Here are the best new restaurant and bar openings in Singapore in March 2024…
New restaurants are popping up all over town! Had your fill of kid-friendly cafes, Italian restaurants and hot pot? Then it’s time to explore some of the newest restaurants in Singapore with our guide. New restaurant Air, with its urban farm and inspired cuisine, is the talk of the town. Then there’s Tamba, a drop-dead gorgeous African restaurant; Torno Subito, the first outpost of the one-Michelin-starred Dubai flagship by Massimo Bottura; Hevel (by the peeps behind Marcy’s) a new restaurant on Keong Saik Road, and more. Keep your finger on the pulse of the hottest best new restaurants in Singapore with this list!
Read More: Best Romantic Restaurants in Singapore
New Restaurants in Singapore: March 2024
EDITOR’S PICK!
Air: hot new restaurant in Dempsey
Air is one of the newest restaurants in Dempsey, and it’s a beaut! Air, short for Awareness, Impact and Responsibility, is a restaurant that also encompasses a cooking school, research space and garden farm. Established by celeb chefs Matthew Orlando and Will Goldfarb, and entrepreneur Ronald Akili (co-founder of Potato Head in Bali), Air has a mission: to inspire thought about food. However, what they won’t be doing is preaching the hows and whys to you (unless you ask, then they’ll happily fill you in!). To get to Air, you’ll walk along a long wooden walkway that curves up into Dempsey’s lush greenery, where their herb and fruit farm is being nurtured to feed the restaurant. Plans are afoot for fun happenings on the lawn, and there’s seating on the steps but most will gravitate to the cooler indoors.
The menu is short and indeed thought-provoking. Only one meat (duck) and lots of fish and vegetable offerings. Start with Fermented Cassava Bread and Mushroom “XO” Butter ($16), then tuck into White Fish Ceviche with green mango, Kenari nut milk and emping crisps ($29). For mains, share Crispy Oyster Mushrooms with pickled chillies ($30) a moreish dish that almost mimics fried chicken. The star of the show is the Whole Coral Grouper ($46). It’s not a whole fish served as you’d imagine. Instead, the fish head is made into a smoked rillette and served with lavish crackers (made from pressure-cooked fish bones), while the filet is confited and topped with black garlic vinaigrette. For dessert, don’t miss The Whole Papaya ($18) – panna cotta with papaya jam and shaved papaya skin granite topped with dried papaya seeds — one of the most unique desserts we’ve ever tried!
Cote Korean Steakhouse
Looking for a new date night spot? Put Cote Korean Steakhouse, the first international outpost of the first and only Korean steakhouse with a Michelin star on your list. Hailing from foodie mecca, New York, Cote elevates the traditional Korean barbeque experience with elements from classic American steakhouses. Expect premium cuts of USDA Prime beef, Australian Wagyu and Black Angus, as well as an extensive Japanese A5 Wagyu selection. Order your meat a la carte, or opt for the cheat sheet for the whole table with the Butcher’s Feast ($98++ per person) featuring four pre-selected beef cuts, alongside banchan and condiments. You’ll get your own personal server to cook your meats over the smokeless charcoal grills. Contrary to the usual casual Korean BBQ spots, Cote is all about classic luxury with moody vibes. The main dining room takes inspiration from the flagship in New York, with its dark green tones, marbled tables and plush booth seats. Don’t miss a pre-dinner cocktail at the jungle-themed Millim Bar at the entrance.
Tamba: stylish new African restaurant and bar
Tamba is the sister restaurant of the renowned Kafe Utu, the first African restaurant in Singapore. You’ll first see the red-earth-inspired exterior walls, and as you walk up the painstakingly decorated staircase (that is reminiscent of the mud architecture of Africa), you’ll emerge into a low-lit dining room with a cocktail bar that’s both glamorous and cosy. It feels like you’ve stepped into someone’s rather extravagant home with a dining area that can only seat around 20 guests. The drop-dead gorgeousness of the decor is what will stay with you. Tamba pays homage to owner Kurt’s late brother who was West African, and the restaurant’s decor is a warm celebration of African heritage and style. Don’t miss a peak in the washrooms to spy the lurking crocodile! The menu features homemade bread with Tapalapa, smoked bacon butter and ricotta goat cheese topped with smoked honey, Jollof Rice with Chicken and the highlight, a Prawn Pepper Soup, a Nigerian staple that’s got a real kick to it. Tamba also boasts a cocktail program composed of African spirits and led by GM Joma Rivera, previously from Kafe Utu and 28 Hong Kong Street.
New Restaurants in Singapore: February 2024
Torno Subito: new Italian at Como Dempsey
Italian chef Massimo Bottura, of three-Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana fame, has put on a few pop-ups in Singapore over the years but his first restaurant here, Torno Subito, has now opened at Como Dempsey. This is the first outpost of the one-Michelin-starred Dubai flagship. Executive chef Alessio Pirozzi, from Abruzzo, Italy will be cooking hand-made pasta ($36 – $48), seafood and meat dishes, as well as wood-fired pizzas ($32 – $58) if you’re going a la carte, but there’s also a six-course set menu to explore.
Roia: new restaurant in Botanics
Roia is the newest restaurant to open within the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Set within the E.J.H Corner House, Roia offers fine dining French cuisine with a focus on the flora found in the Botanic Gardens from where they source key herbs and flowers. Chef Priyam Chatterjee offers a six-course ($188 per person) and eight-course ($288 per person) menu. Roia is open for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday.
Jiak Kim House: mod Asian new restaurant
A new restaurant by The Brewerkz Group, Jiak Kim House is located in a 1920s conservation warehouse that formerly housed the iconic Zouk Singapore. Modern Asian cuisine is the name of the game here. Dishes include Tingkat of Memories ($36) featuring four snacks served in a traditional four-tier “tingkat”, Beef Tongue-to-Tail ($42), and Opeh Leaf Laksa Fettucine ($42), which comprises an assortment of fish, mussels, prawns, sambal and pasta hidden in an opeh leaf.
New Restaurants in Singapore: January 2024
EDITOR’S PICK!
