8 New Restaurants in Singapore
This month it’s all about big names. After a yearlong wait Jamie’s Italian has opened to great fanfare; our professional partygoing friends at Lo & Behold have gone all swanky on us with The Black Swan; the Paradise Group’s got another Chinese restaurant (with a twist) under their belt, and the Cuba Libre Group – behind Nueva Cuba at Customs House – has opened at Quayside Isle. Party on and eat up, amigos!
Jamie’s Italian
As diehard fans of Jamie’s, it’s hard not to fawn over this highly anticipated restaurant. The 250-seater family-friendly place has had a line out the door since day 1 (and we don’t expect that to die down soon) for good reason – quality fare at affordable prices. Pasta is made fresh on-site daily; Jamie’s classic planks of antipasti are as delish as they look; they cater to a wide range of dietary needs, and they’re also wholly committed to using free-range, sustainably sourced produce. Highlights include Jamie’s Italian Burger, Brixham Bay Crab Risotto, and their famous polenta chips. Save space for dessert though – they’re all winners here. Bonus: with a team of only full-time staff, service here is far above average. There is a downside: only about 10% of the tables here are for reservations so you’ll have to join the line to get in on this one.
Jamie’s Italian, #01-165-167 Vivocity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, Singapore 098585, p. 6733 5500. Open Sun-Thu 12-10pm, Fri-Sat 12-11pm.
The Black Swan
Another concept by the Lo & Behold group – the guys behind the infamous Tanjong Beach Club, Loof, and The White Rabbit – this is yet another winner to dine at due to its gorgeous surroundings. With a twist on European bistro classics, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a dish to indulge in. Dinner, drinks, and supper will be served in the main dining room and bar, and breakfast, lunch, and tea will be offered sometime down the line.
The Black Swan, 19 Cecil Street, Singapore 049704, p. 8181 3305. Open Mon-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat 5pm-2am. Make a reservation now!
Barraka
Tapas isn’t always vege-friendly, but both vegetarians and meat lovers are well catered for at Barraka, with Paella Vegeteriana for the former and Jamon Iberico de Bellota for the latter. Kids are not left out either, with small bites like Mini Coca De Escalibada (Spanish style mini pizza). Don’t forget to leave space for their desserts! Traditional desserts like Crème Catalana (caramelized vanilla custard) and Torruas (Spanish french toast & ice cream) are divine.
Barraka, #01-18/19 Robertson Walk, 11 Unity Street, Singapore 237995, p. 6737 9130. Open Mon-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri 5pm-2am, Sat 12pm-2am, Sun 12pm-1am.
Paradiso
Fans of Nueva Cuba at Customs House – you can now kick back at Quayside Isle and enjoy the same Cuban delights with a different waterfront view. Their signature dishes include Pollo al Mojito (mojito chicken) and Mariscos a la Valenciana (seafood paella). And what to drink? Mojitos, of course! The view is gorgeous, so sit back, enjoy the music, and get lost in paradise. Read more about their bar here.
Paradiso, #01-03 Quayside Isle, 31 Ocean Way, Singapore 098375, p. 6694 5428. Open Mon 4-11pm, Tue-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri 11am-1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-11pm.
NUVO
Set to open later this month, Nuvo brings two of the world’s best-loved cuisines – Italian and Japanese – together. With a kitchen helmed by a Japanese executive chef from Michelin-starred restaurants, its menu features traditional Italian favorites and combines it with signature flavours of modern Asian cuisine..Signature dishes include Belly of Pork with potato crisp and Seared Salmon in shitake broth. Renowned mixologist Ethan Leslie Leong (of Maison Ikkoku) will be creating five, exclusive cocktails specially for the launch of NUVO.
NUVO, #02-100 Marine Square Mall, 6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594. Opening hours TBC.
Le Restaurant and Asian Tapas Bar
Trust the Paradise Group to school us all in Chinese cuisine. Their latest concept, a modern Chinese restaurant serving Asian-inspired cocktails and tapas, has pushed their portfolio of dining concepts to sensuous new heights. There are cocktails with an Asian twist, like an ice kacang–inspired Le Special, or a Fiery Empress. The menu offers some inventive takes on the traditional Asian dishes, like the Mantou burger with braised USDA prime beef, Cream of Bak Kut Teh soup, and crispy codfish spring rolls.
Le Restaurant and Asian Tapas Bar, #02-314 Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038983, p. 6338 8775. Restaurant open daily 1130am-3pm, 6-1030pm, bar open Sun-Thurs 3-11pm, Fri-Sat 3pm-12am.
Saigon Lotus
There’s much more to authentic Vietnamese food than pho, like canh chua (fish cooked in tamarind broth with vegetables) and banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake). If you’re wary about trying other types of Vietnamese food, don’t be! End your meal with a traditional hot/cold drip coffee.
Saigon Lotus, #02-100A/100B Marina Square Mall, 6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594, p. 6337 4648. Open 11am-10pm.
Platitos
Relax, eat, drink, and be merry here. This cozy watering hole offers small plates to go along with your drink of choice. Choose from a range of beers, wines, and cocktails, and a few nibbles to fill your belly with. We vote for their spicy chicken wings and spiced mixed nuts.
Platitos, #01-08 1 Tras Link, Singapore 078867, p. 6444 1654. Open Mon-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri 11am-1am, Sat 4pm-1am.
Top image: Jamie’s Italian