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Here are the best new restaurant openings in Singapore in October 2022…
New restaurants are popping up all over town! Had your fill of kid-friendly cafes, vegetarian restaurants, and dim sum restaurants, and looking to dine somewhere new? Look out for a gorgeous new garden-themed cafe, an Ipoh-style sidewalk cafe, an equestrian-inspired cocktail bar, a floral French fine-dining restaurant, and more! Keep your finger on the pulse of the hottest new restaurants with this list!
Read More: Best Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Singapore for Plant-based Dining
Best New Bars & Restaurants in Singapore: October 2022
1. Kakushin: New Japanese omakase restaurant
A new Japanese Omakase restaurant, Kakushin opens at Scotts Square on Orchard Road. Helmed by Chef Chan (from acclaimed Japanese restaurants including Tatsu Sushi at Chijmes and Akashi), Kakushin aims to offer the best of Japanese in-season produce and cuisine. The Autumn menu includes luxurious Snow Crab with Uni Chawanmushi, the Chargrilled A5 Kagoshima Wagyu with Truffle Balsamic Sauce and a selection of Nigiri Sushi, just to name a few dishes. Prices start from $228 for Lunch Omakase (7-course) and $328 for Dinner Omakase (8-course). An ala-carte menu is also available for lunch and dinner.
Kakushin, 6 Scotts Road, #02-03, Scotts Square, Singapore 228209
2. Farrer Horse: New restaurant-bar
Farrer Horse is a regal restaurant bar in The Sultan Hotel that serves playful Asian dishes and equestrian-inspired cocktails. Its concept is built around the grandeur that defined Farrer Park Racecourse, Singapore’s first horse-racing venue in the 1840s, which shared the same space as The Sultan Hotel. Think plush velvet and leather sofas, cane chairs, and a grandiose bar highlighted in gold while the walls are adorned with illustrations of horses. The new restaurant on the first floor of this Kampong Glam shophouse serves Asian dishes such as DIY-style Nyonya Pie Tee with a filling of braised turnip, carrots and juicy prawns, Otah Ravioli, a re-imagination of the famous Burmese Salad Laphet and Chicken Kaffir Lime Curry served with traditional lace crepes. Sip on six novel, horse-themed cocktails ($22++) named after famous racehorses.
Farrer Horse, The Sultan Hotel, 101 Jalan Sultan #01-02/#02-00, Singapore 199002
3. Small Tables: New restaurant with Ipoh cuisine
Small Tables is a modern Ipoh-style cafe-restaurant on Orchard road offering Ipoh cuisine. This place has all the IG-feels – emerald green seats, brass lamps, and lots of natural light for taking pics! There is both indoor and outdoor seating at this new casual restaurant so you can people-watch as you sip on your Ipoh white coffee ($7.50) served with a custard-filled taiyaki on the side. Menu highlights include Malaysian dishes such as the Ipoh Curry Mee ($20) served dry or with soup, and chock-full of ingredients like poached chicken, caramelised char siu, crispy siu yoke, braised pig ears, pig skin, poached prawns, bean sprouts, and mint leaves. Other dishes to try: Ipoh Shredded Chicken Hor Fun ($16), Hakka Noodles and Cheese & Big Prawns ($24) – we hear this dish is enough for at least 2 pax. While on the pricier side, reviews have been solid.
Small Tables, 9 Scotts Road, #01-09/10/11/12 Pacific Plaza, Singapore 228210
4. Miracle Coffee: Pop-up cafe by JJ Lin
Singaporean singer JJ Lin has launched his famous café, Miracle Coffee, in Singapore in the form of a 90-day pop-up (from 30 September to 29 December). Miracle Coffee will be at the ArtScience Museum’s outdoor Rain Oculus and thereafter in 2023, the flagship cafe will be located in the museum’s lobby. Miracle Coffee is best known for its hand-dripped aromatic brews featuring single-origin espresso beans sourced from speciality coffee producers around the world, including Panama, Kenya and Ethiopia. Set against the Museum’s lily pond, the limited-time Miracle Coffee kiosk will be offering its signature range of famous coffees, pour-overs and cold brews, plus a Singapore-exclusive beverage, Kaya Cloud.
