If there’s one thing Singapore is known for, it’s that we’re a food lover’s paradise. At any time of the day, you can expect to see locals lining up to get their hands on the best dishes our tiny island has to offer. Whether that’s a hot plate of char kway teow from our favourite hawker stall or a fancy pasta at our best-kept Italian hideout, it’s clear that Singaporeans know how to enjoy our food.
And while openings slowed down at the height of the COVID-19 years, it seems that the F&B scene is starting to come alive once again. More and more new spaces are popping up all around town, and so GRAZIA shares the top five gastro spots to check out. No matter if you’re in the mood for a fancy tipple or even a full course-menu, here are the latest additions to the culinary sphere that you don’t want to miss. Plus, with Mother’s Day coming up soon, consider visiting these new dining spots for a celebration that exceeds expectations.
Nook
The newest kid on the Tanjong Pagar block is Nook, a modern European dining concept, fused with Asian influences. The three-storey space features Nook, the first-floor dining room, Nowhere, an eclectic bar on the second floor and a private members lounge on the top deck. Helmed by head chef Koh Han Jie, the menu at Nook is designed to be shared, so grab a couple of your best pals or your family members and give it a go. Of the dishes we tasted, one of the standouts was the Heirloom Tomatoes & Burrata starter, for its surprising burst of flavours. The creaminess of the fresh burrata, the fresh punch of the basil and tarragon sorbet and the crunch of the puffed quinoa? Chef’s kiss!
Plus, the Nook and Nowhere spaces are both brutalism-inspired, with an abundance of art pieces specially created and curated by an in-house local artist that aims to tell a story through interior design and decor.
Bar Cicheti
For a modern pasta and wine concept, head to the Chinatown area to find a spot at Bar Cicheti. Owned by The Cicheti Group, the newly revamped space at Jiak Chuan Road boasts a new all-in-one menu that combines the bar’s signature pastas with their extensive wine programme. Of the eight pastas, the crowd favourite is the Smoked Rigatoni Cacio e Pepe, for its lingering charred flavour and Sarawak pepper notes.
If you’re at all interested in the wine scene, Bar Cicheti is a great place to experience a delightful range of wines. The menu is peppered with key quotes from films that inspired the bar’s managing partner Ronald Kamiyama, so guests are invited to try their hand at more unexpected picks to pair with your pasta.
HighHouse
If you’re looking for a one-stop destination in town, HighHouse is where you want to be. Located in the heart of Raffles Place, the restaurant and bar space takes over the 61st and 62nd floor of One Raffles Place, which will offer guests unabashed 360-degree views of the Singapore skyline. If you’re looking for a relaxed spot for Mother’s Day—that still feels polished and elevated, of course—, you can even try HighHouse’s set menu for lunch, which goes for just $58++ per person for three courses.
At night, HighHouse completely transforms, thanks to LED screens that can be switched up to fit the mood of the night. The dinner menu also provides a much wider range of selections, so parties are welcome to order and share dishes, while indulging in some delicious cocktails. You can even groove to live music, as HighHouse boasts a full lineup of guest DJs to breathe more life into the new locale.
MIYOSHI By Fat Cow
Another spot you can consider for a family feast for the upcoming Mother’s Day weekend is MIYOSHI By Fat Cow. On the lovely island of Sentosa, you can enjoy an indulgent five-course menu that’s chock-full of quality ingredients and Japanese flair.
You’ll begin your meal with Hassun Moriawase, a selection of seafood which includes the Seabream Roll Sushi and the Seared Tuna With Egg Yolk Shoyu And Mustard. When you get to the mains, each guest can pick between Karasu Karei Rikyu Yaki, which stars a marinated Aomori halibut, and the Miyazaki A4 Sukiyaki, a luxurious dish of thinly sliced teppan-seared ribeye slices. Each course at Miyoshi is crafted with intention and purpose, so you know that your Mother’s Day celebrations are in good hands.
Slate
If you’re looking for a unique bar experience grounded by Asian flavours, pop on over to Slate. The sea cave-inspired concept features a menu of both signature and bespoke cocktails. Each concoction is a thoughtfully crafted, eco-conscious creation, and can be enjoyed with seasonal snacks and munchies made from ingredients sustainably sourced by the bar’s online grocery counterpart The Modern Provision. The brainchild of mixologist Lafiama B. Wright, Slate’s fresh lineup of cocktails is sure to add a shot of fun to your weekend.
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