Just Opened #3: Singapore’s newest restaurants and bars
PUBLISHED August 16th, 2013 03:49 am | UPDATED May 18th, 2020 04:47 pm
Seems like barely a month goes by without a plethora of new ‘it’ places popping up all over our red dot, and this month has been no exception. We’re going to be busy little bees checking all these out for you to ensure they get that Nomad seal of approval, but in the meantime…go forth and snuffle out these new spots!
The Black Swan
Those Lo & Behold folks sure know what they’re doing when it comes to giving us what we want! The group behind the play-den Tanjong Beach Club, Loof, and The ‘what is up with this unbelievably delicious macaroni cheese?’ White Rabbit, has just opened The Black Swan in a beautiful heritage building, down in the CBD– another sure win if looks are to be believed. Art- deco fabulousness is the name of the game here…Great Gatsby’s got nothing on this place. And it’s not just style over substance either…word is that the cocktails are delicious, the menu focusing on European bistro classics with a modern twist is temptingly tasty, and the ambience and service are superb! Whatto old boy!
The Black Swan is located at 19 Cecil Street, Singapore 049704. T: 8181 3305. Opening hours are Mon-Thu: 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat: 5pm-2am. For more information check out their FB here.
Jamie’s Italian
Yes yes, everything that Jamie Oliver touches turns to gold, we get it…he’s a big name, he’s a bit of a dude but good grief! the flurry and frenzy about his new restaurant at Vivo City was nonetheless a little …surprising. Well, the adoration looks set to continue with no signs of dwindling, as word is that Jamie’s Italian is fully-booked until NOVEMBER! We say, try your luck for a table as a walk-in, be prepared for a bit of a queue, but you know what? there’s a reason people love what he does…hearty, rustic and flavourful dishes set in a casual dining setting, and a touch of that Jamie ‘geezer’ charm.
Jamie’s Italian is located at 1 HarbourFront Walk,VivoCity, #1 165-167. Singapore 098585. T: 6733 5500. Opening hours are 11.30am-11pm daily.
Oxwell & Co.
There’s been a lot of hype about this place, and rightfully so. The British gastro-bar with Mark Sargeant (formerly head chef at Gordan Ramsey’s Michelin starred restaurant at Claridge’s, London) at the helm is a 4- story, 5,000 sq ft emporium in an iconic Club St shophouse, dedicated and almost in homage to, all things British. With a casual bar on the ground floor (with homemade G&T, Sangria and other cocktails on tap, on tap! can you imagine?) a 38-seat restaurant on the next two floors and a herb-and-vegetable garden on its rooftop terrace that will provide flavours for the kitchen, it’s certainly an exciting prospect. So far it’s just the bar that has opened, with the restaurant due to open its doors imminently, but you heard me say cocktails on tap right? Let’s go!
Oxwell and Co is located at 5 Ann Siang Road, Singapore, 069688. T: 6438 3984. Opening hours are Tues-Sat: 18:00-12 : 00. For more information check out their FB here.
Common Man Coffee Roasters
When Harry Grover of 40 Hands combines forces with Australia’s 5 Senses Coffee, we expect a decent cup of Java. Well, coffee nerds rejoice because although we only had time to swing by and grab a to-go cup on the run, it was… delicious. A welcome addition to Robertson Quay’s cafe-culture lifestyle, this spacious 2,500 sq ft space (with an in-house coffee roaster) which opened just last week is quirky, spacious, and serious about coffee. For those dedicated to the art of coffee, counter seats at the 8-metre bar (equipped with the latest Marco brew gear and a 4-group Synesso), provide the perfect view of the veteran baristas at work and offer a good opportunity to discuss the finer points of a bean! Common Man promises to experiment with different coffee flavour profiles, all in the name of helping customers open up their palates to other exciting possibilities and there’s talk of coffee classes in the near future. With an all-day menu, a specialty coffee bar and a retail space that offers coffee accessories, coffee lovers will be flocking to 22 Martin Road in droves.
Common Man is located at 22 Martin Road #01-00 , Singapore 239058. T: 6836 4695. Opening hours are 8am-7pm daily. For more information, check out their FB here
Napolean
Right next to the Market Grill is new spot, Napolean, offering 32 (oooh we’ll have a lot of fun working through that list ….hic!) European wines by the glass, accompanied by sharing bites and casual nibbles. Prices are excellent (a glass of wine starts at $8) encouraging experimentation, but you can also try bottles dispensed from enomatic machines- categorised according to flavour smooth, deep, spicy or fruity- in sampling portions, from just $1.50. Happy days! The decor is pretty sexy with exposed brick and plenty of black leather, but the ambience is unintimidating, chilled out and with not a hint of snootiness.
Napolean is located at 206 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068641. T: 6221 9282. Opening hours are Mon-Fri: 11:30-14:30, 17:30-00:00 Sat: 17:30-00:00. For more information check out their FB here.
You asked us to tell you about brand new places and we listened – that’s just how we roll! If you know of a new spot in town that we’ve not mentioned yet, please do let us know… we value your recommendations, and we hope you never get over the fun of discovering something new and exciting. Thanks Nomads.
Written by Heh Zee.
