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Here are the best new restaurant and bar openings in Singapore in September 2023…
New restaurants are popping up all over town! Had your fill of kid-friendly cafes, vegetarian cuisine and dim sum restaurants? There’s a new restaurant serving cuisine from Myanmar; new Brasserie Astoria by Swedish chef Björn Frantzén of 3 Michelin-star Zén; Noa Lounge by the same peeps who brought us Olivia Restaurant; a Colombian restaurant, and more! Keep your finger on the pulse of the hottest best new restaurants in Singapore with this list!
Read More: Best Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Singapore for Plant-based Dining
New Restaurants in Singapore: August 2023
1. EDITOR’S PICK!
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.
Brasserie Astoria 11 Empress Place 01-01, Singapore 179558
2. EDITOR’S PICK!
Noa Lounge: New Restaurant by Olivia Restaurant Peeps
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!
Noa Lounge, 83 Neil Road 01 #01-02-03 Singapore 089813
3. Tom’s Palette: new gelato cafe
Tom’s Palette has had a revamp and has reopened on Middle Road with a stellar expanded cafe area that’s super cosy. There are always 36 gelato flavours at any one time, and the quality is really tip top! From quirky flavours like Strawberry Balsamic, Nasi Lemak, Pipagao and savoury Nori with White Chocolate, to more traditional options like Maple Pecan and Granny’s Favourite – a fusion of Chocolate Malt gelato with Cookie Dough and Chocolate Chip.
Come with the gang and tuck into Tom’s Palette ($29.80) consisting of six omakase flavours (it’s a surprise depending on the day’s selection!) or share a moreish French waffle (the toppings change daily!) drizzled with maple syrup and a scoop of ice cream. Once your kids know about this place, prepare for multiple visits!
Tom’s Palette, 51 Middle Road #01-01, Singapore 188959,
4. 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.
Burma Social, 34-36 Tras Street, Singapore 079026
5. EDITOR’S PICK!
Back to Eden: Plant-based Cafe
Looking for a new cafe for weekend breakfast or a mid-week lunch? Back to Eden (formerly Curious Palette) is an all-day dining restaurant on Prinsep Street. This light-filled cafe is all about plant-based meals that are so good you won’t even notice you’re not eating meat. And before you think, yawn, plant-based equals salads, think again! On the menu, you’ll find lots of hearty fare. Try the stunningly deep-flavoured Roasted Roma Tomato Soup ($15.90) topped with smoked cashew sour cream and basil oil best served with a Cheese & Onion Toastie $4 (the micro-bakery produces naturally-leavened rustic sourdough so this is good stuff!). Brekkie dishes range from Acai bowls to Crispy Potato Rosti ($18.90) with creamed spinach and slow-roasted tomato to Confit Vine-ripened Cherry Tomatoes on Toast ($19.90). Don’t miss the Oyster Mushroom Berempah ($11.90) a very moreish sharing nibble of deep-fired spice-covered oyster mushrooms that you dip in lime mayo dip. Delish!
Back to Eden, 64 Prinsep St, Singapore 188667
6. 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.
Bacatá, Frasers Tower, #03-01/02, 182 Cecil Street Singapore 069657
7. Chef Justin Quek’s New Orchard Café: JUSTIN in Singapore
Celeb Chef Justin Quek, who has cooked for many famous celebrities and politicians including Mr Lee Kuan Yew, opened his own gastro café-bar JUSTIN in Singapore, on 16 August 2023. This all-day dining spot is all about making Quek’s cuisine more accessible – so you’ll find his signature creations of classic French recipes as well as popular local dishes. There are luxe options (like adding 30 grams of superior oscietra caviar to your scrambled eggs for $110 extra) to more down-to-earth dishes. Tuck into flourless Souffle or Crab Capellini, with fresh crab and chilli, Lobster Hokkien Mee, Homemade Foie Gras Xiao Long Bao, and Prawn Noodle Soup. Go for brunch and sit on the airy balcony or grab a communal table inside and snack on bar bites like Chicken Kaarage or House Made Iberico Pork Fried Mantou (a little on the greasy side). Highlights for us were the brunch dishes of Wild Mushrooms, Poached Egg, Iberico Pork Jus and Parmentier sauce ($28) as well as the super juicy plump Poached Oysters ($14 for 2) done Cantonese style. End your meal with homemade ice cream and a cup of Vittoria Coffee. The new gastro café-bar is on Level 4 of TANGS at Tang Plaza (head to the private lift which opens up directly to the new café even outside TANGS’ operation hours).
JUSTIN in Singapore, 310 Orchard Road, Tang Plaza, Level 4, TANGS @ Tang Plaza, Singapore, 238864
8. 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
9. 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.
