We’ve got the lowdown on all the best new restaurants in Singapore for 2022. Bookmark this page for regular updates!
The feasting continues in July! Look to our list of best new restaurants (and menus) in Singapore for piping hot deets on all things fresh. We’ve got everything from fancy Japanese food to fine dining. These are the coolest new kids in town you don’t wanna miss out on.
Best new restaurants in Singapore: July 2022 edition
Jinhonten
Sure, there are plenty of omakase restaurants in Singapore. But if there’s just one you have to set your sights on, it’s gotta be Jinhonten. This new concept by the Les Amis Group is helmed by head chef Issey Araki. And he’s set to impress with premium and meticulously-procured ingredients from Japan.
The menu consists of either an eight-course lunch ($180++) or 10-course dinner ($450++). Everything is fresh and made with as little seasoning as possible to ensure that the focus lies on the innate flavours of each ingredient. Our favourite dishes were the handroll with nodoguro – a fatty fish that was so buttery – and the juicy Hida beef cubes grilled over binchotan. We also loved that the donabe didn’t stinge on crab meat, meaning each bite of rice was accompanied by generous chunks of succulent crab.
If the good food isn’t enough to entice you, chef Issey is quite the entertainer. He’s always ready to strike a pose for the ‘gram in a hairy crab shell mask, or brandish a giant red rockfish in his arms. Trust us, you’ll leave with a full stomach and a camera roll full of stunning food pics.
Jinhonten, #01-11, Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road, Singapore 228208
Ocean Restaurant
How’s this for unique: an underwater dining experience with a menu created by a Michelin-starred chef. That’s Ocean Restaurant for you. Reopening with upgraded interiors and a fresh take on seafood, it’s a delight to dine in. Make your way to the restaurant (the entrance is right inside the carpark) and step into the sleek space refurbished with sustainable and ethically sourced materials.
The bar is the first thing you’ll see: designed in blue and stone with textured glass bricks, it serves up French-inspired cocktails. Of course, the highlight of the decor is the row of one-way panels that offer mesmerising views of marine creatures in S.E.A. Aquarium’s Open Ocean Habitat. It’s perfect for intimate catchups or elegant family gatherings, though you might just find yourself drifting off mid-conversation to gaze at the enchanting sight of giant manta rays and fishes swimming by (no judgment there).
Taking charge of the food is Olivier Bellin, chef-owner of two Michelin-starred L’Auberge des Glazicks in Brittany, France. The highlights? Seafood and sustainability. Each dish focuses on fresh flavours of the sea, made with responsibly sourced catches, local produce and house-grown herbs. Expect to spend about $148++ at lunch and $248++ at dinner per person. The menu’s still being whipped into shape, but on our visit, we were treated to delicately-plated dishes with unexpected ingredient pairings.
The Josper oven-baked wagyu beef, for example, is served with seared asparagus, seaweed confit potatoes and uni (sea urchin). Slice a bit of each into one mouthful for an umami bite that’s creamy, crunchy and rich. Not a fan of frog legs? You might change your mind (we certainly did) after sampling a dish of breaded and minced frog leg meat with parsley and garlic foam. These fried orbs make an addictive starter – you’ll be polishing off your plate in no time. The butter-poached dover sole with tomato marmalade also hits the spot with a lovely crackle from the fish skin and tangy flavours from the sauce. You know where to find us on our next date night!
Ocean Restaurant, West B1M Carpark, Equarius Hotel, 22 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098136
Nobu Singapore
The iconic restaurant arrives on our shores, bringing with it celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s famous signatures. We all know it’s the hotspot for Hollywood celebs: notable names sighted at its Malibu outpost include Rihanna, the Kardashians and the Biebs. It also has locations all over the world, but if you haven’t had a chance to dine at Nobu, the one at Four Seasons does justice to the brand – if it’s a classic experience you’re looking for.
Stroll past the open-air Japanese garden and bar, and you’ll enter the dimly-lit restaurant. Service is impeccable and the vibe is buzzy – the place was packed on our weekday visit, as if all the cool kids in town were there to check out the swish space. As for the menu, it’s a familiar sight featuring the beautiful and tender black cod miso ($68) and the spice-tinged yellowtail jalapeno ($39). You’ll be spoilt for choice with an array of wagyu beef, kushiyaki (skewers), sashimi, sushi, tempura, teppanyaki and more.
If you want the full experience of Nobu’s smash hits, go for the multi-course omakase menu paired with cocktails or Nobu-exclusive sake made by Hokusetsu brewery. Dining here is an indulgent experience, no doubt. And if the name leaves you starry-eyed, make a reservation and pop by to see what all the hype is about.
Nobu Singapore, Level 3, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, 190 Orchard Boulevard, Singapore 248646
Restaurant Born
This new fine dining restaurant at Jinrikisha Station is run by Malaysian-born chef Zor Tan, who helms the kitchen backed by years of experience in places like Restaurant Raw in Taipei and Sichuan Moon in Macau. The contemporary menu combines the sophistication of French gastronomy with Chinese ingredients and flavours – each dish weaves a story, blending his heritage, life lessons, memories and more.
Start with a unique selection of pickles and snacks before you head into the nine-course meal ($368++) that spotlights creations like ‘aged’ wagyu beef tartare fried bao with Irish oyster emulsion, Jerusalem artichoke with lily bulbs and caviar, smoked eel with barramundi fish maw, and Alaskan king crab with glutinous rice. The beautiful heritage building space complements the food with unique artworks, feature walls, a show kitchen and shelves stocked with the restaurant’s pickle and tea collection at the open lounge.
Restaurant Born, 1 Neil Road, Singapore 088804
Sushi Yujo
All hail this new sushi omakase restaurant, which delivers dining experiences that don’t hit your wallet too hard (lunch from $98, dinner from $198). Singaporean chef Desmond Fong, former head chef of Sushi Jin, brings his creative spin to traditional omakase. Fresh seafood is flown in regularly from Toyosu Market in Tokyo, with lunch set menus (from $38) of salmon or unagi don.
Come evening, the four omakase-only selections include Hogo ($198) and Chusei ($198) for a seafood-focused meal that includes carpaccio, sushi, sashimi and cooked dishes. For chef Fong’s signatures, choose the Yujo ($288) or Shinzoku ($348) to enjoy seasonal creations that can range from hairy crab to Awabi abalone. Of course, you’ll find wine and sake on the drinks list to complement the food.
Sushi Yujo, #02-26, Amara Hotel, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088539
The Coconut Club
Your favourite fancy nasi lemak hotspot has officially moved to its new Beach Road home in a conservation shophouse. The first floor houses the all-day dining room kitted out with rattan and terrazzo elements, while the second level features a mural of flora and fauna motifs by local artist Aeropalmics. Try elevated versions of familiar classics for breakfast or afternoon tea – the menu includes charcoal-grilled kaya toast ($7.80), coconut shake ($8.80) and, of course, those signature nasi lemak sets (from $10.80).