Hevel: new restaurant in Keong Saik
Hevel (by the peeps behind another hit restaurant Marcy’s) is a new restaurant on Keong Saik Road. Helmed by ex-Mandala Club head chef, Stefan Liau, Hevel is all about contemporary European cuisine in a cosy den-like setting. It’s all maroon and cherry wood tones with a Motown playlist and atmospheric lighting. On the set menu ($138++) you can expect a trio of snacks, sharing starters, a main and dessert. The menu is set to change quarterly but you might be nibbling on a Chicken Liver Mousse on Parmigiana Crisp, Banana Cashew Cream on Pastry and Trout Tartar on Milk Toast to whet your appetite. Next up, a comforting bowl of Chawanmushi style custard with Mussels, then sharing starters of Mackerel with Passionfruit, Bread with Smoked Butter and morsels of Potato Hash with Uni and Pickled Leeks. For mains, a choice of Porcini-rubbed Pork Presa or Grilled Short Rib followed by a tummy-filling bowl of Barley and Confit Duck. A lovely vibe, great service and interesting food will ensure a return visit once the menu changes. There’s a fun cocktail or wine pairing option to try too.
Tribal: new modern Asian grill
Tribal is a new modern Asian grill by homegrown F&B company Ebb & Flow (of restaurants Sommer and Willow). Located within Mondrian Singapore Duxton, Tribal spotlights wood-fired cooking and familiar Asian flavours. Start with scallops in homemade XO sauce ($35) or Yellowtail Sashimi ($26) tossed in a bright Sarawakian-inspired dressing of chilli, garlic and kaffir lime. Mains feature wood-fired grilled meats such as Santori Organic Kampung Chicken ($42) with an Asian twist from the Gai Yang barbeque glaze, and seafood of Kymer Amok Prawns ($38) or Octopus with sambal bajak and papaya salad ($55). We were most taken with the sides of Purple Sweetcorn ($12) and the clever Celeriac Mille-Feuille dusted with macadamia ($14) as well as signature sharing rice pots with a nasi ulam base of fluffy Thai Jasmine rice with fresh aromatic vegetables and herbs in three variants: wild mushroom, Wagyu and seafood.
HighHouse: new restaurant-club
HighHouse has taken over the defunct 1-Altitude and Stellar restaurant and bar space in the CBD. This new day-to-night nightlife and culinary destination spans Levels 61 and 62 of One Raffles Place. One of the draws of this spot has always been the unparalleled views of the Singapore skyline, and HighHouse adds to the mix good music, cocktails and food. Wedge yourself in one of the plush booths or take up a window seating for breathtaking views of the Padang or Marina Bay. The menu encompasses small and large sharing plates such as Seafood Kokoda Ceviche, Whole Spanish Dover Sole and Sakura Pork Belly in Massaman Curry served with Sticky Rice.
Fireside: new restaurant at Quayside Isle
Fireside is a new restaurant bar concept by Panamericana, located in Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove. There’s an alfresco seating area streetside but you’re going to want to head upstairs to the main bar to sink into the plush seats overlooking the yachts or perch up at the glitzy cocktail bar that takes centre stage. The menu is designed with Small and Big plates so you can tuck into something hearty for lunch or dinner—think Beer Battered Snapper with Triple-Cooked Chips ($32), Whole Chicken ($52) or Australia Black Angus Ribeye, MBS 6+ 300g ($98) but we reckon this spot lends itself best to cocktails and bites. Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the excellent Spice Spice Marg ($22) a heady cocktail of Codigo Blanco Tequila, Codigo Mezcal, Jalapeño and Cucumber juice, best washed down with the Sea Bream Crudo ($24) and Panamericana Sourdough ($8). If you’re in need of a private room know that they have an exclusive Tasting Room with a karaoke system and projector for those late-night lock-ins.
Chicco Pasta Bar: new Italian restaurant
Chicco Pasta Bar is a buzzing new restaurant on Telok Ayer Street. It’s the new casual Italian spot by Australian-Italian Chef Drew Nocente of the upmarket restaurant Cenzo. At a weekday lunch this spot is crammed with hungry diners drawn by the affordable pricing and the lure of housemade pasta. Rigatoni with Guanciale, Egg & Pepper is just $18; Spaghetti with Clams and Pancetta is $18 while the priciest pasta on the menu is Mafaldine with Spanner Crab is $24 (and it’s well worth ordering!). As well as hearty plates of pasta there’s ‘Italian street food’ of Roasted Cauliflower with garlic chilli, Calamari Fritti and meatballs. At lunch there’s Housemade focaccia to mop up your pasta sauce, while at dinner Grill items are available from Australian Grass-fed Rib Eye to Lamb T-Bone. The Pistachio Tiramisu is worth saving room for.
EDITOR’S PICK!
Liberty Singapore: new smokehouse restaurant
Liberty Singapore is a new smokehouse restaurant in the CBD. This HK import blends Asian cuisine cooked with wood-fire techniques of a Texas-style barbecue. The menu has a fun East-meets-West vibe. Think Korean kalbi-marinated whole rib ($32/100g) smoked for 12 hours in cherry wood then slow-cooked and served with spring onion salad. Other dishes not to miss include the Short-Rib Dumplings ($22) in black vinegar and crispy chilli sauce, Prawn Tagliatelle ($32), the lighter Hamachi ($28) with mango Ponzu salsa, and the fun Corn-Rib ($16). This Whole Mexican white corn is fried, tossed in butter and curry spices — best eaten with your hands and dipped in the accompanying smoked hollandaise sauce.
If you have a sprout hater, order the Korean-inspired Noccham sauce brussels sprouts ($12), and they’ll soon be converts. And leave room for dessert of Apple Pie ($14), served with a scoop of 5 Spice Smoked Ice-Cream and a drizzle of caramel. To celebrate the launch of new restaurant Liberty Singapore, every diner is entitled to a $20 return voucher with a minimum spend of $100. If you’re celebrating your birthday, get 50% off one main course with every $150 spent.
EDITOR’S PICK!
