PUBLISHED October 31st, 2022 06:00 am | UPDATED February 15th, 2024 04:49 pm
With the year only two months away from wrapping up, restaurants, cafes and bars around Singapore are showing no signs of slowing down. As our appetite grows, so does the industry. Whether you’re looking for Italian, Indian, or just a hot cuppa, here are some newly-opened spots that you’ve got to try!
Restaurants
Sol & Ora
Following the success of its sister brand, Sol & Luna, 1-Group’s new endeavour in Sentosa is kicking things up a notch. At Sol & Ora, Latin-Mediterranean flavours flow alongside stunning views of the Singapore Straits as you dine at the rooftop of The Outpost Hotel. Delve into a menu filled with fresh, produce-driven offerings like hand-crafted pastas, light seafood bites, tapas, as well as vegetables and herbs influenced by the cuisine of Italy, France, Spain, and Greece. Complement your meal with thoughtfully curated wines and seaside-inspired cocktails.
Sol & Ora is located at Level 7, The Outpost Hotel, 10 Artillery Avenue, Sentosa Island, Singapore 09995 (Nearest Monorail Station: Imbiah Station). Open daily 7am-10.30am (breakfast), Thurs-Fri 12 (lunch), Tue-Sun 6pm-10.30pm (dinner), Sat-Sun 11.30am-2.30pm (brunch), and Thurs-Sun 3pm-4.30pm (high tea).
Seroja
Spotlighting the Malay archipelago, Chef Kevin Wong’s highly anticipated new restaurant, Seroja is finally here. Rooted in the cultures rich diversity and culinary traditions, expect the best of each country in the archipelago harmoniously presented on the plate. In its multi-course Nusantara Menu ($268++), Chef Wong showcases on different spices and herbs native to the region in dishes like Nasi Dagang made with red rice harvested by the orang asli in the mountains of Borneo and Flounder with laksam sauce and watercress.
Seroja is located at #01-30/31/32/33 Duo Galleria, 7 Fraser Street, Singapore 189356. Open Tue-Sat 6pm-11pm (last seating at 8:30pm). Closed Mon & Sun.
COL
A casual yet elegant neighbourhood restaurant and bar, COL, is a love letter to East London and its young and trendy vibe from Chef Colin Buchan of members club, 1880. The humble menu features European classics made with bold new flavours, whilst keeping seasonality and healthy eating in mind. Kick off your night over a starter of zesty fresh Irish Oysters (S$48, six pieces) with house-made preserved lemon mignonette and a classic cocktail. Don’t miss the Nduja Arancini (S$18) with smoky muhammara dip and the Bucatini (S$30), aromatic with truffle and a palate load of umami, earthy flavours.
COL is located at The Working Capitol Building, 1 Keong Saik Road #01-05, Singapore 089109. Open Tue–Sat 5pm-12am. Closed Mon & Sun.
Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh
In collaboration with The Proper Concepts Collective, Chef Gaggan Anand has brought over his fictitious Mexican-Indian characters Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh to Singapore. Here, the culinary traditions, flavours and ingredients collide again to bring us the best of both worlds. Must haves include the Papdi Chaat (S$18), with its explosion of tangy flavours, as well as the aromatic Patrani Fish Tamal (S$30) and sop-worthy Gaggan’s Crab Curry (S$32) with garam masala and tender chunks of stir-fried crab meat. Don’t skip the amazing dessert and drinks either. To know more, read our full review here.
Ms Maria and Mr Singh is located at 43 Craig Rd, Singapore 089681. Open Wed-Thu 6pm-10.30pm, Fri-Sun 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10.30pm. Closed Mon & Tue.
Altro Zafferano
Zafferano is marks a decade of service with a new concept, a new name and classy interiors. Now called Altro Zafferano, the rejuvenated restaurant fills your plates with contemporary cuisine, interpreted through a South Italian lens. In the experience menu ($148++ per pax), guests curate their own 4-course tasting exploration of la carte dishes with options like Hokkaido Scallop, MBS 8-9 Yugo Wagyu Beef Striploin, and House-made Ravioli. Executives in the area can look to the 3-course weekday set lunch ($78++) or enjoy post-work drinks al fresco for stellar views of the city to unwind.
Altro Zafferano is located at Ocean Financial Centre, 10 Collyer Quay, Level 43, Singapore 049315. Open Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm, 6pm-11pm. Closed Sun.
Nonbei Izakaya
With set lunches like Salmon Don and Beef Sukiyaki starting from S$12, Nonbei Izakaya has to make it your list mid-day treats. Brough to you by the same folks behind George Town Tze Char & Craft Beer at Boat Quay, look forward to yakitori, sashimi and other Japanese fare algonside sake and beer. For extra bargain hunts, keep a lookout on their socials for happy hour deals and more.