Honbo, 30 Victoria Street, #01-09 CHIJMES, Singapore 187996
10. 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 2023
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.
Restaurant Fiz, 21 Tanjong Pagar Rd, #01-01/02, Singapore 088444
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.
Province, 153 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427431
New Restaurants in Singapore: June 2023
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).
Tajine, 18 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 238967
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!
Barrio by Kulto, 73 Hillcrest Road, Singapore 288945
Mister Donut: Two New Openings in SG
After the much-anticipated arrival of Japanese doughnut store Mister Donut in Junction 8 (doughnuts were sold out before 6pm every day) Mister Donut will open a second outlet in Singapore at Velocity @ Novena Square! More than just a doughnut kiosk, this Mister Donut will feature a café serving up freshly brewed coffee to go with the doughnuts – plus there will be a dedicated seating area. Stay tuned for the opening on 6 July 2023!
Mister Donut, Velocity @ Novena Square, 238 Thomson Rd, #01-72/73 Singapore 307683
New Restaurants in Singapore: May 2023
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!
Ume San 100, 190 Middle Road, Fortune Centre, #02-07, Singapore 188979
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!
Humpback, 18-20 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore 089834
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.
Tinto, Block 10 Dempsey Rd, #01-21, Singapore 247700, Tel: (+65) 9729 5002
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.
Fico, 1300 East Coast Parkway, Singapore 468964.
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.
Elixir, 24 Holland Grove Road, #01-18 Parksuites, Singapore 278803
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).
Baste, 23 Ann Siang Road Singapore, 069703
Blackbird: Live Music Bar & Restaurant
Missing some live music? You’re going to want to know about Blackbird – a new live music restaurant and bar housed in a black-and-white building at Gillman Barracks. Chow down on casual Western fare from fish and chips to pizza or bar bites with your draft beer or glass of wine as you listen to live music from the likes of Havana Social Club, Jack & Rai, Shirlyn + The UnXpected, Reverie and other bands.
Blackbird, 8 Lock Road, Singapore 108936
Coach Play Singapore Shophouse
Looking for a new spot to take some selfies? Head over to the new IG-worthy cafe Coach Play Singapore Shophouse launched by luxury fashion house Coach. Find it on the first floor of a three-storey shophouse along Keong Saik Road – it’s ridiculously gorgeous with its pink facade. Inside you’ll find artisanal coffee and classic NYC bites (Pancakes, Chicken and Waffles, All American Cheeseburger) plus a special evening Dessert Bar menu after 6pm – all crafted in collaboration with Brawn & Brains.
Coach Play Singapore Shophouse, 5 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089113,
Allpress Espresso New Café
Singapore’s first Allpress Espresso café and retail pop-up store opens at 73 Duxton Road. This is where to head for your caffeine fix – there are two Allpress Espresso signature medium roast blends; the perfectly balanced Allpress Espresso Blend is sweet and complex with caramel, milk chocolate, and dark fruit notes, while the smooth and mellow Browns Mill Organic possesses a gentle acidity coupled with toffee and juicy citrus nuances. Foodwise the menu consists of bagels, pastries, cake, and ice cream.
Allpress @ 73 Duxton, 73 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089532
New Restaurants in Singapore: April 2023
EDITOR’S PICK!
Restaurant Chedi: 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 Chedi 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!
Restaurant Chedi, 15 Hamilton Road, Singapore 209185
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.
Salt & Palm, 467 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427678
Le Bon Fun: 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.
Le Bon Funk, 277 Holland Avenue, Singapore 278994
Luckin Coffee chain from China
Luckin Coffee, the Starbucks of China and original creator of the popular Coconut Latte opens its first overseas outpost in Singapore at Ngee Ann and Marina Square. Luckin Coffee has over 8,000 stores in China and will soon have 10 stores in Singapore. Aside from the famous Coconut Latte ($6.40), there will be drinks like the Velvet Latte (which uses Hokkaido milk, $6.40) and Creamy Dreamy Latte ($6.40). Luckin Coffee will have 100% cashier-less stores, where you can select, purchase, and pick up your coffee through a mobile app for both dining in and takeaway.