Miracle Coffee, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
5. Ka-EN Grill & Sushi Bar
Ka-EN Grill & Sushi Bar has opened within Capitol Singapore, specialising in Japanese grills, sushi and sakes. Come for the ‘Aburi 12 kinds Kaisen Chirashi Don’ ($45), which comes with a generous variety of sashimi including bluefin fatty tuna, yellowfin tuna, amberjack, Japanese scallop, squid, sea grapes, sea urchin and caviar. Or order the platter Nigiri Sushi ($50, pictured) featuring 10 kinds of beautifully plated nigiri sushi, the kid-friendly Gyoza ($8) or the DIY Sumi Yaki Premium Wagyu Sushi Set ($29). The Signature Grilled Meat Platter ($55) is great for sharing and comes with grilled A4/5 Premium Wagyu, Iberico pork, chicken and assorted vegetables. As a sake bar, Ka-EN has a good selection of more than 30 sake labels from various prefectures – expect sake on tap from November! We will be back for the great value lunch sets (from $19 for a main, appetiser, salad and soup).
Ka-EN Grill & Sushi Bar, 15 Stamford Road, #01-82, Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski, Singapore 178906
6. Beast Restaurant: New restaurant in Duxton
Duxton’s got a new modern steakhouse! This new restaurant in Singapore boasts a cosy ambience that is perfect for date night or an intimate gathering with friends. It’s all about great quality beef here, cooked on the specially designed Binchotan grill over a mix of charcoal, Oakwood and Lychee wood. Highlights include the Sanchoku Wagyu Picanha ($68), Grilled Pigeon ($58) and Portoro Australian Grain-fed Ribe Eye ($64). But first, start with appetisers of freshly chucked Live Pacific Oysters, Smoked Tuna Tataki served with foie gras terrine and the must order of Cauliflower & Kale.
Beast Restaurant & Bar, 10 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089594
7. Ce Soir: New fine dining restaurant
Ce Soir is a floral-inspired French dining restaurant by the group behind Le Jardin and pet-friendly Café de Nicole’s Flower. Set in an old black and white colonial bungalow within the Portsdown area, this new restaurant is decorated with botanical elements as well as dried and preserved flowers. Ce Soir, helmed by Chef Koh Han Jie, former Junior Sous Chef of two-Michelin starred Les Amis, offers fine dining French cuisine with Asian touches. There are two menus available: the four-course Lustre ($98) and the nine-course Iridescent ($198).
Ce Soir, 5B Portsdown Road, Singapore 139311
8. Well Collective: New Japanese-inspired cafe
The peeps who brought us Botany Café have opened a new concept, Well Collective, along Punggol. This Japanese-inspired café is still in soft launch so dishes may change, but initial offerings take inspiration from Japanese elements. The daytime menu offers house-made deli bakes and brunch dishes while at night, it turns into a contemporary Izakaya. Dishes range from Japanese Chicken Curry Sando ($19) and Truffled Beef Bowls ($25) to Well Daily Acai Bowl ($17), Avocado Toast and the Well Daily Big Breakfast of sourdough, eggs-of-your-choice, chicken or lamb sausage, tomato relish, and sauteed mushrooms. The space also has an alfresco pet-friendly area.
Well Collective, Northshore Plaza 2, 418 Northshore Drive, #02-11/12, Singapore 820418
9. The Nursery Cafe & Bar: New restaurant with IG vibes
It’s being touted as one of the most IG-worthy cafes of the moment. The Nursery Café & Bar (tucked away within commercial property Ark @ Gambas) is a gorgeous new, garden-themed restaurant with a nursery retail section next door. The decor is all rattan furniture and green plants. We love the dual personality trend happening at the moment – this spot goes from café by day to bar by night. The daytime menu features Classic Bacon & Egg Waffles, Very Berry Waffles with Gelato, a selection of pizzas, Granola Bowls and desserts, while the evening menu concentrates on bar bites – though this new spot is just in its soft launch phase so bear with them!
The Nursery Cafe & Bar, ARK @ Gambas, 7 Gambas Crescent, #01-16, Singapore 757087
10. Drunken Farmer @ Martin Road: New restaurant
Drunken Farmer opens its third restaurant at Martin Road! Common Man Coffee Roasters gets a split personality (such a clever use of space!) and while it remains the same cafe we love by day, by night it turns into Drunken Farmer with movie shorts projected onto the walls, low lighting and an overall funkier vibe. The menu offers an extensive list of curated natural wines to go with the gut-pleasing sourdough pizzas. Our faves are the simpler pizzas: the Margherita ($18) with its sourdough pizza base cooked till crisp (and a little on the charred side), and rich tomato sauce topped with creamy stracciatella. Other must-tries: Chicken Kaarage ($18) crispy chicken fried thighs served with tangy kimchi mayo and Prawns Sticks ($20) plus a host of salads, pizzas and desserts. Open Tuesdays to Sundays, 6pm to 11pm.
