Work in the CBD? Here are our top picks for where to grab lunch, take a coffee break, have an after-work drink or take the CEO out on the town. (As seen inWhat’s Hot in Singapore, Volume 5)
SARNIES & SALADS
Joe & The Juice| As soon as you step in the door of Joe & The Juice you can’t help but feel energized as funky beats play in the background, energetic staff members shake up fresh juices with flair, and brightly coloured concoctions make their way over the counter. Brought to us by way of Denmark, this cool juice bar and cafe is a great spot to load up on healthy drinks and fare like organic coffees, blended juices and toasted sandwiches on brown Danish bread. 30 Raffles Place, Chevron House #01-35A / +65 6532 0494 /Website
The Salad Shop| The drill here is simple: grab a form, choose your salad size (rabbit feed, zebra feed or elephant feed), pick your toppings, hand in the form to the salad artists behind the bar and then wait for them to toss up and serve your big bowl of healthy goodness. There are plenty of toppings you can choose from like cashews, prawns, and avocado, as well as tasty dressings like blue cheese and sun-dried tomato vinaigrette. They also have free bread on offer. 80 Raffles Place, #01-20, UOB Plaza 2 / +65 6536 3686 /The Salad Shop
Grain Traders| The guys behind Kilo know a thing or two about good food, and Grain Traders is one of their latest ventures that features the perfect combination of healthy and wholesome food either for on the go or dine-in. Swing by in the morning to grab a cup of Papa Palheta coffee and a bagel loaded with guac and bacon, or come in at lunch to mix and match your own bowl of grains, premium protein and fresh veggies. You can also opt for one of the signature bowls with tempting toppings like pulled pork, striploin, or lentil cakes. #01-01/02/03 CapitaGreen, 138 Market St. / +65 6348 6559 /Grain Traders
JAR’D by Sarnies| If your a Sarnies fan, you won’t want to miss their new salad bar which recently opened. Salad jars are layered with the protein and dressing at the top, everything else in the middle with the greens on top. This ensures that the ingredients stay fresh and don’t get soggy. Once you’re ready to eat, just shake your jar and enjoy. Eating salad out of a jar never seemed so fun. B1-38 Tower 1 One Raffles Place /Jar’d by Sarnies
FOR a CUPPA
Jewel Coffee| When we need a serious caffeine fix, Jewel Coffee is always at the top of our list. In the CBD you have two locations at Collyer Quay and Shenton Way, and both offer super strong brews made with quality beans, as well as delish breakfast and lunch dishes. For something smooth go for the flat white, or if you really need a kick, try the espresso macchiato. If you have the time, tuck into one of their full breakfast plates or a big bowl of spaghetti bolognese. 1 Shenton Way #01-07 / +65 6636 9452 /Facebook
The Providore| Conveniently located smack dab in the middle of Raffles Place, this glass cafe has become a popular hotspot for working professionals to catch up over great coffee and contemporary cuisine. Grab a seat on the terrace or in the air-conditioned interior and sip on smooth blends made with freshly roasted beans. Shouts go out to their Spanish Baked Eggs and Lobster Mac & Cheese, and craft beers, ciders and cocktails are also in the mix. 7 Raffles Place / +65 6533 1352 /Website
Three Cups Coffee Co| Escape the CBD crowds at this cosy little cafe on the fourth level of One Raffles Place. Here you will find specialty coffees made with custom roasted beans and served just the way you like it either cold brew style, straight up espresso, or using their V60 Aeropress for pour-over cuppas. They also have an eclectic food menu featuring items like the Open Roast Beef Sandwich with balsamic tomatoes, rocket and a wobbly sous vide egg, and the Guinness Stout Chocolate Cake. One Raffles Place #04-31 / +65 6438 4108 /Facebook
JAB| You’ve got to love a coffee shop that insists on giving double shots for all their coffee drinks, especially when those shots are made with freshly roasted single origin beans from coffee growing regions like Costa Rica, Brazil and Uganda. Not sure what single origin is your style? The staff are super friendly and happy to walk you through the different beans and flavour notes. They also have premium teas and a tasty cakes to go with your caffeine. One Raffles Place #B1-39 / +65 6534 4167 /Facebook
HAPPY HOUR