Kunthaville: New Sri Lankan Restaurant
Singapore only has a handful of Sri Lankan restaurants, so we were excited to hear about the opening of Kunthaville. Housed in a century-old colonial-style conserved shophouse, Kunthaville offers Ceylonese fine dining. The owner, self-taught cook, Kuntha, has a family tea estate in Sri Lanka and has been selling Ceylon tea since 1867. The Sri Lankan fare here revolves around the Ancient belief of the six facets that balance life… sweetness, bitterness, astringent, spiciness, saltiness and sourness. Unlike many other Sri Lankan restaurants, some dishes are plated individually rather than sharing style. Starters range from spicy Beetroot Cutlets ($12) with mango avocado salad to Roasted Butternut Pumpkin soup with ginger and turmeric.
A real highlight is the Gundappam ($14, pictured) made from fermented rice batter. These mini appams are spongier than the usual appams or hoppers making them fun to dip into the Coconut Chambal ($14). The main of Coconut Rice is accompanied by Dry Jack Fruit Curry, Green Beans, and a few different chambals ($28). At this point, you may or may not have noticed a lack of meaty dishes. We certainly didn’t miss it, as the flavours and textures are so interesting. Kunthaville is in fact largely vegan using coconut milk or chickpea milk instead of dairy, and there is no meat on the menu. The colonial-style setting is lovely, and we reckon this spot is worth checking out whether you have vegan friends to accommodate or just fancy some delicious Sri Lankan food in an upscale setting — there’s even a yoga room upstairs should you wish to have a wellness morning followed by lunch!
Dew by Whitegrass
Dew by Whitegrass, is the casual off-shoot of the MICHELIN-starred Whitegrass restaurant located next door within CHIJMES. It’s all about small plates of European fare with an Asian twist to complement the sake bar. Nibble on sashimi like Chef Smoked The Salmon and Hamachi On The Way ($22) and tuck into morsels of brioche topped with prosciutto and stracciatella cheese ($15). Other highlights include Hokkaido scallops with pickled tartar and lemon garlic soy sauce ($26) or for something heartier, the Yuzu Kosho Seaweed Pasta ($20). If you’re feeling flush, plump for one of the signature luxe items, the “R” IGA Ribeye, roasted IGA wagyu A4 rib eye with sauteed spinach and wasabi ($58). Swap your usual glass of vino for one of the curated selections of Sake labels, sourced directly from different prefectures in Japan.
EDITOR’S PICK!
Ginkyō by Kinki
If you love Kinki Restaurant + Bar at Customs House, you’re going to want to know about Ginkyō [pronounced as ‘Geen-keo’] by the same group at the new mall One Holland Village. Ginkyō redefines the Japanese dining experience with dishes that are primarily Japanese but with a cosmopolitan twist. Highlights for us were all from the Raw kitchen — featuring seafood from Tokyo’s iconic Toyosu Market (Kinki fans never fear their signature Rock & Roll makis, which are on this menu too).
Start with the cute bite-sized Ginkyō Crispies like the Uni, Caviar, Ikura ($22) on crispy rice with edible gold flakes, the filling Kimchi Onigiri Arancini ($14) made with breaded fried rice balls stuffed with gorgonzola and kimchi aioli, then definitely order the Swordfish Ceviche ($19) of beautifully cut fish, avocado and piquant salsa, served alongside crispy rice crackers. There are plenty of meaty options from Hamburg Wagyu to yakitori too, all best washed down with fun cocktails.
EDITOR’S PICK!
Fireplace by Bedrock: New Grill Restaurant
Award-winning steakhouse Bedrock has a new open wood-fired grill concept, Fireplace by Bedrock within the new pet-friendly mall that everyone’s talking about, One Holland Village. The open kitchen takes centre stage, and as the concept is open fire cooking, there are lovely woody aromas as the meats are grilled. Highlights include the Dirty Duck ($48) sous vide Irish duck rubbed in aromatic spices and then grilled, and the 6 Hours Wood-Fired Crispy Pork Belly ($35 for 200g / $48 for 300g), sous vide overnight, then slow-cooked above the grill, so the meat is tender. There’s a wonderful smokiness, and the skin is super crispy.
Come with a group and order the Wagyu Tomahawk Steak (market price) or the 8-hour Wood-fired Roasted Whole Lamb ($38 for 200g / $50 for 300g), and don’t miss the delicious starters from Blistered Padron Peppers to oven-baked Bone Marrow Toast ($28) on a house-made toasted brioche. We love that they have a proper Kid’s Menu (no nuggets here), featuring dishes like Boneless Chicken Thigh ($15) with baked potatoes.
New Restaurants in Singapore: December
Jypsy: New Restaurant in the East Coast
The second Jypsy outlet is set to open in January at the picturesque Parkland Green on the East Coast. This modern Japanese restaurant will also offer a brunch menu exclusively on weekends and public holidays from 8am – 4pm. Look out for dishes like Jypsy Big Breakfast ($29), the Smoked Salmon Egg Benedict ($26), the refreshing Green Tea Soba Salad ($19), the Wagyu Hamburger Steak Plate ($26), a hand-made Japanese-style beef patty and an array of Sando options. Jypsy Parkland Green will also introduce a special Kids Menu such as the Junior Plate ($15), featuring bolognese pasta and a side of crispy karaage bites, accompanied with an egg omelette and cucumber sushi roll. Jypsy Parkland Green opens on 3 January 2024.
Jypsy,
Little Farms Table: New Restaurant in Holland Village
Little Farms grocer in Holland Village has moved across the road and has also opened a new restaurant upstairs. Little Farms Table is an all-day dining concept focused on natural, whole, fresh foods, and premium meats, with all dishes made from scratch, without the use of MSG, artificial flavourings, colourings, or preservatives. The menu starts with brunch items that run till 2pm, featuring items like Avocado Smash on Sourdough ($21) with poached eggs, feta and sweet tomatoes (a rarity in SG!). Mains include Caribbean Jerk Chicken ($30), NZ Akaroa Salmon with corn salsa ($36), and juicy Harissa Lamb Chops ($38) dusted with Moroccan spice powder. Small plates range from Chargrilled Squid with Romesco Sauce to Steak Tartare. Or just pop in for a very coffee and a huge slab of the delicious Carrot Cake ($12)!
New Restaurants in Singapore: November
EDITOR’S PICK!