Drunken Farmer, 22 Martin Road, Singapore 239058
11. Bakalaki has moved!
BAKALAKI Greek Taverna, known for its authentic Greek fare of Tzatziki, Keftede (meatballs), traditional-style Greek Salad, Moussaka and Grilled Meats has moved! It’s now on Martin Rd (taking over the space previously occupied by Jyspy AND PS Cafe – so yes, it’s huge, but it’s often completely buzzing, so you’ll still need a booking!
BAKALAKI Greek Taverna, 38A Martin Road, Singapore 239072
12. The Butcher’s Wife: New menu
The Butcher’s Wife launches a new Brazilian-inspired menu and we are totally here for it! This restaurant is a fave with those avoiding gluten but it’s become one to watch for those who eat everything, thanks to the gut-friendly dishes created by Head Chef Brazilian Mariana Campos D’Almeida. Start with vegan-friendly crispy Croquetas ($14), made with soy milk, brined jackfruit, and served with a fermented cashew chilli sauce; then, move on to mains of Lamb Picanha ($38) with pistachio yoghurt and fresh orange salsa with sides of Chargrilled Cabbage ($18) with red dragon fruit barbeque sauce, and The Portobello ($20), a grilled portobello mushroom with ricotta, sweet potato puree, chermoula sauce and a tangy bite from pickled shimeji mushrooms. Something special to try: Acaraje ($25), a twist on the Brazilian street food sandwich, with a bun made from fermented black-eyed peas, filled with grilled prawns and a green mango herb salsa. Ask to see the Natural Wine menu too.
The Butcher’s Wife, 19 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168650
Past editions of new restaurants in Singapore:
New restaurant: Waa Cow Yakiniku at Serangoon Gardens
The peeps behind Waa Cow!, known for flame-torched wagyu beef bowls are set to officially open their brand new grill-it-yourself affordable dining concept, Waa Cow! Yakiniku, at myVillage at Serangoon Gardens, on 1st September 2022. Look out for a wide selection of sauces and dips to pair with grilled meats – think oyster blade ($13.90/100grams, striploin steak $16.90/100grams, and ox tongue ($18.90) plus chicken and pork. It’s not all meat though, there are also sashimi platters and salads plus some options for veggies to grill yourself. Pssst! There is actually a promo code hidden in Yakinuku City – find it and key it in when you place your order to redeem a complimentary signature All Dips Platter (hint: the code has five characters and the last character is ‘!’
Waa Cow! 1 Maju Avenue 02- 10/11 myVillage Singapore
Restaurant Born: New restaurant within heritage Jinrikisha Station
Restaurant Born is a new fine dining restaurant at Jinrikisha Station, a heritage building that was formerly a rickshaw depot in 1903. The interiors are impressive – a 36-seater dining room with high glass ceilings filled with natural light and adorned with artwork by Dutch artist Peter Gentenaar. At the helm is Malaysian-born chef Zor Tan (from Andre Chiang’s Restaurant Andre). The contemporary menu is a combination of sophisticated French gastronomy and Chinese ingredients and flavours. Expect an indulgent and elaborate nine-course meal priced at $368++ with dishes like Jerusalem artichoke with lily bulbs and caviar, smoked eel with barramundi fish maw, and Alaskan king crab with glutinous rice.
Restaurant Born, 1 Neil Road, Singapore 088804
Shikar: New Indian restaurant
Shikar is a new restaurant offering fine dining Indian cuisine inspired by the grand old feasts of Indian Royals. Shikar offers fire-roasted dishes and other traditional Indian cuisine reinterpreted to reflect global techniques and influences – think Tandoor Roasted Chicken with smoked tomato-saffron-cream sauce ($49), Australian Lamb Biryani ($57), Josper Grilled Wild Caught Tiger Prawns (market price), Naan with goats cheese and pickled chillies ($13) and gourmet desserts like Pistachio Rose Kulfi ($21).
Shikar, Maxwell Reserve Singapore, Autograph Collection, 2 Cook Street, Singapore 078857
Oumi: Modern Japanese Nose-to-Tail Cuisine: EDITOR’S PICK!
Oumi by 1-Group affords the same amazing views as Kaarla, tucked in the corner of the 51st floor of CapitaSpring. Oumi serves modern Japanese ‘Kappo’ cuisine which takes inspiration from the best of seasonal ingredients. Sit at the counter – you’ll have your back to those city views but the chefs put on a good show in the open kitchen and with the affable Chef Lamley Chua prepping your food you are in for a real treat! Get ready to be blown away by the impressive nine-course omakase dining experience ($288++) featuring dishes like five types of sashimi, Bincho-grilled Kagoshima A5 Tenderloin Chateaubriand, and a Foie Gras Monaka (a reinvention of the traditional Japanese rice cracker snack filled with a spicy foie gras ganache and topped with pickles and edible flowers from the 1-Arden Food Forest). Some of the dishes you’ll also find on the a la carte menu such as the Tempura Crepe ($25 for two) – a crispy crepe cracker made with gruyere cheese, topped with avocado and roe, deep-fried sakura ebi, and balsamic-teriyaki sauce. If you have a super special occasion coming up or if you’re tasked to organise a business meal – Oumi is a good contender. There’s also a more affordable four-course lunch set at $65.
