dishes to your liking.
Kitch, order online
37. The Priority Club
The Priority Club is a new virtual restaurant that delivers unique pastas and pizzas to your doorstep. Fronted by chef Don Hanif, who has worked with the Da Paolo group for a decade, the culinary team pushes the boundaries with pizzas (from $16.90) topped with truffle mac and cheese, Japanese curry chicken and fries, spiced chicken and garlic yogurt, and paneer and spinach. For pastas (from $14.90), graze on the likes of Wild Card Mala Chicken, Sleight of Tom Yum and Taco-cchi Blanche, which features taco minced beef in cream sauce. Did you hear that? It sounds like a house party is in order.
The Priority Club, order online
38. Happy Ending Pizza Parlour
If you’re all about that pizza lifestyle, this pizzeria is bound to put a smile on your face. A first of its kind in Singapore, Happy Ending Pizza Parlour will have you demolishing every part of the pie, including the leftover crust. Choose from eight flavours like smoky BBQ, chilli crab, bacon jam and cooling ranch to pair with your crust. That’s not all. The creativity extends to the flavours with creations like a mala-based beef pizza ($28) and a bacon and blueberry jam-flavoured pizza ($26). For traditionalists, opt for classic flavours like pepperoni ($23) and Hawaiian ($27). Round out your meal with sweet treats like tiramisu ($8) and chocolate fudge cake ($8).
Happy Ending Pizza Parlour, #01-35, Citygate, 371 Beach Road, Singapore 199597
39. Fat Belly Social Steakhouse
Brought to you by the folks who gave us Fat Belly, this new concept champions communal dining over good food and wine. So grab your squad and graze on sharing plates like grilled octopus ($30), spicy crispy pig’s ear ($15) and roasted Japanese scallops ($28). Then, go all out with sharing plates that centre on the lesser-known but flavourful cuts of steak. Think along the lines of angus flat iron ($108) and wagyu zabuton ($210). End the night with a glass of wine: there are over 70 labels to choose from.
Fat Belly Social Steakhouse, 21A Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069620
40. Sommer
Helmed by Lewis Barker who has worked in the kitchens of Bacchanalia and Vianney Massot, Sommer is the newest brand under the Ebb and Flow Group. The 28-seater restaurant is equal parts contemporary and cosy with floor-to-ceiling windows, charcoal grey hues and warm wood panelling, along with an open kitchen where the action takes place.
The menu pays homage to nature’s creativity through a series of modern European plates. Expect the likes of smoked mackerel on toast, glazed foie gras, roasted langoustine, dry-aged Irish duck and oysters with green chilli ponzu. Depending on your mood, either select the four-course Inspiration menu ($168) or the six-course Experience menu ($228), and chef Lewis will impress you with his culinary flair.
Sommer, #01-02, The Sail @ Marina Bay, 2 Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018987
41. Nusantara
The CBD crowd now has a new lunch spot: Nusantara. Its moniker takes after the ancient Javanese term for the Indonesian Archipelago, so expect iconic dishes from the region. Using recipes from his grandmother and mother, chef Firdauz Nasir dishes up authentic Nusantra cuisine sans preservatives and MSG. The menu is pretty straightforward. All you have to do is take your pick from mouth-watering rice bowls like asam pedas ($10.90), beef rendang ($10.90) and ayam kicap buah keluak ($8.90). Then, pair your meal with a choice of sides such as sayur lodeh and sambal goreng.
Tempted by other dishes on display? Well, we don’t blame you ‘cause we tried over 10 different dishes. We highly recommend the rempah fried chicken ($12/4 pieces), bergedil ($1.50), itik gulai (slow-roasted duck in coconut gravy) and gado gado ($7.80). In addition, there’s also a decent selection of dishes for vegans and vegetarians alike. Plus, you get to pick from six types of sambal, including a piquant durian-infused variation.
While you’re there, bag yourself a couple of sardine and potato curry puffs ($1.80) and mashed banana fritters ($1.80) – trust us, you won’t regret it. Complete your hearty meal with a creamy cup of kopi kelapa (coconut coffee). It’s safe to say that one visit won’t be enough to try all of the flavourful dishes!
