Singapore’s bar, restaurant and cafe scene blossomed tremendously between 2018 and 2020, despite the setbacks of the global pandemic we have seen a steady rise in new openings and reboots. Cheerfully, 2022 continues to bring out a slew of new openings in town to check off your bucket list!
Whatever your cause for celebration be it romantic, festive, or modest – our ever growing round-up is sure to delight with a satisfactory experience of raising a toast in one of these super venues. From brand new concepts to expanding businesses – Choice Xperiences highlights the hottest new bars and eateries in Singapore. Enjoy!
FEBRUARY 2022
Aether House
Nestled in the heart of CBD along Robinson Road, is Aether House – a French bistro and cultural wine destination serving all-day-dining for wine enthusiasts, foodies and coffee lovers. Within the chic and relaxed interiors, look forward to indulging in traditional French recipes, craft coffees, pastries, exceptional wines and a unique selection of wine books and collector’s editions on display in the store. Given this is an extension of retailer Aether Wine & Spirits, the wine list encompasses a wide range of bottled delights such as Bordeaux and Burgundy presence, strong Champagne, as well as Rhone and Alsace. For those laying off the booze, find guilt-free options available by means of wine-inspired teas like Pinot Noir Tea or Riesling Tea. Image Credit: Aether House Instagram Page
a. 35 Robinson Rd, #01-05/06/07, Singapore 068876
Sol & Luna
Professing to be the best garden oasis alfresco spot in town – Sol & Luna (the Latin translation of sun & moon) represents the diverse offerings available day to night in a tranquil venue with urban views amidst fresh air and natural charms of a garden getaway. It is one of five concepts at 1-Arden, belonging to the 1-Group. Located at CapitaSpring, the bistro infuses flavours from Italy, France, Spain and Portugal – churning out dishes like Smoked Duck & Foie Gras Rillette, Grilled Radicchio with Taleggio, Piri Piri Chicken Thigh and White Gazpacho. Beverages feature a base alcohol widely enjoyed in each region, to reflect the drinking culture of each country. The Dolce Ibisco represents Italy with Aperol, apricot and orgeat, and the Raizes Natives concoction of cachaca and beirao denotes Portugal. Sensation De Poire is a French cognac sour with Williams pear and apple pear fennel syrup, while Spain embodies the Sangria-like Cidra Morada Y Vino. Image Credit: Sol & Luna Facebook Page
a. 88 Market St, #17-01 CapitaSpring, Singapore 048948
8 by Bottles & Bottles
Discover a new watering hole at Great World City, launched by wine and spirits retailer Bottles & Bottles. Here, offerings span a dazzling array of Old and New World wines, lesser-known varietals, and sake. 8 is B&B’s second drink-in concept – the wine is sold at bottle shop rates, customers are allowed to bring their own food and there’s no service charge added. Hip, hip hurrah! Hunger pangs can be satisfied with orders from any of the mall’s brimming food options and eaten at 8 for no extra cost. Look out for their partner Tajimaya – a scrumptious Japanese charcoal grill restaurant which sports a QR code menu on each table and delivers dishes straight to your seats. Image Credit: 8 by 8 Bottles & Bottles Facebook Page
w. www.8bybottlesandbottles.com.sg/
IKO
This modern Japanese restaurant and bar on Neil Road has transitioned through several changes since its opening in 2021. Meaning “let’s go” in everyday Japanese, iKO emerges with renewed resolve in 2022 and a revamped kitchen team helmed by Chef Dylan Ong. All about traditional and authentic Japanese cuisine – the food menu revolves around binchotan-grilled items, sashimi and bar bites meant for sharing. Some of their best servings include scallop carpaccio with chilli, stuffed tempura jalapeno, wagyu sukiyaki, a seasonal fish from Japan and yuzu-based tonkotsu broth. Pair your iKo meals with a fine selection of sake – stocked in 720ml and 1.8 litre formats, with seasonal styles included. The Sake Metre Value (SMV) is listed for each sake, to indicate tasting notes, and how sweet or dry it is. The wine selection available ranges from natural producers to classic styles. Image Credit: IKO Restaurant and Bar Facebook Page
a. 65 Neil Rd, Singapore 088897
Revolver
