Hitting that “add to cart” button on food delivery apps is a lazy day pleasure, but it’s nothing like enjoying a good meal out with your friends. After passing by upturned chairs and cordoned off seating zones yet again no thanks to P2HA, finally being able to dine out again is great news.
From a book cafe launched by Dr Chee Soon Juan to cruffins from San Francisco, here are 20 new cafes and restaurants in July 2021 to head to with your plus one.
Note: Remember to keep to the two-per-table rule when dining out, following the most recent safety regulations.
Sushi Platter ($63.80)
Image credit: @jaqsowhat
Jetting off to Japan is nothing but an elusive dream now, but a trip to the newly-opened SENSHI at New Bridge Road will do just as well in tiding through our Japanese food withdrawals.
From Seabass Steak Baked in White Miso to Salmon with Cheese Sushi, there are tonnes of options in their a la carte menu for us to sink our teeth into. And to add more flavour to their diners’ experience, the restaurant also occasionally changes up its menu so you’ll have something new to look forward to with each visit.
Even if you forget to chope a spot in advance, there’s still a good chance that you’ll be able to snag a seat with over 115 seats and two private rooms in their massive restaurant.
You can either dive into their dinner specials after work at $48++ per adult, or swing by during your lunch breaks for $38++ instead.
Note: Prices apply for dine-ins only.
Address: 333 New Bridge Road, Singapore 088765
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-10PM
Telephone: 6970 1899
Fun fact: The restaurant’s name translates to a type of corn traditionally eaten as a snack in Peru.
Image credit: @demseyhillsg
Stepping into Dempsey Hill’s massive food scene is Chanchita, a Latin American eatery that transports us to parts of the Amazon Rainforest with its nature-inspired design.
There’s something for everyone regardless of whether you’re a vegetarian or a member of the meat club. While the Veggie Saltado ($32) would make sure you get your fix of greens for the day with cherry tomatoes and crispy peas, their signature Causa Chupe ($28) dishes up some Peruvian yellow chili together with marinated prawns and crispy shiro ebi (baby white shrimp).
Causa Chupe ($28)
Image credit: @chanchita_sg
Smaller tummies would also appreciate quick bites in the form of nachos ($12) and patacones ($14) which are fried plantain slices.
Address: Dempsey Road, 9A 9B, Singapore 247698
Opening hours: Mon – Thu 11.30AM-2.30PM, 6PM-10.30PM | Fri – Sun 11.30AM-10.30PM
Telephone: 6232 7895
Chanchita Peruvian Cuisine website
Buckwheat noodles served with uni and caviar – not your ush noodle dish!
Image credit: @naeum.sg
For some Korean nosh with a twist, dine at NAE:UM, which serves contemporary Seoul food tucked away in the shophouses of Telok Ayer Road. While most Singaporeans are used to Korean food in the form of KBBQ, this restaurant brings quite a unique taste to the table with lesser-known dishes.
Their dishes are presented in “episodes” too. In Episode One, you’ll find Jjim – a red grouper that’s brined and paired with zucchini slices – and the Summer Bingsu with mascarpone and fermented fruit.
There are a variety of seating options in the restaurant which include banquettes, tables and bar counters.
Image credit: John Heng Da Photographer
Those of us who crave our personal space when eating out would also be glad to know that NAE:UM hosts a variety of seating arrangements, including private nooks partitioned by wooden Venetian blinds for smaller groups. Party tables seating up to 16 are also available for social butterflies – once we’re able to flock in larger crowds, that is.
The restaurant currently is open for dinner, with lunch options to be rolled out in the future.
Address: 161 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068615
Opening hours: Tues – Sat 6PM-10.30PM (Closed on Mondays and Sundays)
Telephone: 8830 5016
Image credit: @saltyaaron
The most recent addition to the #EastCoastPlan, Tigerlily Patisserie’s been the buzz of the city with its newest Beehive Dessert ($11). Made from lemon thyme and lychee honey jelly, this globe-shaped honey parfait almost feels like a piece of art that’s a crime to destroy with our cruel crockery.
There are also other interesting pastry options to choose from, including the Forest Berry Taco ($9) and the Pistachio Marimo ($10).
Aside from the range of pastries, the 20-seater botanical-themed cafe is an eye-candy in itself, with terrazzo table-tops and splashes of green and yellow on the walls.
Image credit: @saltyaaron
With that being said, folks who are diet-conscious might want to know that their pastries are not gluten or nut-free for now.