For the ultimate family-style nasi lemak communal experience, head upstairs to enjoy a mix of local and regional dishes made with top-notch ingredients and paired with coconut rice. The selection includes gohu ikan (raw yellowfin tuna salad), gado gado, otah, percik kambing (roasted lamb short ribs) and sambal mushrooms. The Coconut Club’s flagship also sees its debut of a proper cocktail lineup with drinks such as pineapple old fashioned ($21) made with scotch whisky, Laphroaig 10, pineapple skin syrup and coconut water.
The Coconut Club, 269 Beach Road, Singapore 199546
Best new restaurants in Singapore: June 2022 edition
Wakuda
This is one hot new opening you don’t want to miss out on: Wakuda is the buzzworthy new restaurant at Marina Bay Sands Hotel, a collaboration between chef Tetsuya Wakuda of two Michelin-starred Waku Ghin and restaurateur John Kunkel of 50 Eggs Hospitality Group. Step into the elegant space and you’ll be wowed by the design. It’s inspired by traditional Japanese architecture, with elements of rich wood tones, a custom ceiling installation, bronze accents and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a view of a gorgeous Japanese maple tree.
Open from Tuesdays to Sundays for dinner, Wakuda offers an exquisite dining experience. Take a seat at the bar for fancy cocktails, round up your pals for an evening of extravagance at the main dining area, or look forward to the restaurant’s soon-to-launch omakase and private sushi room. The line-up of Japanese favourites with a Wakuda twist is pretty extensive. Think sashimi, sushi, tempura, yakimono (grilled items), rice bowls and more.
Everything’s made fresh in small batches, featuring incredible ingredients like Tokujyo AA uni from Hokkaido, A5 wagyu and black pork from Kagoshima, yuba from Kyoto, musk melon and fresh wasabi from Shizuoka (chef Tetsuya’s home town) and more. The menu is ever-evolving depending on the produce, so you’ll be pleasantly surprised on each visit.
We particularly loved the creamy yuba ($38): fresh beancurd skin served in a martini glass filled with Hokkaido sea urchin, mountain caviar, dashi gelee and myoga. The cold soba ($68) made beautifully al dente and served with botan shrimp, truffle sauce and oscietra caviar is another highlight. Don’t miss out on the delish carabineros prawn with miso tarragon risotto ($43) either! And the charcoal-grilled Kagoshima wagyu ($108) is simply to die for – paired with smoked eggplant and grilled veggies, this is one dish you can’t pass up on.
Complement your meal with fab cocktails or the Wakuda-exclusive Isojiman junmai ginjo sake before you end off with the refreshing Japanese musk melon dessert ($28) served with Cointreau granita and fromage blanc sorbet. Dining here is a splurge, but it’s well worth it.
Wakuda, Lobby, Marina Bay Sands Hotel Tower 2, 1 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018971
California Republic
Transport yourself to 60s California at this new restaurant by The Dandy Collection. It serves up SoCal Italian dishes that’ll leave you in a food coma – totally worth it! Kick off your meal with the coastal flavours of California at a seafood and oyster bar. The trio of grilled oysters ($18) are served in a pool of flavourful chipotle and bourbon butter. Move along to stellar small plates like meatballs al Angeleno ($28) – melt-in-your-mouth fantastic veal, pork and beef meatballs drenched in a rich tomato sauce. Or faux artichokes ($18): glazed jackfruit barigoule with tangy herb aioli and pangrattato.
We’re still dreaming of the smoked bucatini pasta ($34) tossed in pork ragu bianco, soffritto and bone marrow. Safe to say we were scraping the plate. Seafood lovers will enjoy the lazy man’s cioppino ($48), a flavourful tomato broth filled with roasted sea bass, clams, mussels and calamari. Oh, and if you’re going for dinner, don’t forget to order West Coast garlic mops ($18) – aptly named to mop up your leftover sauces with.
California Republic, 88 Amoy Street, Singapore 069907
Luce
Luce by Davide Giacomelli has opened its doors at InterContinental Singapore! You can expect to find traditional Italian cuisine at its purest within this warm and inviting resto. We just know it’s gonna be a popular rendezvous spot for casual lunches and romantic dinner dates.
The menu is inspired by Italian classics and the authentic flavours of chef Davide’s hometown. Whet your appetite with bruschetta ($19): this dish topped with grated garlic, parma ham and buffalo mozzarella may be simple, but it’s such a refreshing way to start the meal. Seafood lovers will absolutely love the moreish Acquerello lobster ($46). Think half a Boston lobster served with savoury carnaroli rice cooked in a rich lobster stock. If that’s not enough, sink your teeth into the merluzzo alla puttanesca ($46) – a soft and flaky pan-fried Atlantic cod served in a traditional puttanesca sauce. Delizioso!
Want more from Luce? Keep an eye out for an upcoming convivial weekend brunch experience that’ll incorporate classic treats commonly found along the streets of Italy. You can even look forward to a good dose of live music while you wine and dine!
Luce, Level 1, InterContinental Singapore, 80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966
Cowaramup Roadhouse
You can’t miss the massive colourful signboard plastered above this restaurant. Cowaramup Roadhouse is a great Australian roadhouse-style dining experience for big groups of families and friends. The breezy alfresco area is dog-friendly too! Created in collab with Mooloolabar & Kitchen by JT, the restaurant serves up a variety of starters, grilled skewers, gourmet meat dishes, sharing platters and weekend breakfast plates.
Highlights include the double bacon cheese burger pappardelle ($15), an indulgent iteration of the iconic American cheeseburger with minced pork and beef, tomato sauce and cheese fondue; and the oven-baked barramundi ($22) wrapped in bacon and served with creamed spinach, smoked onion rings and chilli oil.
The star of the show has to be the wellington! That’s right, you’ll find excellent beef and duck wellington right here. The beef version (from $34) has charcoal-grilled Australian beef tenderloin and mushroom duxelle wrapped in puff pastry. Plus, you can add foie gras too. The duck wellington ($35) is just as delish, made with charcoal-grilled duck breast.
Cowaramup Roadhouse, 404 Telok Blangah Road, Singapore 098840
Gary’s
Enter the picturesque greenery of Rochester Park and you’ll find a number of black and white colonial bungalows, one of which is home to Gary’s. It’s named after Taiwan-born Singaporean chef Gary Wu, who has swept up multiple awards throughout his 28 years in the culinary scene. Just like the restaurant’s lush surroundings, its ambience is tranquil and charming, welcoming you into its embrace with marble counters, warm wood panels, and parquet floors.