Nonbei Izakaya is located at 282 South Bridge Road Singapore 058831. Open daily 11.30am–2.30pm, 5pm–12am.
Bars
Oche
Pronounced as ‘ock-key’, Oche is Singapore’s first-ever gastro-gaming darts venue opening on 10 November 2022. Elevating your nights beyond food and drinks, the tech-driven venue features digitalised gameplay for an easy and enjoyable experience, while offering patrons the opportunity to explore new methods of playing. Expect exceptional sharing plates paired with cocktails, beers and wines, put together by Chef Michael Lungal and two-time World Bartending Champion Adam MacDonald. Amongst the signature cocktails made with organic fresh ingredients are the gin-based Clover Club (S$18) and Tommy’s Margarita (S$18).
Oche is located at #01-05/06 Riverside Point, 30 Merchant Road, Singapore 058282
Barood
One of Singapore’s sexiest izakayas, Barood has made quite an impression from the get-go. The Latin-Indian concept captivates with its intimate lights, and plush red leather seats, as well as elevated bar bites, and signature cocktails. Dreamt up by Saurabh Udinia, executive chef of Revolver, the grub is a winning lot; take your pick from the likes of the Manchurian-inspired Hot Chicken Balls, and the Goat Biryani Arancini served with pickled mango mayo. There’s much room for improvement amongst the cocktails that we tried though.
Barood is located at 56A Tras St, Singapore 078995. Open Wed-Sun 5pm–12am. Closed on Mon & Tue.
Barouv
Perched on the rooftop of the Scarlet Hotel, Barouv is one of our latest bar haunts. Conveniently situated in the CBD, the social space is perfect for post-work soirees, weekend vibes and more, all whilst boasting beautiful views. On the menu expect an extensive list of spirits, wines, beers, and classic cocktails. Up for a big night? Get nostalgic with shots of Flaming Lamborghini (S$25), Jägerbomb (S$15), and the Chemist (S$22). For refuelling, bar bites include 12-inch pizzas, pasta, fries, gyoza, as well as cold cuts and cheese platters.
Barouv is located at 33 Erskine Rd, Level 4 Scarlet Hotel, Singapore 069333. Open Mon-Sat 4pm–12am, Sun 4–11.30pm.
Cafes
Anna’s
We’re not tired of the sourdough trend just yet, and if you’re like us, we’ve got some good news! Opening its doors at Oasis Terraces in Punggol, Anna’s is a new sourdough-forward cafe and lifestyle space named after its owner (who also founded The Soup Spoon). Revolving around the benefits of prebiotics, the menu boasts everything sourdough – from bread and sweet bakes to pasta, and even drinks.Try the sour and spicy Crab and Mozza Sourdough Pizza, crafted with kaffir lime aioli, mango and chilli, as well as the luscious Sourdough Chocolate Cherry Rye Pudding.
Anna’s is located at 681 Punggol Drive, #01-04, Oasis Terraces, Singapore 820681. Open Mon-Thu 8.30am-5pm, Fri-Sun 8.30am-6pm.
Good Chai People
It’s chai’s time to shine. Located in East Coast, Good Chai People specialise in handmade artisanal sticky chai, and the menu sports endless combinations and renditions – from Turmeric (S$7.50) to Salted Maple (S$6.50) and Hoji-Chai Latte (S$7). The drinks complement the cafe’s variety in food offerings too, with iconic brunch plates such as Eggs & Toast (S$12) and Smoked Salmon Stuffed Croissant alongside salads and pastas. Not in the mood for chai? You can always indulge in the coffee selection and power-packed smoothies.
Good Chai People are located at 225 East Coast Road, Singapore 428922. Open Mon-Sun 8am-6pm.
Lazy Day Café & Bar
Sundays are lazy days and what better way to spend our relaxing days than at Lazy Day Café & Bar? Take a break and have a sip of happiness, while you tuck into a mix of Eastern and Western fusion flavours. Giving off an industrial aesthetic while maintaining its cosy vibe, the two-storey cafe has become known for its nibbles. Figuring out what to order here? Go for the tummy filling options like Mentaiko Salmon Toast (S$16.90), Beef Cheek Pasta (S$23.90) or Teriyaki Spam Rice Bowl (S$9.90). Whilst folks with a sweet tooth can satisfy cravings with indulgent croffles, cakes and pastries. We recommend the Biscoff Croffle (S$11.90) with caramelized cookie crumbs, drizzled with biscoff sauce.
Lazy Day Café & Bar is located at 1G Yio Chu Kang Rd, Singapore 545513. Open Tue–Sat 8.30am–8pm, Sun 8.30am–5.30pm. Closed on Mon.
Top Image: Oche