The one thing I can never resist is food. I mean, how can you, when there’s an onslaught of cafes and restaurants opening all over Singapore every month? This September, we’ve sussed out 20 new cafes and restaurants to keep you busy during the weekends. From appetisers to after work drinks, we’ve got you covered in all aspects with our monthly list.
Don’t forget to hashtag #TSLmakan on your Instagram posts!
Drown your worries away here at this spacious 5000 square feet microbrewery called Little Island Brewing Co. The bungalow-like building may be located at the far end of Singapore, but making a trip there is worth it and here’s why.
They have 6 beers on tap each day, plus there’s a reloadable beer card, akin to our ez link card, that you can use to dispense your own beer on tap. This is practically beer heaven!
Apart from its impressive list of craft beers available, the grub here is just as remarkable. Go for the Short Rib Burger ($25) – beef short rib and sirloin patties packed on top of air dried spanish ham, fresh greens and monterey jack, served with a side of fries and salad.
Address: Block 6 Changi Village, #01-01/02, S509907
Opening Hours: Tue – Fri 11am – 12am; Sat – Sun 9am – 12am, closed on Mon
Tel: 6543 9100
Website
This milkshake will bring all the boys to your yard. Just check out how #Instaworthy these Over-the-Top Shakes ($16) look. Previously known as Benjamin Browns Bistro & Bakery, The Benjamins have since rebranded and rolled out a special menu dedicated to these OTT shakes.
There’re five creations to choose from – Nutella Banana (left), Coffee Avocado (right), Caramel Crunch (not pictured), Old School (middle) and the newly released Tim Tams (not pictured). The drink jenga tower is balanced pretty precariously on the mug, so be sure to take pictures quickly and then attack it.
If you don’t have a sweet tooth, go for the Sizzling Beef Chunks, beef cubes served on a hot plate with potatoes and vegetables on the side.
Address: Forum Galleria, #01-20/21, 583 Orchard Road, S238884
Opening Hours: Mon-Thur 10am-9pm; Fri 10am-10pm; Sat 9am-10pm; Sun 9am-9pm
Tel: 6887 4117
Website
When the heat in Singapore gets too overbearing, head to Gin Khao to try their desserts – you won’t be disappointed. For the risk-takers, have a scoop of the fiery Tom Yum Gelato and the Green Curry Gelato ($3 for single scoop), both milky in texture with a spicy aftertaste. Shiok.
Gin Khao also serves mains, of which the Kung Ob Woon Sen ($16.80), a vermicelli dish with prawns and garlic pepper sauce, seems to be the most popular amongst Instagrammers. Don’t leave without trying the Thai Tea Molten Lava Cake ($8.80)! There is always space for dessert.
Address: 1020 East Coast Parkway, S449878
Opening Hours: 11.30am-10.30pm daily
Tel: 6604 8996
Website
Cool down at The Dwelling Place with this Iced Peppermint Mocha Latte ($6.50), served with a crispy slice of cuttlefish keropok on the side. Weirdest combination for a drink and snack but we’ll accept it anyway, because #instaworthy #instatalk.
The chef-owner is a self taught cook and a full time interior designer, which explains the minimalist feel to the cafe. Mains and desserts are also served here, but the menu changes, depending on the market’s offering.
Address: 41 Tessensohn Road, S217660
Opening Hours: Fri 3pm-11pm; Sat-Sun 11am-10pm; closed on Mon-Thur
Website
Dive into this lavish bowl of heavenly seafood goodness from TomYum Lobster Abb Zabb the next time you’re at Golden Mile Complex. Situated just above Nana Thai, hungry souls must try the TomYum Lobster Combo ($38). The seafood is as fresh as it gets and for $38, it’s a superb deal!
Other smaller but equally as mouth-watering dishes include the Seafood River Prawn Tom Yum Noodles ($6) and the Thai Basil Mince Pork Kway Teow with Egg ($6). Aroy mak mak!
Address: Golden Mile Complex, 5001 Beach Road #02-01, S199588
Opening Hours: 12pm-9pm daily
Website
Llao llao will always have a special place in my heart, but sometimes, its good to embrace change and try something new, like this churros and froyo combination. The concept is similar to llao llao, but what’s different here is the addition of churros and chuffles – waffles made with churros batter in your froyo. Have the Chuffles N Yogu ($4.50)(left) or the Culpa ($6.50)(right), a parfait made with frozen fruits, yogurt and a chuffle.
There’s also a wider range of sauces to choose from, including chocolate espresso, chocolate matcha, peanut cream and cheese. Yummy!