MOXIE: Modern Mediterranean restaurant
If you’re fans of the lush spot in Demspey, Siri House, get ready for a great new restaurant by the same team. MOXIE is a ‘Modern Mediterranean dining destination inspired by coastal culinary journeys’ in a bit of an odd spot — at the Medical Alumni Association Clubhouse just 5 minutes from Tiong Bahru. Once you’re inside though, the hanging rattan lampshades, the muted earthy tones, jute rugs and the light breezing in through wide windows framed by tropical plants, transports you to Bali (aided by a cocktail or two). Dive into sharing platters of dips and warm pitta, then move on to stunningly plated Grouper Crudo ($25) drizzled with Zhoug coulis, pickled Japanese cucumber and diced red radish.
Little umami bombs like the Spanish salted cod Croquettes ($19) are just heavenly. For mains dig into Arugula Pesto Orecchiette cooked to perfection (al dente but not crunchy) flecked with crab, pine nuts and pesto. Each dish surpasses the next — particular mention goes to the Catch of the Day (200g- $39) in our case Golden Snapper with browned almond butter and crispy capers. Desserts are really something too — the Moxie Mille Feuille is not overly sweet, with whipped mascarpone sandwiched with berries in filo pastry and Kataifi (shredded pastry), and the ‘wow’ dish is the Choc Mousse with hazelnut ice cream and a berry compote. One to add to your list!
Araya: South American Fine Dining Restaurant
Araya is a new South American fine dining restaurant helmed by partners in the kitchen and life, Chef Francisco Araya and pastry Chef Fernanda Guerrero. Chilean-born Francisco Araya, who earned his stripes at legendary Spanish restaurants such as Mugaritz and elBulli, will offer a contemporary tasting menu ($298++) that celebrates South American flavours and ingredients such as corn to Andean potatoes, alongside proteins from Japan and around the world. Dishes will include traditional fish stew Brazilian moqueca and Hokkaido scallop ceviche marinated in shio koji giving and served with tiger’s milk sorbet.
New Restaurants in Singapore: August – October
EDITOR’S PICK!
The Curry Club Signature
If you’re looking for a new restaurant to impress, put The Curry Club Signature on your hit list. This swanky new restaurant bar on Mohamed Sultan Rd, run by a local Singaporean Indian family, reinterprets Indian flavours into modern contemporary small plates and sharing platters. It has a great back story — the owner Mr Raj, a former Singapore Airlines cabin crew member, started selling local street snack vadai at night markets after being retrenched to feed his family of six. Fast forward many years and his business grew to a mamak shop in 2006 and then a branch of different F&B. The Curry Club Signature is helmed by Chef Saumya Prakash, who has 17 years of culinary experience spanning India, Dubai and the Maldives. The menu is a reinterpretation of classics, repackaged in a fun way — Dosa Cone Triplets ($13) come as mini cones on a stand with fillings of podi masala and a trio of colourful gravies. Puri Bombs ($19) reimagine pani poori as little fried parcels encasing avocado relish topped with housemade pickled cucumber — a dainty, eye-catching dish that’s packed full of flavour! A standout is the Fire-Kissed Aubergine ($21), and don’t miss the FGRO Biryani ($37), a first-of-its-kind biryani experience featuring tender frog legs served with a side of refreshing beetroot raita and infused with apple wood smoke. It’s presented with dramatic effect in a closed dish that lets a puff of smoke out once served! We’ll definitely be back to try more dishes – and if the mocktails are anything to go by, the cocktails will be Chef’s kiss!
FURA: New Restaurant Cocktail Bar
New restaurant bar FURA is all about enjoying food and drink in a sustainable and environmentally conscious way with many ingredients foraged locally or grown by hydroponic farmers in Singapore. It’s helmed by Christina Rasmussen, head forager at three-Michelin-starred Noma and Sasha Wijidessa, previously the head bartender at Operation Dagger before working in Copenhagen where the couple met. The space is intimate with the option to sit up at the counter where you can chat to Christina as she preps dishes. Go for a la carte or choose the six-course pairing menu at $145 which starts with a pretty dish called Weeds that features starfruit and foraged flowers and leaves. Next up, a delicate tart made with toasted kombu with a creaminess from blended lentils, topped with red radish — it’s a delight! Portions are small (in line with waste not want not) so after the bread and dip course you’ll be ready for the star of the show — a steaming bowl of oyster mushrooms with black garlic caviar. A la carte dishes include This Hotdog Doesn’t Need To Explain Itself ($15) where a slow-cooked carrot stands in for a hot dog, topped with mustard aioli and new pickle relish. Cocktails include the impressive Caviar Papi ($28) served with black garlic caviar and kombu ice cream or Beans, Beans, the Musical Fruit ($24) made with Soka, tonka bean, peas and peas vermouth as well as a house-made butter bean koji.
SanSara: New Awadhi Restaurant
New restaurant SanSara serves up North Indian cuisine that staff proudly tell us is all made from scratch – every curry, naan and masala. Chef Akhilesh Pathak, serves up Awadhi cuisine, with a variety of vegetarian and meat dishes. Appetiser kebabs like the chicken Murgh Paan Kebab are served fine dining style in small artfully presented portions. But the real flavour bombs are delivered in the hearty mains like the Sailana Jheenga ($32) prawns in coconut, yoghurt, tomato, and onion gravy and the Kukkad Butter Masala ($30) a Punjabi-style chicken curry of tomato-rich gravy made with garam masala, ginger, red chilli, coriander, yoghurt and a drizzle of lemon juice, best mopped up with the housemade naan. If you are looking for an affordable lunch check out their set menus from $48 (veg) and $58 (non-veg).
Burma Social: New Restaurant, Myanmar Cuisine
It’s not often you come across a restaurant serving cuisine from Myanmar. New restaurant Burma Social promises traditional Burmese recipes elevated with modern infusions of its bordering Chinese, Thai, Indian, Bangladeshi and Laotian neighbours. On the menu, Burmese dishes such as starters of Lahpet ($18), a unique earthy and tangy salad prepared from freshly harvested tea leaves briefly steamed, then packed into bamboo vats and set in pits to ferment. Mains comprise the Mohinga, a rice noodle and fish soup, considered by many to be the national dish of Myanmar, and sides like Tohu Fritters, and Hnin Si’s Steam Puzon ($32) where you get slices of fish cakes wrapped with rice paper and housemade Chilli.
