From Mediterranean rooftop spots to healthy eats in the CBD, hip dim sum and sushi joints to the best burgers in town; you can never run out of extraordinary food in this city!
With a deluge of new, top-notch restaurants constantly opening within our food scene, we’re always spoilt for choice when it comes to picking our next dinner destination. In this ultimate guide, we harp on Singapore’s cream of the crop that always has us satiated with gourmet nosh, novel concepts and swanky (yet not stuffy) ambience. Have you feasted at these places yet?
Whitegrass
If the secrecy shrouding Whitegrass was an intentional effort to pique our interests, they did a pretty good job. The restaurant, opened on the 27th of January, is helmed by Sam Aisbet, alumnus of Tetsuya Wakuda’s acclaimed Tetsuya’s in Sydney. The chef’s new fine dining venture aims to redefine modern Australian cuisine, placing a focus on fresh ingredients sourced everywhere from the Blue Mountains to Tekka market. The interior, designed by Takenouchi Webb, is a mix of pastel shades and whimsical wall art (the latter done by MessyMsxi), juxtaposed with chic retro-modern furnishings in a brightly lit dining space. Read our full review here.
Whitegrass, #01-26/27, 30 Victoria Street, Chijmes. p. 6837 0402.
Odette
Hello again, Julien Royer. Five months after leaving Jaan at Swissotel The Stamford, the French chef is back in the kitchen at his own fine-dining restaurant with The Lo & Behold Group, where he puts out honest and seasonal modern French food using the finest artisanal produce he can find. A tribute to Royer’s grandmother (awww), Odette offers four- and six-course menus for lunch, six- or eight-course tasting menus at dinner as well as vegetarian menus, with luxurious-sounding dishes like North Highlands beef tartare, Hokkaido saba, and Tomakomai Arctic surf clam.
Odette, #01-04 National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957, p. 6385 0498. Open Mon-Sat 12pm-2pm; 7pm-9:30pm.
Artemis Grill
Artemis’ Mediterranean food selection is just as sensational as its panoramic view. The gambero rosso marries the explosive sweetness of flash-blanched prawns with the tanginess of gazpacho, and the Alaskan king crab salad serves fresh (not flaky) chunks of meat that tease with contrasting textures of crunchy grilled pimento peppers and buttery avocado. From the grill, we’d go with the Scottish Loch Fyne salmon that shocks with a consistency as smooth as tartare. And whatever you do, please try the fluffy, cloud-like apricot and lavender soufflé for dessert – you won’t regret it.
Artemis Grill, 138 Market Street, Lvl 40 CapitaGreen, Singapore 048946, p. 6635 8677. Open for Mon-Fri, 11.30am-3pm for lunch; Mon-Sat 6pm-10.30pm for dinner.
Artichoke
Owned and run by famous local chef, Bjorn Shen, Artichoke hits the right notes with flavour, its laid-back ambience, a well-priced selection and an all-round dining experience. Bjorn clearly has a sense of humour – he doesn’t take life too seriously – and it comes out in the menu and creativity in flavours. Artichoke is a resto clearly geared towards group dining, so “get dirty” with its giga-sized Lambgasm – a whole-roasted bone-in lamb shoulder. Other standout dishes include the fried Brussels sprouts, the hot skillet prawns with harissa and the fresh pita bread served with a variety of mezze dips like the house-made hummus.
Artichoke, 161 Middle Road, Sculpture Square, Singapore 188978, p. 6336 6949.
Aura
Located on the fifth floor of the new National Gallery, the 90-seater flaunts an ambience that captures the art of chic Italian cuisine. Must-tries include the scallops crudo with truffle and smoked quail eggs, tagliolini with scampi and avruga caviar, and black cod baked in cartoccio. Another trump card that Aura has in its hand is the Aura Sky Lounge, one level up. There, we dug into saccharine treats likeAmedei chocolate and banana cake ($18) and Bailey’s and hazelnut feuillantine ($15) while taking in a top-notch view of The Padang and the SG skyline.
Aura, 1 St. Andrews Road, #05-03 and #06-02 National Gallery Singapore, Singapore 178957, p. 6866 1977. Open daily 12pm-2.30pm, 6.30pm-10.30pm.
