Tired of the same ol’ food and vibe? Mix it up with these new-ish Singapore restaurants we can’t say no to.
Read also: The Top 7 Wine Bars in Singapore, Because Wine
#1 Don Ho Social Kitchen & Bar
Put down your phones, because Don Ho prides itself on the art of conversation and socialising around group dining. Not that you’re not going to want to take any amount of photos of this tropical-inspired setting and gorgeous cocktails, but just try to soak up the Hawaiian vibe instead. Food-wise, you’ll find modern Australian tasting plates – we love the red snapper, ox tongue sliders and baklava!
Where: Keong Saik Road 1, 089109 Singapore
Tel no: +65 6223 5001
#2 Candlenut
Whilst the hype is more on Chef Jean-George’s Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar, we’re liking the food at COMO Dempsey’s Candlenut a little more. As the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, it has much to live up to, and we’re glad to say that the food does not disappoint (although service is a little stuck up). We loved the Wagyu Beef Rib Rendang, Charcoal Grilled Whole Squid with Turmeric Sambal, but there are also old faves such as Mum’s Chicken Curry, Kueh Pie Tee, Chincalok Omelette amongst others. Be sure to reserve as tables are usually booked out.
Where: 17 & 18 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249676
#3 Fynn’s
If there’s anywhere in Singapore that gets salads right, it’s Fynn’s. But it’s not just the salads that delight, they’ve got casual Australian cuisine that consists of grain bowls, burgers, pasta, hotcakes, brunch, healthy plates and pretty much everything that you’d want at an all-day dining spot! Plus the decor is super insta-friendly too. The Spanish Octopus has more than a few fans, as well as its corn fritters, vanilla hotcakes, and caramelised apple tarte tatin. Our mouths are just watering as we type this – we need to head to South Beach stat!
Where: 26 Beach Road #B1-21, South Beach Avenue,189768 Singapore
Tel no: +65 6384 1878
#4 The Ottoman Room
We’ve been hard pressed to find a good Middle Eastern joint in Singapore, that is, until now. The Ottoman Room is the perfect place to take a culinary journey, thanks to the authentic and experimental food (we love the mezze cart!) as well as the setting, which will make you feel like you’ve hopped on a magic carpet ride straight into a sumptuous (if small) harem. This spot is dinner-only, so make your bookings and get ready to enjoy spices flown in directly from Istanbul, Algerian hip-hop tunes, and bop to the Fat Prince — the hipster bar next door (owned by the same group) which serves kebabs all night long.
Where: 48 Peck Seah Street, 079317 Singapore
Tel no: +65 6221 3683
#5 Violet Oon Satay Bar & Grill
This is a far cry from hawker food satay, but that’s part of the charm, and dare we say it, even better? If the other two Violet Oon outlets are anything to go by, this newly-opened concept will be as popular. You’ll find that the bestsellers from the other restaurants are on the menu like the Buah Keluak Ayam and Beef Rendang, but you’ll want to stay for the satays and grilled items such as the Black Angus Beef Satay and the Garam Assam Barramundi. You won’t go wrong dessert-wise either – the Chendol with Durian Pengat Sauce is a must-have!
Where: 3B River Valley Rd, #01-18, Clarke Quay, 179021 Singapore
Tel no: +65 9834 9935
Eat, sleep, travel, repeat.
I love the Din Tai Fung Restaurant in Singapour (or Hong Kong and Taipei too).
The dimsun are fabulous.