PUBLISHED May 27th, 2019 06:00 am | UPDATED May 18th, 2020 06:52 pm
Feel like you’ve exhausted all your options again looking for places to eat and drink near town? While Chinatown is the mecca of hawker food, the nearby Keong Saik Road is synonymous with trending restaurants and bars. You may think it’s a been there, done that situation, but the turnover is so high it’s time to walk down one of Singapore’s most gastronomical and booziest haunts once again.
Read more about where to find the best dim sum in Singapore and our dining guide to Jurong East.
Restaurants and Bars
Olivia Restaurant & Lounge
The grand opening of Keong Saik’s newest hospitality concept, KēSa House, has also brought with it two new food concepts, the first being Olivia Restaurant & Lounge, fixing up courses of Mediterranean cuisine in a communal dining space with homey living room-esque vibes, complete with warm service. Take a stab at the smokey Dry-Aged Galician Beef ($32++) or some quintessentially Spanish Iberico Ham Croquettes ($7++ for 2). Check out our review here.
Olivia Restaurant & Lounge is located at 55 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089158, p. +65 6221 0522. Opens Tue-Thu 11.30am – 2pm and 6pm – 10pm, Fri-Sun 11.30am – 2pm and 6pm – 10.30pm. Closed Sun-Mon.
Pasta Bar
Think pasta is just a play on shapes? Think again. The second KēSa House installment belongs to Alessandro Giustetti’s quiet alcove of handmade pastas. An intimate slice of uncomplicated Italian food: fill your bellies with buttery mouthfuls of Fettuccini or try the age-old rarity that is Lagane. It’s the perfect locale for a quiet night to wine and dine, if you ask us. Check out our review here.
Pasta Bar is located at 55, 01-05 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089158, p. +65 6222 0627. Open Tue-Sun 6pm — 11pm, closed Mon.
LOLOKU
Chanced upon the neighbourhood around lunch time? Fresh, healthy and delicious, grab a poké bowl for a savoury mix of rich Ahi tuna, shoyu and sesame oil with the inventive flavour combinations of Singapore’s international cuisine. The sister concept of East-West fusion restaurant DON HO, dig in to a crisp bowl of The Luau ($16++) for a Japanese mix of tuna, pickled ginger, tobiko, and wasabi mayo, or go West for The Wikiki Salmon ($16++) with salmon, jalapeno, avocado, and chipotle mayo.
LOLOKU is located at 1 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089109, p. +65 6223 5001. Opens daily 8.30am — 3pm.
The Guild
Home to award-winning beers and wholesome comfort food, The Guild by Hong Kong’s Young Master Brewery has already made a name for itself. With extended opening hours, you’ll be able to get their French Onion Dip ($7++), Salt & Vinegar Fries ($9++), and creamy Mac & Cheese ($20++) that’s out of this world any day. Championing local ingredients, you’ll find oysters from Pulau Ubin and frogs from Jurong Frog Farm used in dishes like General Tso’s Frog Legs ($16++). Our top beer pick: the funky Cha Chaan Teng ($10++ for 200ml), a sour and salty gose that’s perfect for our humid weather. Read our review here.
The Guild is located at 55 Keong Saik Road, #01-01, Singapore 089158, p. +65 6224 1262. Open daily 12pm – 12am.
Wine & Chef
Sometimes a beer just doesn’t cut it. Enter Wine & Chef, a wine and dine reiteration of every Singaporean’s favourite mealtime. Serving up mean renditions of Hokkien Mee ($32++), and Asian Herb Duck Leg Confit ($24++), among other Western classics like Beef Cheek Pasta ($29++). Wine and dine yourself all in the comfort of a cosy bistro, with an extensive (over 250 of them!) and affordable selection of Italian wines from as little as six bucks.
Wine & Chef is located at 7 Keong Saik Road, 089115 Singapore, p. +65 6221 9279. Open Mon-Sat 12pm – 11pm. Closed Sun.
Meta Restaurant
The one-Michelin-starred resto by Chef Sun Kim – who’s earned his stripes in Singapore’s Waku Ghin and Tetsuya’s in Sydney – whips up spunky French cuisine with an Asian twist. Available at five courses for SGD$148++ and seven for $188++, relish seasonal masterpieces such as Jeju Abalone and Rhug Estate Rack of Lamb with kohlrabi and crunchy bamboo shoots. Read our review here.