Brasserie Astoria: New Brasserie by Björn Frantzén
Swedish chef Björn Frantzén and the team who brought us three Michelin-star fine dining restaurant Zén, just opened a new restaurant, Brasserie Astoria. It’s billed as more of an accessible brasserie but this is one fancy-pants dining establishment set in the iconic Victoria Concert Hall with its tall ceilings, low lighting and massive original colonnades. It’s a fun place to dine – think flambé trolleys (order the Whiskey flambéed Beef and choose between Angus $68 or Wagyu $110 to experience this in all its theatrical glory) and tableside service (Caesar salad).
The menu is Chef Frantzén’s unique spin on classic brasserie fare, executed by Singaporean Head Chef and Zén alum Emil Cecil Ess. Dishes include Moules à la crème ($42), Råraka, the Swedish answer to rösti (you’re given condiments to ensemble toppings yourself), Brown Butter Waffles made with parsnips and topped with Astoria Osciétra Caviar (30g/$130), and Toast Astoria $32 (defo order this!) – a nod to traditional Swedish Toast Skagen topped with dressed Baltic prawns and Norwegian king crab.
EDITOR’S PICK!
Noa Lounge: New Restaurant by Olivia Restaurant
Step into new restaurant Noa Lounge and be transported to the Med with its warm colour palette of ochres, greens and golds and stunning decor imported from Spain. A magnificent 4.5-meter-tall bar takes centre stage, while an open kitchen fosters a sense of connectedness between the chefs and guests. Noa Lounge is set within the Mondrian Singapore Duxton Hotel, and is by the same team that brought us Olivia Restaurant just a few skips away. Helmed by award-winning Chef Alain Devahive (of Michelin-starred elBulli Restaurant, and Olivia Restaurant fame), Noa brings together mezze dishes from countries around the Mediterranean, drawing from Spain, Italy, France, Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, and beyond.
Start with Hummus ($16), an unusual take on this dip with its addition of fresh sardines; the Noa ‘Bomba’ Crispy Meatball with Harissa and Allioli ($16), and a personal fave, the Burnt Cauliflower Salad with Dates ($23), a beautifully smoky creamy well-balanced dish. Order the basket of wraps and bread to mop up the sauces. Mains include Charcoal Grilled Salmon with ‘Chraimeh’ Sauce ($37) and the Lamb Kofta with Fava Beans and Yoghurt ($35), although portions are on the small side so you’ll need to order a feast to share as they would do in the Med. With its combo of fab decor and fun vibes (a hidden DJ space awaits for ‘those‘ kinda nights) we reckon this is sure to be one of the hottest new restaurants in town!
Bacatá: New Colombian Restaurant
Bacatá is a brand new restaurant that serves Colombian cuisine inspired by Chef-Owner Fernando Arévalo’s culinary journey. The decor in this 36-seater restaurant is all striking black and red walls that showcase handpicked art pieces from the indigenous population of Colombia. Menu deets are still a little hush-hush but there’s a Chef’s Selection Menu and a la carte menu featuring dishes like Tiradito (Spanish mackerel) and Arroz Caldoso served with N25 caviar, Smoked Eel, and Uni broth.
Tempt: Saucy New Restaurant
Tempt is a new gastrobar housed in an 1893 heritage two-storey shophouse on Purvis Street. It’s all raw edges and industrial interiors, with moody lighting and exposed original brickwork. At the helm is international private chef Candice Leong, more widely known as The Gluttonous Temptress. The cuisine is progressive using cooking methods from around the world as well as on-trend techniques like in-house fermentation. The semi-fine dining gastrobar has a sultry and mischievous vibe, the playlist is Candice’s personal collection and swings from French jazz to deep house tunes. The 3 courses set lunch looks remarkable value at $48 or be tempted by the dinner menu of Kangaroo Tartare ($28) with green peppercorn oil, toasted quinoa, pickled yellow beets, and shoyu garlic puree; Puffed Beef Tendons ($28); Scallop Carpaccio (24) and BBQ Beef Short Rib ($46).
Tempt, 31 Purvis Street, Singapore 188608
Honbo: New Burger Joint in Singapore
Honbo, a new hipster burger joint comes to Singapore. Honbo has six outlets in Hong Kong but this will be the first international outpost. The name of the game here is gourmet American-style smashed burgers. Beef patties are freshly ground daily using whole chuck and brisket from Double Gold Beef exclusively imported from the USA. The buns are house-made potato milk buns, also made fresh daily plus there’s fries ($7), sweet potato fries and buffalo wings. Choose a single patty burger (from $15), double patty or triple patty burger ($28) plus opt for double cheese, pickles, onion and house sauce.
Meta Restaurant Has Moved Location
Michelin one-star Meta by Chef-Owner Sun Kim has moved to River Valley. Meta is a derivative of the word “metamorphosis”, and this contemporary restaurant has been constantly reinventing itself through its menus and changing locations. Meta’s latest reiteration is an intimate 26-seat dining room within a conservation building on Mohamed Sultan Road. The menu features dishes that fuse elements of East and West with a focus on seasonal produce from around the world including Korea. The tasting menu starts from $248++ for lunch and $298++ for dinner with signatures as supplementary add-ons.
Meta, 9 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 238959
New Restaurants in Singapore: July-August
Restaurant Fiz: Tasting Menu Restaurant
Restaurant Fiz opened its doors early June and offers a tasting menu ($288++ for 8 courses exclusive of supplement) of elevated contemporary Southeast Asian cuisine. It sets out to be purposefully vast drawing from Sarawak to Chiang Rai, Thailand. Chef-Owner Hafizzul Hashim spent two decades working across the world in many Michelin-starred restaurants and he brings all his passion here to spotlight regional dishes, forgotten indigenous ingredients and ancient ways of cooking. Restaurant Fiz will introduce menus every three to six months known as Episodes which will put a different region under the magnifying glass. Ep. 1 is and is an introduction to Chef Hafizzul’s background, encompassing his childhood and the food closest to him growing up in Lumut, Malaysia.
