For the most patriotic of us spending the National Day weekend in Singapore, there are many new restaurants to check out for a well-deserved food retreat. With an array of cuisines from French and Japanese to contemporary Chinese, check out the latest foodie haunts our little dot has to offer this August.
NEW RESTAURANTS IN SINGAPORE
BEURRE
Pronounced 'buh' (meaning butter in French), the restaurant located in the neighbourhood of Bukit Pasoh serves innovative food with French influences.
And yes, the humble butter is an important ingredient in this kitchen. Check out their beautiful 10-day Butter-aged Angus Ribeye ($68), a generous 350g of ribeye aged in a block of butter for a beautiful savouriness and mouthfeel.
We also recommend their Portobello Mushroom Tart ($19) featuring moreish leek cream and a poached quail egg for that mushroom vol-au-vent. Come in trios or more, because serving sizes run large here.
Beurre is located at 23 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore 089837, p. +65 9660 0597. Open Tue-Sat 11am - 3pm and 5pm - 10pm, Sun 11am - 3pm. Closed Mon.
CLOUDSTREET
For a marriage of cultures in an expressive manner, visit Cloudstreet by Chef Rishi of Michelin-starred Cheek by Jowl fame.
Boasting an open kitchen, guests can expect luxury, comfort, and intimate interactions with the chefs.
The power duo places emphasis on hospitality, and is joined by Sommelier Vinodhan Veloo to give a comprehensive wine list of classic and natural wines. With a focus on beverage pairings, ingredient-driven menus, and seasonality, it's a sophisticated gastronomy experience not to be missed.
Cloudstreet is located at 84 Amoy St, Singapore 069903, p. +65 6513 7868. Open Mon-Fri 12pm - 2pm, Mon-Sat 6pm - 9pm. Closed Sun. Prices start from S$68 for a 3-course lunch set, and S$168 for a 5-course dinner set.
KOMA
It's a getaway to Japan at KOMA with its selection of over 30 types of sake from across Japan.
From the orange torri gates inspired by Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, to the tall Japanese bell overlooking a traditional Japanese foot bridge and reflecting pool, we say it's worth visiting just for the 'gram.
The cuisine doesn't pale to the extensive deco either. Try their Salmon Pillow for a crisp puff with smoked avocado and salmon sashimi, or signature Snow Aged Niigata Wagyu for marbled beef that screams umami.
KOMA is located at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Ave, #B1-67, Singapore 018972, p. +65 6688 8690. Open Sun-Thu 5pm - 12am, Fri-Sat 4pm - 2am.
LE NOIR
Those familiar with the Clarke Quay nightspot will be delighted to hear that Le Noir is opening their second outlet at Marina Bay Sands.
Popular for their live musical entertainment, wine and dine here with their delicious bar grub. From handcraft pizzas to sharing plates like Crab Cakes ($26), pair your meals with their vast selection of wines, champagnes, and classic cocktails.
Do try their Le Noir Special Tom Yum Martini ($18), available in three levels of spiciness for the ultimate cocktail treat.
Le Noir Marina Bay Sands is located at L1-84, Bay Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018956, p. +65 6688 7308. Open Sun-Fri 11am - 3am, Sat 11am - 4am.
NOKA
The first rooftop urban farm and Japanese restaurant located within the CBD, NOKA marries sustainability with authentic Japanese fare. Sister restaurant to Open Farm Community, they have a long-term partnership with urban farmers Edible Garden City.
Diners will be surprised at their selection of fresh local produce, from oyster mushrooms and microgreens to butterfly pea flowers. Enjoy these treats with premium Niigata sushi rice for a meal that's delicious and sustainable.
NOKA is located at 109 North Bridge Rd, Funan Mall #07-38/39, Singapore 179097, p.+65 6877 4878. Open daily 11.30am - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm.
TENDON KOHAKU X MAN MAN UNAGI
It's the best of Japanese cuisine at tendon gurus Tendon Kohaku and unagi specialists Man Man's newest collaborative dining concept.
Housed at Clarke Quay Central, they serve store-exclusive items that incorporate both Japanese dishes for an impossibly hearty meal.
Try their Kaisen Tendon ($26.50), a signature creation utilising the kaisen don recipe by Chef Teppei Yamashita. For smokey rich unagi, get Kaisen X Hitsumabushi ($32.50+) for perfectly grilled eel atop Tsuyahime rice and a dollop of fresh wasabi.
Tendon Kohaki X Man Man Unagi is located at 6 Eu Tong Sen St, The Central Clarke Quay #B1-52/53, Singapore 059817. Open daily 11.30am - 4pm and 5pm - 10pm.
TENJIN
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Who doesn't love a solid bowl of tempura donburi?
Tenjin, a new concept by the Les Amis Group, dishes up generous amounts of seafood and vegetable tempura on a bed of fluffy Hoshi-Jirushi rice, all at affordable prices.
Go vegetarian with their Yasai Bowl ($12.80), or all out with their Toku-Jo Bowl ($22.80) for premium seafood such as anago (eel), fish, and prawns. Want the best of both worlds? Get their value-for-money Jo Bowl ($14.80) for both prawn and vegetable tempura that's sure to satisfy.
Tenjin is located at Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Rd #03-08, Singapore 228208, p. +65 6235 3312. Open Tue-Sun 11.30am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm. Closed Mon.
THE RIVERHOUSE
Housed within the foodie enclave of Clarke Quay, there's something suitable for everyone at the multi-concept The Riverhouse.
For good ol' Chinese fare, check out Mimi for modern flavours inspired from Sichuan and Mongolian cuisine.
There's also Yin and Yang, the former being a relaxing al-fresco bar and the latter a dance club. Whether you're looking to unwind over cocktails and live music, or partying away with the best of Asian hit songs, this is the new playground to visit.
The Riverhouse is located at 3A River Valley Rd, #01-02,Clarke Quay, Singapore 179020, p. +65 6261 1189. Mimi open daily 5pm - 10.30pm, Yin open daily 5pm-3am, Yang open Wed, Fri, Sat 10pm - 3am.
XI YAN MAXWELL
The new flagship of Xi Yan is a lifestyle concept combining three social spaces: a private dining area, general dining area, and a bar.
Fans will delight as the 80-seater now offers affordable menus featuring both signature and new dishes alongside smaller lunch plates.
Of course, diners can still enjoy their much-raved-about private dining menus ($70 per pax) crafted by celebrity chef Jacky Wu.
Looking to chill out pre-dinner? Visit their bar for contemporary Chinese tapas paired with vintage wines, whiskies, and creative cocktails.
Xi Yan Maxwell is located at 28 Maxwell Rd #01-15/16/17, Maxwell Chambers Suite, Singapore 069120, p. +65 6220 3546. Restaurant open daily 11am - 3pm and 4.30pm - 10.30pm, Bar open daily 12pm - 11pm.
NEW BARS IN SINGAPORE
HEART OF DARKNESS
Craft beer lovers can now rejoice! The leading Southeast Asia brewery Heart Of Darkness is launching an outlet here in Singapore, and it's one of the first outside Vietnam.
With some hundred different types of craft brews in their repertoire, you'll be spoilt for choice with 30 taps on site. That's on top of local collaboration brews, limited releases, and guest taps.
Try Conquistador's Mexican Pilsner for a Mexican-inspired easy drink, Sacred Fire Golden Ale for an Asian Twist, and Kurt's Insane IPA for some hoppy fun.
Heart of Darkness is located at 55 Tras St, Singapore 078994, p. +65 6208 7940. Open daily 11am - 12am.
This article was first published in City Nomads.