Address: 350 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427598
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 9AM-6PM
Telephone: 8887 0988
Image credit: @saltyaaron
With all the time spent at home, baking is one of the biggest pastimes of most Singaporeans. Likewise, local celebrity Jeanette Aw has created her own rendition of bakes and brought them to greater heights with the launch of her newest bakery, Once Upon A Time.
Decked in lightwood and featuring an all-white interior, this minimalist store doesn’t look like your typical neighbourhood bakery.
Image credit: @onceuponatime.sg
Her pastries also stay true to the minimalist vibe, with just three selected cakes featured at one time. Other than the Blueberry Burst pound cake priced at $10, you can get your hands on Financiers ($26 for 10) and Pineapple Financiers ($32 for 10) that are essentially French almond cakes with a twist.
You can walk down to the cafe from Bendemeer MRT, which shouldn’t take you more than five minutes on foot.
Address: 35 Hamilton Road, #01-04, Singapore 209204
Opening hours: Thu – Sun 11AM-4PM
Telephone: 9679 7268
Image Credit: @khoopinjoo
Slow Bakes understands the simple pleasures of a good breakfast, offering toasts like the Sourdough Baguette and Brioche Slice topped with your choice of vegan-friendly peanut butter, traditional kaya and avocado spreads ($2.50 each) – all with front-row seats of Yishun Pond to boot.
Breakfast with a view? What can we say, let’s get this bread.
Image credit: @mrsboxes
If you’re here for a heartier meal, you can size up their Breakfast Set which would set you back an additional $4. With your choice of toast, two soft boiled eggs and a drink, this breakfast would probably keep you filled till lunchtime.
They also have a whole range of flavoured buns, including the Matcha Adzuki, Mushroom Cheese and even Cinnamon Rolls priced at $3 each.
Address: Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre, 30A Yishun Central, 1, Singapore 768796
Opening hours: 7AM – 2PM, Daily
Image credit: Eatbook
If you’re low-key sick of rotating between the usual Korean or Japanese fare while out with your kakis, maybe some comforting Taiwanese cuisine at Abundance would serve as a good change.
You’ll find an array of baos at this new joint including the popular Gua Bao ($7.50+) – fluffy lotus buns stuffed with pork belly, pickles, coriander, and roasted peanuts that add some level of acidity with each bite.
Image credit: Eatbook
Like the Gua Bao, Peanut Ice Cream Roll ($6+) is a famous Taiwanese street food, featuring vanilla ice cream and roasted peanuts wrapped tightly in a popiah-like roll. It might be worth noting that cilantro is also a star ingredient in this dish, which might appeal to the more adventurous eaters out there.
Address: 63A Lengkok Bahru, #01-378, Singapore 151063
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 11AM-3PM, 5-10.30PM
Image credit: @superfirangi
Entering Firangi Superstar would probably feel like you’ve set foot onto a vintage film set, and maybe that’s the exact vibe they were going for.
This restaurant takes traditional Indian cuisine like prata and naan as their premise, reworking hawker classics into something far more exquisite. For example, the popular Prata With Waffles ??? ($24) – yup, that’s the name of the dish – is the chef’s version of the American fried chicken and waffles, topped with Madras-style fried chicken and butter chicken sauce instead.
Image credit: @pginsin
Other gems to look out for are This Is Not Aloo Gobi ($16), a recreation of the famous Indian dish with cauliflower couscous, masala compote and crispy potato, and Tandoori Lamb Saddle marinated in spiced yogurt for those with a higher tolerance for hot flavours. ($14/100g)
Address: 20 Craig Road, #01-03, Singapore 089692
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 12PM-2.30PM, 5.30PM-10.30PM
Telephone: 6304 3022
Image credit: Eatbook
Hailing from San Francisco, Mr Holmes Bakehouse is here to share their cruffins (croissant-muffins) by foraying into our little red dot.
Image credit: Eatbook
The bakehouse brings delicious pastries like their Peanut Butter Milkshake Cruffin ($5.80+) and the Lemon Meringue Pie ($7.50+) to the table. The cafe functions on a quarterly seasonal menu that changes every three months, so you can look forward to trying new snacks every now and then.
Image credit: Eatbook
You can also chomp down on cream-filled donuts, croissants, and savoury sandwiches while you’re at it for some sinful sugary snacks that are worth the carbs. They even have typical tea, coffee and kombucha selections that’ll be perfect to conclude your sweet affair.
Address: 9 Scotts Road, #01-01/02/03, Pacific Plaza, Singapore 228210
Opening hours: 8AM-6PM, Daily
The Creole Jambalaya. Their dishes do not include pork and lard – meaning that you can bring along your Muslim friends too.