FIVE Izakaya Bar| Fancy a quick after work drink that won’t break the bank? Head to Five Izakaya Bar where you can get Asahi draft, house wines, sake and shochu as well as select bar snacks like deep fried prawns and truffle fries for just $5. Of course if you don’t mind splashing out a little more, they also have premium cocktails like the Sake-Hito and Choya-Tini, and bites that go alongside your drinks like dim sum, Hong Kong style noodles, rice dishes and pizzas. #01-05B 16 Collyer Quay / +65 6536 8955 /Website
Draft & Craft| Like the name suggests, Draft & Craft focuses on craft beers on tap, as well as Southern California comfort food. Check out the taps for offerings like Stone IPA, Rogue Dead Guy Ale and Prairie Standard Saisons, or peruse the menu for easy-going eats like Homemade Mac & Cheese Balls, Baja Fish Tacos, and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. The menu even has handy beer and food pairing suggestions and they’ve got different happy hour specials daily including $29 Jug Wednesdays. 31 Circular Road / +65 6532 0604 /Website
Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall| Opened by bartender Sam Wong, formerly of Jigger & Pony, this laid-back little place has somewhat of an underground vibe to it. The decor is simple and slightly retro with plain wooden tables and Gold Cock Brand glasses, the cocktails are either classics or classics done up with new twists, and you’ll often find star bartenders from various venues around town popping in to have a drink or even take over the bar. 60A Boat Quay / +65 6535 0838 / Cocktail Bar /Facebook
Kinki| The motto here is ‘Japanese with an urban attitude’, which is pretty much exactly what you get at this hip rooftop bar on the second floor of the Customs House. Colourful graffiti walls and red paper lanterns set the mood, while the bar pushes out Asian inspired cocktails like the Geisha Sake-rita with tequila, passion fruit umeshu, fresh passion fruit syrup, and orange juice. Happy hours run from Monday to Saturday, 5pm to 8pm and include one-for-one selected beers, wines and spirits. 70 Collyer Quay, Customs House / +65 6533 3471 /Website
Southbridge| If freshly shucked oysters and glasses of bubbly are more your style, make your way to Southbridge atop a heritage shophouse in Boat Quay. From their rooftop locale you can gaze out at the Singapore River, Marina Bay Sands and even part of the Singapore Flyer. Their happy hour specials offer spirits, champagne and oysters at special prices and run until 8pm on the weekdays. 80 Boat Quay, Level 5 / 6877 6965 / Oyster and Champagne Bar /Website
WHEN THE CEO IS IN TOWN
Artemis| The views from Artemis are simply spectacular, as this rooftop resto sits on the 40th floor of the CapitaGreen building overlooking Marina Bay. However, once the food starts arriving at your table, you might just forget all about the scenery. The Mediterranean style dishes are made with fresh organic produce, grass-fed meats and sustainable seafood, and there are plenty of options to choose from for all types of diners. Try the Beetroot Tortellini, Alaskan King Crab Salad, and Rougie Duck Breast. Level 40 CapitaGreen, 138 Market Street / +65 6635 8677 /Website
Stellar at 1Altitude| Stellar definitely impresses with its lofty location on the 62nd floor of One Raffles Place and its lengthy list of accolades including Chef of the Year, Best Dining Experience and Best Innovative Fusion Chef for Western Cuisine. From the open kitchen Chef Christopher Miller puts out elevated modern Australian cuisine like Hokkaido scallops with pear and Parmesan and handmade Porcini Ravioli with zucchini blossom. Level 62 One Raffles Place / +65 6438 0410 /Website
Si Chuan Dou Hua| Dining at Si Chuan Dou Hua is an elegant experience, as the interiors are chic and contemporary, the views from the 60th story perch are expansive, and the food and service are spot on. The menu features a mix of Sichuan and Cantonese dishes like Camphor Tea Smoked Duck and Braised Three Head Whole Abalone in a Chicken Broth. They also do a gorgeous imperial high tea with premium teas from around China and dim sum bites. 80 Raffles Place, #60-01 UOB Plaza 1 / +65 6535 6006 /Website
Shoukouwa| If Michelin stars are anything to go by, then this sophisticated sushi spot is one of the best in the city, as it was recently awarded not one, but two stars. There are only eight seats here, plus six more in a private room, so tables can be hard to come by. However, if you can get in you will be treated to Chef Masahiro Suzuki’s finely orchestrated omakase set menus featuring fresh fish flown in from Tsukiji Market that is expertly prepared and presented with delicate seasonings that draw out the exquisite textures and flavours. 1 Fullerton Road #02-02A One Fullerton / +65 6423 9939 /Website