Whether it’s a celebration for the fam or a romantic date, Gary’s is perfect. The menu blends Italian fine dining with a touch of Japanese for a refined menu. You can’t pass up on the pasta: think bamboo clam with squid ink pasta ($28) or carbonara with crispy Iberico chips ($26). We loved the beef cheek ragu with pappardelle, red wine sauce and parmigiano ($26) – it’s comfort food at its finest.
On the seafood and meat side, the choices are divine. If you’re in the mood for fish, the salt-crusted wild-caught sea bass with confit potato and grilled vegetables ($88) is great for sharing around the table. If you’ve got your eye on meaty mains, take your pick from slow-cooked wagyu beef cheek ($38), lamb rack ($48) and fork-tender Iberico pork jowl ($38). Can’t pass up on dessert? Try the tiramisu ($14), nougat parfait ($14) or flambe chocolate cake ($14).
Gary’s, 41 Rochester Drive, Singapore 138582
Best new restaurants in Singapore: May 2022 edition
White Marble
Sister restaurant of Black Marble, this Mediterranean grill concept by chef Otto Weibel plays up the region’s flavours, with a spotlight on fresh seafood and vegetables. The dining area is casual and spacious, ideal for lunch catch-ups or family gatherings. On the menu, you’ll find dishes that travel from the Middle East to Southern Europe to Northern Africa.
Start with the mezze plate ($34) to share. This signature platter is a flavourful start to the meal, featuring tabbouleh with quinoa, fattouche, eggplant moutabbal, hummus, chicken skewer and pita bread. Just as lovely is the prawn bucatini puttanesca ($28), a simple, classic dish you won’t regret ordering. This pasta is sauteed with cherry tomatoes, capers, olives, garlic, prawns and anchovies.
But the main must-try is White Marble’s chicken leg bone-in tagine ($60). This beautiful Moroccan stew – made of chicken marinated in shawarma spice and slow-cooked with preserved lemon, dates, olives, capers and tomato – feeds two perfectly. Of course, if you’ve got the meat munchies, you’ll have to order the lamb ($48) or seafood ($38) skewers as well. End off your meal with a fig and almond tart ($16) or crema catalana ($16).
Perk alert: enjoy a complimentary bar snack and sides (U.P. $12) with a minimum spend of $50 on your OCBC Cards from 1 to 31 May 2022.
White Marble, #01-09, Orchard Rendezvous Hotel, 1 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247905
Sushi Ichizuke
So you love your sushi? Make a trip to this omakase hotspot for a one-of-a-kind multisensory meal complete with groovy tunes by Zouk. Grab a date and head over to the intimate space, which is decked out in stone walls and dark wood. Must-tries on the menu (from $280 per person) include the Ichizuke don (uni, ikura, golden flying fish roe and Hokkaido hairy crab), house-special handroll (bluefin tuna belly and Japanese radish) and edo-style zuke maguro (tuna sushi). For maximum enjoyment, pair ‘em all with smooth sakes from the extensive selection. Cheers to an authentic yet edgy omakase experience!
Perk alert: get a complimentary 360ml junmai daiginjo carafe or a complimentary 360ml junmai ginjo carafe with an omakase order ($480++) on your OCBC Cards from 1 to 31 May 2022. (Items are subject to seasonal availability.)
Sushi Ichizuke, #02-02, The Cannery, 3E River Valley Road, Singapore 179024
Babba
Cafe by day, Peranakan resto by night, Babba is brought to you by the folks behind Glasshouse and The Brewing Ground. Pop by in the morning for Peranakan-inspired brunch grub like dry laksa pasta or pulled rendang burger, as well as a range of traditional Nonya kuehs. Come nightfall, the kitchen whips up traditional dishes based on decades-old family recipes. For the ultimate comfort food experience, order classics like ayam buah keluak, beef rendang, babi pongteh and bakwan kepeting.
Perk alert: enjoy a complimentary kueh platter or pulut hitam with a minimum spend of $60 on your OCBC Cards during weekdays (excluding PH and eve of PH) from 1 to 31 May 2022.
Babba, 15-9 Jalan Riang, Singapore 358987
Here Kitty Kitty
An opulent Japanese speakeasy by the Zouk Group, this den of decadence transports you to 1950s Shinjuku. Once you step into the gorgeous space (it’s right next to Sushi Ichizuke), you’ll likely forget you haven’t left the shores of Singapore. It’s home to three concept rooms – the Cathouse, Mamasan Lounge and Shibari Room – as well as a private bar and lounge for undisturbed parties. Sink your teeth into bar bites like wagyu sando, maki rolls and negitoro tataki, paired with stellar cocktails such as Ume Whiskey Sour or Haku Hai (matcha, Haku vodka, calpis and lemon).
Perk alert: enjoy 10% off Japanese spirits on your OCBC Cards from 1 to 31 May 2022.
Here Kitty Kitty, #02-02, The Cannery, 3E River Valley Road, Singapore 179024
Senshi Sushi & Grill
Swing by Dorsett Singapore in the CBD for an amazing Japanese dining experience. This contemporary a la carte buffet concept is housed in a cosy dining area with two private rooms. It’s helmed by veteran chef Martin Woo, who’s worked with countless celebrities in his career. Focusing on fresh ingredients, the menu changes according to seasonality. Signatures include mekajiki sashimi, spicy salmon roe sushi roll, aburi and nigiri sushi, and sea clam butter monte with herbs and sake mirin. Make sure you also leave room for highlights like unagi maki, pork kurobuta, salmon mentaiko maki and an assortment of sashimi. To take things up a notch, ganpai with glasses of beer, liquor and sake.
Perk alert: enjoy 10% off your total bill on your OCBC Cards from 1 May to 30 Sep 2022.
Senshi Sushi & Grill, #01-01, 333 New Bridge Road, Singapore 088765
Oumi
Perched atop the CapitaSpring tower, within the 1-Arden F&B and lifestyle destination, is Oumi. This new farm-to-table restaurant concept serves contemporary Japanese Kappa cuisine and is helmed by chef Lamley Chua. As the head of Japanese culinary development at 1-Group, he comes armed with a plethora of experience from his time working in several international and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Oumi’s culinary team works closely with 1-Arden’s head farmer, Christopher Leow of Edible Garden City. Together, they curate plants from the 1-Arden food forest for use in the kitchen. Expect to find plenty of the garden’s herbs and vegetables used in its dishes when you dine here.
Our favourite is the tempura crepe ($25), featuring a ‘crepe’ cracker made with tempura flour and gruyere cheese that’s deep-fried and topped with sliced avocado, crunchy Japanese sakura ebi and flying fish roe. Other highlights include Kabocha uni tofu ($30) that comes served with fresh sea urchin and edible flowers, as well as an uber-tender gyutan yaki ($35) – a whole Australian tajima beef tongue grilled over binchotan and sliced thinly.