Nusantara, #02-16/17, Frasers Tower, 182 Cecil Street, Singapore 069547
42. Takeshi-san
Joining the long list of restaurants in the Holland Village enclave is the newly-opened sushi restaurant, Takeshi-san. During our visit, we were treated to an exclusive five-course meal featuring modern and classic dishes.
We started our meal with the salmon and hotate served carpaccio-style ($12), and the creamy chawanmushi ($12) topped with luscious uni. Then, we worked our way through the innovative Mexican roll ($15) stuffed with panko shrimp, cucumber, cream cheese and topped with breadcrumbs. Up next, the umami-flavoured scallop pasta ($24) which features capellini in mentaiko sauce, topped with dried sakura ebi.
The showstopper of the day? The ‘gram-worthy premium kaiden set ($26). An assortment of sushi (eel, salmon belly and the like) is presented on a mini wooden staircase. It really takes the meaning of elevated dining to another level! Last but not least, we ended our meal on a sweet, heady note with a trio of dessert wines: Chardonnay juice infused with milk liqueur, shochu infused with black tea and umeshu.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg as the menu is pretty extensive. Also, judging from the customer footfall, we highly encourage you to make a reservation before popping by.
Takeshi-San, 38 Lor Mambong, Singapore 277694
43. Jomo
The Jomo Group makes its mark in the dining scene with its eponymous restaurant at Holland Village. Situated at the end of Lorong Mambong Road, Jomo houses a retail store and a breezy alfresco area on the ground floor, and a restaurant and bar on the second. Think of it as a place where you can unwind amongst friends and family over good food and drinks.
Just so you know, there are over 250 wines and spirits to choose from and four beers ($8/pint) on tap. Come hungry as the menu is adorned with fuss-free western classics that will fill you right up. For instance, tuck into crispy pork belly ($8), juicy Angus beef burgers ($14) and beer-battered fish and chips ($16). Feeling peckish? The gut-busting 1.2kg meat platter ($88), which offers ribs, sausages and the like, will undoubtedly satisfy. Swing by on Sundays as Jomo teams up with Australian butchery Sidecar Handcrafted for a full-on family BBQ.
Jomo, 48 Lorong Mambong, Singapore 277699
44. Yum Sing!
A brainchild of Putien restaurant founder Fong Chi Chung, Yum Sing! celebrates all things Singapore, from its vibrant food culture to its rich history. Located in the heart of Clarke Quay, the 128-seater restaurant will transport you to 60s Singapore. Drop by the retail boutique store which displays iconic Singaporean snacks – a reference to the traditional provision shops. The ceilings are plastered with old school newspaper advertisements and look out for the graffiti art in the dining area. Plus, the dazzling neon lights illuminate the space, creating the perfect speakeasy backdrop.
Must-try dishes include coffee pork ribs ($10), bak kut teh, ($10) and char kway teow ($10). And for the ultimate Singaporean feast, don’t leave without trying the famous chilli crab ($78) and Hainanese chicken rice ($10). The very Singaporean theme also trickles down to the bar programme. Expect concoctions like Yum Sling ($18), a potent twist on the famous Singapore Sling. For something cheeky, try the Kaya Toast Cocktail ($18), which actually offers a slice of the classic kaya toast. All in all, if you’re looking for a nostalgic dining experience, Yum Sing is where it’s at.
Yum Sing, #01-06/07, 3B River Valley Road, Clarke Quay, Singapore 179021
45. Persea
Calling all keto dieters! Now you’ve got a new place to hit up for your low-carb needs at Ann Siang Road. Persea is dedicated to providing healthy and tasty fare. And also, the menu is pretty seasonal so expect only the freshest produce.
