Where to eat and drink on Tras Street in the Tanjong Pagar area - from tapas and sushi to meat feasts and private dinners
There are lots of cool places to eat, drink and party around Tanjong Pagar in Singapore’s CBD, and recently, we were reacquainted with one particular hub – Tras Street. Previously only attractive to those about to get married in Singapore, there are now more than a few cool bars and hot tables open for business in this central area. So head down to chalk up one for your indie scorecard and try one of our fave restaurants in Tras Street before it starts to become too crowded.
EATING AND DRINKING ON TRAS STREET
What do you get when the classic Japanese aperitif collides with traditional Spanish bar bits? Bam! Tapas Sake Bar (No. 38) is the answer – this watering hole offers a refreshing twist on the same ol’ tapas concept (which you’ve probably had enough of by now). Savour small plates like Calamari “A La Plancha”, Beef Tongue And Rostit Sauce while you sip on their specialty sake cocktails (they’re all good – we couldn’t pick a fave!).
The buzziest new joint on Tras Street is Chef’s Table; an exciting modern European restaurant that serves up gob-smacking, ever-changing degustation menus. It was formerly known as My Private Chef, a popular cooking school run by the innovative Chef Stephan Zoisl. However, Stephan recently decided to swing open his doors to the public and transform the space into Chef’s Table. Lucky us!
Across the street at No. 49 is Jekyll & Hyde, brought to you by the same folks behind cool nail bar Manicurious. While their cocktail menu is small – 7 concoctions named after the 7 sins; try Gluttony for something really different – these guys thrive on the bespoke, so don’t be afraid to tell them what you want! We loved our passionfruit sake and blackberry rum.
A bar after our own heart, House of Dandy (No. 74) encapsulates the opulence of the roaring twenties perfectly with its slick interior and extensive whiskey list. This is an excellent spot if you’d like to throw another “Great Gatsby” themed party (trust us, the glamour of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Leo DiCaprio will never go out of fashion).
If there was only one thing we loved about Cafe & Bar Gavroche and Brasserie Gavroche (both by Chef Frédéric Colin), it’s how authentically French the whole experience is. Step into the café at No. 69, and you’ll feel like you’re sipping wine (the wine list and champagne cocktails will satisfy any tippleholic) in a Parisian bistro, which incidentally, is also a great place for weekend brunch. The brasserie across the street at No. 66 dishes out good and reliable French fare in a beautiful, intimate atmosphere. Try the Tartine d’os à moelle (bone marrow on toasted Poilane bread with garlic confit) and Potée Auvergnate, recette du grand père Henri (Grandpa Henri’s pork hotpot with cabbage and garden vegetables).
Book now for Cafe & Bar Gavroche
Book now for Brassie Gavroche
Another cool cat on the French dining scene is the cozy Fleur De Sel (No. 64). Foie gras fans would love Chef Alex’s version of Le Foie Gras de Canard (seared duck liver with apple tatin and duck jus vinaigrette) – it’s one of the best we’ve had in Singapore! Chocoholics, try the heavenly Le Chocolate (chocolate and praline layers, fleur de sel caramel, with chocolate sauce and ice cream).
Looking for great Japanese food? Check out Sushi Mitsuya (No. 60) for some of the highest quality sushi in Singapore. If you’re a fan of omasake, the bespoke dining experience provided by Head Chef Ryosuke Harada guarantees satisfaction. If you’re in the vicinity for supper, get it at Kko Kko Nara Korean Restaurant. Serving up a mean fried chicken (till 4am everyday!), this is the place to go for your midnight Korean fix.
FITNESS ON TRAS STREET
Tras Street is also home of a couple of gyms, which is how we stay in shape after all the good food and boozy beverages. At 50B is Selective Fitness, a boutique gym that offers group sessions in Power Plates, indoor cycling, and yoga.
SPAS ON TRAS STREET
There’re also a few spas located on Tras Street. For one of the best foot massages in Singapore, head to Imperial Apple Spa (No. 171). They’re open ’til 4am, so if you ever felt like having a massage after supper, you know where to go.
WHERE TO STAY ON TRAS STREET
If you’ve think we’ve forgotten Orchid Hotel at Tras Link and 100AM – two must-know foodie hotspots in Tanjong Pagar – you’ve got another think comin’. We’ve covered them both in our CBD Lunch Guide, so hop over there, pronto!
And then there’s the Amara Hotel, which has a nice restaurant worth checking out called Element. Skip the buffet and go for Chef Badiola’s authentic Basque cuisine, especially the tender roasted piquillo peppers (S$12) stuffed with cod fish bechamel and bathed in a piquillo cream sauce.