Shooting out hot and fresh serves from the grill, diners can expect their tastebuds to explode in the best of ways at Revolver – a new contemporary Indian restaurant in town. Embark on a culinary adventure across India as you munch through their tasting menus (six-eight courses for dinner service, and five served at lunch). From the big cities of Delhi and Mumbai to remote areas and surrounding villages – find a variety of unforgettable, flavour-packed dishes. The wine list here is focused on small producers and natural styles. Explore a cuvee from cult Loire winemaker Nicolas Joly, Italian skin-contact wines, English pinot noir, Japanese merlot and pet nat from Slovenia. Local craft beer from Brewlander and a selection of cocktails are available on the beverage menu too. Image Credit: Revolver Facebook Page
a. 56 Tras St, Singapore 078995
Wanton Seng’s Eating House
The original wanton noodle stall that started at Dunman Food Centre in 1968 has since been closed – but friends Brandon Teo and Benson Ng secured the recipe and updated the concept for the food joint. Wanton Seng’s therefore stands as a remix, combining street food with 90s hip hop and reliable drinks. Alongside other dishes like Cold Seafood Noodles and Mala Meat Noodles – the signature is a textbook example of what wanton mee should be: springy noodles, tender char siu and textural dumplings. The cocktail list is small but well curated – the Oolong Sour omits the egg white for a clean, punchy serve, and The Jasmine Sangria is alluringly fragrant. Other beverages offered are gin, whiskey highballs and local craft beer from District Brewers. Image Credit: Wanton Seng's Eating House Facebook Page
Entrance
There’s a hidden restaurant and bar tucked away on Tanjong Pagar Road, featuring an exquisite fusion fare, paired with visually stunning cocktails to incite a multi-sensorial experience. Entrance is becoming a new favourite in town – with excellent ambience, music, and service crew setting the right vibe for a leisure night out. Their molecular gastronomy-inspired cocktail menu offers a thoughtful curation of exciting drinks, including – the Yogin Dark Sea Salt Crumble (blends gin together with yoghurt, saline and cocoa), the Caramel Cage (single malt combined with brown butter and chocolate again), the Caviar Lime Bed (built on a tequila base with Chambord, grapefruit and fish roe), and the Matcha Trance (a bright and creamy sake, yuzu and matcha serve). From the delectable gamut of Japanese-European food, dishes vary from small plates of scallop aburi to sharing portions of seafood paella. Dining options are ippin-ryori, or a la carte. Image Credit: Entrance.sg
Last Word
The team behind Nutmeg and Clove have opened a new restaurant and cocktail bar directly above them, with a focussed programme of Japanese classics and ingredients. Last Word is a concept named after the classic cocktail (gin, Chartreuse and Maraschino), and does a stellar job of paying homage to the time-honoured classics concoctions’ heritage. For instance, their take on a Bloody Mary ($25) is a remarkable spin-off from the original and likely one of the most refreshing versions you could find in Singapore. This quaint new venue in the hip neighbourhood of Purvis Street features a distinct Japanese vibe – from the minimalist décor to the focused execution of the drinks and customary bar bites. It’s easy to make out that Last Word and Nutmeg & Clove are both pleasing, yet markedly different experiences. Image Credit: Last Word Instagram Page
a. 8 Purvis St, 02-01, Singapore 188587
JANUARY 2022
Alice Boulangerie
With a dapper looking decor, Alice Boulangerie brings treats which not only taste heavenly, but also look the part. Indulge in sinful baked goods like Bi Colour Croissants, danish pastries available in every colour you can think of, and beautifully crafted cakes which are as much of a treat for the eyes as they are for your mouth. Oh and since you have decided to start your year off on a sweet note, don’t forget to call for their signature Ispahan which comes with vanilla mousse and lychee compote in the shape of a rose. Who wouldn’t like that now? Image Credit: Alice Boulangerie Facebook Page
a. 12 Gopeng St, #01-05/11 Icon Village, Singapore 078877
w. aliceboulangerie.cococart.co
Baker X
Can you imagine an entire baking studio which boasts a catalogue of some of the best home bakers brought to you. Baker X might be a newbie in the baking world, but they’re gearing up for big things in 2022. First up on the list is White’s Bakery. We definitely recommend the rich and creamy Basque Cheesecake and the Korean Fat Macarons which are priced at a modest $5 a piece. Watch out for crowd favourite bakeries like Browned Butter Bakehouse and Mon Cerise Patisserie grace the Baker X lineup in the next six months. Image Credit: Baker X, Shopfareast Instagram Page
a. 181 Orchard Road #04-29 Singapore 238896
t. +65 62381051
Tiong Bahru Bakery Maju