Meta is located at 1 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089117, p. +65 6513 0898. Open Mon-Tue, Sat 6pm – 11pm, Wed-Fri 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm. Closed Sun.
Cure
In essence, there’s no better embodiment to Keong Saik’s evolving foodscape than Cure. It takes the meaning of modern day neighbourhood restaurant to the next level with innovative fine-dining food, exceptional wines, and a casual tasting menu that changes with the seasons. From dishes like White Asparagus with burrata and caviar to Snapper with daikon and miso, there’s no denying that New York Chef Andrew Walsh knows his way around the finest produce. Read our review here.
Cure is located at 21 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089128, p. +65 6221 2189. Open Mon-Tue, Sat 6pm – 10pm, Wed-Fri 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 10pm. Closed Sun.
Butcher Boy
Brought to you by the fine folks behind Cure, Butcher Boy is a contemporary style Asian Grill brought to you by the team at Cure Singapore. This is where Chef Andrew Welsh fires up everything from Crispy Primrose Bellies ($24++) to the Butcher Boy Bacon & Cheese Burger ($18++) – casual, unpretentious, and fun. Read our review here.
Butcher Boy is located at 31 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089138, p. +65 8752 9578. Open Mon-Wed, Sat 5pm – 12am, Thu-Fri 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 12am, Sun 12pm – 9.30pm.
Neon Pigeon
Aren’t neon lights just super cool? This grungy izakaya is run by the people behind Hong Kong’s Fatty Crab, and as a result, comes reminiscent of the neon city’s trendy social houses. Check out the modern Japanese Silken Uni Custard ($20++), Duck Tonkatsu ($18++) and Golden Curry Rice ($17++), just to name a few. Neon Pigeon might be too small-portioned for a complete dinner, but it’s ideal for indulging in late night drinks with a variety of craft sakes, wines, spirits, and especially the cocktails. Read our review here.
Neon Pigeon is located at 1A Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089109, p. +65 6222 3623. Open Mon to Sat 6pm – 12am. Closed Sun.
Taratata Brasserie
Headed by two French chefs, Philippe Nouzillat and Bertrand Raguin, hailing from the wine regions of France, be assured that whatever gets dished out at Taratata Brasserie is ‘legit’ French cuisine. With homely and comforting fare like the classic Duck Confit ($38++) and French Onion Soup ($16++), you’d almost wonder if you’ve been suddenly transported to a little Parisian estaminet.
Taratata Brasserie is located at 35A Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089142, p. +65 6221 4506. Open Mon-Sat 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 12am, Sun 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm.
Potato Head Singapore
This one probably needs no introduction. Launched by the team behind Bali’s famed Potato Head Beach Club, this three-story building houses Three Buns, popular for their gorgeous homemade burgers and Naughty Fries (sinful fries topped with hot chilli beef and béarnaise sauce). Head up to the third-floor for the intimate and elegant cocktail lounge Studio 1939, or the rooftop for a fun crowd that’s always gathering at the tiki bar.
Potato Head Singapore is located at 36 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089143, p. +65 6327 1939. Open Tue-Thu, Sun 11am – 1am, Fri-Sat 11am – 2am. Closed Mon.
DON HO
When Sunshine Nation, the party promoter and organisers behind kickass events like Garden Beats Festival, conceptualises a restaurant, you know it’s going to be good. All about the good times, look forward to a fusion menu of Eastern and Western influences: Smoked Sweet Potato Hummus ($14++) with hazelnut dukkah and housemade focaccia, or share a Slow Roasted Pork Rack ($122 for 1.2kg). You don’t want to miss out on the drinks – happy hour every day from 6pm to 7.30pm! Read our review here.
DON HO is located at 1 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089109. p. +65 6223 5001. Open Tue-Fri 6pm – 12am, Sat 10am – 4pm, 6pm – 12am, Sun 10am – 4pm. Closed Mon.
KYUU By Shunshui
You know those overflowing bowls of Ikura that you see on Facebook? The type where Japanese chefs ladle fish eggs over piping hot bowls of rice that runeth over with pearls of orange-golden goodness? That’s basically an Ikura Don ($29++) at KYUU, the sister concept of fine-dining establishment Kappo Shunsui at Cuppage. Choose from a daily selection of sashimi, vegetables and grilled meats, or kick it up a notch with the Kyuu Omakase ($129++).