This time ‘round, it’s all about Mediterranean flavours. Graze on cauli-hummus ($10) and greek-style burrata ($24) for starters. Then fill up on prawns with sumac crème fraiche ($20), and chicken with garlic yogurt and cauliflower tabouleh ($24). End your low-carb meal on a sweet note with rosemary basque cheesecake ($16). Nit-picky about your macronutrient intake? Don’t worry, the carb value of all the dishes is listed on the menu. Oh, did we also mention that you can sip on sugar-free cocktails? Guess you can have your cake and eat it after all.
Persea, 23 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069703
46. Moonbow
The lush enclave of Dempsey Hill welcomes a new entrant: Moonbow. Helmed by local chef Heman Tan, the restaurant doles out modern European plates with an Asian influence, wrapped up in pastel hues of champagne and gold for a romantic ambience.
Fall in love with dishes like wagyu carpaccio with purple mustard and truffle shoyu ($28) and pork jowl steak with salted egg curry sauce ($38). Another highlight has to be the chargrilled chicken leg with garlicky crumbs and bearnaise sauce ($38). Opt for the four- or five-course meal to get a little taste of everything. Its brunch line-up is worth waking up early for. Think the likes of scotch egg and tomato bruschetta ($21), bangers and mash ($24) and avo eggs benedict ($24).
Moonbow, #01-21, Block 10 Dempsey Road, Singapore 247700
47. Zuzu Kitchen
An accountant by day, pizza connoisseur by night, Julien Li has recently launched his home-based omakase experience ($75 per pax) Zuzu Kitchen. First, a little background on Julien. Originally from Mauritius, the circuit breaker pushed him to explore his love affair of pizza by making his own from scratch. After a few experiments with a run-of-the-mill kitchen oven, he has mastered the art of pizza-making. Moreover, his kitchen is now equipped with a top-grade pizza oven.
Pizza snobs would be glad to know that the dough is hand-kneaded three days in advance. Plus, the flour is shipped directly from Naples. Look forward to pizza creations like pumpkin salami and rougaille garlic prawn. Other dishes like watermelon salad and panna cotta are also expected to make an appearance. Psst: you can bring your own bottle of vino at no additional corkage fee.
Reservations can be made via Instagram or directly at 96722121, open every Saturday
48. Restaurant Euphoria
Head over to Tras Street and step into chef Jason Tan’s Euphoria where vegetables take centre stage. Even the interiors by JTAW Design (founded by chef Jason and his partner) evoke a modern indoor garden. Think sleek gold brass furnishings, hints of greenery sprouting from the ceilings and a fascinating chandelier that’s an abstract ode to an onion. Yes, that’s the first indication of chef Jason’s fondness for onions. Be prepared to shed happy tears when you tuck into his gastro-botanica six- ($208) or eight-course ($258) menu.
For the uninitiated, gastro-botanica is a specialty cuisine created by chef Jason himself. It was introduced during his time at Michelin-starred Corner House. Here, he elevates the vegetable-forward cuisine with the introduction of essences. Drawing inspiration from French culinary techniques, he has created meatless base sauces made from botanical reductions and extractions.
One of the highlights has to be flower-shaped Oignon Jamboree. It features onions served five ways – pickled, pureed, parfait, oil and broth. With the addition of legumes essence and caviar, the dish has a well-layered flavour profile and dare we say, it can stand on its own as an entree. For carb lovers, there’s the Mochishire, a cross between mochi bread and Yorkshire pudding, paired with an addiction onion dip.
For hearty proteins, you get creations like torched Maine lobster served with artfully plated carrots. Visually and taste-wise, the orange vegetable steals the show. It is brined before it’s sliced into ribbons, confit in beurre noisette and topped with candied orange zest. The result? A subtle sweet carrot mille crepe. Also, look forward to the succulent lamb neck. You’ll get an opportunity to pick from a selection of hand-forged Damascus steel knives to cut through the meat. Don’t forget the locally sourced patin fish, which is prepared in a European style with legumes emulsion and sauteed squid strips.
The creativity continues with desserts, particularly the photogenic petit fours. Think of it as a pandora’s box where you’re treated to saccharine gems like bandung mochi and nutmeg madeline. Oh, and for the full Euphoria experience, go for the wine pairings, we say.
