From authentic Asian cuisine to cool coffee houses, here’s a lowdown on the best dining spots and watering holes at Chijmes.
This historical icon on Victoria Street is very old – over 175 years, even older than Singapore! – but it sure doesn’t look it. Chijmes remains hip with loads of cool restaurants, cafes, and bars, which are perfect for unwinding after work or chilling out on the weekends. Here’s our definitive guide on where to eat and drink at the former convent and school. Dig in!
Best restaurants, cafes and bars at Chijmes in Singapore
1. Duomo Ristorante
The number of Italian restaurants that sprouted in Singapore this year is staggering. That includes this new resident at Chijmes, which showcases the hearty flavours and quality ingredients from North and South Italy. Savour the taste of “la dolce vita” (the good life in Italian) by sipping on aperitivos in the alfresco area or digging into pasta and pizza in the private dining room.
Duomo Ristorante, #01-32, Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
2. New Ubin Seafood
Zi char but elevated – that’s what you get when you feast at this beloved local establishment. Besides familiar fare like sambal kang kong and grilled pork ribs, diners can tuck into fancy offerings like foie gras satay and black angus ribeye. Be sure to order the popular Heart Attack Fried Rice! Visitors are welcome to take advantage of the restaurant’s no corkage policy and BYOB to the restaurant.
New Ubin Seafood, #02-01B/C, Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
3. Whitegrass
If you’re all about fine dining in Singapore, Chijmes boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant on its premises. We’re talking about Whitegrass, a 40-seater restaurant that showcases Japanese-French fusion cuisine. Diners can expect inventive and attractive menus that are inspired by the chefs’ life experiences and pay homage to farmers and producers. The friendly service staff are on hand to recommend wines that go well with your meal, too. You might even get to peep into the kitchen from your table if you’re lucky.
Whitegrass, #01-26/27, Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
4. Analogue
Are you into sustainable dining? If the answer’s yes, you’ll love this eco-friendly restaurant. Its menu consists of 100% plant-based food and drinks, featuring interesting creations like jackfruit tacos, mantous with char siew-glazed eggplant fritters, mushroom croquettes, and natural wines. The piece de resistance? Its 3D-printed bar, which spans 20 metres and is made of recycled plastic bottles. ICYMI: Analogue is set to close on 15 November 2024. Head down before the shutters come down for the last time!
Analogue, #01-31, Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
5. Almost Famous Craft Beer Bar
Here’s a chic watering hole that has adopted a minimalist design – we love the monochrome theme and colonial-style pillars. There’s a selection of 16 refreshing beers on tap, which is rotated weekly. Pair your tipple of choice with bar bites such as tacos, Mexican hot wings, and nacho fries. This is a good spot if you’re looking for a quiet space to have drinks with colleagues after work.
Almost Famous Craft Beer Bar, #01-06, Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
6. Ikkousha Ramen
You probably ramen-ber this Japanese eatery. It was known as The Ultimate Ramen Champion back in 2012 and 2013, when it called Bugis+ home. The restaurant specialises in Hakata ramen, which features springy thin noodles and a creamy, flavourful pork bone broth that’s simmered over 12 hours. If you dig a face-melting, sweat-inducing, belly-burning slurp sesh, go for the God Fire, which comes in four spice levels. Good luck!
Ikkousha Ramen, #01-07, Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
7. Dough
This cafe in Chijmes may be a little hard to spot – it’s well hidden by lush greenery – but you’ll never want to leave once you find it. Inspired by overseas bakeries, Dough’s ambience screams minimalism with a touch of cosiness. If you don’t mind the humidity, take a seat in the vibey alfresco area, which has fluffy cushions and fairy lights. The menu includes sweet and savoury options like apple caramel cake, matcha mochi, kimchi and tomato pasta, and burgers.
