Just Opened October 2019: New Restaurants And Bars In Singapore This Month
PUBLISHED September 30th, 2019 09:30 am | UPDATED May 18th, 2020 04:46 pm
We’re heading into the last quarter of the year, but that doesn’t mean the dining scene in Singapore is slowing down. This October sees more promising offerings from newly-revamped lifestyle enclave Raffles Arcade, with lobster rolls, Mediterranean fare, and Chinese fine-dining. Plus, the Keong Saik hood has added a couple more names to its already-stuffed belt, including a spicy new cocktail bar that we’re very excited about.
New Restaurants in Singapore
藝 yì by Jereme Leung
After 15 years of developing restaurant concepts across China, Singaporean celebrity chef Jereme Leung makes his grand homecoming at Raffles Hotel with 藝 yì. Named after the Chinese word for art, 藝 yì takes China’s provincial cuisines to lofty heights with single-sourced ingredients and stunning presentations. The Golden Roasted Duck (S$48/S$88) arrives flavoured with rose and set off with rainbow pancakes, while dessert glides in elegantly with the Swan-Shaped Durian Pastry (S$12).
藝 yì by Jereme Leung is located at #03-02 Raffles Arcade, 328 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 188719, p. +65 6337 1886. Open daily 11.30am – 1.30pm and 6.15pm – 9.15pm.
BBR by Alain Ducasse
Raffles Singapore’s historic Bar and Billiard Room starts a fresh chapter with culinary maestro Alain Ducasse. The French doyen expands his culinary empire with a Mediterranean sharing and grill concept, giving the BBR a coastal facelift with terrazzo tabletops and sea-blue elements. At the heart of this lively space lies the open kitchen, dishing up a feast of wood-fired meats, fresh seafood, and pizzas. The drinks, too, promise a taste of the Mediterranean with a curated list of spirits, cocktails, and wines.
BBR by Alain Ducasse is located at Raffles Hotel, 1 Beach Rd, Singapore 189673, p. +65 6337 1886. Open daily 12pm – 2.30pm and Mon-Thu 6pm–10.30pm, Fri-Sat 6pm – 11pm, Sun 6pm – 9pm for dinner.
Miss Fitz Kitchen + Bar
Another new Mediterranean spot on the map we’ve got is Miss Fitz Kitchen + Bar (because who doesn’t love easy, breezy coastal vibes?) Set along Marina Bay, Miss Fitz serves up seafood and refreshing cocktails in a lush, light-swathed setting. Nosh on delicious classics like Grilled Octopus (S$16) or Chorizo in Red Wine (S$14), washed down with some sunny spritzes or ‘gintonicas’.
Miss Fitz Kitchen + Bar is located at 6 Marina Blvd, #01-17 The Sail @ Marina Bay, Singapore 018985, p. +65 8129 4617. Open Mon-Fri 11.30am – 12am. Closed Sat-Sun.
Bao Boy
From the man behind Keong Saik hotspots Cure and Butcher Boy comes Bao Boy, a cosy joint steaming up – you guessed it – all things bao. Andrew Walsh’s 29-seater hole-in-the-wall is a bit of a squeeze, but it’s perfect for no-frills pigging out on his fusional bites. Get your hands messy with pillowy buns like Pulled Pork Bahn Mi Bao slathered in sriracha (S$14), or the crowd-favourite Fried Chicken & Cheese Bao (S$16) brightened with yuzu kosho.
Bao Boy is located at 31 Hong Kong St, Singapore 059670, p. +65 6226 1395. Open Tues & Sat 5pm–12am, Wed-Fri 12pm–3pm and 5pm – 12am. Closed Sun-Mon.
Burger + Lobster @ Raffles Arcade
Tired of trekking all the way to Jewel Changi for your lobster fix? Burger + Lobster is bringing its much-hyped crustaceans to Raffles Arcade. This second outlet will be the chain’s flagship, with a seafood counter and an al fresco bar area offering cocktails and live music. Raffles Arcade exclusives include the Uni, Lobster & Caviar Roll (S$50), an opulent take on the original lobster roll; the Laksa Lobster (S$70), steeped in aromatic coconut sauce; and the Spicy Miso Burger (S$23), a beef patty packing heat with miso sauce and red chili flakes.
Burger + Lobster @ Raffles Arcade is located at #01-25 Raffles Arcade, Raffles Hotel Singapore, 328 North Beach Rd, Singapore 189673, p. +65 6971 6127. Open Sun-Wed 11am – 11pm, Thu-Sat 11am – 12pm.