Saint Ma
The IndoChine Group never misses the mark when it comes to fusion-fuelled Indo-Chinese cuisine. Nestled within Suntec City’s newly revamped Sky Garden, this well-ventilated greenery-hugged habitat serves Euro-Asian fare with Thai, Vietnamese and Cambodian influences. Meant to encourage communal dining (sharing is caring!), dishes include rice paper hand-rolled with summer fruits and swimmer crab meat, Norwegian salmon tartare, Vietnamese Luc Lac and Vietnamese coffee crème brulee
Saint Ma, #03-300/301 Suntec City Sky Garden, 3 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038983, p. 6332 0322. Open Mon-Sat 12pm-10.30pm.
MeatSmith
How serious are the MeatSmith fellas about smoking meats? Serious enough to yank down two large smokers all the way from The States, and setting them up in a cosy diner in the heart of Telok Ayer Street. The result? Tender, flavourful meats that will neither give your jaw a tough time while chewing, nor a desire to drown them in sauce – it’s that good on its own! The ½ pork spare ribs go for $25, which is seasoned with a spice-laden Memphis rub; or if your appetite’s ambitious enough, go after the Dino beef rib ($59 per rib) – a chunky cut of black pepper and mustard-crusted American black angus.
MeatSmith, 167/169 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068620, p. 6221 2262. Open Mon-Sat 8.30am-late.
Burger Joint
If you’re no stranger to The Big Apple, then you’re probably well-acquainted with NYC burger institution, Burger Joint. The new Singaporean outlet, hidden away in Gemmill Lane, brings to mind retro diners and unpretentious American fare. This simplicity works in its favour; by eschewing exotic sauces and even salt and pepper, you’re left with a burger that easily shows off the quality of its ingredients. The proof is in the first bite of your burger – from the crisp, fresh lettuce and onions to the generous portions of melty cheese and, of course, the all-beef patties (served at your choice of doneness; we recommend the medium). Check out our full review here.
Burger Joint, #03-01, 115 Amoy Street. p. 6221 8648. Enter through the back door on Gemmill Lane
Bird Bird
After being asked why phad thai wasn’t on the menu one too many times, dude-Sin pioneer Bjorn Shen has swapped out Bird Bird’s Thai fried chicken concept in favour of Southern style fried chicken and waffles. Pop by Bird Bird’s new digs on Frankel Avenue (casual attire welcome of course), and tuck into Bird Bird’s signature buttermilk fried chicken & cornbread waffles if you’re itching for some good ol’ American-style comfort food. In a group? Order the “whole damn bird” ($58++, serves four) or the “half bird” ($29++ serves 2) which comes in original or spicy flavour and includes one waffle and a jug of gravy.
Bird Bird, 97 Frankel Avenue, Singapore 458222. p. 6694 8270. Open Wed-Sun 11.30am-3.30pm 6pm-10pm. Closed Mon-Tue.
The Garage
History meets style in this brand new multi-concept dining establishment nestled away in the lush greenery of Botanic Gardens. Its two offerings – Botanico and Bee’s Knees – offer guests distinct experiences. The former, a bistro, offers contemporary dishes from a “seasonality-driven menu” put together by Spanish-born Chef Antonio Oviedo. The Bee’s Knees fashions itself as the ideal place for families to kick back (pets are welcome too!). Of course, you’ll find brunch staples like eggs and waffles, along with house-made cereals, cakes and more substantial dishes like pizza and pasta.
The Garage, 50 Cluny Park Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 257488.
Maggie Joan’s
Moosehead Kitchen and Bar’s owners Glen and Daniel Ballis, along with their friend Darren Micallef, are the brains responsible for this so-hip-it-hurts space, which is named after Daniel’s two grandmothers (Maggie and Joan). The tight menu, crafted by chef Oliver Hyde (he’s the former sous chef of Pollen Singapore), is modern Mediterranean, and features fresh plates like an egg, dukkah and saffron mayo appetiser, amazing-sounding seafood entrees (scallop carpaccio, peas and ham is one), and hearty mains like a slow-braised lamb shoulder.
Maggie Joan’s, #01-01, 110 Amoy Street, Singapore 069930, p. 6221 5564. Open Mon-Fri 12pm-2.30pm, 6-11pm; Sat 6-11pm.