Luckin Coffee, 6 Raffles Blvd, #02-153, Marina Square, Singapore 039594
Chifa! new restaurant Peruvian-Chinese cuisine
Chifa!, a new restaurant at Resorts World Sentosa, highlights a cuisine from Peru that is a mix of local Peruvian and Chinese food brought over by Chinese immigrants to Peru in the 1800s. Dishes include Whole Fish Jalapeno Style made with tiger garoupa steamed Cantonese style and then topped with chopped pickled jalapeno peppers, Chinese Roasted Pork, “Chifa! Chili”, with “Tamal de Arroz” Dumplings and Lettuce Taco and Bijao wrapped Fish and “Sudado” sauce. The menu features ceviches from Yellowfin Tuna Tamarind Ceviche ($22), to Red Snapper Ceviche served with Banana Chips ($24) plus Tiradito, a Peruvian take on sashimi, and then the offerings swing back to the Chinese element with a menu of dim sum as well.
Chifa!, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Ave8, Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore 098269
Read more: 48 Best Alfresco Restaurants for Outdoor Dining
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!
Kubô, Unit #01-12 The Pier at Robertson, 80 Mohamed Sultan Rd Singapore 239013
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.
Aniba, 6 Battery Road, Bonham Street, 05-03 Private lift from Riverfront Entrance, Singapore 049909
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!
COL, 1 Keong Saik Rd., #01-05 The Working Capitol Building, Singapore 089109
Yue Bai: modern Chinese restaurant
Yue Bai in Duxton is a new Chinese restaurant with intimate zen-like interiors and refined Chinese heritage dishes. What’s interesting here is that the food is rooted in TCM – made with ancient dietary principles known as shí liáo or ‘dietary therapy’. Chef Hongwei’s dishes offer familiar flavours from various Southern Chinese cuisines. Highlights of the a la carte menu include the nourishing and floral-tasting double-boiled Silkie Chicken Soup with Jasmine Flower, Dried Longan, and Wolfberries ($22); Seafood Deep-fried Granola Prawn ($36) a fun twist on the popular cereal prawn, but using house-made granola instead, and the clean-tasting Braised Baby Sharp Spinach with Yellow Millet and Wolfberries ($18). There are also set menus (served in individual portions), that are aligned with the Chinese calendar so you can feast on modern Chinese dishes while nourishing your body according to the seasons.
Yue Bai, 33 Duxton Rd Singapore 089497
Cenzo: new restaurant with Italian fare & Aussie vibes
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.
Cenzo, 81 Club St, Singapore, 069449
Au Balcon: new restaurant at The Summerhouse
The Summerhouse in Seletar has renovated its second-floor restaurant which now goes by the name of Au Balcon, translating to ‘on the balcony’. The menu still focuses on French flavours – highlights include the Seared Atlantic Scallops ($24) served on smoky romesco sauce, topped with sweet caper raisins and the Florentine 65°C Organic Egg ($18), on garlic sauteed spinach with fresh truffle. The weekend brunch menu sees dishes like the Classic Breakfast Set ($24) that comes with a variety of pastries, ham and egg omelette, and coffee or tea plus there are mains of Beef Cheek Bourguignon of wagyu slow-cooked beef on potato puree ($48), Confit de Canard ($36) and Buttermilk Galettes ($24). You could also go for its three-course set menu ($55 per person) that includes an appetiser, main and dessert. When the Wildseed Cafe and the Summerhouse Bistro downstairs are full as they so often are on the weekends – head up to Au Balcon for a quieter meal in the light-filled dining room.
Au Balcon, 3 Park Lane, Singapore 798387
The Coconut Club: new Siglap restaurant
Easties, get excited! The Coconut Club brings its lemak food to your ‘hood! Find this second branch of The Coconut Club – a casual canteen set in a quaint shophouse along Frankel Avenue. The signature is Nasi Lemak $21 (a serving of coconut rice, fried egg, anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, and sambal with either fried chicken or Kembong fish) – pssst we love how kids under 5 are on the house! The Coconut Club Siglap also debuts a new weekend brunch menu. Look out for savoury and sweet Malay and Peranakan offerings from Dry Laksa ($21) of rice noodles cooked in a rich coconut milk-rempah medley, topped with fresh tiger prawns to Apom Berkuah with Pisang Pengat ($16), soft and chewy fermented rice and blue pea flower pancakes with gula melaka sauce and bananas simmered in coconut milk.
The Coconut Club, 97 Frankel Ave, Singapore 458222
Altro Zafferano: ‘new’ Italian restaurant with views
Formerly known as just Zafferano, this ‘new’ restaurant Altro Zafferano (meaning the ‘other’ Zafferano) presents an upscale dining space offering contemporary Italian cuisine interpreted through the South Italian lens. Perched on the 43rd floor of the Ocean Financial Centre this spot offers breathtaking views of the city skyline (best enjoyed at the alfresco bar for a pre-dinner drink!). Catch executive chef Andrea De Paola and head chef Daniele La Rocca working at the 12m-long open kitchen that parallels the length of the entryway. Plump for the experience menu ($148) where you get to choose your own 4-course tasting exploration of a la carte dishes like the Oscietra Caviar, Sea Urchin Ice Cream, and Red Prawn Waffle (from $68); the House-made Tagliolini with Langoustine Carpaccio and Amalfi Lemon Garum ($48) and Roaring Forties Lamb ($68) or Silver Cod with Peperone Crusco and Mussels Veloute ($72) for mains. Desserts are standout – don’t miss the Espresso, Mascarpone, and Clementine Orange. Looking for an impressive spot for client lunches? Check out the three-course lunch sets ($78).
