It’s the final edition of 2014’s Hot New Tables! How on earth did time fly by so quickly? Jump on this chance to go all out and hit up all 10 of these new players in the restaurant scene before the year end.
The Prawn Star
Taking zi char dishes to a whole new level is The Prawn Star, the new kid on the block over at Duxton Hill. They’ve got stars like king prawns with vermicelli in a claypot and stir-fry spicy flower crabs as mains, and interesting sides like curried mussels and fish skin and chips. We dig how they focus on fresh seafood sourced from the local markets!
The Prawn Star, 21 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089604, p. 6323 3353. Open Mon-Fri 12pm-2:30pm, Mon-Thu 6pm-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 6pm-late. Closed Sun.
Saveur Art
Saveur Art sits on the other (high) end of the spectrum in terms of pricing, as compared to the other casual concepts under the group, Saveur and Concetto. Here, you’ll find prettily-plated European creations, including some familiar, albeit elevated, dishes brought over from the original, pocket-friendly Saveur, such as the duck confit (which sits on a bed of barley risotto instead of mashed potatoes).
Saveur Art, #04-11 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801, p. 6634 1141. Open daily 12pm-9:30pm.
Fugu course at Fuku
Fuku
Interestingly, this fine dining establishment is the first restaurant in Asia outside of Japan to serve fugu. That’s right, they are serving the poisonous pufferfish, known as one of the world’s most dangerous foods. Don’t worry: the skilled chefs here at Fuku know what they’re doing. Find out more here.
Fuku, #01-01, 14 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 238963, p. 6235 8216. Open daily 6pm-11pm.
Escape Restaurant & Lounge
Hardcore buffet fans, this one’s for you. Escape Restaurant & Lounge offers a myriad of flavours spanning across both local and international cuisines. Situated at the spanking new five-star hotel, One Farrer Hotel & Spa, this 24-hour dining spot features nine stations, which serve up highlights like lamb chops, tandoori items and chilli crab.
Escape Restaurant & Lounge, One Farrer Hotel & Spa, 1 Farrer Park Station Road, Singapore 217562, p. 6705 7828. Open daily 24/7.
Beef noodles at GRUB Noodle Bar
GRUB Noodle Bar
You’d be crazy not to try GRUB’s beef noodles. The signature dish comes with egg noodles (made fresh daily), chinchalok chilli sauce, and your choice of beef cuts. Whether you choose to have beef brisket or grain fed Angus ribeye, you’ll only be fed with top-notch stuff; the meats are all imported from Australia. Other dishes on offer include assam laksa, and appetisers like Hokkaido scallop with mustard glaze.
GRUB Noodle Bar, 221 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218459, p. 6341 5631. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-12:30am.
Chotto Matte
Wolf down bite-sized Japanese classics here Chotto Matte. There’s plenty of yakitori, sushi, and sashimi to be had, but we say if you love your pork, don’t skip the Kagoshima pork belly options (it’s featured in the yakitori menu as well as the donburi menu). As well, if you’re a whisky fan, try their range of Japanese whiskies – brands like Chichibu and Yamazaki are on offer.
Chotto Matte, #01-01, 54 Blair Road, Singapore 089954, p. 6222 8846. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-12am.
Assorted sashimi at Sushi Jin
Sushi Jin
Joining the other great Japanese restaurants under the Les Amis Group (Aoki and Shabu Shabu Gen), Sushi Jin is all about the freshest, air-flown ingredients all the way from Tokyo’s world-renowned Tsukiji market. Omakase sets range from $80 to $130, but if you prefer, lunch sets start at only $22. Sushi Jin only seats 38 people, so be sure to make your reservations.
Sushi Jin, #01-11/12 Owen Link, One Farrer Hotel & Spa, 1 Farrer Park Station Road, Singapore 217562, p. 6443 3378. Open 12pm-2:30pm, 6:30pm-10:30pm.
Alba 1836
Chef-owner of the ever-popular Acqua in Phuket, Alessandro Frau, plays consultant chef to this fancy new Italian restaurant, so you can bet you’ll be in good hands. Sardinian fare peppers the menu, but if you’ve trouble making a decision, pick a risotto – one of the items Alessandro Frau’s known for.
Alba 1836, #01-01, 28 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089610, p. 6222 2048. Open Mon-Fri 12pm-2:30pm, 6:30pm-10:30pm, Sat 6:30pm-10:30pm. Closed Sun.
Joie (left) and snow pear and napa cabbage consommé at Joie (right)
Joie
Joie (pronounced ‘joy’, not ‘joey’) is a new meat-free dining spot that puts out fine, luxurious options like a snow pear and napa cabbage consommé and a spring vegetable terrine. Can’t make up your mind? Opt for the multi-course lunch (six-course for $38.80++) or dinner (seven-course for $68.80++).
Joie, #12-01 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road, p. 6838 6966. Open daily 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10pm.
Teppan-Ya
Feast on grilled meats and other delights at this teppanyaki restaurant. Drool-worthy contenders include the Australian wagyu beef and portobello mushrooms with sweet sauce and bonito flakes. Complete the dining experience with sides like sashimi and tempura.
Teppan-Ya, 4/F Mandarin Oriental Singapore, 5 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039797, p. 6885 3595. Open daily 12pm-2:30pm, 6pm-10pm.
Top image: King prawns vermicelli claypot at The Prawn Star