Province: New Restaurant in Joo Chiat
We are hearing lots of whisperings about Province, a new restaurant in Joo Chiat hidden behind the facade of the 808 Eating House. This intimate eight-seater diner by chef Law Jia Jun (from now-defunct Magic Square restaurant) offers a seven-course dinner tasting menu (from $138) that changes every few months and showcases Southeast Asian ingredients and flavours.
New Restaurants in Singapore: June-July
Tajine: New Moroccan Restaurant in Singapore
There’s a new Moroccan restaurant in town! Step into Tajine and you’ll be greeted by a palm tree, soft lighting, arabesque walls, and a playlist with North African beats to set the mood. It’s best to head to Tajine with a gang so you can order a bunch of sharing dishes and still have room for the tajines and pastillas (Moroccan savoury pastry pies). Start with the Mixed Platter (from $36) featuring three or six dishes – not the usual hummus and dips but interesting sides like cooked carrot salad with chermoula and preserved lemons, ar’a m’asla roasted butternut pumpkin puree and grilled eggplant. The house-made woodfired pita and batbout (mini breads) are a must-order. Larger sharing dishes include the Couscous Royal with lamb merguez, lamb chop, spring chicken, kefta, and chickpeas or order a tajine – there’s the Poulet Citron Tajine with organic free-range chicken or the Milk Fed Veal Shank Tajine with bone marrow, prunes, apricot and almonds. Don’t miss the fun signature Moroccan-inspired cocktails ($24 each) and if you can’t manage dessert make sure you end your meal with sweet Moroccan mint tea ($12).
Barrio: New Neighbourhood Spanish restaurant
Barrio is a new Spanish restaurant by chef-owner Jose Alonso in the Bukit Timah neighbourhood. Tuck into tapas such as Cold Cut Platters ($34) with Jamon Ibérico, chorizo and manchego cheese, or Jamon Iberico croquettes ($14 for four), Beef and Black Truffle bikini sandwiches ($20), and Seabass Ceviche ($20). Heartier dishes include Paella or Fideua or share the meat mains of charcoal lamb rack ($36) or Iberico pork ribs ($40). Head here for an affordable weekday set lunch menu at $25 with the option to add on a cheeky glass of Spanish wine for just $9!
New Restaurants in Singapore: May
EDITOR’S PICK!
Ume San 100: Secret New Ramen Restaurant & Izakaya
There are some fun flashy Japanese vending machines on the second floor of the Fortune Centre. Push the secret door and you’ll find a new ramen restaurant and izakaya Ume San 100 hidden behind the door. This cosy little speakeasy-style izakaya boasts a bamboo bar counter and a menu that comprises the ‘largest selection of umeshu in Singapore’. You can try the umeshu in taster flights or in cocktails or poured over ice – we loved all three experiences. Foodwise expect tasty ramen – Angry Asari Soup Ramen ($16) with clams and our fave dish – the Signature Nagoya Dry Prawn Ramen ($20) with springy noodles in a spicy sauce with mince and prawns. There are other bar bites like Garlic Chicken Karaage ($16) and Umesan Nachi Pagoda ($20) – a fun tower of fried wonton-style crackers with a selection of four Chinmi (little delicacies of seafood) to scoop up. Impress your gang with this fun little hidden umeshu bar and ramen restaurant!
Humpback: New Restaurant for Seafood & Oysters
Humpback, the modern seafood restaurant and wine bar by Jigger & Pony known for its freshly shucked oysters, reopens after a two-month-long renovation. Located in buzzy Bukit Pasoh, Humpback boasts a cosy alfresco terrace and brand-new interiors with a minimalistic clean aesthetic. The new menu still focuses on seafood with a Japanese element and thankfully the Humpback’s popular oyster offering still remains. There’s a seasonal roster from the Pacific Northwest of three varieties of oysters, each with its own unique flavour profile shucked upon order – go for happy hour for oyster steals at just $4++ each! Order some wine and nibble on house-cured hamachi pastrami ($18) finished with dots of smoked sour cream and Mussel toast with spicy nduja ($16). Don’t miss the Purple Clams simmered in sake, mirin and toasted koji cream ($31) best eaten with an order of the Buckwheat Sourdough (a must-order even if just with its delectable citrus butter accompaniment) and the Large Plate order of Marble goby fish with broccolini, black garlic and mussels ($52). Seafood lovers add this spot to your list!
EDITOR’S PICK!
Tinto: New Spanish Restaurant in Dempsey
Husband and wife chefs Daniel and Tamara Chávez (of CANCHITA Peruvian Cuisine) bring a new restaurant to Dempsey that you’ll need to book ahead for if you plan to visit! Tinto is their first Spanish restaurant as a couple and offers tapas, paellas, fideuàs and Spanish wines. It’s a lovely welcoming space (where Moonbow used to be) with indoor seating and a secret door at the back opening out onto a covered alfresco space that looks onto the green. Signature dishes include the Tinto Paellas and Tinto Fideuàs, in two sizes and seven variations that are brimming with more ingredients than the typical. The De Pulpo & Chorizo paella ($36/$68) consists of Bomba rice – the bottom crispy as it should be and topped with grilled octopus, sausage, chickpeas, and fava beans while the noodle paella Carabineros & Setas Fideuà ($32/$58), impresses with Red Carabinero Prawns over short thin pasta noodles and mushrooms. It’s the tapas that really stand out, however. Start with the refreshing chilled Gazpacho ($10) made with Heirloom cherry tomato and Japanese cucumbers, then share portions of the Gambas al Ajillo ($28) prawns cooked in roasted garlic oil with a moreish slick of smooth potato puree, the Pulpo a la Brasa ($28) is perfectly grilled Spanish octopus – tender with crispy edges – best enjoyed with a bottle of the delicious Adega Algueira Mencia 2019.
