The night seems longer with all our fave bars and restaurants at Chinatown’s coolest spots: Ann Siang Hill and Club Street
With Telok Ayer, Amoy Street and Keong Saik Road just around the corner, you’ll hardly find us hangrily mumbling over the lack of food and drinks scene in one of Singapore’s hottest neighbourhoods: Chinatown. Very much a part of the ‘hood, the interconnected enclaves of Ann Siang Hill and Club Street have all you need for a quick recharge – from hidden bars, cool spots for cocktails, intimate restaurants to chic boutiques and lush green spaces for a peaceful stroll. Warning: hills ahead, so stiletto wearers, you have been warned!
Gem Bar
Arguably one of the busiest watering holes on the Ann Siang Hill strip, Gem Bar’s known as the go-to spot in the area if you’re down for a more vibrant, boisterous nightlife experience. A big fan of refreshing, fruity concoctions? Go for its special cocktails, such as The Fruits of Heaven or Flower Song Served In A Teapot.
Gem Bar, 8-10 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069789, p. 9646 6160
Operation Dagger
This underground bar is a great intro to Ann Siang’s buzzing night scene. After heading down the flight of stairs at Oxwell & Co, take a moment to soak in the beauty of Operation Dagger’s artistic interior – think clean, minimal furniture and an art installation-esque cloud structure arranged from thousands of overhanging bulbs. Cocktails here are nothing short of experimental. Try its omakase set (six customisable cocktails paired with bar bites) if you can’t make up your mind.
Operation Dagger, 7 Ann Siang, Singapore 069791, p. 92964704
Yen Yakinik
Meat mavens craving a decadent feast of wagyu beef and pork should park themselves at this cosy, modern Japanese yakiniku grill. The restaurant prides itself on farm-to-table cuts like wagyu oyster blade, A4 Miyazaki striploin and American wagyu tomahawk steaks. If you’re feeling up for some tipple, Yen Yakinuku also stocks a wide selection of Japanese sakes, so get your drink on after this meaty feast.
Yen Yakiniku, 15 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069695. p. 6221 6380
Bar Naked
Strip away from work, and unwind at this cheeky cocktail bar. Parked in the corner of Club Street, Bar Naked rides on the pop-up phenomenon and invites brands to rent their bar space to exercise innovative plans for outdoor advertising and event marketing. It’s also great for big groups to catch up.
Bar Naked, 95 Club Street, Singapore 069463, p. 64234695
Nutmeg & Clove
You’ve probably spotted the old-school signage ‘Ching Yoon Wooi Kwoon’. What lies beyond the dark wooden doors isn’t an old Chinese medicinal clinic; it’s actually this quaint cocktail bar. Taking their tipples to the next level, Nutmeg & Clove is all about revitalising the use of Asian herbs and spices, introducing fresh flavour pairings to the discerning drinker. Check out that time Nutmeg and Clove’s You’re One in a Melon made Honeycombers Cocktails of the Week.
Nutmeg & Clove, 10A Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069789, p. 9389 9301
Noti Restaurant & Ba
While the restaurant’s name means “famous” in Italian, it is also a play on the chef’s name, Toni Rossetti, who hails from a long line of restaurateurs from Italy. Here, you can start off your Mediterranean experience with the deep-fried risotto balls filled with ham and mozzarella cheese, and complement it with a dash of spicy arrabbiata sauce. Then, move on to the mixed mushroom risotto served with walnuts and truffle oil, or try the gnocchi with tiger prawns and pesto salentino.
Noti Restaurant & Bar, 54 Club St, Singapore 069431, p. 6222 0089
Oxwell & Co.
Expect unique and exclusive beverages, such as house-made spirits distilled with botanicals sourced from the Ann Siang area as well as a house designed beer containing a fusion of local citrus and spices; Oxhorn Lager. It’s also the first bar here to keg craft cocktails – Gin & Chronic, Sin Sling, Pina Colada and rotating seasonal cocktails. It’s also great for British classic craves like Sunday roasts and fish & chips. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to sneak into its eccentric Apothecary bar that serves unique house-made elixirs. Psst: check out its secret bar, The Apothecary.
Oxwell & Co., 5 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069688, p. 6438 3984
IZY
This Japanese dining spot may be izakaya-inspired, but it looks nothing like what you have in mind. Colourful pop culture posters, concrete floors and walls, exposed light bulbs, IZY’s one edgy resto. When it comes to its menu, expect a good mix of traditional eats and contemporary creations, such as the classic katsu don and the ocean trout carpaccio with ponzu sauce. After you’re done with the chow, ask the staff about Cache – a secret lounge bar tucked away in the back.
IZY, 27 Club Street, Singapore 069413, p. 62203327
Drinks & Co.