Grain Traders
Working in the CBD sometimes mean that there’s literally no rest fo r the wicked; lunches are usually packed to go and eaten at the desk. So you can imagine our joy when Grain Traders – a casual lunchtime joint started by Javier Perez from Kilo – open its doors this month. Serving wholesome real food in a bowl, Grain Traders brings a slice of comfort to the never-ending CBD stress. Everything is priced at $16 and you can either build your own bowl or just choose one of their Hero creations like the energy-boosting Rooster Crow.
Grain Traders, #01-01/02/03,138 Market Street, Singapore 048946. Open Mon-Fri, 8pm-8am.
Mitzo
Forget about traditional Chinese plates; Mitzo takes a contemporary approach to crafting Cantonese cuisine. Most of the dishes make great for communal dining – highlights include black truffle crispy duck, grilled silver cod in Champagne sauce and an array of dim sum creations, such as lobster and shrimp dumpling with black truffle. Drink-wise, choose a cocktail from the Asian Inspiration menu. The mixes feature iconic Asian herbs and spices, as well as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Mitzo, 4/F Grand Park Orchard, 270 Orchard Road, Singapore 238857, p. 6603 8855. Open daily 12pm-1am.
Boca
Portuguese cuisine isn’t easy to find in Singapore. That’s why we welcome Boca with open arms. Taking over the now-defunct Oca Grassa, Boca focuses on authentic Portuguese fare. Stuff like grilled sardines, Iberian pork cubes sautéed with clams, and – of course – Portuguese egg tarts pepper the menu, as do drink choices like espresso and Portuguese wine.
Boca, 6 Bukit Pasoh, Singapore 089820, p. 6221 0132. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-12am. Closed Sun.
Empress
Empress, the latest restaurant to open at the Asian Civilisations Museum, once again proves that works of art at museums are just as likely to appear on the plate as the walls. This smart casual dining establishment offers artfully plated classic Chinese cuisine like king prawn dumplings in broth, lobster ‘mapo’ tofu and novel dishes like steamed pumpkin and pork skin dumplings. The restaurant’s decor contrasts the modern and traditional, the interior being vibrant and fun while managing to retain historical references to the museum’s façade.
Empress, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555 .p. 6238 8733. Open daily 11.30am-3pm, 6pm-11pm.
Lokkee
Inspired by founder, Norman Hartono’s, love for Chinese take-out dishes during his time in California, Tung Lok’s new venture, LOKKE, gives a playful spin to classic Chinese dishes that will please both traditionalists and contemporary Chinese eaters alike. Highly recommended is the Firecracker Chicken Nest, which is based on the fiery Chongqing and Kung Pao chicken; the deep-fried chicken dish is seasoned with five spice and dried chillies, and comes with four raw eggs to wash down the heat.
LOKKEE, #03-01, Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839, p. 6884 4566. Open Mon-Sun 11am-3pm and 5:30 pm-10pm.
The Summerhouse
Exuding old-world charm (most of the original colonial architecture remains intact), The Summerhouse is a refreshing multi-concept f&b space with an edible garden, farm-to-table restaurant and bar, a coffee roaster, and even an in-house florist! The concept includes a laid-back brunch joint called Wildseed, as well a classier fine dining concept, The Summerhouse Dining Room. The latter is led by acclaimed Chef de Cuisine, Florian Ridder, and diners can expect a one-of-a-kind sustainable dining experience that champions farm-fresh and seasonal ingredients. Exemplars of Summerhouse’s hearty, healthy offerings are the buckwheat porridge with bacon, parmesan, Chinese spinach and sunflower seeds, as well as the stewed eggplant panzanella. Check out our full review here.
The Summerhouse, 3 Park Lane, Singapore 798387. p. 8608 3340.
Park Bench Deli
Lunch in the CBD got a lot more interesting with the arrival of cool new sandwich joint, Park Bench Deli (AKA PBD). Helmed by chef Ming Tan of Lolla, chef Andrei Soen of The Cajun Kings, and management guru Aamir Ghani, this Telok Ayer outlet offers elevated renditions of the humble sandwich. We sampled the offerings, so click on to see our recommendations.
Park Bench Deli, 179 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068627. Open Mon-Fri 9am-3pm.