Fico: New Casual Italian Restaurant
There’s a new casual Italian restaurant at East Coast Park. Fico is helmed by chef Mirko Febbrile and is under the Lo & Behold Group (the peeps behind popular Odette, The Coconut Club, and Le Bon Funk). Best known for his pasta pop-up at Chinatown Complex (the queues were legit crazy!), this Pugliese chef Mirko Febbrile brings his magic to Fico opening May 18. There will be a live pasta counter, and a grand communal table seating 14. Fico will serve a twist on traditional Pugliese cuisine for dinner daily (except on Mondays) and will serve lunch from June. Fico is taking reservations from mid-May.
EDITOR’S PICK!
ELIXIR: New Day-to-night Restaurant
Elixir transforms from a chic cafe by day serving small-batch coffee to a sleek hangout with dim lighting, cement walls, and a graffiti-inspired mural of UV paint and a super playlist. What started as neighbourhood Elixir Boutique Roasters in Bukit Timah with artisanal coffee and bites has now become Elixir, a new restaurant and bar in Holland Grove serving up great sourdough pies and tartines. Elixir’s new menu, created by Executive Chef Victor Loy, features brunch dishes, served from 8.30am to 3pm – think Brûléed French toast ($18) and freshly-baked flatbreads like the Salume ($17) with nduja, sumac onion, mint and dill or there’s Ozzies ($16) with avocado, pickled tomatoes and dukkah. If you’re going in the evening, we highly recommend starting off with the Burrata ($22) with cherry tomatoes, transformed into a lip-smacking dish thanks to the addition of house-made chilli crunch (so good they’re gonna bottle it up and sell it!). If you like picky bites, order the deliciously crunchy Baby Octopus ($16), a bowl of golden brown baby octopus fritters served with black aioli. Leave room for a couple of sourdough pizza pies to share – made in-house daily. The crust is chewy and crispy and perfectly speckled – our fave pizza flavours were the Hot Mama ($28) with salami and that aforementioned chilli crunch and the Not-carbonara ($26) a bianco pizza inspired by pasta carbonara, with guanciale, Pecorino cheese and a raw egg.
Baste: New Restaurant on Ann Siang
New restaurant Baste, on Ann Siang Road is helmed by self-taught Chef Christopher Tan. This restaurant is super new so give them a while to find their feet. We haven’t been yet but can’t wait to go from our stellar experience at Brine Restaurant (now-defunct). The menu leans toward Asian flavours and features small plates for sharing – think Blistened Tomatoes with Whipped Ricotta ($12), Battered Oysters with Citrus Chilli ($17) and Snapper Ceviche with Lemak Emulsion ($19).
New Restaurants in Singapore: April
EDITOR’S PICK!
Restaurant Khiri: new restaurant Thai tasting menu
If you’re looking for something different for your next date night, book a seat at a new restaurant serving up modern refined Thai cuisine. Restaurant Khiri is helmed by chef-owner K-Jin Lim who spent eight years as a Chef in Chiang Mai where he has his own restaurant. What’s exciting about this new restaurant is the different spin on Thai cuisine – served in an eight-course tasting menu at $148. If you love Thai flavours – this culinary experience is fun to see how dishes are reinterpreted and elevated in a fine dining setting.
Sit at the counter to catch the chefs calmly prepping the dishes – the only time things get noisy is when the wok-kissed fried rice is being made – otherwise it’s a serene watch as the dishes are assembled. Highlights from the dinner tasting menu (which changes every 3 months) include tom kha gai – they magically stuff chicken wings with foie gras infused rice and the combo is divine – especially when dipped into the espuma of coconut milk infused with Thai flavours. The gaeng som fak thong tastes homey – a red curry with blended Japanese pumpkin puree, house dry-aged Chilean sea bass and just a lick of spice. But what really got our attention was the wonderful som tam salad – a brightly coloured bowl of rocket, herbs, jack fruit, pink guava – a treasure trove of colour and flavour in every bite. This new restaurant is one to watch!
EDITOR’S PICK!
New restaurant Salt & Palm: Modern Asian/Indonesian
Salt & Palm, a brand known in Sydney, Australia, brings its modern Asian cuisine to Joo Chiat Road. Look forward to Indonesian cuisine but not as you know it! Executive Chef Natasya Soetantyo playfully reintroduces Indonesian flavours and spices into dishes you may recognize initially but you’ll be surprised by when you take that first bite. Try the Hokkaido Scallop ($22) served on a deliciously deep-flavoured chilli peanut sauce alongside tempe chips, or the fall-off-the-bone Beef Short Ribs ($52) slow-cooked in rendang sauce. Some of the vegan dishes especially stand out: Corn Fritters ($15 for 3) made from deep-fried pounded sweet corn served with chilli tomato salsa; Potato Cakes, a fun iteration of the Indonesian perkedel made of potato, vegan mayo and topped with vegan ‘seaweed’ caviar, or Mushroom Rendang ($20) meaty mushrooms in a wonderfully richly spiced sauce that will have you furtively looking over your shoulder to assess whether you can lick the bowl. Signature desserts include fully vegan Crème Brulee with young coconut meat and jackfruit, and Pavlova, made from aquafaba meringue and mango cream.
Le Bon Funk: new restaurant in Holland Village
Le Bon Funk opens a new 68-seater day-to-night wine bar and restaurant in Holland Village. Look forward to an extensive wine list to go with a variety of small plates from Cedar Jelly and Foie Gras Toast ($22), to homemade Leek Ravioli ($42) made in-house daily, with smoked carrot and pea tendrils; tender Lamb Neck ($48) served with rapini and grilled gnocchi or classic Heritage Chicken ($74)–stuffed with herbs de provence and grilled over an open flame. There’s a cute outdoor terrace where you can sip your pink, orange red or white wines too.
More New Restaurants in Singapore
EDITOR’S PICK!
Kubô: Filipino restaurant, new to Rob Quay
Kubô is one of the latest openings in Robertson Quay having opened late last year. It’s a beautiful space with outdoor seating as well as a welcoming interior with warm lighting and a long open kitchen with a traditional brick oven, just like the one Filipino Chef Kurt’s grandmother used to have. The vibes here are sophisticated and the cuisine elevated, but you can still wash your hands at the sink by the door and eat with your hands if you want, as is Filipino culture. Sit up close to all the action at the counter and discover a contemporary take on traditional Filipino cuisine. If you usually shy away from offal (like myself!), I dare you not to fall in love with the starter of Honeycomb Tripe ($12) – crunchy beef tripe seasoned with paprika and spicy chickpea purée. Other must-orders are the House-aged Duck ($42), Duck Fat BBQ Corn ($12) and Kubô’s rendition of Pork Longganissa ($20). Usually a Filipino all-day breakfast staple, here the pork patty is marinated in soy and grilled then layered with pickled cucumber, potato bread, ikura and cured egg – just wow!