KYUU by Shunsui is located at 29 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089136, p. +65 6221 7098. Opens Tue-Sun 6pm — 12am. Closed Mon.
The Old Man
The little brother of Hong Kong’s (and Asia’s) Best Bar of 2019, The Old Man finds a home wiggled right next to Pasta Bar and Olivia, with a menu that breathes life into Ernest Hemingway’s colourful poetic life. Currently serving the first act of drinks (while Hong Kong is already on to the second), all drinks go for $17++, and we’ve got a soft spot for their Little Wax Puppy.
The Old Man Singapore is located at 55 Keong Saik Rd, #01-04, Singapore 089158, p. +65 6909 5505. Open Mon-Sat 5pm – 11.45pm. Closed Sun.
Speciality
Bread and Hearth
If you can’t find your favourite French baked goods at Tiong Bahru, this is one place you’ll want to visit. From simple baguettes and croissants to amazing pain au chocolates and lemon meringue tarts, everything at Bread and Hearth is freshly baked on site well before first light – just follow the waft of bread in the air. Around for dinner? Get lit with craft burgers on brioche buns (the Honey Roast Chicken with egg is a must-try) and rustic sandwiches (tuna, lemon chicken, and bacon, from $7.50++).
Bread and Hearth is located at 18 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089125, p. +65 6534 7800. Open Mon-Sat, 8am – 9pm, Sun 8am – 6.30pm.
Afterglow by Anglow
Heat-free, sugar-free, and nutritious meals chock full of fibre, take a break from the greasier (but delicious nonetheless) foods and pull over at Afterglow by Anglow. There are no triple shot soy milk lattes here, but instead their own line of cold press juices and cocktails elevated with herbs and flowers. And of course, tasty organic dishes – think Zucchini Linguine with Walnut ‘Meat’-balls ($20++) and Chocolate Salted ‘Caramel’ Fudge ($12.50++). You might even want to try their Juice Cleanse packs, starting from $102++.
Afterglow by Anglow is located at 24 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089131, p. +65 6224 8921. Open Mon-Sat 12pm – 10.30pm. Closed Sun.
Local Eats
Kok Sen Restaurant
Now in its third generation, it’s safe to say that Kok Sen Restaurant has been around far longer than any of the establishments we’ve mentioned so far. Plus, it’s also one of Singapore’s most popular zi char spots. Dishing out traditional Cantonese-style cuisine, this rustic eatery is famous for their legendary Yong Tau Foo, Bittergourd Pork Ribs and Prawn Hor Fun; these get sold out extremely fast each day so you’ll want to head there early!
Kok Sen Restaurant is located at 30B Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089137, p. +65 6223 2005. Open daily 12pm – 2pm, 5pm – 10.30pm.
Foong Kee Coffee Shop
Foong Kee is our all-time favourite when it comes to Malaysian style roast meats with rice or noodles from a very affordable $3.50++. The leaner Char Siew has a nice char and a bit of sweetness, and the Sio Bak (roast) pork is fatty with a resounding crunch – perfect with springy noodles and a hot bowl of plump pork dumplings. And the extra spicy chilli? It’s heavenly.
Foong Kee Coffee Shop is located at 6 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089114, p. +65 9181 1451. Open Mon-Sat 11am – 8pm. Closed Sun.
Yanti Authentic Nasi Padang
If you’re in the area early and need some breakfast, the good people at Yanti Nasi Padang Restaurant are up as early as the birds, dishing out generous portions of delicious Rendang, Curries, and Sotong. While not exactly cheap (expect to pay at least $8++ for a heaping plate of meat and vegetables), the standards and variety at Yanti are better than your cookie cutter hawker centre Nasi Padang stalls.
Yanti Authentic Nasi Padang is located at 45 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089149, p. +65 6324 9268. Open daily 7am – 10pm.
Tong Ah Eating House
Doesn’t matter if you need some Kaya Toast to sweeten up your day or if your tummy demands some uber-satisfying Pork Leg Bee Hoon, Tong Ah’s proximity to Keong Saik’s alcohol street is nothing short of a godsend for hungry party-goers. So if you’re done with the swanky bars and sweaty nightclub, take your heels off, pull up a stool, and soak in the fumes of a good Hor Fun.
Tong Ah Eating House is located at 35 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089142, p. + 65 6223 5083. Opens daily, 7am – 10pm.