Oumi, #51-01, CapitaSpring, 88 Market Street, Singapore 048948
Firangi Superstar
The gorgeously theatrical and ever-so-popular Firangi Superstar made a splash when it first opened. Less than a year later, it’s still making waves – and for all the right reasons. If you’re ditching meat or attempting to show a little more love to a plant-based diet these days, you’re not alone. But even with the great selection of meatless meats out there, we’re especially loving what Firangi Superstar’s done for its meat-free menu. The geniuses in this restaurant’s kitchen have recreated their original smash hits – keeping the same flavours and all – as veggie versions. That’s right, these plant-based babies aren’t an afterthought; they’re more like the flip side of the coin from their meaty counterparts. And boy oh boy are they just as delicious (if not even more so!).
Take the Sacred Earth Samosa, for example. Meat lovers can go for the original rendition of wagyu beef tartare, caviar and citrus pickle ($26), but we actually much prefer the beetroot tartare creation ($14). It’s done so beautifully you may not even realise you’re enjoying beetroot for the first time in your life. Another highlight: Grogu’s Roast. Tender Iberico pork ($23) or roasted cauliflower ($13)? Take your pick ‘cos both are just as scrumptious.
So serious is the menu about its meat and veg that you’ll find such twin offerings for all its small and large plates. Think braised and grilled beef short ribs vs young jackfruit, grilled snapper vs eggplant, and fried chicken vs tempeh. Don’t leave without an order of the fantastic fried Brussels sprouts with garam masala ($16) either. We love how Firangi gives its plant-based creations the spotlight they deserve – because at this restaurant, everyone’s welcome at the table.
Firangi Superstar, #01-03, 20 Craig Road, Singapore 089692
Basdban
So you like it hot? Spice up your life at fiery new gastrobar Basdban, a Sichuan-influenced hangout in the CBD perfect for casual after-work drinks. Brought to you by the folks behind Birds of a Feather (and taking over the space left behind by 51 Soho), the restaurant is helmed by chef Pang Kok Keong, who also leads the culinary teams of Sichuan Alley and Halcyon and Crane.
Think of Sichuan cuisine and mala immediately comes to mind. But Basdban veers off the path into a funky and fun direction with what chef Pang calls “rock & roll Sichuanese food”. Clearly, the kitchen takes things into unique territory here. Start with the roasted eggplant ($14), a dish that makes the vegetable delish with minced garlic sauce, smoked pork belly, cheese and – get this – Sichuan-spiced caramel popcorn. It’s unexpected but oh-so-good; trust us, you’ll be reaching for seconds. Love a good hotpot? Order the Sichuanese skewers ($22) to share and snack on bite-sized seafood, greens and meat dipped in chicken broth with a kick.
On to the mains: we loved the mapo tofu with crab meat and ikura ($20), a twist on the classic dish with Sichuan peppercorn and chilli powder on a bed of mixed grain pearl rice. The barramundi en papillote ($32) is another great choice for a lighter dish made flavourful with pickled vegetables and bamboo shoots. Pair your meal with beautiful cocktails for the full experience! Oh, and stop by on weekdays for various promos like happy hour on Lady’s Wednesday.
Basdban, #01-01, 51 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 048441
Meadesmoore
Formerly Fat Belly Social, the newly rebranded Meadesmoore stands out from the crowd with a menu that highlights unusual cuts of meat and adventurous dishes. Think starters like breaded pig’s head ($18) and bone marrow ($18) topped with house-smoked Hokkigai clams and fried garlic gremolata.
Its large-format sharing steaks are big enough to feed up to four diners – the meat is sourced from award-winning producers in Australia, Spain and the US. We recommend trying the 30-days dry-aged Galician MS 2/4 prime rib ($280) that’s charcoal-grilled to bring out its natural flavours. End the night on a sweet note with Chocolate, Chocolate and Chocolate ($16), a decadent dessert that features chocolate ganache, custard, crumble and tuile, paired with a heady chocolate and whisky sorbet. Yum!
Meadesmoore, 21A Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069620
Waterfall Ristorante Italiano
Step into Waterfall and it’s like you’ve been welcomed into a cosy Italian home – if your pal lived amidst the lush poolside garden of Shangri-La, that is. The restaurant isn’t new, but it recently brought onboard chef Simone Loisi from Puglia, Italy (formerly from iO Italian Osteria). With the new chef comes a medley of authentic Southern Italian dishes added to the menu of starters, salads, pizzas, pasta, seafood and meat.
Start with the crispy and juicy beer-marinated pork belly ($24) paired with tangy sauerkraut and dollops of honey mustard. Next, the classic burrata con affettati ($55) is a cheesy delight complemented with cold cuts like parma ham and mortadella. If you’re a big fan of pasta, the orecchiette broccoli e salsicca ($28) is homely comfort food at its best. Creamy but not too heavy, made with handmade pasta, broccoli and Italian pork sausage meat, the dish is finished off with shaved pecorino, toasted fennel seed, chilli and breadcrumbs. The gnocchi mare e monti ($32) is another winner if you love those fluffy potato orbs – it’s made flavourful with a prawn bisque sauce. Other highlights include mortadella flatbread ($29), grilled seabass in beetroot sauce ($42) and roasted half spring chicken ($38).
Waterfall Ristorante Italiano, Level One, Garden Wing, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350
Best new restaurants in Singapore: April 2022 edition
Tigress
Sharing a space with Kommune at 82 Social House in Orchard, Tigress is a funky Korean fusion gastrobar that serves burgers, pizzas and tapas plates with a side of billiards. So if you’re looking for a little post-meal fun, go ahead and challenge your mates to a game. Dotted with greenery, the high-ceilinged industrial space gives off cool jungle vibes, making it totally photo-worthy.
Get comfy in a seat and tuck into signatures like the Tigress burger ($34), a juicy combination of Australian wagyu patty, prosciutto, blue cheese, tomatoes, caramelised onions, pickles and the chef’s house sauce. Another must-try? The honey soy chicken burger ($25), featuring a crispy chicken patty, caramelised onions, sesame and Korean honey soy sauce – the perfect mix of sweet and salty. Other highlights include Spanish-style grilled spiced octopus ($19) topped with roasted Cajun potatoes and bacon, and creamy burrata with wild mushrooms and black truffle shavings ($16).
Perk alert: enjoy a complimentary snack or dessert of the day (U.P. $12) with a minimum spend of $50 on your OCBC Cards from 1 April to 30 June 2022.
Tigress, #03-17, Orchard Gateway, 277 Orchard Gateway, Singapore 238858
Nox – Dine in the Dark
This one-of-a-kind restaurant finds its new home at Club Street. Expect the same unique concept but with new interiors and refreshed menus. If you haven’t tried the pitch-black dining experience, take it from us: it’s an unforgettable one. The journey begins on the first-floor bar, where you can lounge with a cocktail in hand. Crafted by Sam Wong of Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall, the boozy concoctions include highlights like Kwai Fei (elderflower liqueur, gin, grapefruit juice and tonic water). Settle in snug on fancy velvet seats as you admire the design of the space, with a Braille-inspired wall installation and an RGB art wall.