Need to pick up a nice bottle of red to wine and dine that special someone? Or maybe you want to kick back with a glass of bubbly and nibble on bar bites and cheese platters? This bottle shop/café concept offers a fantastic variety of wine, Champagne, and spirits for the most discerning of drinkers. The Club Street outlet boasts a larger menu and outdoor seating area for patrons who wanna soak in the sights and sounds of the buzzy Ann Siang district.
Drinks & Co., 44 Club Street, Singapore 069421
Le Carillo
The extension of famed French restaurant L’Angelus, Le Carillon is a pioneer of the French wine bar concept in the Ann Siang and Club Street enclave. Offering up a huge selection of affordable French wines, cold cuts and French cheese platters, the bar transports us to France with its movie posters, quaint basement and delectable wines.
Le Carillon, 24 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069689, p. 6423 0353
Lolla
This small, cosy resto is all about amazing food and fab produce. Restaurant highlights include sea urchin pudding, made with squid ink custard and sea urchin (yes, yes, yes); Tuna belly “chutoro” tartare, and beef tongue escalopes. The doughnuts with lemon curd are pleasantly surprising and a must-order to finish off a great meal.
Lolla, 22 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069702, p. 6423 1228
PS.Cafe
A household name for savoury cafe classics, the Ann Siang outlet offers a lovely respite from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding areas. Its food is reliable European fusion fare – which has since earned the chain a rep as a go-to place for long brunches, romantic dates and group celebrations. Desserts here have a cult following – grab a friend or two and dig into the enormous Double Chocolate blackout cake or the Sticky Date Pudding.
PS.Cafe, 45 Ann Siang Road, #02-02, Singapore 069719, p. 9797 0648
Cugini
Hailing from Sardinia and Sicily, the founders of Cugini have tailored the menu to suit the palates of locals. Start off with a side of bruschetta served with rocket pesto and mushrooms, or the antipasto laden with cold cuts, cheese, and grilled vegetables. For mains, their squid ink pasta makes a pretty tasty meal, and the risotto porcini is no slouch either.
Cugini, 87 Club St, Singapore 069455, p. 6221 3791
L’ Angelus
Delight your taste buds with traditional French cuisine that are in high praise since its opening 20 years ago. Order the beef tartare seasoned to your liking, or go for their homemade duck confit served with potato sarladaise and greens. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for wine recommendations to pair with your meal.
L’ Angelus, 85 Club St, Singapore 069453, p. 6225 6897
Senso Ristorante & Bar
For a royal treatment, head down to Senso Ristorante & Bar, well-known for authentic Italian fine dining cuisine and impeccable service. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks at the very lush and posh Senso Bar, or choose to dine in the main dining hall that is both cosy and classy at the same time. Personally, we prefer to indulge in the rustic charms of the courtyard.
Senso Ristorante & Bar, 21 Club St, Singapore 069410, p. 6224 3534
Jerry’s BBQ & Grill
For a reliable bounty of barbecued goodness, Jerry’s Barbecue and Grill won’t disappoint. Expect flame-licked ribs that are smoke-barbecued Memphis-style, using Hickory wood to impart intense, bitter, smoky flavours into the meat. These ribs are cooked for four to five hours at low heat – a skill executed to perfection at this American eatery.
Jerry’s BBQ & Grill, 92 Club St, Singapore 069460, p. 6323 4550
Les Bouchons
Go back to basics at Les Bouchons, where they proudly claim to be “The King of Steak and Fries”. If you’re with a plus one, the restaurant offers a giant Cote De Boeuf prime rib that comfortably feeds a party of two. Just try not to fill up from the free-flow fries!
Les Bouchons, 7 Ann Siang Rd, Singapore 069689, p. 6423 0737
SaVanh Bistro + Lounge
Translating to “heaven” in the Laotian tongue, this bistro concept by the IndoChine group is a peculiar blend of industrial chic and Buddhist temple decor Make sure you try the Saigon pomelo prawn salad, which is steamed prawns tossed with juicy pomelos. And order a glass of savanh 49 – made with sweet lychee liquer and vodka – which goes down smoothly with the gui cuon cua crab rolls, stuffed with mango, mint leaves, and cucumber.
SaVanh Bistro + Lounge, 47C Club St, Singapore 069424, p. 6323 0503
My Little Tapas Ba
This quaint eating place carries on the same spirit with the Spanish saying “Mi Casa es Su Casa”. Initiate your Spanish dining experience with tapas sides like the patatas picantonas (fried potatoes with spicy tomato alioli), or some croquetas de jamón (fried ham-stuffed creamy croquettes with alioli). And you definitely can’t go wrong with their pan-seared ribeye steak with red chumchurri sauce, served with a heap of potato fries.