Restaurant Euphoria, 76 Tras Street, Singapore 079015
49. Picanhas’
Picanhas’ is the new kid on the block at Club Street. And if the moniker is anything to go by, steak is at the heart of this halal establishment. Picanha is actually a cut of beef from the rump cap muscle popularised in Brazil. Therefore, expect lots of simple but fresh flavours. Take your pick from two signature dishes: queen of steaks ($21) and picanha don ($16). The former features tempting steak slices drizzled with brown charcoal butter. The latter is a rice bowl where the namesake steak lies atop a bed of butterfly pea-infused rice. The place might not offer boozy concoctions but surely you can find creative mocktails on the menu, including the Kyoho Sangria made of lychee, chrysanthemum, honey and non-alcoholic vino.
Picanhas’, 90 Club Street, Singapore 069458
50. Masaaki
Kyoto-raised chef Masaaki Sakashita, who has helmed the kitchens of Ishi and Hashida Sushi, brings his culinary expertise to his newest venture: Masaaki. The South Beach Avenue spot is outfitted by Takenouchi Webb, showcasing a stunning collision of contemporary design and oriental glamour. For instance, look out for the walls draped in soft pink Gucci wallpaper illustrating beautiful white cranes. Plus, a cascading wave of washi sheets hang from the ceiling, and the centrepiece of the dining room is a wood counter crafted purely from a 250-year-old hinoki.
What’s on the menu? Sushi served omakase-style. Using only the freshest ingredients, each dish is a reflection of chef Masaaki’s skills and Japanese culinary ethos. Sit at the counter for a visual feast. Expect to see live crabs meeting the flames from the charcoal hearth in the open kitchen and the intricate art of sushi-making. Just swing by during lunch ($120/7-course, $250/9-course) or dinner time (from $280) and let Masaaki treat your palate and senses.
Masaaki, B1-17, South Beach, 26 Beach Road, Singapore 189768
51. Socieaty
Les Amis Group has brought some of its stellar dining concepts under one roof at the new multi-concept restaurant, Socieaty. Trust us when we say you will be spoilt for choice. The combined menu features multiple items like pizza, Peranakan food and Japanese fare from names like Peperoni Pizzeria, Indigo Blue Kitchen and Yujin Bowls.
Socieaty, #01-01A, One Farrer Hotel, 1 Farrer Park Station Road, Singapore 217562
52. Kotuwa
Chef Rishi Naleendra adds a third restaurant under his belt (the other two being Cloudstreet and Cheek Bistro) with the opening of Kotuwa. Kotuwa is named after the Sri Lankan capital’s central business, hence this kitchen’s modus operandi is pretty clear.
Championing Sri Lankan cuisine, the menu is embellished with bold flavours. Isso Devil ($34) offers stir-fried prawns with ginger, green chilli and tomatoes. Meanwhile, hoppers ($4) is a rice and coconut pancake, and kottu roti (from $18), comprises chopped-up godhamba roti with a choice of chicken or jackfruit. Another highlight has to be the Sri Lankan crab curry, which follows the secret recipe passed down from chef Rishi’s mother. All we know is that the crab is cooked in a medley of spices and the dish is served with crab crackers and custom-made bibs. But we ain’t complaining! Vegetarians can tuck into a selection of plant-based eats like stir-fry beetroot ($16) and butternut squash cooked in coconut gravy ($16).
Undoubtedly, the cocktail programme also follows suit with the Sri Lankan theme. We’re talking about innovative concoctions fit for royalty. Sip on Queen of Jaffana ($20), a mix of tequila, green chilli, tamarind, Cointreau and citrus. Or try Queen of the Rise-East, made with coconut washed gin, vermouth and Campari. There’s also Princess of Galle, an interesting blend of vodka, lemongrass, curry leaves, ginger beer, black pepper and turmeric.
Kotuwa, Wanderlust Hotel, 2 Dickson Road, Singapore 209494
There you have it; all the best new restaurant openings (and menus) of 2021 in Singapore!