But the true experience awaits on the second-floor dining area, with a three-course, 12-dish modern European mystery menu (from $88 per person). It takes a while to adjust to the darkness (no phones allowed!), but fret not ‘cos the friendly visually impaired hosts are there to guide you. It’s a true test of your taste buds as you sample dishes of different flavours, temperatures, textures and aromas – and play the guessing game to figure out what you’re eating. Pair it all with cocktail (from $50) and wine (from $30) flights for the ultimate indulgence!
Perk alert: each diner enjoys a complimentary post-dinner signature cocktail or glass of wine with OCBC Cards from 1 April to 31 May 2022.
Nox – Dine in the Dark, 83 Club Street, Singapore 069451
House On The Moon
After a menu revamp and relocation, this dessert bar returns with Instagram-worthy five- and seven-course set menus (from $38 per pax) that will blow your mind. Chef-owner Huseyin Turan takes things out of the box and blurs the line between sweet and savoury, making your dining experience quite the memorable one.
Take the Cauliflower Couscous, for example. The humble vegetable is plated as couscous, with jellified cream of cauliflower, a drizzle of parsley oil and a topping of tangerine sorbet with a sourdough cracker. If you like it savoury, you can replace the sorbet with a scallop for $9. Oh, and that Kalea65 cheesecake? Absolutely delish. But before you dig in, here’s a little backstory: the dessert was accidentally created by the chef for an after-party on Street 65 in Sri Lanka. What a tale!
Perk alert: enjoy 40% off your second order of the seven-course Full Moon set (U.P. $68 per pax) with OCBC Cards from 1 to 30 April 2022.
House On The Moon, #01-13, GR.ID, 1 Selegie Road, Singapore 188306
Sol & Luna
We’ll never decline a meal with arresting cityscape views, especially one at the new 51-storey skyscraper CapitaSpring. Make your way to the lush Green Oasis and you’ll find Sol & Luna, a new Latin-European restaurant by 1-Group. Aptly named after the sun and moon in Latin, the space magically transforms from sunrise to sundown. We experienced it ourselves, watching the sunset through the floor-to-ceiling windows as the space changed from a cool bistro-style hang to a swanky restaurant-slash-bar.
The menu spotlights cuisines from Italy, France, Portugal and Spain with head of culinary development Felix Chong’s unique twist. We particularly enjoyed the wood-fired sardine ($19) stuffed with mussels, herbs, breadcrumbs, pine nuts and butternut puree on the side. Reminded us of a stuffed otah-otah, if we may. The white gazpacho ($19) was rich and creamy thanks to Marcona almonds and a grilled half avocado.
Moving on to the mains, the meats shine. The 12-hour slow-cooked Welsh lamb shoulder was fall-off-the-bone tender. Meanwhile, the baked veal shank pie ($25) braised with carrots, zucchini, potatoes and veal jus, and topped with puff pastry, was like a warm hug. Finally, the Sol & Luna tiramisu ($16) had all the makings of a classic. Safe to say we polished it off. The dishes are great for sharing and even more enjoyable with good company. Stay for the great vibes!
Perk alert: enjoy 1 free cocktail with a minimum spend of $80 on your OCBC Cards from 1 to 31 May 2022.
Sol & Luna, #17-01, CapitaSpring, 88 Market Street, Singapore 048948
Roberta’s Singapore
The Brooklyn powerhouse pizzeria Roberta’s opens its first outpost in Singapore. Located at Marina Bay Sands, the walk-in 44-seater resto takes elements of the four other outlets in the US. A quick walk-through and you’ll notice vibrant pop art commissioned by Singaporean artist Andre Tan and New York-based painter Jason Woodside.
All pizzas are baked in the same Pavesi oven used in its outlets. The Singapore menu carries famed classics like the Bee Sting ($28), starring Calabrese salami, basil, mozzarella drizzled with chilli oil and honey; Cheesus Christ ($28), with mozzarella, taleggio, parmigiano and black pepper; and Baby Sinclair ($29), made of dinosaur kale, mushrooms, Calabrese peppers and garlic. Need more carbs? The house bread with stracciatella ($15) will fill you up nicely. You don’t expect salads to shine at a pizzeria but the smashed cucumbers with fermented garlic paste, Korean chilli and spicy seeds surprised us with a refreshing and spicy kick.
But with the astounding pizza scene in Singapore, we’d say Roberta’s Pizza has some tough competition to stand out from its contemporaries.
Roberta’s Singapore, B1-45/46, Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018972
Path Restaurant
Modern Asian dining by chef Marvas Ng finds its home at Marina Bay, finding a balance between French fine dining culinary techniques and East Asian ingredients. The result? Stunning dishes that are elevated yet familiar. With soft pastels and a light-filled, airy space, the restaurant is all at once welcoming and comfortable. Choose your path with lunch sets or a la carte dishes at lunch and dinner. Highlights include butter-roasted herb-brined French poulet, hand-dived Hokkaido scallops, char siew Iberico secreto and chargrilled New Zealand milk-fed lamb rack.
Path Restaurant, #01-05/06, Tower 3, Marina Bay Financial Centre, 12 Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018982
Les Bouchons Rochester
Within a beautiful two-storey bungalow in the lush Rochester Park sits the latest outpost of Les Bouchons. Here, you can dig in to new entrees exclusive to the resto. Think rich and creamy French ceps soup with truffle oil ($16), and buttery terrine foie gras served with onion chutney and toast ($26). For mains, the Japanese Hokkaido black wagyu MB ($78) is as succulent as you’d expect. But the real star of the show is the tender and juicy poulet aux 40 gousses d’ail ($32), a traditional 40 garlic roasted chicken. Feeling bored? Take things up a notch with a few rounds of petanque – a game of throwing boules – in the restaurant’s very own outdoor petanque court.
Les Bouchons Rochester, Rochester Commons, 10 Rochester Park, Singapore 139221
Best new restaurants in Singapore: March 2022 edition
Milano Pizza & Wine
Pizza lovers, rejoice! This hot new table is a collab between the team behind Pasta Bar and American chef-author Anthony “Pizza Czar” Falco. On the menu, you’ll find three pizza styles (from $24): Neo-Neopolitan, Sicilian Grandma and Buttercrust Pan Pizza. The first is a sourdough wonder with a beautifully charred crust featuring toppings like potato and caviar, dashi and onsen egg, or char siu. Our pick? Try the beef cheek bolognese made with 24-hour beef ragu, hand-stretched mozzarella and bechamel.