Ding Dong
Ding dong! This hip food fort is definitely not dead! Foodies feared the worst when Ding Dong announced its departure from Ann Siang Hill, but were quickly relieved upon hearing that the unorthodox, fusion-inclined Southeast Asian restaurant was simply moving to a new location at Amoy Street. Assistant Head Chef, Miller Mai helms the kitchen, and in spite of its shifted setting, the restaurant retains the kitschy, campy charm diners love so well. Just like before, the menu is concise, focused, and meant for sharing, including both old and new favourites. On the menu are innovative dishes like the Hokkaido scallop tartare with coconut, pickled ginger and sea grapes, the homemade rice noodle roll with pork sausage and bean sprout salad, and the hamachi sashimi that’ll thrill adventurous sashimi lovers. Check out our full review here.
Ding Dong, #01-02, 115 Amoy Street, Singapore 069935, p. 6557 0189. Open Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, 6pm-12am, and Sat 6pm-12am, closed Sun.
Saha Signature Indian Restaurant & Bar
Joining Violet Oon’s National Kitchen and adding yet another fine dining establishment to the National Gallery is this modern Indian restaurant, formerly located at Duxton. Running the kitchen is executive chef, Preetam Singh Sodi, who serves up contemporary dishes engineered by celebrity chef Abhijit Saha. These often feature non-Indian ingredients and unusual techniques. A clear example of this is his pan-seared sous vide duck prepared with pepper and kokum. Also represented are more traditional dishes from various parts of India like rich curries from Tamil Nadu and spice-heavy Kashmiri dishes. Much like the food, Saha’s new venue swaps out the ornate mural-painted walls for a more modern, understated look that features bronze and champagne gold fixtures.
Saha, #01-03, National Gallery Singapore, 1 Saint Andrews Road, Singapore 178957. Open Tue-Sun 12pm-3pm, Tues-Sat 6pm-11pm. Closed on Mon.
Alma by Juan Amador
Three Michelin starred chef Juan Amador (yes, the same man behind Amador in Mannheim, Germany) launched a new restaurant at Goodwood Park Hotel. With offerings like pigeon with mango and purple curry, foie gras ice cream with mango gazpacho, and monk fish cheek, trust us when we say you’re in for a real treat.
Alma by Juan Amador, Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road, Singapore 228221, p. 6735 9937. Open Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm. Closed Sun.
Open Farm Community
Sitting on 35,000 square feet of lush greenery that was once a golf driving range, Open Farm Community boasts a sprawling garden filled with herb and vegetable produce. This super exciting, ingenious concept features a seasonal menu (curated by chef Ryan Clift from Tippling Club), which changes according to the local harvest. Find out more here.
Open Farm Community, 130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819, p. 6471 0306. Open Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10pm, Sat-Sun 11am-10pm.
London Fat Duck
No points for guessing what the main attraction is at this new Chinese restaurant. Inspired by Four Seasons and Gold Mine at Bayswater London, London Fat Duck serves juicy, melt-in-your-mouth roasted duck. Aside from the signature roast duck, another must-order is the decadent black pepper duck bun.
London Fat Duck, #B1-16/17 Scotts Square, 6 Scotts Road, Singapore 228209, p. 6443 7866. Open Mon-Fri, 11am-10pm and Sat-Sun, 10am-10pm.
Adrift By David Myers
Inspired by the award-winning chef’s travel experiences from all across the globe, Adrift pays homage to the colourful mish-mash of food cultures from both sides of the Pacific. Highlights include foie gras banh mi, a grilled lobster mochi with ginger vinaigrette, and a king crab melt with pimento cheese (a refreshing twist on an American classic). There’s even a robata section featuring Japanese-inspired, bincho-grilled items like miso-cured duck breast and wagyu beef with onion jam.
Adrift, Marina Bay Sands, Hotel Lobby Tower 2, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956, p. 6688 5657. Open daily 7am-4am.
Neon Pigeon
From the graffiti murals on the walls to the quirky ninja cocktail “cups” from the bar and the industrial-style, dark wood-fitted space, everything about this spot’s pretty damn hip. On the menu are Japanese small-plates like edemame hummus, cucumber-goma salar, tuna tartare and baos & bone marrow. In addition to these small dishes, dubbed “birdfeed”, Neon Pigeon also whips up some killer cocktails. Its bar program has been growing dramatically with major bartenders like Symphony Loo and Sam Wong, so don’t be afraid to challenge them to whip you up a unique bespoke cocktail. Or instead try Symphony’s personal favourite, the “Had’da Smoke”, a herbal, yet sweet cocktail with whiff of rosemary. She assures us it’s both beautiful and yummy!