Altro Zafferano, Ocean Financial Centre, Level 43 10 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049315, Tel: (+65) 6509 1488
Soi Social restaurant: new Thai restaurant
Soi Social is a new Thai restaurant within Festive Walk, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) headlined by Thai Celebrity Chef Ian Kittichai. The restaurant is all modern clean lines with an open kitchen to watch the chefs at work. Look forward to contemporary regional Thai dishes. We loved the moreish JEAB JEAB Chicken & Coconut Dip served with crackers ($18). Whet your appetite with little parcels of Chiang Mai duck sausage wrapped in wild betel leaf, ginger, peanuts and chili ($18), and delicious Grilled Giant Prawns with glazed choo chee sauce ($44). Other highlights include the meaty Baby Back curry glazed ribs ($24) with pineapple relish, Roasted Marinated Duck served with Thai red curry sauce, and a light yet flavoursome Tom Ka Min Barramundi ($32). Desserts are so pretty – Mango Sticky Rice ($15) sees blue rice thanks to butterfly pea flowers with mango mousse, and fresh mango, or there’s Thai Tea-ramisu ($12.50) with Thai tea-soaked lady fingers – all too pretty to eat but you’ll tuck in nonetheless and be happy you did!
Soi Social, Festive Walk, Resorts World Sentosa
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).
Ahara, 20 Teck Lim Rd, Singapore, 088391
élan: new restaurant by Les Amis Group
élan restaurant Singapore is Les Amis Group’s latest concept located in… Shaw Centre (but of course, that’s where many of their concepts live including 3 Michelin star Les Amis restaurant and casual dining Bistro Du Vin!) élan restaurant serves approachable modern French cuisine with Asian touches – think Eel Tartelette ($38), Foie Gras Bon Bon ($38) Roasted saddle and rack of Pyrenées Lamb ($68), Yamaguchi A4 Wagyu Striploin ($75) and blue lobster ($110). élan’s set lunch is $70++.
élan Restaurant, Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road #01-13, Singapore 228088
Thirty9: new restaurant on Duxton Hill
The Swiss-Italian owners of popular Italian restaurant Latteria Mozzarella Bar have opened a new restaurant next door. Thirty9 opens onto the lovely cobblestone pedestrian paths of Duxton Hill. In the kitchen is Italian Chef, Erik Trozza whose Italian creations are inspired by the Mediterranean – think all-day tapas, hand-crafted pasta, house made bread and Napoli-style pizza. Highlights include the Spinach Ravioli ($32), and Gigli & Gamberi ($36) house-made flower shaped pasta with prawns, zucchini, tomato and garlic with a lightness from lemon and mint. For something unusual try the Broccoli pizza with spicy sauce, buffalo mozzarella, potato and olives ($25). Mains span Truffle Halibut ($38) to delicious NZ Lamb rack with a pistachio crust ($58) or charcoal grilled Beef T-Bone ($158 for 1kg). Sit alfresco looking onto Duxton Hill and sip on an Aperol Spritz or a bottle of Prosecco and enjoy the tapas bites until 7pm. But leave a little room for the beautiful desserts: Cannoli Siciliani with ricotta and chocolate $16 is chef’s kiss! Check them out for lunch and enjoy 30% off all a la carte dishes from noon to 2:30pm Mondays to Saturdays until 31 December.
Thirty9, 39 Duxton Hill, Tanjong Pagar, Tel: (+65) 6717 3939
Café Kitsuné
Famous French-Japanese chain Café Kitsuné is now in Singapore! This new restaurant brand has a bit of a cult following with 21 cafés around the world. Head here for single origin coffees sourced from Nicaragua, Guatamela and El Salvadore, which are roasted in Café Kitsuné’s roastery in Okayama, Japan – plus of course the famous fox-shaped shortbread in butter, sesame, chocolate, and matcha flavours ($4 each). There’s a small savoury menu of quiche and sandos like the chicken katsu sando ($15), or egg sando ($13) made with white bread or save yourself for the sweets like the Paris-Brest ($12), the matcha éclair ($11), plus Singapore specials like the chilli chocolate tart ($12).