We’re glad to see more “exotic” newcomers to Singapore’s fast-growing F&B scene; one of them being a classy Portuguese restaurant and the other, a Lebanese dining spot. And oh, Unlisted Collection has just launched a spanking new establishment, too (with more to come in the coming weeks and months). Excited yet? We know we are.
Sorrel
Semi-fine dining restaurant Sorrel is one of Unlisted Collection’s (The Market Grill, Esquina, Pollen) latest ventures. Executive chef Johnston Teo helms the kitchen and puts out prettily-plated creations like wagyu beef shortribs with bone marrow sauce and roasted baby chicken with Japanese maitake mushrooms. We say ‘semi’ because the space is casual and pretty laid-back, so don’t worry about it being pretentious in any way.
Sorrel, 21 Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069620, p. 6221 1911. Open Mon-Fri 12pm-2pm, 7pm-10pm, Sat 7pm-10pm. Closed Sun.
Bumbo Rum Club
Caribbean cuisine takes centre stage at this new rum-centric bar on Club Street. Have the prawn ceviche as a starter before moving on to the mouth-watering costillas de credo (blackcurrant pork ribs), or choose the pork Cuban tartine for something more sinful. As for the rum, you might have trouble making up your mind; there are 76 varieties from over 20 over countries, seven homemade infused rums, and 25 rum cocktails for you to choose from.
Bumbo Rum Club, 83 Club Street, Singapore 069451, p. 6690 7563. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-2am.
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.
Joo
This new Korean bar and restaurant oozes sophistication and swag. Located within a three-storey shophouse on Tan Quee Lan Street, Joo is the first in Singapore to brew makgeolli (a milky white rice wine) and serve it on tap. Pair it with well-executed dishes like the slow roasted mangalista belly, kimchi chicken potpie, and seafood gochujang risotto.
Joo, 5 Tan Quee Lan Street, Singapore 188094, p. 8138 1628. Open daily 5:30pm-12am.
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.
Cove99
Local favourites like chilli crab and sautéed prawns are on offer here at Cove99 , but what makes this place so great is the option for diners to have their crabs and prawns de-shelled. No muss, no fuss! Other must-trys include the wok-tossed Three Treasure Seafood Crispy Fried Rice, the Boston lobster, and the cod fish steamed with crispy soya bean crumbs.
Cove99, 72 Peck Seah Street, Singapore 079329, p. 6224 0991. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm.
Layalina Privee
It’s all about Lebanese food here at Layalina Privee. Owned by a British-based F&B group, this is the brand’s first Asian outpost. Expect soft, pillowy breads (goes great with a variety of dishes), hearty meat platters, and plenty of hummus dips and falafel. Bonus: drop by on weekends to enjoy belly dancing performances and magic shows.
Layalina Privee, #03-14 Sultan Link Building, 63 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 239002, p. 6443 3711. Open Mon-Sat 12pm-10:30pm. Closed Sun.
Shelter in the Woods
The mysterious-sounding restaurant is back in action after a four-month hiatus and a complete revamp. Shelter in the Woods celebrates its reopening with a new face behind its well-loved European cuisine, consultant chef Masashi Horiuchi. Before arriving in Singapore, the Japanese-born chef spent 21 years in Europe training at two and three-starred Michelin dining establishments. So, trust us when we say you’re in good hands. Don’t leave without sampling the signature rotisserie chicken, and sweet treats like the seasonal fig tart.
Shelter in the Woods, 22 Greenwood Avenue, Singapore 289218, p. 6466 6225. Open Mon & Wed-Sun 6pm-10pm. Closed Tue.
Top image: Pumpkin with smoked eel and coconut at Sorrel