Neon Pigeon, #01-03, 1 Keong Saik Street, Singapore 089109, p. 6222 3623. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-12am. Closed Sun.
Long Chim
Long Chim (by Celebrity Chef, David Thompson) is all about BKK’s iconic street grub; the difference here is that it’s crafted with a touch of sophistication, and it boasts a good mix of traditional and contemporary flavours. Beef with holy basil, roasted prawns with vermicelli and coriander, banana roti, durian ice cream – see how the culinary team takes things up a notch with these seemingly straightforward dishes.
Long Chim, #L2-02 Atrium 2, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956, p. 6688 7299. Open daily 5pm-11pm.
Bread Street Kitchen
A great addition to Marina Bay Sands’ (already) stellar line-up of award-winning restaurants, Bread Street Kitchen (opened by none other than Gordon Ramsay) serves up British European fare with a spot of local flavour – think stuff like an elevated version of the classic shepherd’s pie and tamarind spiced chicken wings.
Bread Street Kitchen, Bay Level, L1-81 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018972, p. 6688 5665. Open daily Sun-Wed 11:30am-10pm, Thu-Sat 11:30am-12am.
Longplay
The place to be for music lovers, LongPlay doesn’t just offer classic drinks (like the Rock Island Iced Tea – its rendition of the Long Island cocktail) and delish bar bites (buttermilk chicken, mac and cheese, and the perfectly spiced togarashi squid have our vote), but also a chance for you to listen to an impressive collection of vintage vinyl records.
LongPlay, 4 Haji Lane / 33 Arab Street, Singapore 199732, p. 6291 3323. Open Tue-Sat 12pm-3pm, 6pm-12am, Sun 2pm-11pm. Closed Mon.
The Refinery
Here at The Refinery, you get three fab concepts rolled into one. The brainchild of the same folks who brought you The General Company (makers of artisanal handcrafted products), The Refinery is home to a yakitori restaurant (first floor), a bespoke cocktail bar (second floor) and a craft workshop (third floor).
The Refinery, 115 King George’s Avenue, Singapore 208561, p. 9111 1210. Open Tue-Thu & Sun 6pm-12am, Fri-Sat 6pm-1am. Closed Mon.
National Kitchen by Violet Oon
Is there anyone better than renowned food connoisseur Violet Oon to helm the Singapore’s national kitchen, if there was actually an official one? We think not – and the family couldn’t have chosen a better name for their second restaurant at the Gallery. The new digs is decidedly more posh than its comfy-chic Bukit Timah establishment, complete with black marbled surfaces, gold accents, framed Peranakan tiles, and edible herb foliage with scents of curry leaves and turmeric to whet your appetite. Of course, the menu is Singaporean through-and-through, with Indian, Hainanese and Eurasian flavours in its all-day breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner plates.
National Kitchen by Violet Oon, #02-01 National Gallery Singapore (City Hall Wing), Singapore 178957, p. 9834 9935.
Vatos Urban Tacos
The idea of a Korean-Mexican restaurant might raise eyebrows, but this Seoul-born taco chain has more than proved its staying power in Korea. Its first foray onto Singaporean shores sees the taco chain land at The South Beach. Casual, modern and painfully hip, diners at Vatos can expect raw brick walls and industrial chic décor. The menu features all the Mexican standards you’d expect, with a Korean twist. We’re talking kimchi quesadillas, kimchi carnitas fries and Galbi short rib tacos served with a ssamjang aioli sauce. And if you think all they do is revel in the novelty of tossing kimchi on burritos, straight-up Mexican classics like carne asada tacos, fajita burritos and tamales will prove you wrong.
Vatos Urban Tacos, 36 Beach Road, Singapore 189677. Open Sun-Thu 11.30am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11.30am-12am.
Aloha Poké
While Hawaiian sun, sand and surf might be an ocean away, traditional Hawaiian fare makes its way to the CBD at Aloha Poké. Founded by two Singaporean couples that were bitten by the Poké bug while vacationing in Hawaii, this casual, colourful eatery specialises in the traditional Hawaiian raw fish salad. Here you’ll get to design your own tasty bowl by picking your choice of house-marinated poke (Ahi tuna, salmon and vegetarian), two complimentary add-ons and one superfood from its comprehensive selection. Want to beat the lunchtime rush? Aloha Poké allows you to order via email a day in advance.