Image credit: @orangeandtealsg
Who knew that Singapore Democratic Party’s Dr Chee Soon Juan had a covert culinary side? We didn’t either, until he announced his newest eatery that just recently opened its doors – Orange & Teal.
The Poulet Roti ($12.90) is already a crowd fave, with a generously-sized roasted chicken and a side of potatoes. The Creole Jambalaya ($13.90), topped with shrimps and mixed vegetables, might also appeal to those who need their daily bowl of grains.
Image credit: @sharifjean
Bookworms would be glad to know that there’s a reading nook ucked in a cosy corner within the cafe’s premises. Whether you’re a fan of fiction or nonfiction, there are enough titles on the shelves to keep you entertained after a hearty meal.
Address: 35 Rochester Drive, #02-12 Rochester Mall, Singapore 138639
Opening hours: Sun – Thu 11AM-9PM | Fri & Sat 11AM-10PM
Telephone: 6993 1006
Image credit: @doppoteatro.sg
Craving some pizza but also having the feels for some Japanese nosh at the same time? Dopo Teatro’s got your food fancies in-check by combining both flavours in their assortment of fusion grub.
Their Frutti Di Mare Squid Ink Pizza isn’t something you see on the hot stone everyday – inked and topped with squid, tomatoes and clams. But if seafood’s not up your alley, you can opt for the Classic Margherita instead.
Address: 8 Raffles Avenue, #01-11 Esplanade Mall, Singapore 039802
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 12PM-3PM, 5PM-9.30PM | Sat & Sun 12PM-9.30PM
Telephone: 6534 5188
Image credit: @xp11
Those whose hearts go fragile at the mention of bubble tea have another reason to crack open their wallets thanks to this glasshouse cafe that sells BBT till the wee hours of the night.
With their second outlet launching at Tampines, AROUND serves up Peach Green Tea Macchiato and Brown Sugar Milk at $5.90 each. Pair your drink with single-scoop Cereal Milk or Matcha ice-cream ($4.20 each), or premium flavours like Yakult Oreo for just an additional dollar.
Image credit: @doggaebi
Did you really venture to an aesthetic cafe if you didn’t take any photos? Other than the obvious floor-to-ceiling glass paneling that’s sure to flood IG feeds, the interior’s also worthy of a few shots with its all-white finish.
Address: 115 Tampines Street 86, #01-51, Singapore 528537
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-2AM
Image credit: @vany.eo
Sushi is one of Singaporeans’ favourite comfort foods, and Chura Sushi Bar easily elevates this experience from comfort to classy, by making these bite-sized treats appear as pleasing as they taste.
At this bar hidden in the basement of Suntec City Mall, you can purchase their sushi as set-meals or thumb through their a la carte menu. Purchasing the recommended Chura Nigiri Set ($35.80) earns you 10 different kinds of sushi on the platter, including fresh red snapper and fatty tuna with sea urchin.
Umibudo, or sea grapes, have a similar salty and crunchy mouthfeel like fish roe.
Image credit: Chura Sushi Bar
For a uniquely Okinawan flavour that goes beyond regular sushi, their Umibudo ($12.80) might add some dimension to your meal. Although most of us think we know Japanese food, not many of us can say we’ve had crunchy sea grapes served up on a platter for sure.
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard #B1-122A Suntec City Mall, Singapore 038983
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-10PM
Telephone: 6970 9101
Image credit: Lady M
We know that Lady M Champagne Bar opened the door to mille crepes in Singapore, but they’re now adding some pizzazz to these desserts with their Champagne Mille Crêpe selling at $25 per slice. If you’re in the mood for some bubbly, browse their catalogue for some Bruno Paillard Champagnes.
The Lady M Afternoon Tea Set includes lobster toast, sweet pastries and your choice of champagne plus tea.
Image credit: @ladymsg
Get a taste of the tai tai life when you swing by town on the weekends, where you can book the Lady M Afternoon Tea Set ($60/pax) at either 12PM or 3PM. Do note the first reservations are only from 17th July onwards, so just reserve your friends in the meantime.
Address: 181 Orchard Road #01-27 & #02-07 Orchard Central, Singapore 238896
Opening hours: Sun – Thu 11.30AM-10PM | Fri & Sat 11.30AM-10.30PM
Telephone: 6509 3673
Image credit: @casarestaurant.sg
No Singaporean is a stranger to CHIJMES, with its classy aesthetics and al fresco restaurants. The newest kid on the block is Casa, a woodfire and gastronomy bar that dishes up high-end delicacies across two menus.