Address: Skysuites@Anson, 8 Enggor Street #01-02, S079718
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am-8pm; Sat 10am-8pm; closed Sun
Tel: 9818 4923
Website
Nibble on dainty sweet treats from Mon Bijou at your next high tea gathering with your girlfriends. This French patisserie-bistro transports you to France with their tres jolie desserts and brunch fare. Go for the Crab Cake Benedict ($20), two poached eggs with hollandaise sauce drizzled atop crab cakes and sauteed spinach, and finish off with a Lychee Macaron ($7.60).
Address: Orchard Hotel, 442 Orchard Road #01-19/20, S238879
Opening Hours: 11am-8pm daily
Tel: 6739 6738
Website
Settle down with a cuppa coffee and get some work done at The Daily Roundup, the newest tenant at The Working Capitol. When you’re feeling peckish, go for the Yuzu Butter Crepe ($10), a chewy crepe served with a dollop of creamy ice cream and a side of yuzu infused butter.
If @dreachong eats it, we eat it too.
Address: The Working Capitol, 1 Keong Saik Road #01-02, S089109
Opening Hours: 8am-8pm daily
Tel: 6338 8035
Website
There’s no need to make travel plans to Phuket just to have those instant ice cream rolls in this video that has been circulating on Facebook. Now you can enjoy a cup of these halal Ice Cream Rolls ($3.90) from The Famous Ice Cream Rolls Shop at Upper Thomson when the weather gets too unbearable. Choose from six different flavours, including Nutella and Ovamaltine, to create that Instaworthy dessert picture.
Address: Thomson V Two #01-12, 11 Sin Ming Road, S575629
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 1pm-10pm, closed on Mon
Tel: 9272 5119
Website
Sometimes the simpler it is, the better. And that mantra works for Karafuru Desserts, a minimalist-themed cafe specializing in artisanal eclairs and yogurt parfaits. Choose from 12 ‘Karafuru’ – direct translation of colourful from English to Japanese – Eclairs ($6-7) or indulge in their deconstructed parfaits. Presented on a plate instead of in a cup, their Parfaits ($16) are a masterpiece that you won’t be able to sink your teeth into.
Address: 8 Jalan Klapa, S199320
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 1pm-10pm, closed on Mon
Tel: 6291 4430
Website
Following the success of The Disgruntled Chef’s five year-old Dempsey outlet, founder and executive chef Daniel Sia has opened a larger, second outlet at Ann Siang Hill. The 66-seater mod European fine dining restaurant has one policy – choose whatever you like in whichever order you please. Try the #Instaworthy Tomato and Watermelon Tartare ($21) and the highly addictive Crispy Beef Short Ribs ($38) – it’s the richer version of sio bah. Shiok!
Check out the full review of The Disgruntled Chef on Eatbook.sg here.
Address: 28 Ann Siang Road, S069708
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat 12pm – 2.30pm; 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Tel: 6808 2184
Website
Equilibrium, an Italian restaurant inspired by Venetian culture, has found its way to the brand new Capitol Piazza, right across from City Hall Train Station. Set up by the folks behind Supply & Demand at Orchard Gateway, the menu boasts of rustic, Italian comfort food.
For starters, go for the La Bombette ($9.50), skewered thinly sliced fatty pork belly wrapped around a spicy parmesan-oregano mix. End your meal on a sweet note with the Carpaccio Di Anguria ($14), a watermelon centric dessert with milk cheese foam, brown butter milk powder and mint basil jelly on the side.
Read the full review of Equilibrium on Eatbook.sg here.
Address: Capitol Piazza, 15 Stamford Road, #01-86, S178906
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm; 6pm – 12am daily
Tel: 6384 4069
Website
Have some true blue American dishes that are rarely found locally, like this side dish called Hush Puppy ($12), at RedBank Bar & Grill. It’s essentially fried balls of cornmeal that is both savoury and sweet with a crusty exterior, which goes perfectly well with the accompanying sauce.
The Sirloin Steak ($38) didn’t disappoint, and at $38, is one of the more reasonably priced items on the menu.
See the full review of RedBank Bar & Grill here.
Address: 442 Orchard Road #01-02, 238879
Opening Hours: 12pm-12am daily
Tel: 6694 5376
Website
Get cured by chef-owner Andrew Walsh’s take on fine dining at his cosy 40 seater restaurant located in the heart of Keong Saik. Cure, which means to take care of, only serve set meals and the menu changes monthly, depending on the seasonal produce imported from Europe.
Chef Walsh is best at small plates and believes in making food from scratch – whether it’s making his own sourdough, ricotta or duck ham – which is what makes dining at his restaurant a gastronomical delight.
Address: 21 Keong Saik Road, S089128
Opening Hours: 12pm-3pm; 6pm-10pm daily
Tel: 6221 2189
Website
There’s no need to travel to Japan for Japanese food anymore, at least not for freshly fried tempura. The guys behind Ramen Keisuke have collaborated with Tokyo’s famous Ginza Itsuki Sushi to bring Ginza Tendon Itsuki in SIngapore. Yatta!