Oumi, 88 Market St, #51-02, CapitaSpring 048948
Ocean Restaurant: Underwater fine dining restaurant reopens
Talk about novel experiences, the Ocean Restaurant fine dining underwater restaurant has reopened in Resorts World Sentosa with a new look and a two Michelin-starred Celebrity Chef Patron, Olivier Bellin, of L’Auberge des Glazicks in France. Step into the underwater world and be greeted with views of the majestic manta rays and marine animals in S.E.A. Aquarium’s Open Ocean Habitat. Chef Bellin’s new menu centres around responsibly sourced seafood, local produce and house-grown herbs. Ocean Restaurant’s four-course lunch menu is $148++ per person and the six-course dinner is $248++.
Ocean Restaurant, West B1M Carpark, Equarius Hotel, Resorts World Sentosa, 22 Sentosa Gateway
New restaurant Sushi-GO with robot servers
Sushi-GO opens at AMK Hub with a network of mini AI robots on tracks to bring you your sushi! The new conveyor sushi restaurant has a futuristic theme to reflect the mini robots. The little guys named “GO-Bots” have emoji-like expressions (all the better to wink at you) to delight little diners. Expect Sushi-GO’s signature menu of over 150 varieties of sushi starting from $1.80 made fresh on order and delivered straight to your table via GO-Bots. New items include Salmon Dragon Roll ($8.90), Una Tama Don ($8.90) topped with unagi, plus there are the usual dishes of maki, handrolls, sashimi, as well as ramen, soft shell crab tempura, and karaage. In celebration of the AMK Hub opening, the outlet will be running a two-day promo on 30 and 31 July, with unlimited $1 sushi all day long, valid on 30 nigiri items (U.P $1.80-$3.00). While stocks last!
Sushi-GO at AMK Hub, #04-02 AMK Hub, 53 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Singapore 569933
Cultivate Cafe: new cafe with healthy dishes
Cultivate Cafe is a plant-based, gluten-free vegan cafe set within the gorgeous library of the Maxwell Reserve Hotel. Head here for nutritious lunches made with organic ingredients sourced locally and globally from small and family farms. The menu encompasses superfood bowls like the Vegan Earth Bowl ($28) of shredded red cabbage, carrot, radish, edamame, broccolini, avocado and soba noodles with Goma cream dressing; Gluten-free Sandwiches ($22-24), and mains like Pad Thai Rice Noodle with Baked Tofu ($32), Smoked Onion and Asparagus Risotto ($40) and a range of Organic Salads.
Cultivate Cafe, 2 Cook Street, The Maxwell Reserve Hotel, Singapore 078857, Tel: (+65) 6914 1400
Read More: Best Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants
Pangium: New restaurant in the Botanics
Award-winning Chef Malcolm Lee (of Candlenut fame) opens his second restaurant in Singapore with the COMO Group. Pangium is housed within The Orangery at the Gallop Extension of the Singapore Botanic Gardens and only offers a tasting menu of Contemporary Straits heritage cuisine. Lunch is priced at $198++ with dinner at $258++.
Pangium, 11 Gallop Road, Gallop Entrance, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 259015
Nobu Restaurant Singapore
There is still a buzz about Nobu restaurant which opened in Singapore last month to much fanfare with people tripping over themselves to secure a coveted table. Nobu restaurant by celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa, is known for its creative cuisine that uses traditional Japanese cooking with Peruvian flavours. The menu features Nobu’s signature dishes like the famed Black Cod Miso ($68), Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño ($39), Tuna Tacos ($13) and world-class sushi, as well as special dishes inspired by local flavours.
Nobu restaurant, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, 90 Orchard Blvd, Singapore
New cafés and new restaurants: past editions…
Lumbre: new Spanish restaurant
Lumbre (meaning fire in Spanish) is the newest Spanish restaurant in the lovely setting of Chijmes specialising in small plates and mains cooked over an open wood-fire grill or Josper charcoal oven. New restaurant Lumbre is a sleek, polished affair (by the same peeps behind Kilo and Kulto). Chef-owner José Alonso knocks out Homemade Foie Terrine with apple puree ($26), Charcoal Octopus & Iberico PorkBelly with Chorizo Foam ($38), Woodfire-grilled Lamb rack with pistachio praline, baby tomatoes and black olives ($36) and an interesting traditional Spanish dish – Seafood Wet Fideua ‘Arroz Caldoso’ with calamari and Smoked Eel $48). There’s something for everyone here as the menu spans vegetables, seafood, white and red meat, and desserts.