The second style is a square-shaped, two inch-deep pie that’s deliciously light and airy, sprinkled with the likes of mortadella, burrata and pistachio. Finally, the buttercrust pan pizza is just as its name suggests. Enjoy a range of salumi on top of a pizza that has its dough folded over and over again with creamy butter.
To keep things interesting, add starters like spiced honey brussels sprouts with guanciale ($20) and handmade pasta options such as pappardelle with Sunday gravy ($28) to your order. But don’t miss out on the generous slabs of pies ($18 each)! From Amalfi lemon meringue with basil cream to banana cream with torched banana and caramel, these slices taste just as good as they look. Finish off your meal with cocktails and wines as you take in the cosy space with its leather banquets, candle lights and open kitchen action. You can also choose to take a seat at the alfresco area for a casual bistro-style dinner.
Perk alert: enjoy 10% off with a minimum spend of $100 on your OCBC Cards from 1 to 31 March 2022.
Milano Pizza & Wine, 10 Craig Road, Singapore 089370
Slake
Fresh off its move from the Opera Estate neighbourhood to The Riverwalk, this modern Southeast Asian restaurant whips up cool reinterpretations of beloved local dishes. Missing its signature creations? Head to Slake’s new home for crowd favourites like chye poh fries ($12) served with aged black vinegar mayo and sticky date huat kueh ($12).
Begin your meal with unique starters like cold rendang custard ($9) made of prawn rendang, charcoal egg custard and tobiko, and battered pig ears ($14), a crispy treat with a sprinkle of mala powder for that spicy kick. Next, get your fill of greens with the charcoal-grilled vegetable platter (from $18) featuring butternut squash, portobello, broccoli, asparagus and corn. They’re all dehydrated, grilled, and drizzled in orange juice and fish sauce for a sweet and savoury mix of flavours. For more charcoal-grilled goodness, try the charcoal-grilled pork collar ($24), served with a laksa leaf beurre blanc sauce, or the US rib eye ($48) made with a twist: pickled jambu, gula melaka mustard and spicy shiok rice.
Pair it all with a Chilli Crabby Mary ($19): this take on a Bloody Mary is made with your choice of bourbon, gold rum or vodka and shaken with Jumbo Seafood’s iconic chilli crab sauce.
Perk alert: enjoy 20% off your food bill with your OCBC Cards from 1 to 31 March 2022.
Slake, #B1-48, The Riverwalk, 20 Upper Circular Road, Singapore 058416
Love Handle
So you’ve tried Love Handle’s plant-based burgers and loved ‘em. Now, get excited for its next-stage transformation into Asia’s first plant-based butcher, complete with a dine-in deli. Shop raw, marinated and prepared “meats”, condiments and dairy products from the selection that includes brands such as Omnimeat, as well in-house creations. This place isn’t just for vegans, though. Meat-eaters gunning for a more cruelty-free, environmentally-friendly diet can also join in the fun for good eats.
We’re talking about smashing double cheeseburgers ($21) made with plant-based cheddar, caramelised onions and Impossible patties, and fried chicken burgers ($18) stuffed with spicy Tindle chicken, cabbage slaw and mayo. These hit the spot so perfectly, you won’t even miss the meat. Other impressive mains include a “beef” wellington made with Impossible meat ($28), and a big breakfast plate featuring a frittata, Love Handle sausage patty, waffles, avocado and oyster mushrooms ($22). Plus, grab snacks like tempura broccolini ($10), calamari ($8) made from plant-based squid and even meatless luncheon meat ($10) to round off your meal.
Perk alert: enjoy $5 off with a minimum spend of $50 (for the first 500 customers), and receive a complimentary 225g jar of Love Handle plant-based butter (worth $8) with any purchase on your OCBC Cards from 1 to 31 March 2022. Also available online with promo code “LHXOCBC-XXXXXX” (use the first six digits of your OCBC card).
Love Handle, 8 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069788
Zing
Eat and show support for a good cause at Zing, a new “conscious dining” concept done up in partnership with social enterprise The Social Kitchen to employ individuals from disadvantaged communities. Step into the cheery space and you’ll be greeted by vibrant flora and fauna motifs, pockets of greenery and colourful furniture. The extensive menu covers everything from light bites and healthy bowls to meaty dishes and plant-based creations with an Asian spin.
Spoilt for choice? Try the “legit wagyu” ($48), a juicy slab of grain-fed Aussie wagyu ribeye or striploin. The Sichuan-style braised beef with linguini and crispy fritters ($20) is another must-have. For more Asian fusion treats, order the tteokbokki prawn gratin ($23), a dish of baked kimchi prawns, mozzarella and Korean rice cakes. But if you’re on a clean diet, go for the Super Bowl ($16) chock full of goodies like salmon, organic quinoa, avocado, spinach, charred kale, broccoli and goji berries.
Perk alert: enjoy selected dishes (priced $15 and below) at just $1 with a minimum spend of $50 on your OCBC Cards from 1 to 31 March 2022.
Zing, #01-06/07/08, PLQ Park Place, 2 Paya Lebar Road, Singapore 409053
Shabu-Go
Japanese hotpot? Check. Affordable prices? Double check. Make this place your new go-to when those steamboat cravings kick in. With pocket-friendly meat and veggie hotpot sets from $9.90, dining here is a steal. First, take your pick from nine soup bases including must-tries like yuzu dashi, sukiyaki and ginseng tonkotsu. Next, throw in the meat of your choice: from pork belly to double beef to salmon seafood set, there’s something for everyone. If you’re going for a family feast, order up seafood like the Go special prawn paste, salmon, mussels and prawns. Plus, all the veggies, mushrooms, tofu and noodles your heart desires. Don’t forget dipping sauces like tangy green chilli and sweet lemongrass spicy dip!
Perk alert: enjoy a complimentary Go-Ball Platter (worth $6) with a minimum spend of $60 on your OCBC Cards from 1 March to 31 May 2022.
Shabu-Go, #B1-80, Nex, 23 Serangoon Central, Singapore 556083
Small’s
Bread sushi? You heard that right. Small’s has launched a “doughmakase” experience (from $175 per person) with an adventurous new menu that features raw, cooked or cured seafood on bread.
If you haven’t been updated, the intimate establishment that once was a tiny four-seater dining room at Artichoke now has its own space at King George’s Avenue. Getting there is a little adventure on its own through the alley behind The Refinery. But if you like dinner with a bit of mystery on the side, this one’s for you.
The new menu doesn’t disappoint. While the sushi is made with a bread base instead of rice, each bite bursts with flavour and is incredibly juicy. That’s because chef Bjorn Shen makes his bread using high-hydration, long-aged dough. Some highlights you’ll love include the otoro tartare tossed in bulgogi dressing, and the tuna with sambal matah and coconut heart.
