PUBLISHED March 30th, 2016 07:14 pm | UPDATED May 18th, 2020 04:47 pm
From the re-opening of Shashlik at Far East Shopping Centre to the Wala Wala Group’s second oulet, this month’s edition of Just Opened rounds up the best new restaurants and bars in Singapore to check out this month.
New Restaurants in Singapore
Shashlik
It pained many to see Shashlik close its doors in 2015, especially fans of their famed borsch and meat on skewers. Thankfully, the old school eatery has quickly bounced back from shutting down, and is open for business at its old location at Far East Shopping Centre. Diners can look forward to Shashlik’s distinct brand of Russo-Hainanese cuisine, with second-generation owners Mr Derrick Tan and his brother Alan promising to reproduce the same culinary magic that wowed diners for years.
Shashlik is located at 545 Orchard Road, Singapore 238882, p. 67326401/67343090. Open Tues-Sun 12pm-2.15pm, 6.30pm-9.15pm.
Hokkaido Izakaya
As its name suggests, Hokkaido Izakaya is an izakaya-style restaurant specialising in produce from Hokkaido. To underscore its authenticity this petite restaurant at Tanjong Pagar imports ingredients direct from the Japanese island – from the towns of Yakumo, Akkeshi, Furano and Kamishihoro in particular. One can expect fuss-free plates at this joint, with dishes like the Kakiage Tempura Soba ($14), Milk Hotpot with Salmon ($18) and Miso Soup with Hanasaki Crab ($6).
Hokkaido Izakaya is located at 95 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088516, p. 6221 7118. Open Mon-Sat 11.30am-2.30pm, 6pm-12am. Sun & PH 11.30am-2.30pm, 6pm-10.30pm.
999.99 (Five Nines)
When evaluating gold, the rating of 999.99 is used to indicate the ultimate purity level of the precious metal; and this system of measurement was the inspiration behind the name of 999.99 (Five Nines). An all-new modern European restaurant at Keong Saik Road with Head Chef Masanao Saito at helm, diners can expect strong Japanese influences in creative cuisine that deploys the use of seasonal ingredients and progressive cooking methods.
999.99 (Five Nines) is located at 29 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089136, p. 6221 7098. Open Mon-Fri 12pm-2.30pm, 6pm-12am. Sat-Sun 6pm-12am.
Sakurazaka
With its amazing brunch spots and great selection of restaurants, it seems almost impossible for the Bukit Timah neighbourhood to be more foodie-friendly than it already is. That is, till Sakurazaka came along the scene. Owned by the same folks behind Shelter in the Woods, this chic Japanese shabu restautant at Greenwood Avenue offers European style soup bases like Bouillabaise (traditional fish stew that hails from Marseille.) and Beef Consommé on top of the usual ago dashi (flying fish stock) and tonkotsu (a milky pork bone broth).
Sakurazaka is located at 24 Greenwood Avenue, Singapore 289221, p. 6463 0333. Open Thurs-Sun 11.30am-3pm. Mon-Sun 6pm-10.30pm.
Miss Lok
Yet another hotpot restaurant, Miss Lok is a contemporary Asian hotpot restaurant that serves up hawker delicacies from across the region. The food here is inspired by the street food from countries like Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia and China, while the alcoholic selection comprises mostly of Asian craft beers and sake.
Miss Lok is located at 5 Magazine Road #01-01 Singapore 059571, p. 6604 8814. Open Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, 6pm-2am. Sat 6pm-2am. Closed on Sun.
Bistro French Quays
Located in the affluent residential district of Sentosa Cove, Bistro French Quays is a charming restaurant that dishes out traditional, genuine French cuisine. Home-style meat and seafood dishes are pretty much the focus of this charming seaside establishment, and diners can expect a delightful medley of small plates, hearty soups, generous mains and lavish desserts, in addition to an exquisite assortment of quality wine labels.
Bistro French Quays is located at 31 Ocean Way, #01-11, Singapore 098375, p. 6268 8633. Open Mon-Fri 12pm-11pm. Sat-Sun 11am-11pm.
New Bars in Singapore
Hive by Wala Wala
After 23 years at Holland V, Wala Wala has opened a new outlet at the Furama RiverFront Hotel. Known as Hive by Wala Wala, the new space boasts of four distinct lifestyle concepts – wine retail, bakery, cigar room and dining – although the restaurant and bar space remains the largest out of the lot. If you need a space for holding an exclusive party, their private dining room is spacious with moveable tables, comfy couches, and the freedom to play your own music!
Hive by Wala Wala is located at 407 Havelock Road #01-01, Furama RiverFront, Singapore 169634, p. 8876 1109. Open Mon-Thurs 12pm-1am. Fri-Sat 12pm-2am. Sun 12pm-1am.
Freehouse
Craft beer lovers who work in the CBD, rejoice! Freehouse, a no-frills watering hole, has opened for business along Boon Tat Street. Along with an extensive list of craft beers and ciders, 16 rotational brews on tap will keep the booze flowing at this watering hole. Customers who have the after-drinks munchies can help themselves to a delectable list of Asian-inspired bar bites.
Freehouse is located at 21A Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069620. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-12am. Closed on Sun.
Nutmeg & Clove
Nutmeg & Clove is back in business, a few doors down, at Ann Siang Hill. Locally-inspired drinks are still the main fixture at this cocktail bar, with bar manager Leon Tan offering innovative drinks that exhibit five different eras in Singapore’s history. For instance, the Nutmeg & Clove ($22) is inspired by the first world era; a newfangled blend of vodka, nutmeg, cloves, kumquat liquor, lime, hawthorn dates and roselle.
Nutmeg & Clove is located at 10A Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069789, p. 9389 9301. Open Mon-Thurs 6pm-1am. Fri-Sat 6pm-2am. Closed on Sun.
Shin Gi Tai
Completing the round up of new bar openings in Singapore is Shin Gi Tai. Previously located at Waterloo Street, this classy cocktail bar has shifted to a second-level shophouse space in the Kampong Glam neighbourhood. Anthony Zhong remains as head bartender and owner, and drinkers can expect the same solid range of stiff cocktails and Japanese munchies. Located above KOI Bangers + Izakaya, it’s a little difficult to find with no signage. Just go through the door with the samurai and head up the stars.
Shin Gi Tai is located at 9 Haji Lane, Singapore 189202, p. 9768 4132. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-12am. Closed on Sun.
What do you think of our list of the great new restaurants and bars in Singapore this April 2016? If we’ve missed any awesome new places, let us know in the comment section and we’ll visit it soon.
Top Image: Barrel Aged Singapore Sling at Nutmeg & Clove