Dough, #01-30, Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
8. The Glasshouse
The Glasshouse truly lives up to its name, thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows that let natural light in and the potted plants dotting the place. Build your own brekkie by picking your choice of bread, proteins, and spreads. Not keen on eating your own creation? Choose from various hearty mains such as carbonara, smoked salmon tartine, and granola bowl. Those with a sweet tooth shouldn’t pass up on the desserts. We have our eye on the almond financier waffles, which come with homemade maple butter.
The Glasshouse, #01-03, Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
9. Lei Garden Restaurant
Intending to impress your entourage with your food choice? Take them to this veteran establishment at Chijmes. Lei Garden Restaurant serves some seriously good and sophisticated Cantonese seafood dishes, nourishing double-boiled soups, and to-die-for barbecued meats. But, the real draw here is its dim sum, which packs in the crowd (especially on weekends).
Lei Garden Restaurant, #01-24, Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
10. Coriander Leaf
Get ready for an onslaught of diverse and complex Asian flavours at this award-winning restaurant. Calling itself pan-Asian, Coriander Leaf embraces cuisines from Southeast Asia to the Middle East. Menu highlights include the signature frontier chicken, chilled soba noodle salad, crab cakes with homemade tomato chutney, and avocado ice cream with banana fritters and gula melaka sago. Vino lovers, make sure you have a go at its collection of small-batch organic and biodynamic wines from around the world.
Coriander Leaf, #02-01, Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
11. The Modern Izakaya
While there are plenty of izakayas in Singapore, one you should visit is The Modern Izakaya at Chijmes. Savour its yakitori skewers and sushi platters while downing craft beers and sake. This place is painfully hip, from the Edison light bulbs in its alfresco area to the glasshouse interior – a good spot to spend a chill night with friends and people watch.
The Modern Izakaya, #01-18, Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
12. Gyu-Kaku
Yakiniku fans, we know just the place that’ll satisfy your meat cravings. At Gyu-Kaku, you can enjoy slabs of premium A4 wagyu beef, kurobuta pork, teriyaki chicken, and lamb chops. Adventurous eaters must try the beef tongue shio – just squeeze some lemon over the dish and pop it in your mouth. Delish! There are also rice dishes made of premium Japanese grains and desserts to end your meal on a sweet note.
Gyu-Kaku, #01-01/02, Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
13. Tatsu
By day, Tatsu is a mellow lunch spot for sushi and tempura sets. But when night falls, this restaurant in Chijmes comes alive with chefs showing guests their fancy cooking routines as they prepare seafood and prime cuts on the iron griddle. Its teppanyaki wagyu dinner course consists of lobster, wagyu steak, seafood fried rice, and miso soup.
Tatsu, #01-08, Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
14. Honbo
Those into cool burgers (not regular burgers) should visit Honbo. Hong Kong‘s famous burger joint has made Chijmes its first overseas home, bringing the double gold beef and potato milk buns to our shores. Light eaters can go for the mini version, while the truly famished should order the ones with four patties. Add a side of chilli fries and drinks like apple pie iced tea, and your meal is settled. Be sure to check out the jukebox, which plays cool tunes you’re more than familiar with.
Honbo, #01-09, Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
15. Prive
Boasting one of the largest and most inviting alfresco areas in Chijmes, the casual chic restaurant will whet your appetite with signatures like truffled mushroom Swiss burger, Hainanese chicken rice, and the must-try sticky date pudding – arguably one of the best in town. Little ones get their own designated menu, which comes with a three-course set. After a hearty meal, move over to the bar for happy hour, which runs from 4pm to 8pm daily.
Prive, #01-33, Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
16. Pemenco
If you’re in the mood for good food and a laundry list of tipples, this hidden gem at Chijmes should be your go-to. Its food menu ranges from local favourites such as Hokkien mee and chicken satay to international cuisine like pizza, cheese platter, and nachos with dip. We’re also big fans of the music, which comprises classic pop songs you know and love. You’ll be bobbing your head while enjoying your meal!
Pemenco, #01-15/16, Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
Enjoy scrumptious food and have a good time at Chijmes in Singapore!