Lumbre, 30 Victoria St #01-20 Chijmes, Singapore 187996
LUCE: new Italian within InterContinental Singapore
LUCE by Davide Giacomelli is a new Italian restaurant at InterContinental Singapore. There are a handful of starters to choose from ranging from Bruschetta ($19) with parma ham, to Octopus Peperonta ($36), two risottos including Acquerello lobster risotto ($46) with half a Boston lobster served, and homemade pasta including tagliolini with broccoli and clams (unusually served out of their shells so lacking the visual appeal). Mains range from Atlantic cod with puttanesca sauce ($46) to Dry aged Beef Rib-eye ($59). LUCE also offers a set lunch menu with a choice of either 2-course ($34) or 3-course ($40).
LUCE, Level 1, InterContinental Singapore, 80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966
Plain Vanilla: new cafe in East Coast
Easties you’re in luck! New cafe Plain Vanilla has just opened in trendy Katong along East Coast Road. There’s indoor dining and even an alfresco backyard! You can expect the famous Plain Vanilla cupcakes in flavours like Red Velvet, Earl Grey Lavender, Salted Caramel as well as a breakfast of Eggs Benedict ($22), Smashed Avocado Toast ($22) and Allpress coffee plus lunch options later in the day. Opens daily from 7:30am to 7pm.
Plain Vanilla, 199 East Coast Rd, Singapore 428902
The Coconut Club: EDITOR’S PICK!
The Coconut Club has moved from its lodgings at Ann Siang Hill to a triple-storey shophouse on Beach Road. Nasi Lemak is the name of the game here but there are new breakfast items like Charcoal-Grilled Kaya Toast ($7.80) with sous vide eggs plus new communal sharing dishes. Plump for the famous Ayam Goreng Berempah Set ($18.80) and tuck into pretty spectacular spiced fried organic GG French poulet (leg or breast), coconut rice, a fried egg, house-made sambal, ikan bilis and peanuts. Nasi lemak sets are available all-day on the first floor. You can head to the second floor for Nasi Lemak during lunch or choose from a communal-style nasi lemak menu for dinner with dishes like freeflow coconut rice ($3.50 per pax), Ayam Goreng Berempah for $28, Wingbean Salad with shredded chicken and prawns, fall-off-the-bone Percik Kambing ($38) lamb short ribs and Sambal Sotong ($26), with condiments charged at an extra $5. Totally worth it!
The Coconut Club, 269 Beach Road, Singapore 199546
New restaurant Poisson: Upmarket seafood EDITOR’S PICK!
Poisson on trendy Bukit Pasoh is a new restaurant set in a restored heritage shophouse. As you might expect from the name (‘poisson’ is ‘fish’ in French), fish features heavily at Poisson with dishes made from premium seafood ethically harvested and sourced from abroad as well as local, sustainably certified fish farms. Don’t miss the Blue Ebi ($52), beautiful raw blue prawns cured in spring onion infused oil topped with Bafun uni and Kaluga Queen Hybrid Caviar while more affordable starters include Cured Salmon Trout ($26) with baby beetroot, fennel and ricotta. Gotta love the squid dish named The Game ($24) after the hit Netflix show, Squid Game – the dish keeps the stakes high with deliciously grilled baby squid marinated in garlic served with a sweet onion and tomato puree with a lick of spice. We will be back for the awesome-sounding Saturday Brunch – a 10-course feast at $148++ with 2 hours of free-flow Brut Delamotte Champagne.
Poisson, 48 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore 089859
Kaarla Restaurant and Bar: EDITOR’S PICK!
1-Group opens 2 new restaurants at the rooftop of CapitaSpring: 1-Arden’s signature restaurant, Kaarla Restaurant and Bar serving Coastal Australian cuisine, and right next door sharing the same space is Oumi, Modern Japanese Kappo Dining. The world’s highest rooftop farm (open to the public to view) 1-Arden Food Forest makes the third opening of the group – all of which are interlinked. 1-Arden Food Forest farms many of the herbs and plants used in the kitchens at Kaarla and Oumi. We popped into Kaarla for lunch and were blown away by the views from the 51st floor, exciting ingredients and delicious cuisine. Aussie Chef Paul Fietchner oversees the cooking – mostly done on a custom-built wood-fired grill and oven. Highlights include the sourdough Damper ($8) with macadamia spread, lardo and lemon balm, Sydney rock oysters ($8 each) with a house-fermented fig leaf and oyster plant vinegar, lick-the-plate good King Island Beef OP Rib ($210/kg), house salt-cured Kangaroo, Sprouted Black Barley, Finger Lime ($32) and the epic Kaarla Closed Loop Salad ($28) of roof top leaves and flowers, tiger nut curd, and pickled daikon – it’s been a long time since I was so pleasantly surprised by a salad! At lunch, there’s a set menu at $52 for 2 courses and $67 for 3 courses.
