PUBLISHED October 23rd, 2014 04:00 pm | UPDATED May 18th, 2020 04:47 pm
The government might be putting a stop to restaurants opening in 7 foodie enclaves but we still have a slew of hot new openings to share with you for October. This edition, you’ll find that CHIJMES is cool again after its refurbishment, brand names with new outlets and concepts, plus a hidden gem or two on the list. Behold, our 10 new bars and restaurants to check out this month:
Here & There (Closed)
This modern kushiyaki bar is new contender number one in the lush, heritage backdrop of Chijmes on our list. If you’re wondering how fancy can Japanese skewers can get, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. The Wagyu Steak ($9 per pair) with a triple cheese melt and Spicy Garlic Miso Pork Belly ($7 per pair) are both flavourful with a lot of depth. We were also impressed by the chilled Himi Udon with shio konbu, toasted sesame, and topped with ebiko and crispy pork crackling.
Here & There is located at #01-11 Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996. Open Mon-Thu 1130am-11pm, Fri 1130am-1am, Sat-Sun 11.30am-11pm.
Southbridge
By the same people behind il Lido and &SONS, Southbridge is the newest rooftop-oyster bar in town. Offering fresh Pacific oysters paired with 6 different types of sauces like Tropical Thai and Japanese Umami that go for $20 during Happy Hour (5-8pm) and $24 after. Cocktail fans will also be well taken care of here with 30 original cocktails like Sex on the Quay ($18) – with earl grey-infused vodka, raspberry, and sugarcane juice – and El Macho ($22), a mix of mezcal, pickled pears, and Cynar bitters.
Southbridge is located at Level 5, 80 Boat Quay, Singapore 049868. Mon–Thu 5pm-12am, Fri-Sat 3pm-12am. Closed Sun.
The Catch Seafood Restaurant & Bar
If you’re looking for a place that doesn’t feel like Singapore, this is it. Nestled in the lush greenery of Changi, The Catch feels like a modern, personable kelong restaurant – live seafood in huge tanks included. We love their al fresco seating, but we love their food even more. The Crispy Brinjal with Salted Egg Yolk ($6) was divine, and their Chili Crab (seasonal price) is honestly one of the best that we’ve tried. Their six-course set lunch at $39 and $10 sangrias are possibly also the most value for money in Singapore.
The Catch is located at Johor Battery, 27 Cosford Road, Singapore. Open Tue to Sun 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6 – 10.30pm Closed on Mon.
El Mero Mero
This new hotspot at Chijmes wants to be your main man (that’s the literal translation) when it comes to Mexican cuisine. With an extensive menu that claims to be serving up flavours from every region in Mexico, El Mero Mero might be too ambitious, but they do a decent jazzed up fish taco in the Pescado Costero ($39) with shishito, onion rings, and chipotle mayo. Tippleholics, try their signature El Mero Mero cocktail ($18) with mescal, orange, fresh lime, and agave.
El Mero Mero is located at #01-20 Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996. Open Mon-Sun 12pm-3pm, 5.30pm-1am.
Nickeldime Drafthouse
Offering 15 international craft beers on tap that change seasonally, San Francisco-inspired Nickeldime Drafthouse is the new go-to place for craft beer enthusiasts. Opened by Hidden Door Concepts (aka the people who brought you Boathouse and Spathe Public House), the menu features brew-infused bar bites and mains like Hot Crab IPA Cheese Dip ($11) with fries and tortilla chips, Sriracha Candied Nuts ($6), and Ale Snapper Fish & Chips ($16). The in-house Liquor Shop also has 100 brands of bottled and canned beer like Rogue Dead Guy Ale ($9.90) for take-away.
Nickeldime Drafthouse is located at #01-06 Novena Gardens, 273 Thomson Road, Singapore 307644. Open Mon-Sun 11am till late.
Ishinomaki Grill & Sake
Opened by the same peeps at The French Table, Ishinomaki offers robatayaki and izakaya dishes served in a kaiseki (multi-course meal) style. With a focus on fresh seafood flown in from Japan, this restaurant is outfitted to look like a cosy cabin on a fishing boat. Their set lunches, ranging from $17-$32, are wallet friendly, considering they include fresh sashimi, grilled unagi, and baked salmon, amongst others. They also specialize in pairing premium sakes and shochus.
Ishinomaki Grill & Sake is located at #B1-02 Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Road, Singapore 238871. Open Mon-Sun 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm-10pm.
Henri Charpentier
After 45 years of serving up French-inspired artisanal desserts in Japan, famed patisserie Henri Charpentier has landed on our shores. On top of its signature Crêpe Suzette ($22), the menu features a Singapore-exclusive desserts like Singapore Botanic Garden-inspired Flower Temptation ($25) – pineapple bits around a parfait of chocolate mousse, topped with a bowl of zesty orange sauce flambéed during the dessert performance.
Henri Charpentier is located at 9A Dempsey Road, Singapore 247698. Open Mon-Sun 11am-10pm.
Hopscotch
The latest installation by Mixes from Mars – they also operate popup Mars Bar at Duxton Hotel – is tucked within the courtyard of Red Dot Traffic Building. Run by ex-Bar Stories bartenders Kino Soh and Joel Newin, Hopscotch combines local elements with modern techniques. Guests can expect inventive tipples like Fortune Kaya Flip (rum, Malibu, pandan syrup, whole egg, and a pinch of salt, $21) and Arab Street (gin, pomegranate syrup, saffront rose water, and apple juice, $23).
Hopscotch is located at Red Dot Traffic Building, 28 Maxwell Road, Singapore 069120. Open Mon-Sat 4pm-1am. Closed Sun.
Privé
Now you CBD-ites don’t have to go all the way to Keppel Bay to get your Privé fix, ’cause your favourites from their flagship outlet like Eggs Benedict ($16) and Sticky Date Toffee Pudding ($12) will be making the menu of their new branch at Chijmes. Those looking for something new can try their new additions to the menu such as Coconut Waffles ($13) and Spaghetti Arrabbiata with Slipper Lobster ($25). Did we mention that their al fresco bar is absolutely gorgeous?
Privé is located at #01-35 CHIJMES, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996. Open Mon-Thu 11.30am-12am, Fri 11.30am-1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-12am.
Atmosphere Bistro
Family-friendly hangout by day, sports bar by night, Atmosphere Bistro is one place to kick back, post-activity, at East Coast Park. Their no-frills menu is heavy on the Western favourites (we’re not complaining ’cause there’s something for everyone) like Baby Back Ribs ($19.80) and Flaming Pizza ($22.80) topped with prawn, salami, mushrooms, and capsicums. Wash everything down with a Kirin Frozen beer or two – these ice-cold beer slushies are great for scorching days.
Atmosphere Bistro is located at Parkland Green 920 East Coast Parkway #01-25, Singapore 449875. Open Mon-Thu 5pm-12am, Fri 5pm-1am, Sat 11.30am-2am, Sun 11.30am-1am.
Top Image: El Mero Mero
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