9 New Restaurants in Singapore
It’s all about the French this June. Thankfully for our pockets (and not so much for our waistlines) we’re talking about wallet-friendly, hearty French fare. The other game changer? Steakhouses – that will deliver the whole cow (and more) at totally affordable rates!
Saint Pierre
Helmed by celebrity chef Emmanual Stroobant, Saint Pierre first opened at Central Mall 13 years ago. They’ve since closed shop and relocated to Sentosa’s Quayside Isle. The new 100-seater restaurant will be helmed by Chef/Owner Emmanuel Stroobant and Chef-de-Cuisine Daniel Grobnik, and will veer away from the over-priced dining scene to provide high-quality modern French cuisine with affordable price points. There will be a focus on organic produce as well as more seafood and vegetarian options for patrons. (Hurrah!)
Saint Pierre, 31 Ocean Way, #01-15, Quayside Isle, Singapore 098375, p. 6438 0887. Open Tue-Fri 530pm-12am, Sat 1130am-3pm, 530pm-12am, Sun 1130am-1030pm.
Toots Brasserie
French food is the name of the game at this jazz-inspired restaurant, so you can expect loads of Provence-style cooking, all which promises to be affordable. Highlights include Bouillabaise ($14), Beef Fillet with Foie Gras ($46), and Profiteroles au Chocolat ($12). The head chef personally makes his pork and duck rillettes fresh every day – now that’s dedication.
Toots Brasserie, 101 Jalan Sultan, Singapore 199002, p. 6723 7117. Open Mon 730am-1030am, Tue-Sun 730-1030am, 630-1030pm. Closed during lunch.
Bull & Butcher
How do you like your steak done? At Bull & Butcher, you can get it any way you want. The 120-seater steakhouse promises to entice even the most inexperienced diner with iPads menus to make things easier. Expect a variety of signature cuts from meat flown in from Australia and the US and fresh local and international seafood prepared on their customized charcoal grill.
Bull & Butcher, Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road, #01-33/35, Singapore 238839, p. 9734 3665. Open Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat-Sun 11am-11pm.
Oca Grassa
Good food without sky-high prices – that’s the promise Oca Grassa makes. The Italian steakhouse specializes in steak, grilled over charcoal, and treated with their “special technique”. A must-try is the Fiorentina, a 1.2kg chunk of Florentine steak on – not a plate – but a disc of Himalayan Salt. But steak isn’t the only interesting must-try at Oca Grassa. Chef Edwin Lau, formerly the executive chef at La Cicala, has put together an experimental Mediterranean-inspired menu. When we say experimental we mean ice-cream flavours like smoked cheese and sea urchin (um, yum).
Oca Grassa, 6 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089820, p. 6534 9854. Open Mon-Sat, 12-230pm, 6-1030pm. Closed Sun.
Hashida Sushi Singapore
Dining Omakase style may not be for every budget, but it’s definitely worth a try once in your life. Over at Hashida Sushi you’re in terrific hands – and we can assure you that you’ll never go home hungry. Premium ingredients and fantastic execution is worth every penny of your $300 dinner bill. Chef Kenjiro Hatch Hashida, who helms the kitchen, is also the only son of Chef Hashida, who runs a sushi restaurant near the famed Tsukiji Market in Japan.
Hashida Sushi Singapore, 333A Orchard Road, #02-37, Mandarin Gallery, Singapore 238897, p. 6733 2144.
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. For pork loving people, the suckling pig, with crisp skin ($55 – enough to feed two!) is a must have.
Burnt Ends, 20 Teck Lim Road, Singapore 088391, p. 6224 3933. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-12am. Closed Sun.
Rokeby
More good news in the Jalan Riang hood! Meet Rokeby, opened by Perthies Kelvin Lim and his wife, and inspired by the food culture of Western Australia. More bistro than resto, the vibe here is laidback and down-to-earth, much like its neighbourhood. Aussie faves feature heavily on the menu, so load up on Spaghetti Vegemite Glazed Chicken ($11.90), Freo’s Fish ‘n’ Chips ($16.90) or the Sphagehtti Carbonara topped with an egg ($15.90). Brunch hounds, put this one on your list. Rokeby serves a mean Aussie brekkie. Try the Vegemite Downunder ($10.90) or the Rokeby Full Monty Brekkie (17.90).
Intrepid Gastro Bar
There’s always a new kid on the CBD block. Meet Intrepid Gastro Bar, a Melbourne inspired gastrobar with a contextual focus on the city’s unique culture, style, and culinary senses. They also do weekend brunch and Sunday Roast every first Sunday of the month. Psst office zombies, you can also get your java fix here.
Grub
For some undeniably good nosh, stop by Bishan Park. Newly opened Grub offers some great comfort food. The entire restaurant is surrounded by glass, leaving the interior bright and cheery, but our favourite is the alfresco dining area. Good news for those at nearby Bishan Dog Park, your furry friend will not be chased away! Mervyn Phan, chef of Grub also cooks responsibly, using free-range chicken and beef, and doesn’t use MSG, artificial preservatives, or additives. Try the slow roasted pork belly ($15), beef and Guinness Pie, and for the brunch bunch, come only during weekends.
Grub, 510 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, Singapore 569983. p. 6459 5743. Open Tue-Fri 530-1030pm. Sat-Sun, PH 9am-230pm, 530-1030pm. Closed Mon.
Top image: Intrepid Gastro Bar