Aloha Poke, 92 Amoy Street, Singapore 069911. p. 6221 6165. Open Mon-Sat 11.30am-2.30pm 5.30pm-late.
Meta
Yet another reason why the Keong Saik neighbourhood is such a haven for foodies! Recently opened is this resto that whips up French cuisine with an Asian twist, helmed by Head Chef, Sun Kim, who’s earned his stripes in Waku Ghin and Tetsuya’s in Sydney. The highlights on this menu? Titillate those taste buds with a wagyu beef tartare served with pear kimchi, egg jelly and rice, or savour Hokkaido scallops with endive, miso and squid ink crackers. But for a real treat, try the slow-cooked grass-fed beef short rib topped off with parsnip and oyster mushroom.
Meta, 9 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089117, p. 6513 0898. Open Mon-Sat 5.30pm-12am, closed Sun.
Cheek by Jowl
Rising from the ashes of Sorrel is Unlisted Collection’s new concept restaurant, Cheek by Jowl. Helmed by another alumnus of Tetsuya’s, and former head chef of Maca Restaurant, Chef Rishi Naleendra plans to offer a seasonal menu with contemporary starters and shareable mains. Expect dishes like wild venison with fermented plums and wasabi, rabbit leg with parsnip and beach herbs, and of course, his signature dish at Maca, duck and waffles.
Cheek by Jowl, 21 Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069620. p. 6211 1911.
Angeleno
After a five-year stint as Head Chef at the much-lauded Osteria Mozza in Marina Bay Sands, Chef David Almany has left to open his own Italian-American restaurant. Taking over the premises of Luke’s Oyster Bar, Chef David’s Angeleno marries fuss-free Italian dishes with seasonal farm-to-table produce from California. Signature dishes here are unmistakably Italian like veal parmigiana and meatballs in organic tomato sauce, but American influences become apparent in dishes like spaghetti of Maine lobster with roasted tomato and tarragon. The restaurant trades Luke’s Oyster Bar’s rather cold, modern look for something a little more rustic and romantic, as befitting of the cuisine.
Angeleno, 20 Gemmill Lane, Singapore 069256. p. 6221 6986.
999.99 (Five Nines)
It’s no news that the Keong Saik area has become a veritable enclave of fine dining, and joining the already formidable line up of dining establishments is 999.99, or Five Nines. The name refers to the finest form of refined gold, a fitting moniker considering its aim to provide gold standards of service, presentation and ingredients, all at prices that won’t leave a smoking hole in your wallet. The dishes here make use of seasonal flavours and techniques from around Europe, as well as Japan. Look forward to mains like the lobster gratin, a whole lobster with a creamy béchamel sauce and melted cheese topping (only 20 available each day), or the Rossini. The latter features a pan-friend striploin of beef topped with seared foie gras. If that’s all a little to bourgeois to you, sink your teeth into the beef burger that sees itself elevated with the decadent addition of foie gras. A five course set dinner is also available at just $59++.
999.99, 29 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089136. p. 6221 7098.
ALATI
Close your eyes, and you’ll almost feel a cool Mediterranean sea breeze waft through the rustic blue and white interior of this very Greek taverna. ALATI, helmed by General Manager Leong Khai Git and Athens-born Executive Chef Soutsos Dimitrios, makes use of fresh produce wild-caught by the fishermen of the Aegean Sea. Chef Dimitrious’ hands-on approach to cooking sees to it that every item on the menu is painstakingly and meticulously made by hand: from the beef mousaka (a traditional greek casserole) to the tzatziki (A yoghurt based sauce), and even quintessentially Greek desserts like the Ekmek Kataifi (phyllo pastry with mastika custard). The Greek Gods themselves will approve.
ALATI, 73 Amoy Street, Singapore 069892. p. 6221 6124. Open Mon-Fri 12pm-2pm, 6pm-10pm, Sat 6pm-10pm. Closed on Sun.
Sakurazaka
Wine Culture’s latest dining venture takes on authentic Japanese shabu shabu dining with a touch of European flair. The twist being that – unlike just cooking in boiling water – the broths served here are European-influenced, like beef consomme and boullaibaisse. Sakurazaka also offers less common pork and beef varieties, and also a mix of Asian and Western vegetables. Sakurazaka’s Chef Masashi, a Fukuoka native, has also introduced traditional sukiyaki, as well as a selection of European-inspired kakigori (shaved ice). We’re especially fond of the port wine flavoured one!