Kaarla, 88 Market St, #51-02, CapitaSpring 048948
Osteria Mozza
Osteria Mozza is making a comeback! This time without a certain someone and instead helmed by American Chef Nancy Silverton, famous for popularising sourdough and artisan bread in the US. Those who have missed Osteria Mozza’s amazing pizzas will be excited to see a menu of winning classics from the one-Michelin-starred restaurant in LA. Osteria Mozza opens on 31 May 2022 at the new Hilton Singapore Orchard.
Osteria Mozza, Hilton Singapore Orchard, 333 Orchard Road, Singapore 238867
The Kongsee: new cocktail bar
The Kongsee is a cocktail bar with actual vibes! Located in a heritage shophouse (of course!) along Gemmill Lane, it’s the brainchild of Chef Partner Willin Low who is famous for his Mod-Sin cuisine. Must-try dishes at this fun modern pink-hued izakaya include the Mini Roxy Crab Laksa, with wild-caught crabs, charcoal-grilled Iberico Satay with sweet Sarawak pineapple salsa and Krapow Prata Pizza – a melting pot of flavours borrowing from Thailand (minced basil chicken), India (prata base) and Italy – its cheesiness is reminiscent of pizza. Cocktails are fun – try The Kongsee, with homemade rose cordial and Tanglin Orchid Gin or the Bojio Martini adorned with an origami plane.
The Kongsee, 10 Gemmill Ln, Singapore 069251
Forma, new restaurant by Cicheti: EDITOR’S PICK!
There’s a new upmarket pasta trattoria in the East! Forma is a collab between The Cicheti Group and local pasta artisan Lee Yum Hwa (founder of private dining spot Ben Fatto 95). Pause at the window where you’ll get a super view of the pasta artisans at work rolling pasta sheets, measuring, and cutting the pasta into shapes from linguine to tortellini. It’s a real treat to see! Artisanal pasta served very al dente is the name of the game here – and there are beautiful dishes to choose from including our favourite the Struncatura Ammollicata ($32) with anchovies, olives, chilli and sauteed breadcrumbs (poor man’s cheese). Start with gnoccho fritto ($14), fried leavened dough layered with shavings of lardo, a plate of smoked speck ham wrapped around pan-roasted medjool dates ($18) and carciofi con stracciatella di formaggio ($21) a stupendous dish of braised artichokes on a bed of creamy stracciatella with sweet pops of balsamic currants. Share a few plates of pasta (Orecchiette al Sugo d’Agnello $32, the aforementioned Struncatura Ammollicata or Linguine al Limone $29) but leave room for mains like the Merluzzo alla Scafata ($42) blue cod in a cucielo vermouth-butter sauce and the Costata di Manzo ($78) an impressive 200g of grilled 45-day dry-aged beef from Tasmania served rare. This place is so hot it’s already booked out for May!
Forma, 128 Tembeling Road, Singapore 423638, Tel: +65 6513 228
Jypsy moves to One Fullerton
Jypsy has moved from Martin Rd to One Fullerton! Expect a stunning, sweeping vista of Marina Bay as you chow down on contemporary Japanese cuisine like the signature Salmon Tacos, Nest of Fries and Wagyu Beef Dripping Ric. There will also be some new curations at this flagship new restaurant such as Ceviche Snapper Al Limone Spaghettini, Jypsy Fish & Chips, Robata Lamb Ribs and more.
Jypsy One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Road, 01-02/03, Singapore 049213,
SoCal Italian restaurant California Republic: EDITOR’S PICK!
California Republic has just opened on Amoy Street. This new restaurant is by the same peeps behind Firangi Superstar, Neon Pigeon, and Fat Prince so you know the décor will be sweet and the food – Californian Italian fare – spot on. It’s all low lit vibes, dark tones, and cosy booth seating styled after California living in the summer of 1960. Look out for handmade pasta from Cappellacci ($29) the cutest little parcels of pasta filled with celeriac and mascarpone, served with umami mushrooms and Parmigiano cheese, to the Smoked Bucattini ($34) handmade tube-like pasta, tossed in a pork ragu with sofrito and bone marrow. For mains there’s a seafood stew, Lazy Man’s Cioppino and Pork and veal meatballs ($28) plated on crushed tomato sauce with a sourdough slice to mop up the goodness. And as the menu aims to be as inclusive as poss, there are plant-based dishes like braised young jackfruit masquerading as artichokes ($18), and a very interesting cocktail menu that takes alcohol-free options as seriously as the hard stuff!