La Scala Ristorante
The latest in a slew of F&B openings at The Capitol Kempinski, La Scala Ristorante serves up a slice of classic Italian goodness. Fresh from their brick-fire oven comes beautifully crusty pizzas such as the signature Pizza Calabrese (S$26), a traditional Calabrian treat topped with pepperoni salami and black roasted olives. The pasta options are equally luscious, from the Penne Rosa (S$23) with smoked salmon in vodka sauce to a Ravioli Delicati (S$20) stuffed with sage and ricotta.
La Scala Ristorante is located at 13 Stamford Rd, #01-86 Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski, Singapore 178905, p. +65 6715 6877. Open daily 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm.
Takeshi Noodle Bar
Nestled within new Keong Saik boutique concept Hotel Soloha, Takeshi Noodle Bar boasts a chic tropical palette of indigo blue sofas and terrazzo tables. The ramen bar offers a range of slurpworthy bowls, such as Seafood Szechuan Mala Iberico Tonkotsu (S$21.90++) and Honey Roasted Iberico Pork with Burnt Miso Iberico Tonkotsu (S$15.90++). For more umami goodness, get a side of creamy mentaiko oysters or a char siew platter.
Takeshi Noodle Bar is located in Hotel Soloha, 12 Teck Lim Rd, Singapore 088387, p. +65 9232 8457. Open Mon, Wed-Fri 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 11pm, Sat-Sun 12pm – 11pm. Closed Tue.
Mag’s Wine Kitchen
A mainstay of good European nosh on Circular Road for 23 years, Mag’s Wine Kitchen finds a new home in trendy Keong Saik. With a kitchen-style layout and homely vibes (not to mention an extensive wine list), this bistro makes a lovely spot for sipping a premium glass or two. Grab a seat at the Chef’s Table and watch Mag’s team preparing favourites like the buttery Boston Lobster Risotto and the Tenderloin in veal jus.
Mag’s Wine Kitchen is located at 55 Keong Saik Rd, #01-06, Singapore 089158, p. +65 6438 3836. Open Mon-Fri 11.30am – 2.30pm and 5pm – 10pm, Sat 5pm – 10pm. Closed Sun.
Farmers & Chefs
Farmers & Chefs is a rustic oasis of homely fare in the heart of the CBD. Housed under an open-air canopy and decked with charming handcrafted knick-knacks, this cafe is all about clean eating and minimal seasoning. Wholesome brekkie options include the Farmer’s Breakfast (S$10), a hearty platter of scrambled eggs, crisp rosti, and greens, and the fragrant Olive and Herbs Ciabatta Toast (S$2). The lunchtime crowd can take their pick of pocket-friendly pastas and rice bowls, including the Truffle Mushroom Cream spaghetti (S$14).
Farmers & Chefs is located at 7 Shenton Way, #01-04 Singapore Conference Hall, Singapore 068810, p. +65 8535 7555. Open Mon-Fri 8am – 8pm, Sat 9am – 8pm. Closed Sun.
Restaurant Kin
Slated to open at private club Straits Clan by end-October, Restaurant Kin will present heritage cuisine with diverse inspirations – from Chinese to Indian, Eurasian to Peranakan. Chef Damien D’Silva draws on nostalgic recipes from his grandfather’s time to bring us such delights as Gulai, tender beef cheek in a 15-spice coconut gravy; Chi Pow Kai, juicy paper-wrapped chicken; and Kueh Bengkah, a syrupy tapioca cake served with ice-cream. If you’re not a member of Straits Clan’s exclusive club, don’t fret – Chef D’Silva reputedly has plans to reserve some tables for the public. Fingers crossed!
Restaurant Kin is located at L1 Straits Clan Lobby, 31 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore 089845, +65 6320 9180. Opening hours to be announced.
New Bars in Singapore
The Elephant Room
The English idiom ‘an elephant in the room’ may suggest discomfort, but the noble beast in fact holds a revered place in Indian culture. With The Elephant Room, bartender-owner Yugnes Susela (erstwhile Head Bartender at Smoke & Mirrors) shares with us the richness of Indian flavours and stories in his unique tipples. His Tekka pays tribute to the iconic Little India market with a bold blend of coconut rum and spiced plum garnished with banana skin, while the ghee-infused Mogul Sweet Shop is inspired by fond memories of the popular shop’s Indian sweets. Every detail of this bar is crafted to evoke the beauty of India, from sari-laced menu covers to jaali blocks supporting the bar counter.
The Elephant Room is located at 20A Teck Lim Rd, Singapore 088391, p. +65 9111 5131. Open Mon-Sat 5.30pm – 12am. Closed Sun.
Top Image: Restaurant Kin