Sakurazaka, 24 Greenwood Avenue, Singapore 289221. p. 6463 0333. Open Tue-Fri 6.30pm-10.30pm, weekends 11.30am-3pm 6.30pm-10.30pm.
Mo’Mor Izakaya
Experience a contemporary, European-infused take on Japanese izakaya dining at Wmartin’s Mo’Mor Izakaya. Led by award-winning chef Martin Woo, this new izakaya concept aims to serve up tasty tapas and grills at prices that won’t break the bank. Mo’Mor boasts both indoor and outdoor seating areas perfect for gatherings with friends and family, or more intimate tête-à-têtes with its congenial, peaceful vibe. If izakaya style dishes conjure bad memories of oily, greasy fried meats, put those thoughts to bed and tuck into skewers of seared Australian wagyu with goma dressing or Hokkaido scallop tartare. If you’re eager for something a little more adventurous, the apple-cured salmon sashimi offers a medley of harmonious flavours with its mix of yuzu gel, pickled cucumber and olive oil caviar. But for the height of decadence, try the fresh rock lobster topped with creamy mentaiko hollandaise.
Mo’Mor Izakaya, 56 Tanglin Road, #B1-01, Tanglin Post Office. p. 6463 8080. Open Mon-Wed 11am-11pm, Thu-Sat 11am-1am, Sun 11am-11pm.
Curate
Asia’s first Michelin Star chef showcase restaurant will play host to a revolving line-up of some of the world’s greatest culinary superstars. Promising only the most extraordinary in dining experiences, Series 1 of the showcase will treat diners to a curated tasting menu featuring executive chef Massimiliano Alajmo’s classics from his flagship La Calandre in Italy. Chef Alajmo is known for his multi-sensory approach to cooking and his passion for bringing out the true essence of his ingredients. And it’s also divine in décor – Curate’s luxurious marble and wood interior invokes a rather unique garden experience, while an open kitchen serves as a focal point of the dining area.
Curate, Resorts World Sentosa. By booking only.
Full of Luck Club
If the last place you got a bao from was a convenience store hot box, your luck is about to change. This offbeat purveyor of brilliant baos has set up shop at Holland Avenue, where you’ll get to sink your teeth into some interesting renditions of this Cantonese classic. Instead of traditional buns, expect pairs of slider-like baos (that have the silky texture and mildly sweet taste of a man tou) with fillings like braised pork belly, kung pao fried chicken, smoked duck, and my personal favourite, the salted egg yolk prawn bao.
Full of Luck Club, 243 Holland Avenue, Singapore 278977.
Camp Kilo Charcoal Club
Our infatuation with the Kilo brand is no big secret, so it’s not surprising that its latest concept has knocked our socks off and made our mouths water: Camp Kilo Charcoal Club, a hip BBQ restaurant located right below Kilo Kallang at Ture Building. The décor is simplistic yet inviting – wood-topped tables and chairs laid across a concrete floor, adjacent to booths of rusting metal that we hear might be used for impromptu DJ sets during BBQ backyard parties. But it’s the food that’s the real MVP – whole roasted pig, the Kai Yang roasted French poussin, and sides like the tom yum stewed beans, patatas bravas and coconut rice. So join the club while it’s hot; Camp Kilo’s all set to grill the competition.
Camp Kilo Charcoal Club, 66 Kampong Bugis, #01-01, Singapore 338987. Open Fri 5.30pm-11pm, Sat-Sun 11am-11pm. Closed Mon-Thu.
Beast & Butterflies
The brand new M Social Singapore has made quite a buzz since opening, and we’re especially looking forward to booking a table at the hotel’s swish restaurant. Beast and Butterflies showcases East-meets-West fusion dishes and places an emphasis on the experiential aspect of dining with friends and family. This is apparent in sharing dishes like the German pork knuckle with Asian-inspired sauerkraut and Thai nam Jim sauce, as well as the lala bee hoon with braised clams. If you’re feeling some post-dinner cocktail action, slake your thirst at the restaurant bar that overlooks the Singapore river. Beast & Butterflies’ talented mixologists will whip you up a tasty selection of artisanal tipples that you can enjoy while taking in the view.