The eatery boasts an open-concept kitchen for you to watch your meal being prepared
Image credit: @casarestaurant.sg
From their summer menu, you can pick from a variety of Italian mains, such as the Gambas with Uni and Yuzu and the Blue Mussels with Eel and Madras. Venturing here later in the year will also satisfy your meat or seafood cravings equally – whether it be the Line Cod with Sake Bleurre Blanc and Bottarga or Dry Aged Wagyu.
Address: 30 Victoria Street, #01-20, Singapore 187996
Opening hours: Wed – Sun 12PM-2.30PM, 6PM-10.30PM (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Telephone: 9722 8171
We’ve heard this one aplenty: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But if snoozing till the afternoons sounds better, enjoying those morning meals all day works too. A hit among the brunch crowd, Park Bench Deli has finally opened its doors again after having gone renovation since February this year.
Grilled Cheese (from $15)
Image credit: Eatbook
Starting from $15, the Breakfast Sandwich sees a spam patty and gooey cheese sandwiched between Japanese milk pancakes. Folks who are mindful of their greens can also opt for fresh salad bowls like Green Goddess ($16) and Barli Bowl ($18).
Address: 179 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068627
Opening hours: Tues – Sun 9AM-3.30PM, 5-10PM
Telephone: 8892 0408
Image credit: @darr3n0ng
Living up to its name, New & Old Cafe at Tanjong Pagar incorporates both classic and modern-day Singaporean delicacies into their menu. While the menu features recreated old-school staples such as Dry Laksa fried with egg, fishcake and tau pok ($9.90), new crazes such as bolo buns and milk tea are also available.
Their Bolo Buns with Luncheon Meat ($5.50) are quite the highlight, but you might want to factor in a little waiting time while the buns are being prepared.
Address: 10 Anson Road, #01-11 International Plaza, Singapore 079903
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 8.30AM-7.30PM, Sat 10.30AM-7.30PM
Telephone: 6223 0849
Image credit: @doggaebi
Nestled in the shophouses of Jalan Besar, Asylum Coffeehouse serves as a much-needed refuge from a stressful workday. For those who appreciate a classic cuppa without getting too fancy, you can take your pick from their selection of Black ($4), White ($5) and Mocha ($6).
They also have their own signature Keluak espresso blend, inspired by the Peranakan dish Buah Keluak, with chocolatey and nutty notes.
Image credit: @asylumcoffeesg
Note: You’ll want to make a reservation in advance as this small interior hosts about 20 seats in total.
Address: 311 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208970
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 8.30AM-4PM
Telephone: 8921 9875
Image credit: @eatwithfelz
It goes without saying that restaurants these days have gone through an industrial revolution of their own, and so has this new space hidden in Bugis. Clap Cafe was supposed to have launched their eatery just a day before Phase 2 Heightened Awareness kicked in, but has now thankfully opened doors for both dine-ins and takeaways.
Image credit: @clapcafe.sg
Those who are insistent on getting their piece of the pie can sink their forks into the Maple Pecan Tart ($9) and Basque Cheesecake ($8) – exclusive treats on the menu.
Address: Blk 261 Waterloo Street, #01-28, Singapore 180261
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 8AM-8PM
Telephone: 6980 6392
Image credit: @menmen_
Walking into Cafe Monochrome might feel like you’re experiencing an optical illusion IRL, thanks to its two-dimensional interior. After drawing inspiration from similarly-designed cafes in Tokyo and Taipei, this cafe is the first of its kind in SG.
Their monochromatic theme doesn’t just stop at the walls and floors, though. Take a look at their plates, which looks just as though they’ve been traced out on a blank canvas as well.
Image credit: @cafemonochromesg
Some of Cafe Monochrome’s dishes include Mentaiko pasta and Spicy Baked Fish with Truffle Rice. You can also save a buck or two with their 1-for-1s and discounts during special occasions – keep a lookout for these on Cafe Monochrome’s Instagram page.
Address: 216 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207749
Opening hours: Tues – Sun 10AM-10.30PM
Telephone: 9239 1240
This month, we were #blessed to hear that we could finally head out for a meal after the “no dining in” restriction was lifted following the Phase 3 Heightened Alert announcement.
So whether you’re looking for a brunch spot to hit with your girlfriends or a classy new restaurant perfect for dates, there’s a whole new range of eateries to finally head out and try.
Check out more food guides here:
Cover images adapted from (L-R): @doggaebi, @saltyaaron, @rainbows.and.bows
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