Quay House: new restaurant in Boat Quay
New restaurant Quay House is all about communal dining. The menu is a mix of small and large sharing plates featuring local and regional cuisines such as the spiced Balinese Kampung Chicken ($36), Burmese Tomato salad ($14) and Otak Otak. The restaurant also offers executive lunch sets (from $38 for 2 courses) – choose from starters such as the Grilled Wild Prawns or Pork Satay followed by Catch of the Day with Spiced Tomato Puree, the Cut of the Day or Duck Confit with Nonya Curry and plump for the $3 extra Nasi Ulam of mixed herb rice.
Quay House, 51 Circular Rd, Singapore 049406
Aniba: new restaurant with Middle Eastern cuisine
If you’re a fan of North Mizon (one of our fave restos in town!) then listen up! The group’s newest restaurant Aniba has opened with Chef Meir Adoni at the helm, sharing his Israeli heritage with ‘a new interpretation of Middle Eastern cuisine with European culinary styles’. First, you’ll need to find the door (there’s a hidden entrance along Battery Road). Then look forward to tasting bites from ‘Pani Puri’ ($26) to Hamachi & Watermelon Tartare ($38) followed by sharing dishes of Eggplant Carpaccio ($37), Beurre Blanc-Basted Halibut ($89), Oven-Roasted Grouper ($84) and a selection of house-baked bread. One of the best things at North Miznon is the complimentary focaccia so we reckon these will be good too – think Jerusalem bagel with Lima Beans ($32) to Traditional Yemenite Brioche with Crushed Tomatoes, Crème Fraiche and Za’atar. Look out for speakeasy vibe sets on Saturdays where a guest DJ spins Indie house, Nu disco and more.
EDITOR’S PICK!
COL: new restaurant East London vibes
Keong Saik gets a new restaurant, COL. Helmed by Executive Chef Colin Buchan (previously Pollen and 1880) COL is all about buzzy East London vibes, simple white walls with photography, wooden furniture, vintage cutlery and stellar food! The starters are really stand out – try the Nduja arancini with smoky muhammara dip ($18), Kristal caviar and taramasalata on corn crisps ($52), Burrata with sweet Muscade Pumpkin ($28) and one of the best Beef Tartare I’ve ever had (no raw egg but instead cured egg yolk grated over a smoky chipotle beef with crunch from gherkins ($28). Mains include Iberico Pork Loin topped with a shaving of lardo ($48) and Aged Beef Burger ($27). Loosen your belts for dessert ($18) – here are only two. on the menu and both are delish – COLPOP, an icecream stick of raspberry rose coated with white cocoa and raspberry ripple, and a meringue-topped curd mascarpone tart dusted with kaffir lime. Pssst! Don’t miss the Spicy Margaritas!
Cenzo: new restaurant with Italian fare
New restaurant Cenzo on Club Street is helmed by chef Drew Nocente, the Australian chef behind the now-defunct Salted & Hung which revolved cooking with minimal wastage and an emphasis on in-house curing. Cenzo pulls some of the same ideas of minimal wastage, brining and curing but with a focus on Italian cuisine. Start with small plates of raw blue prawns with sourdough ($25), whipped ricotta, pears, and tomato ($16) or if you dare, thinly sliced veal tongue ($22). Expect handmade Pasta showcasing different shapes – gigli with rabbit bolognese ($24); caserecci with cheese and pepper ($22) and bucatini with spanner crab and smoked trout roe ($30). Hearty mains are designed for sharing so come hungry with some pals and tuck into braised lamb shank, brussels sprouts ($45), Australia T-bone (500g/$98) and slow roast porchetta ($48) with pineapple chilli salsa and celeriac slaw. The weekday three-course lunch looks mighty tempting at a very reasonable $35.
Ahāra: new restaurant fusing Indian and Japanese
New restaurant Ahāra, helmed by chef owner Vikramjit Roy, fuses Indian and Japanese cuisines. The name, Ahāra, is derived from the Sanskrit word used in ancient Ayurvedic philosophy to define food as the root of all wellbeing. Chef Roy is one of India’s culinary maestros (he was also Japanese Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s protégé and has worked with Heston Blumenthal). We can’t wait to see how his cooking highlights the best of both Indian and Japanese cuisines. The Ahāra menu comprises a nine-course Explore ($248) set or the 16-course Expedition ($338).
Red House Seafood Esplanade
Red House Seafood is a family-run business known for its Singapore Nanyang-style seafood. There’s now a bright and airy new outlet at Esplanade so you can pop in pre or post-theatre and tuck into their delicious Signature Chilli Crab and Lobster in Signature Creamy Custard Sauce or try the BBQ section unique to the Esplanade outlet with Chicken Satay and Thai Style BBQ Squid with Jelly Fish. We love that all imported seafood here is fully traceable (no live tanks on display so as to keep seafood better cared for). Don’t miss the delicate sweet Wild Pepper Alaskan King Crab (steamed then stewed in white pepper stock before being wok-tossed in butter, hua tiao wine and fish sauce) and the famous Spicy Seafood Combination Curry. The new restaurant is highlighted by Nanyang-style design elements and artwork with a private room for big groups as well as alfresco dining.
Seroja: ode to the Malay Archipelago
New restaurant Seroja is helmed by Meta’s former head chef, Kevin Wong and lovingly showcases the rich diversity of cultures and culinary traditions of the Malay Archipelago. The lunch set Kuntum Menu ($218++ per person) features dishes such as Spiced Chicken in green curry, BBQ Eel, Trader’s Rice featuring BBQ Beef Percik, Steam Sia Rice and a Chayote Jeruk & Batang Kali Salad to name just a few of the dishes on this Malay feast. The dinner Nusantara Menu is $268++ per person.