My Little Tapas Bar, 14 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069694, p. 6223 8048
Beaujolais Wine Bar
Named after the Beaujolais wine region in France, this wine bar is the place to go to for a juicy steak and excellent wine. Their coete de boeuf is a signature dish; made with Australian grain-fed beef, it is grilled for 20 minutes before being placed in the oven to roast. Order a glass of red to go with it, or move on to dessert with a white chocolate lava cake or lychee jelly with lemon sorbet.
Beaujolais Wine Bar, 1 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069784, p. 6224 2227
Le Bon Funk
Newcomer Le Bon Funk is already drawing a steady crowd, and the natural wines here keeps people coming back for more. Specially curated by head sommelier Josee Yeomans, its extensive wine list makes us want to kick back with a glass or two; we’ll also be dipping into the menu by chef-owner (and Burnt Ends alumnus) Keirin Buck, which goes hand-in-hand with everything from house-cured charcuterie to modern fine plates.
Le Bon Funk, 29 Club Street, Singapore 069414
FRY Rooftop Bistro & Bar
Located on the fourth floor of 96 Club Street, this intimate rooftop bar offers a bird’s eye view of Ann Siang hill as you sip your cocktail on the balcony. The brainchild of local artiste, Irene Ang, this place offers unique scrumptious grub such as bulgogi mac and cheese and their signature Auntie Ang’s wings served with a belachan dip.
FRY Rooftop Bistro & Bar, 96B Club Street, Singapore 069464, p. 8418 5995
Zui Hong Lou
An extension of Gem Bar, this charming new spot is the place to be for mouthwatering rice bowls, as well as bar bites that include Chinese classics like kung pow chicken and luncheon meat fried rice that compliment well with your booze. Go for the gin-and-soursop white crane, or the vodka-spiked chrysanthemum tea for an unconventional twist.
Zui Hong Lou, 8 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore, 069789
Lorna Jane
What’s not to love about this Aussie brand? Paving the way for fashionable activewear, Lorna Jane is every fitness-loving fashionista’s dream come true: think chic tights, colourful slogan tees, strappy sport bras, and stylish accessories to complete your look and keep cool throughout your workouts. Now you’ve got no more excuse for looking sloppy at your next spin class.
Lorna Jane, 4 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069786, p. 6221 8641
Aston Blake
Specialising in bespoke menswear, this British-Australian label doesn’t just do customised threads, but also ready-to-wear pieces with its seasonal capsule collections featuring the latest “It” colours and prints.
Aston Blake, 89 Club Street, #02-00, Singapore 069457, p. 6337 3504. Contact to book an appointment.
Innitbangkoksg
The Thai-based fashion label, founded by sisters Ploynisa and Ploynaplatt, takes the spot for ladies who are up for a wardrobe refresh that includes versatile feminine pieces great for every occasion, whether it’s a dinner party or a red-carpet event. Browse through racks of plaited dresses in unconventional silhouettes and hues that will have you stealing the spotlight.
Innitbangkoksg, 13 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069693
Ann Siang House
This beauty isn’t hard to miss in Ann Siang – its electric blue, colonial exterior housed chic rooms and a cosy place to grab a bite and drinks. Now open with a brand new look, this is your go-to place to stay in Ann Siang.
Ann Siang House, 28 Ann Siang Rd, Singapore 069708, p. 6808 2188
Ann Siang Hill Park
This walking trail features a mix of greenery and historical sites along areas like Ann Siang Hill, Club Street, and if you prefer to go further, Telok Ayer Street and Amoy Street. Built in 1993, Ann Siang Hill Park itself is Chinatown’s tallest geographical point so stick around for a bird’s eye view of the city skyline
Ann Siang Hill Park, 1 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069784
Truefitt & Hill
Charles Dickens, Cary Grant, Sir Winston Churchill, and Frank Sinatra – Truefitt & Hill’s star-studded clientele reads like a veritable list of who’s who. One thing’s for sure, you’ll definitely be in good company at this 200-year old British establishment, which made its way to Singapore early last year. Outfitted like an ultra-exclusive gentlemen’s club (think crystal chandeliers, club chairs, and dark wood paneling – naturally), Truefitt & Hill offers haircuts, mani/pedis, massages and waxing treatments to spoil the lads silly.
Truefitt & Hill, 9 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069690, p. 6223 5263
The Screening Room
This entertainment venue – a boutique theatre and lush rooftop bar rolled into one – is great for cozying up and catching screenings of timeless films while having a tipple or two at the private bar. The rooftop bar (La Terraza Rooftop Bar) also offers stunning views of the cityscape for a post-movie nightcap. Warning – it can get a little crowded here but if you’re on the prowl, this is the place to be.
The Screening Room, 12 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069692
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Within the area? Check out nearby Chinatown
Walk down to Telok Ayer next — here’s what’s good!
Amoy Street deserves some love too!
Or hit up Keong Saik for the best bites