California Republic, 88 Amoy Street, Singapore 069907, Tel: +65 9784 9487
WAKUDA Singapore: new restaurant at MBS
WAKUDA Singapore by celebrated two-Michelin-starred Chef Tetsuya Wakuda has opened at Marina Bay Sands! Chef Tetsuya and his team will steer this new modern Japanese restaurant through familiar Japanese favourites with a modern ‘WAKUDA-style’, ranging from appetisers, sashimi, sushi and tempura, to yakimono (grilled items), rice bowls and cold soba. For those looking for that extra special experience, hang tight for WAKUDA’s refined omakase and private sushi room experience to come.
WAKUDA Singapore, Lobby, Hotel Tower 2 Marina By Sands
Path Restaurant: New Mod Asian – EDITOR’S PICK!
There’s a sleek new restaurant in MBFC Tower 3 and it’s likely packed out for lunch with all the office folk taking a breather with delicious modern Asian food neatly offered in set lunches (from $39++ for 2 courses). Quieter at dinner (when more a la carte dishes are on offer), Path is definitely a new restaurant to add to your ‘must try’ list! Chef Marvas Ng is at the helm with a background in French fine dining so there are lots of clever twists in the cooking and presentation of the dishes. Must order dishes include beautifully presented Wakamatsu Strait Yellowtail ($36) sashimi with pickled Chinese artichoke, French Organic Cauliflower ($24) boiled in stock then deep-fried and finished with house-blended Furikake and mayonnaise and the Signature Butter-Roasted Herb-Brined French Poulet ($72) with Hong Kong Scallion Salsa and Daikon Sword Lettuce Roll. The whole chicken is brined with herbs and salt, then blanched, air-dried and then roasted in an unforgivable amount of butter and presented to the table before slicing. Eat the meat with refreshing daikon rolls drizzled in an onion vinaigrette. Save room for another must-order, the ‘supplement dish’ Signature Wild Forest Mushrooms Donabe ($38). It’s clay pot rice, made with premium Japanese rice, flecked with oat groats and sweet bites of waxed meat and porcini mushrooms. Just order it, you won’t regret it!
Path Restaurant, 12 Marina Boulevard, Tower 3, #01-05/06, MBFC, Singapore 018982
Sol & Luna
Looking for a new haunt with sky-high views? Sol & Luna on the 17th floor, of CapitaSpring affords lovely CBD sunset views. This bright and breezy bistro does brunch, afternoon tea, lunch sets from $35 per person for a two-course meal, evening tapas and dinner with flavours from Italy, France, Portugal, and Spain. Think Fried Soft-Shell Prawns ($16) with aioli, Heirloom Tomato Salad ($22), Wood-Fired Sardines wrapped with Parma Ham ($19), mains of umami-rich Truffle Risotto ($25), and deliciously flaky Baked Veal Shank Pie ($28). Local veg and produce are used where possible and there’s even an Edible Garden City farm growing on the roof of CapitaSpring that the 1-Group intend to use for many of its kitchens including at Sol & Luna.
Sol & Luna, #17-01, CapitaSpring, 88 Market St, Singapore, 048948
Native Restaurant
Amoy street keeps getting cooler, reinventing its look with new faces. Native Restaurant is one of the latest to join the offerings – although while the intimate narrow restaurant has only been open a month, you may know Vijay Mudaliar’s Native cocktail bar upstairs (it’s on the World’s Best Bars list). New Native Restaurant follows the same ethos as the renowned Native bar, with a focus on zero waste. Head Chef Y MJ Teoh (who trained at Pollen and Nouri), has put together a menu of nostalgic Asian dishes with lots of plant offerings. Native’s Miang Kham ($18) is a unique take on the traditional Thai starter of wild pepper leaves with its addition of pineapple shoyu (a by-product from a Native cocktail), tempeh crisps, ginger flower, lemongrass, tempeh crisps and toasted coconut. Other delights: Really Cold Somen ($16) noodles with white kimchi, charred shishito, and shiso in a refreshingly icy broth, Butterflied Snapper ($45) with chimichurri made from Asian herbs and desserts like Sticky Jackfruit & Sugee Cake. The attention to local ingredients and upcycling byproducts from the bar and kitchen is unique!