Small’s, #02-02, 115 King Georges Avenue, Singapore 208561
Rosemead
For a taste of modern Californian fine dining, step into this gorgeous 1920s heritage building in the CBD. It’s home to a bar for tipples and wine, a bakery counter displaying bread, pastries and cakes, a 10-seater private dining room in the basement, an alfresco area prettified with fairy lights, and an indoor dining space. The newest concept by Jigger & Pony Group takes inspiration from executive chef David Tang’s memories of California – Los Angeles, in particular. It’s all about natural flavours, sustainable ingredients and seasonality.
Get comfortable in your seat and start with dishes like hama hama oyster ($27 for three) and mangrove crab tartine ($32). The mains are equally sensational, cooked over orange and lychee wood embers. Try the slow-cooked wagyu short rib ($65) or grilled Canary Island bass ($68). Next stop: dessert. Go for the Chitose Farm strawberry and heirloom beetroot ($18), a twist on strawberries and cream.
Rosemead, 19 Cecil Street, Singapore 049704
Koal
The chefs at Koal sure love their grills, and we’re not complaining. The newest dining concept by Les Amis Group blends Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Western flavours on its beautifully grilled meat and seafood dishes. Pop by for lunch and tuck into rice bowls piled high with Japanese rice, onsen egg, shredded nori and meat options like US rib eye ($42), chicken leg ($22) or salmon fillet ($30). Each set comes with a starter like cauliflower soup or beef and tofu, as well as a dessert.
When evening comes around, dig into smokey meats like grass-fed rib eye ($25) or Iberico collar ($19) paired with dipping sauces ($4). In the mood for seafood? Choose from dishes like pan-fried salmon with kimchi butter sauce ($18) or grilled tiger prawns ($16). On the drinks side, you can order everything from sake and wine to cocktails, beer, coffee and tea.
Koal, #03-09/10/11, Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road, Singapore 228208
Best new restaurants in Singapore: February 2022 edition
The Lawn at Panamericana
For an exquisitely romantic dining experience, make a reservation at The Lawn at Panamericana. Touted as the city’s only clifftop dining destination, the lush green space is breezy and beautiful. Looking out at the glittering view of the Singapore Straits, you almost feel like you’re somewhere tropical like Bali. Anywhere but Singapore, really. The best time to visit? At sunset, where you’ll get a front-row view of the stunning golden hour.
Pick from the bar, communal table and lounge seatings for a chill brunch or a fancy dinner, and get comfy ‘cos the food is worth every single bite. Start with the Peruvian ceviche ($28) made of Japanese amberjack, papaya, red onion and coriander. It’s served with a fab chilli coconut milk dressing. Next, sink your teeth into the perfectly charred and tender octopus tentacles ($46) with parsnip puree, tamarillo and negra mayo. The wild caught green tiger prawns ($46) are no slouch either – this dish comes with an addictive laksa-reminiscent paste made from bread, shrimp, coconut milk, peanuts and palm oil.
If you’re dining in a group, order up the Colombian chicken (from $30) and the lamb al asador ($65), plus sides like wood-fired padron peppers ($15) and cubano baby corn ($14). Don’t stop there! End the meal with sweet treats like classic churros with dulce de leche ($14). Or go for our top dessert pick: the Romeo & Juliet ($14). It’s an incredible mix of tastes and textures, consisting of cheese custard, sago, pink guava and crumble.
The Lawn at Panamericana, Sentosa Golf Club, 27 Bukit Manis Road, Singapore 099892
5 ON 25
Craving Cantonese cuisine? Go the modern route at this fancy new restaurant in Andaz Singapore. Its name takes after the five taste senses and its location on the hotel’s 25th floor (formerly occupied by Auntie’s Wok and Steam). The classy contemporary makeover by interior architect Andre Fu gives 5 ON 25 an elegant look with elements of velvet, lacquer and timber in shades of ruby, dark chocolate, dusty pink and emerald green. Each piece of furniture is bespoke, giving the space a glamorous touch – it’s a fitting nod to Chinese supper clubs. Oh, and if you dine at sunset, you’ll get to enjoy the view from above.
On the menu, Cantonese dishes are made with familiar ingredients and flavours, but with a bit of a twist. Highlights include stir-fried birds’ nest, jasmine tea-smoked duck and chicken steamed with Jinhua ham and Chinese mushrooms. We love how sustainably sourced ingredients are used as much as possible – from cage-free eggs to fresh live fish. Popping by for dim sum? The bite-sized dumplings and delicacies are fragrant and fantastic. Tip: enjoy your meal with the restaurant’s signature tea by sommelier Li Guan Yi. It’s a unique blend of oolong, goji berries, osmanthus, longan, rare snow chrysanthemum, anxi royal guan yin, and vintage pu-er.
Perk alert: enjoy 10% off with a minimum spend of $100 on your OCBC Cards from 1 April to 30 June 2022.
5 ON 25, Level 25, Andaz Singapore, 5 Fraser Street, Singapore 189354
Aether House
There’s a new French bistro and wine bar in town, and it’s quite the chic hangout. From French cuisine to French wine, you’ll be enjoying it all in the pastel-hued space of Aether House. Start with small bites like escargot ($18) and artichoke ($14) or dig into salads (from $20) piled high with roasted veggies, trout or even foie gras. If you’re swinging by for lunch, grab a sandwich (from $18) in flavours such as truffle bechamel, ham and comte cheese, or veggies with sundried tomatoes and pesto.
In the mood to nibble? Try the cheese and charcuterie platters paired with a glass of wine. Oh, and if you like your meal with a side of surprise, order the chef’s tasting menu (from $33), sit back, and enjoy. Psst: don’t leave without checking out the cosy retail space featuring everything from exclusive collector’s wines and jams to wine journals and even wine-scented candles like champagne and mulled wine.
Aether House, #01-05/06/07, 35 Robinson Road, Singapore 068876
Timbre+ Eastside
Timbre+ flings open its doors in a new location: Expo. The sprawling, stylish space is the city’s first sustainable food park, housing food and retail stalls, a drive-through pick-up, and facilities like a playground, cycling pitstop and book swap corner. Besides green infrastructure like solar panels, the place offers electric vehicle charging points and houses an on-site food digester to compost food waste. You can also get involved with the Gift-it-Bag initiative to donate washable tote bags that will be reused and redistributed for free for takeaways (instead of plastic bags). Love the eco-friendly elements!
Oh, and you’ll want to come hungry, ‘cos the place is packed with international and local food stalls including Iskina Cebu, Huat Huat BBQ Chicken Wings, Kebabs Faktory, Lao Niang De Dian (for fusion Malaysian and Thai food), Ajiya Okonomiyaki, Wolf Burger and Kopifellas (try the smoked duck lor mee!). Let’s not forget The Bottle Shop, where you can get beer, cider, spirits and more. And live music, of course – once the restrictions are lifted.