Order the Special Tendon ($13.90) that comes with two chicken cutlet, two large ebi, two french beans, pumpkin, mushroom and hidden beneath the pile of tempura is an onsen egg. It doesn’t get any more decadent than that. Oishii!
Address: 101 Tanjong Pagar Road, S088522
Opening Hours: 11.30am-2.30pm; 5.30pm-10pm daily
Tel: 6221 6678
Website
Stepping into Sopra is like being on set of The Godfather – it’s classy and downright Italian. Drawing inspiration from Sardinia, an island off the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, Sopra serves Italian classics with a sardinian twist. Take for instance the Porcheddu Sardo, a melt-in-your-mouth suckling pig served on top of a thin crusty pizza-like skin.
Other dishes worth noting down include the Biscotto di Pecorino ($22), a grilled cheese sandwich on steroids, and the Fregola ai Frutti de Mare ($30), a seafood risotto like dish with puffier rice.
Read the full review of Sopra at Eatbook.sg here.
Address: 10 Claymore Road, S229540
Opening Hours: Mon 5pm-12am, Tue-Sun 11.30am-12am
Tel: 6737 3253
Website
The guys behind Tras Street cocktail bar, H.O.D (House of Dandy) are expanding yet again – with the introduction of Raven, a restaurant-bar at the basement of CHIJMES. Inspired by North and South American cuisine, the head chef Sam Chablani also infuses Asian ingredients for small plates like Burratina and Heirloom Tomatoes with Gula Melaka Balsamic ($18) and Fried Cauliflower with Madras Curry Yogurt ($12).
Start your meal with a glass of Cucumber Rickey ($17), a gin-infused cocktail infused with fresh cucumbers, benedictine and fresh lime. For the burger obsessed, opt for the Raven Burger ‘Cemita’ ($22) – a saucy, 180g beef patty burger served with chipotle, avocado, chorizo cream, red onions and corn chips.
Address: CHIJMES #B1-01/02, 30 Victoria Street, S187996
Opening Hours: Mon, Tue & Sun 5pm-1am; Wed-Sat 5pm-2am
Tel: 8798 2724
Website
Carne & Caipirinha is the first churrascaria, or Brazilian restaurant, in Singapore to use charcoal fire to roast their meat. We don’t hear any carnivores complaining here, and it’s no wonder why.
Passadors (chefs cum meat servers) bring the skewered meats to you at your table before they carve out a chunk of it for you. There’s a variety to choose from, and all the meat is strongly marinated, meating all our expectations.
The beef hump stood out for our friends at Eatbook.sg because it was cooked to perfection, and the marbling of the beef was divine.
Read about their experience at Carne & Caipirinha here.
Address: Block 106 Sunset Way, Clementi Street 12 #01-50, S120106
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 5.30pm-11pm; Sun 5pm-11pm
Tel: 6464 0478
Website
Priding themselves as the only Caribbean restaurant in Singapore, The Lime House has just gotten a revamp and is making waves in the foodie world. To “lime”, as the owners explain, is a Caribbean term meaning to come together and hang out.
Serving up authentic Caribbean dishes, the portions here are meant for liming, or sharing, which explains the larger than life size of each dish. Go for the ginormous Beef Ribs ($98) bathed in finger-licking sauce and the Whole Fish Escovitch ($76), a baked seabass stuffed with condiments, served with a side of coconut sauce and pickled vegetables.
Address: 2 Jiak Chuan Road, S089260
Opening Hours: Tue-Fri 5pm-12am; Sat 3pm-12am; closed Sun, Mon and public holiday
Tel: 6222 3130
Website
Unwind after a hard day’s work at Charcoal Pit, a no-frills, diner-like restaurant perched on the rooftop of Realty Centre. Located in the heart of Tanjong Pagar, this barbecue restaurant is decked out with burger-shaped neon signs and fairy lights, much to my inner hipster’s delight.
Go for their signature Baby Back Ribs ($22 for half rack, $34 for full) that’s been smoked over hardwood, slathered with house-made barbecue sauce and served with red cabbage slaw and crispy fries. Wash it down with their beers on tap, ciders or wine.
Address: Realty Centre, 15 Enggor Street, #12-00, S079716
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm, closed Sun
Tel: 8822 5991
Website
The next time someone asks “where shall we go and eat?”, pluck up the courage and offer to make the necessary arrangements at any one of the cafes and restaurants on this list. Everyone will be surprised at how good a food connoisseur you are and the next thing you know it, they’ll be asking you for food recommendations.
And if you’ve exhausted this list, there’s always last month’s to look at!
Get ready for some wicked whimsy.
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