Beast & Butterflies at M Social, 90 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238259.
Burnt Ends
For all you carnivores, Burnt Ends is an unpretentious treat for the senses. Expect a mouth-watering barrage of delightful meats cooked in scorching ovens (that can go up to a crazy temp of 700+ degrees). The resto boasts an 18-seater exposed counter top, so you can watch the chef in action just before you tuck in. On top of their meats, try specials like oven-roasted fennel ($12), the pulled pork burger on brioche ($18), and ice-cream and ginger ($10) for dessert.
Burnt Ends, 20 Teck Lim Road, Singapore 088931, p. 6224 3933.
Restaurant Andre
Helmed by Taiwan-born Chef Andre Chiang, the eponymous restaurant serves up the chef’s unique take on Southern French cuisine. While his menu is constantly evolving, the one constant is his ‘Octaphilosophy’, which ensures every dish contains each of these elements: Unique, Pure, Texture, Memory, Salt, South, Artisan and Terroir. Even we’re not entirely sure what these all entail, but we’re certain they’ll be nothing short of magnifique.
Restaurant ANDRE, 41 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089855. p. 6534 8880. Open for dinner Tue-Sun 7pm-11pm. Open for lunch Fri & Wed 12pm-3pm. Closed on Mon.
Waku Ghin
Taking a cue from its name that loosely translates to “surging with silver”, you’d best be prepared for the dent this fancy 25-seater will do to your wallet. One thing’s for certain – for a flummoxing $400 per person for its 10-course degustation menu, you’re gonna be taken to gastronomical Utopia by renowned chef, Tetsuya Wakuda. Under this sensei of the culinary arts, you’ll be pampered with specialties like marinated botan shrimp with sea urchin and caviar, and wagyu with wasabi and citrus soy. The splurge is absolutely worth it.
Waku Ghin; 10 Bayfront Avenue; #02-02 Marina Bay Sands; Singapore 018956; 6688 8507; Open daily for two seatings: 5.30pm and 8pm
Shoukouwa
It’s a risky move for a brand new Japanese fine dining establishment to offer diners a singular chef’s omakase set menu that costs a whoppin’ $380. But our confidence for Shoukouwa is bolstered by its ties to Ernie Singer of Hong Kong’s Sushi Shikon and the Emmanuel Stroobant restaurant group. Shoukouwa promises to treat diners to an intimate sushi counter experience in its tiny eight-seat confines. The focal point of the omakase menu is, without a doubt, the selection of assorted sashimi and nigiri sushi dishes that owe its incredible freshness to daily deliveries from Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Market. The sushi offerings are spaced out with chef’s signatures like steamed abalone, soy sauce marinated tuna, and sea eel. But don’t get too familiar with the menu offerings; Shoukouwa’s omakase menu is reflective of seasonal ingredients and availability of seafood, so expect it to change frequently.
Shoukouwa Singapore, 1 Fullerton Road, #02-02A One Fullerton, Singapore 049213. p. 6423 9939. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-11pm. Closed on Mon.
Jaan
Revered as one of the best restaurants in the world, this high-flying restaurant pairs modern French cuisine with a breathtaking view of the Singapore skyline (hope you ain’t afraid of heights). Its Menu Prestige boasts a seven-course selection, where you can sophisticatedly munch on confit rainbow trout with organic chicken, quinoa and lemon, langoustine canneloni with Oscletra caviar and Hokkaido uni, and ‘forest’ pigeon served with white polenta and cromesquis. All dishes are also meant to be shared, so don’t go hogging a hors-d’oeuvre for yourself!
Jaan, Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road, Level 70, Equinox Complex, Singapore 178882, p. 6837 3322.
Corner House
Taking over the now defunct Au Jardin by the Les Amis Group, Corner House is set amongst the lush greenery of the Botanic Gardens and pays tribute to EJH Corner, the man largely responsible for Singapore’s “Green City” status. Serving up mostly French-inspired dishes by local chef Jason Tan – the originator of Gastro-Botanica cuisine – Corner House features a menu with dishes such as carabinero prawns and wagyu-stuffed turnip.
Corner House, EJH Corner House, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, Nassim Gate 259569. Open Tue-Sat, 12pm-3pm and 6.30pm-11pm.