Timbre+ Eastside, 1 Expo Drive, outside Singapore Expo Hall 5, Singapore 486150
House of Wei
Fairmont Singapore transforms its Szechuan Court restaurant into House of Wei, a new modern Chinese concept inspired by master chef Mok Wan Lok’s 42-year culinary experience. Focusing on seasonal and homegrown produce, the dishes highlight ingredients like locally sourced seafood and veggies grown at the hotel’s aquaponics farm.
Keen to book a table? You’ll be enjoying signature dishes such as Shanghainese braised lion head ($32), a contemporary version of the classic served in a claypot black truffle-infused stock, and crispy pork rib espresso kahlua ($24). For more meaty plates, order the jackfruit sweet and sour chicken ($36), oven roasted cod with soy and balsamic ($48) and wok-fried venison with sakura shrimp ($48). Seafood is also featured on the menu: try everything from tiger prawns to jade perch cooked in different styles. Pair your meal with old or new world wines, or premium Chinese teas like pu-er and ginseng oolong.
House of Wei, Level 3, Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189560
Best new restaurants in Singapore: January 2022 edition
Binary
Inspired by the binary star, a celestial phenomenon that sees two stars orbiting close to each other, the gastro-bar champions two popular cuisines. The word ‘fusion’ isn’t used here. Instead, both Asian and Western cuisines are perfectly balanced, each shining on its own. Pick from the two variations of cuisines or simply enjoy both styles if you’re sharing. First off, you can’t leave the place without trying the homemade kubaneh bread ($14) with garlic butter and kombu butter. The Jewish Yemeni pull-apart bread is highly addictive and we cleared it in minutes. If you like a little zing in your meal, go for the Asian option of the octopus ($28) doused in “lao gan ma” chilli crisp. Oh, and the gammas al ajillo tiger prawns are little flavour bombs with a generous amount of sauce to mop up your kubaneh bread with.
Next, the mains ($38): Iberico Pluma in chimichurri or gochujang; and tiger prawns served thermidor-style or with mentaiko. Don’t be afraid of the gochujang Iberico. It’s perfectly balanced with just the right amount of spice. If you’re coming for drinks, the wine wall and range of sakes, cocktails and craft beers will welcome you nicely. The sides are just as good. Forget boring fries; the mushroom fritti ($14) impresses with every crunch. And the parmesan bacon cauliflower ($14) reminds us of carbonara. Round off your meal with an egglet with blue sea salt ice cream, chocolate pop rocks and yuzu jam ($16).
Binary, #01-01, Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Road, Singapore 238871
Claudine
Sitting beautifully in a colonial chapel at Dempsey Hill, Claudine is the second and latest concept by chef Julien Royer (from Odette) in Singapore. The space, vacated by The White Rabbit, is warm, inviting and inspired by a traditional French brasserie. It’s home to the bar and lounge for pre-dinner drinks on leather armchairs, and the dining room, which features plush velvet banquettes and an open kitchen. When you’re seated, take a moment to admire the immersive installation, Singapore Pastoral – a landscape of pressed wild grass within 50 custom-made glass panels bordering the dining room.
The restaurant, named after Royer’s mother, offers a mix of French classics and recipes from Royer and the culinary team. Highlights include the bouillabaisse, his take on the traditional Provencal fish stew, and vol-au-vent, a puff pastry filled with veal sweetbread, cockscomb, chicken quenelle and morel. All of which you can pair with your bottle of choice from the wine list of over 300 labels. For dessert, don’t miss out on profiteroles and baked Alaska, served with chestnut ice cream, pear ginger sorbet and hazelnut dacquoise, and flambeed at the table.
Claudine, 39C Harding Road, Singapore 249541
Marguerite
Surrounded by the lush and lovely blooms of the Flower Dome, Marguerite is chef-owner Michael Wilson’s new fine dining restaurant in Singapore. Taking over the space left behind by Pollen, it focuses on seasonal ingredients with its seven-course tasting menu (from $228 per person). To start, enjoy smoked eel served with seaweed vinegar, dill oil, oyster leaf, granny smith apple and Amur caviar-topped horseradish gelato. Another exquisite dish? A New Zealand Ora King salmon that’s dry-aged and poached in olive oil before it’s paired with salmon roe, French breakfast radish and fried kelp. For sweets, the tropical fruit vacherin is beautifully presented as a Marguerite flower with coconut meringue petals, yogurt bavarois, and a mango and passion fruit sorbet core.
To complement your meal, take your pick from fine wines or a non-alcoholic selection of clarified juices and fermented jun teas. The dining room features a stunning garden setting with Scandinavian furniture and white marble tabletops – it’s delightfully charming in the day and incredibly romantic when evening falls. But, you can also choose the 10-seater private dining space decked out in blue, burgundy, grey and dark forest green with a statement table in the centre of it all.
Marguerite, #01-09, Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Caviar
A fine dining gem hidden in Palais Renaissance, Caviar sets its sights on one exquisite ingredient: sturgeon roe. Opened by restaurateur Jason Ong, who’s behind Uni Gallery, this new restaurant in Singapore highlights eight varieties of the world’s best caviar in modern European style. We’re talking about Kaluga Queen, Oscietra, Sevruga and Beluga. And we love how the degustation menu features dishes prepared with zero waste, as every element of each ingredient goes into the recipe. Creations include wild-caught cod cured with kombu kelp and served with leek in plum extract, and botan ebi tartare with water chestnut and Polanco Oscietra caviar. Pair your meal with champagnes, wines and spirits from across the globe. Psst: you can also indulge in a tin of caviar served with six shots of the vodka or spirit you like.
Caviar, #B1-07, Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Road, Singapore 238871
Kilo Singapore
Kilo has reopened its doors at Duxton with an evolved concept and we’re lovin’ it. You’ll still find the raw, rustic space kitted out with concrete walls, natural stones, pops of greenery and splashes of colour adding a little vibrance to the decor. The menu takes you on a journey through Latin America with starters like ceviche ($22) with chunks of tuna, seabass and red prawn, and the cold cuts platter ($34) for you to nibble on pork terrine, baba ganoush and Mont d’Or.
Mains are all about applewood and cherry wood grilled meats, including Australian grass-fed ribeye ($48), New Zealand lamb rack ($36) and Iberico pork ribs with sweet potatoes ($36). Of course, you can go down the seafood path if you’d like: simply choose from fish of the day, oysters, clams and mussels. Don’t forget sharing plates of steak tartare on confit potato ($22) and squid ink rice with crispy calamari ($26). Love your wines? Take your pick from natural labels. Alternatively, go for cocktails such as the Cuban Manhattan ($18, with Myer’s dark rum) and rhubarb gin fizz ($16, with rhubarb, Bombay, lemon and soda).
Kilo Singapore, 97 Duxton Road, Singapore 089541
Go ahead and feast at the best new restaurants in Singapore!