Native Restaurant, 52A Amoy Street, Singapore 069878
White Marble: EDITOR’S PICK!
White Marble is a Mediterranean grill restaurant by Chef Otto Weibel. Located in the Orchard Rendezvous Hotel, the restaurant has a slight corporate minimalistic vibe. Yet the food exceeds expectations with flavours from the Mediterranean including Greece, Morocco and the Middle East. There’s a focus on seafood and vegetables (where sister restaurant Black Marble centres around meat). Look out for the prettily plated Mezze Plate ($34 for two) featuring Tabbouleh with quinoa, bright and tasty Fattouche, smoky Eggplant Moutabbal, creamy Hummus, a Chicken Skewer and Pita. From the grill: tender Chargrilled Octopus ($36), Fish of the Day or something more hearty like the wonderful statement dish Chicken Tagine ($60 for two) served in a traditional Moroccan tagine with preserved lemons, dates, olives and capers – one of the best tagines we have had in a while!
White Marble, 1 Tanglin Road, #01-09, Orchard Rendezvous Hotel
USD Cafe – Upside Down Café
Looking for a quirky new café to take the kids to? USD Cafe is the first upside down cafe in Singapore full of fun photo opportunities thanks to all the café furnishings arranged upside down! Everything from the paintings on the walls to the tables and chairs are hanging upside down from the ceiling (so you’ll need to rotate your photos 180 degrees after taking pics to create that upside-down gravity-defying illusion!) Don’t worry though, there are proper tables and chairs to sit on while you sip on speciality Ipoh white coffee ($7.50) and dine on Avocado Sour Cream Toast ($12) and Portuguese Egg Tarts ($3.50).
USD Cafe – Upside Down Café, within Santa Grand Hotel, 171 East Coast Road, Singapore
Roberta’s Pizza
Brooklyn cult pizza house, Roberta’s Pizza opens its first international outlet at Marina Bay Sands. Head to this 44-seat restaurant for Neapolitan-inspired 12 inch pizzas made in an Italian wood-burning oven. The full pizza and salad menu of the original Roberta’s restaurant will be offered including the Famous Original ($26), and Cheesus Christ ($28) with taleggio, parmigiano, black pepper and cream. Look out for the Bee Sting pizza ($28) topped with mozzarella and salami then drizzled with honey. No reservations!
Roberta’s Pizza, B1-45/46, Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Willow
By the time you read this, it may be too late to book a counter seat at new kappo-style restaurant Willow. We hear that the 10 seater chef’s counter experience where you get up close to the binchotan and plating action, is already fully booked till May (you may still be able to bag a table instead). Helmed by Chef Nicholas Tam (Esora, Robuchon and Zen) Willow is one of the newest restaurants on Hong Kong Street. The daily changing menu is pan Asian with lunch starting at $148++, and dinner from $198++. Your menu might include multiple fine dining snacks like uni on homemade toast, followed by A4 Japanese Wagyu Zabuton and Ochazuke rice porridge, or charcoal-grilled Iberico Presa.
Willow, 39, Hong Kong Street, Singapore
Gary’s Restaurant: new restaurant in Rochester
Gary’s Restaurant, founded by Singaporean chef Gary Wu, has opened its doors in a two-storey black-and-white colonial bungalow in Rochester Park. The cuisine is upscale Italian with Japanese influences – from Hokkaido Scallop Crudo with Ginger Ponzu Dressing ($20) to perfectly cooked Squid Ink Pasta with Bamboo Clams ($28), and comforting Lobster Risotto ($38). The menu spans meat and seafood from whole Salt Crusted Wild Caught Seabass with Confit Potato and Grilled Seasonal Vegetables, to Lamb Rack with Mushroom, Baby Corn, Asparagus and Polenta Purée. They also do a good value set lunch from three courses at $38 which includes free coffee or tea.
Gary’s, 41 Rochester Drive, Singapore 138582
OMMA Korean Charcoal BBQ
OMMA is Singapore’s first wood-fire Korean Charcoal BBQ and impressively it is pretty smokeless too so you won’t leave your meal smelling like you’ve been camping! Get a Beef OMMA Set ($95 for 2-3 pax) with Ribs, Beef Brisket, and Beef Striploin. Grill your meats to your liking on the grill and dip in the ssamjang sauce. There’s also a Pork Set ($60) or chicken set, Army Stew ($38), a huge amount of a la carte dishes or something pretty affordable – the Beef OMMA Value Set ($76, valid from Mondays to Thursday) which also comes Beef Rib, a choice of Soup, Steamed Egg and a freeflow of banchan – Korean side dishes and pickles.