A list of bakeries is never complete without French bakes. Moreover, this next one is quite popular. The Tiong Bahru Bakery chain has opened up yet another outlet at what people call Little France (Serangoon Gardens) in Singapore. You can start the New Year with a taste of France without the pain of actually taking a flight. Treat yourself to their buttery croissants, delicious quiches, perfectly baked baguettes and rich and creamy rolls and go home more satisfied than ever. Image Credit: Tiong Bahru Bakery Facebook Page
a. 8 Maju Ave, Singapore 556686
Vanda Botanical Desserts
Ever heard about gelato flavours like Chrysanthemum and Goji Berry or Poached Pear Walnut? Well, if you’re even remotely adventurous, we definitely suggest you pay a visit to Vanda Botanical Desserts. The experience of Italian Chef Loris Massimini combines traditional Italian techniques with Asian herbs and teas to give rich and aromatic results in the form of delightful desserts which are a burst of flavour from the very first spoonful. Oh the Coconut Pandan with Coconut Pulps is an absolute party in the mouth. The best part about their gelato is that each serving comes with an edible Mini Viola flower. Image Credit: www.burpple.com, berkeleyside.org
a. 01-16/17, 313@somerset, 313 Orchard Road, Singapore 238895
Bar Uva
This New Year, your resolution should be to stop whining and start wine-ing, and now with the newly opened Bar Uva around the corner, you can easily get your hands on your favourite bottle from their list of over a hundred wines from the Old World and the New World. Their most premium one of course, is the Croatian marvel, Clai Ottocento Bijeli. If you thought you would have to look for another place to fill your stomach, you were wrong. The food here is just as good if not better. Our seafood fanatics will go home happy after feasting on fat Kuyujukushima Oysters with Tomato Sherry Jelly and Smoked Caviar, or delightful King Prawns with N’duja and Capsicum Cream. We suggest you come early, or else the plethora of options will leave you dazed and confused. Image Credit: Bar Uva Singapore Facebook Page
Path Restaurant
Path Restaurant brings authentic Asian flavours coupled with fine French techniques. Helmed by debutant Chef Marvas Ng, Path is well set to be a trendsetter this year with constantly evolving culinary techniques. Some signature dishes in the menu include the Signature Butter- Roasted Herb-Brined French Poulet which is a gorgeous assortment of flavours in itself. Aromatic Chinese herbs, European butter roasting and ginger scallion sauce done Hong Kong style blend together to create a mouthwatering all time favourite dish. You can pair that up with a bottle of the finest wine too. The list of options here is extensive with brands like Spanish label Dominio del Aguila and South African winery Alheit Vineyards in the cellar. Image Credit: Path Restaurant Facebook Page
a. 12 Marina Boulevard, Tower 3, 01-05/06 Marina Bay Financial Centre, Singapore 018982
KOAL
You don’t get points for guessing what KOAL specializes in. Eastern and Western charcoal grilling techniques come together to create piping hot, smoky Asian goodness packed with tantalizing flavours. They have special three course lunches featuring specialties like Grassfed RibEye and Salmon Fillet priced at a more than reasonable $30. Dinner options are also aplenty. Check out the Charred Broccoli, the Ox Tongue, or call for the Prawns with delicious Beurre Blanc sauce with a hint of the KOAL smokiness. Image Credit: KOAL Facebook Page
a. 1 Scotts Rd, 03 - 09 / 10 / 11 Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208
Rosemead
The Jigger and Pony Group is back with another outlet, this time by the name of Rosemead. Located along Cecil Street, this restaurant promises a bright and airy atmosphere and promises customers a fine dining experience. Executive Chef David Tang has come up with a menu divided into three categories with the use of orange and lychee wood embers. Moreover, Rosemead sources seasonal ingredients from local and regional producers, so you can rest assured that you are in safe hands. Image Credit: Rosemead Singapore Facebook Page
a. 19 Cecil St, Singapore 049704
Osomatsu
Gear up for authentic Japanese style cuisine in our very own Singapore. The Osomatsu kitchen is well known for whipping up an extensive izakaya style menu showcasing juicy meaty skewers paired up with bite sized Uni Ikura Tarts (smoked Sea Urchin, Salmon Roe and Truffle Cream together in one) and Shiromi spiked with truffle. If you prefer something more indulgent, you can also opt for their seven course Omakase menu. Image Credit: Osomatsu Facebook Page
a. 11 Tanjong Katong Road, KINEX, #02-21, Singapore 437157