Singapore’sfoodie scenekeeps getting better every year, and judging by the new eateries that have just opened for January, we’re pretty sure 2019 is going to be the most gastronomic year yet! Welcome to the first New Restaurant & Bar Hit List of the year where we round up the hottest new spots around the island that we think are really going to take off. This month we’re showcasing a modernJapanesespot that uses rare, premium ingredients, a hotel with a slew of chic F&B offerings, a southern-style American spot that does a mean free-flowbrunch, a fab Frenchwine bar,and more.
Gake
Brought to us by chef Angus Chow, who recently earned the title ofChef of the Year at the 18th World Gourmet Summit Awards of Excellence, Gake is a contemporary Japanese restaurant that we believe is going to be a huge hit this year. Here Chef Angus and his team use rare and premium ingredients sourced from around the world to put together innovative dishes like deep fried river shrimp with spicy salted egg and king crab with truffled somen noodles. For a real treat, try the omakase menu and let Chef Angus surprise you.
Gake, 36 Carpenter Street, Singapore 059915. p. +65 6781 3603. Open Mon – Sat 5pm – late
The Kempinski Capitol Hotel
The luxurious Kempinski Capitol Hotel is now open with an array of dining venues that pay homage to the brand’s origins as a wine and delicatessen merchant. During the day you can head toFriedaor theBerthold Delicatessenfor international eats like salads, sandwiches, and pastas. Come afternoon make your way to theLobby Loungefor afternoon tea, then head to15 Stamford by Alvin Leungfor Asian cuisine with modern flair. Finish off the evening with craft cocktails at The Bar at 15 Stamford.
The Kempinski Capitol Hotel,15 Stamford Road, Singapore 178906. p. +65 6368 8888
Niku Kin
Love wagyu? If so, Niku Kin is the spot for you. This modern Japanese restaurant specialises in yakiniku and bowls made with 100% Hokkaido wagyu. Your lunch or dinner could start with the wagyu tartare topped with truffle oil and quail egg, then segue into a shared platter of choice cuts of wagyu grilled over charcoal with just a touch of salt for smoky, perfectly seasoned meat. They also have a bar serving up Japanese beers, whiskey and sake, and European wines.
Niku Kin,53 Craig Road, Singapore 089691. p. +65 9817 0591. Open daily 11:30am – 2 pm, 5pm – 10:30pm
Thevar
Keong Saik Road has a new Indian spot, but don’t expect any run-of-the-mill curries here. Instead, Chef Mano Thevar draws on his Indian heritage and time spent working in the vibrant dining scenes of Penang and Singapore to whip up modern creations that you won’t find anywhere else. Think crispy podi spice chips with a tangy tamarind dip, pork ribs in a medjool date glaze with pickled cucumbers and carrots, and banana and coconut ice cream.
Thevar, 9 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089117. p. +65 6904 0838. Open Mon-Sat 5pm – 12am
TORIO
One thing we don’t have to ever worry about is a shortage of Japanese restaurants in Singapore! The latest one to hit town is one Gemmill Lane. If you’re ever craving Japanese after happy hour, add this spot to your list. Their mission is to serve affordable, authetic and quality Japanese food.
TORIO, 10 Gemmill Lane, p. +65 6514 0115. Open Mon – Sat: 11:30am – 2:45pm and 6pm – 10pm
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
It’s all about classic American cooking at Yardbird, a buzzy new spot that adds to the already kicking dining scene at Marina Bay Sands. The culinary team here uses farm-fresh ingredients to create good ol’ comfort food dishes like shrimp and lobster rolls, hickory smoked pork ribs, and their famous chicken n’ watermelon n’ waffles. Also on offer is an awesome Saturday free-flow brunch for just $44++ that includes heavenly eats like buttermilk pancakes and the crab cake benedict.
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, 2 Bayfront Avenue, Galleria Level B1-07, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018972. p. +65 6688 9959. Open Mon – Fri 11am – late, Sat – Sun 10am – late
Bars:
Frenchie Wine Bar
We love us a good wine bar, and from the looks of it, Frenchie Wine Bar will be right up our alley. People are already raving about their excellent wine list, welcoming staff, and tasty French dishes. Take a peruse of the menu and you’ll find tempting offerings like the foie gras terrine, duck confit with duck fat potatoes, and rack of lamb with ratatouille. They also have a great set lunch deal where you get three courses for just $38++.
Frenchie Wine Bar, 2 Teck Lim Road, Singapore 088380. p. +65 6909 6334. Open Tues – Sat 3pm – late, Thurs – Fri 12pm – 2:30pm
