6 hot new Western casual restaurants to dine in Singapore in March 2019
By: A. Kritaya
Kilo Kitchen
What’s a night out without some seriously satisfying food and drinks? Thankfully, Kilo Kitchen’s got the answer to that question. Finding a new home along buzzy Duxton Road, Kilo Kitchen – now just steps away from Kilo Lounge – is the place to go for eclectic yet refined plates featuring big, bold flavours from Asia and Latin America. Dishes coming out from its natural flame kitchen are kissed with a welcome smokiness from the aromatic apple and cherry wood-fired grill. Go for the grilled whole rainbow trout with confit tomatoes. Or for more substantial eating share the braised Westholme wagyu beef cheek with spicy harrisa. Order sides too such as burnt carrots with curried ghee or grilled beets with herb vinagrette and feta – both showcase simple yet satisfying flavours. An impressive drinks list featuring artisanal sakes, craft spirits, wines sourced from countries like South Africa and Argentina, and signature cocktails seals the deal.
97 Duxton Road, Singapore 089541
Tel: +65 9625 0279
Pasta Bar
Forgotten cooking traditions take the spotlight at Pasta Bar by way of classic Italian regional dishes. Despite its namesake, this restaurant doesn’t just serve pasta. Here, you’ll find seasonal mains such as veal saltimbocca, and satisfying desserts like Sicilian cannolo with sheep’s milk ricotta and chocolate chip. But where pasta is concerned, the 11 different types of handmade pasta impress with their variations (unique in their bite, shape and consistency), many of which you’d be hard pressed to find in other pasta restaurants. The eggless Lagane with chickpea, chili and spicy garlic is a simple yet flavour-packed dish, while the robust pappardelle with rabbit ragu, olive and pine nut is an unmissable signature. Non-meat eaters can fill up on tortelli filled with pumpkin and sage.
55 Keong Saik, #01-05, Singapore 089158
Tel: +65 6222 0267
Soufflé
Instead of watching your soufflé collapse in the oven for the umpteenth time, simply head to Soufflé, the first soufflé-centric bistro in Singapore. Over a dozen types of soufflés are offered here. For something unique, opt for the unique locally-inspired laksa soufflé, served with fresh prawns and a laksa broth. Otherwise, go classic with the comté cheese or roquefort soufflé. The luxurious lobster soufflé that comes with a richly flavoured lobster bisque will undoubtedly satisfy. Make it a hearty meal with casseroles like the Provençal-style bouillabaisse that is chock-full of fresh seafood. Round off with the likes of speculoos soufflé or the show-stopping Grand Marnier et oranges confites soufflé, doused generously with cognac and orange liqueur.
5 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089591
Tel: +65 6690 7562
JAM at SIRI HOUSE
Art, retail, design and food come together at SIRI HOUSE, Dempsey’s latest multi-concept destination. Gather for an imaginative dining experience at JAM, which presents familiar dishes in a fun and creative way. The small plates here work well as a bar snack or as part of a larger meal – try the bikini sandwich, which is chock full of cheeses, cured meats and black truffle. Or the highly addictive Chicken in a Biscuit, made up of chicken fat cookies with garlic and ginger cream cheese and crispy chicken skin. Mains such as handmade papardelle in a crustacean sauce, and the shio kombu butter prime rib are equally toothsome. You can’t go wrong with the superb fried chicken dish comprising chicken oysters tossed in seasoned flour and fried till golden, and then partnered with lemon, sage and a dill, garlic ranch dressing. Don’t leave without trying the libations here – dessert-style cocktails reminiscent of toasted waffles, and craft cocktails using house-made distillates and spirits make for an exciting drinks programme.
Blk 8D, #01-02 Dempsey Hill, Dempsey Road, Singapore 249672
Tel: +65-9667 0533
Olivia Restaurant & Lounge
Olivia brings a taste of Barcelona to Singapore by way of Chef Alain Devahive, who has chalked up more than a decade’s experience in Michelin-starred restaurants including Spain’s acclaimed elBulli. His expertise comes through in contemporary reimaginings of classic dishes using the finest produce, like the wagyu striploin with truffle sauce and confit piquillo peppers. The Envoltini de Bogavante y Aguacate, a homemade tribute to the avocado-lobster roll from the now-defunct Catalunya Restaurant is not to be missed. And of course there’s the sublime Jamón Ibérico de bellota which is a must at any Spanish joint. An extensive selection of hand-selected Spanish and international wines, as well as customisable craft cocktails complete the curated dining experience here.
#01-03, 55 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089158
Tel: +65 6221 0522.
Cheek Bistro
Chef Rishi Naleendra and his wife Manuela Toniolo have just transformed Cheek by Jowl’s concept to something that’s more casual and fun. The revamped place called Cheek Bistro occupies the same address at Boon Tat Street, and the cosy setting is now decked out in wood furnishings and warm lightings. Adding a touch of eclectic character to the space are the chef’s own art pieces. The modern Australian bistro menu features small and large sharing plates. Tuck into specialties like the creamy burrata with vibrant heirloom tomatoes, spiked with fermented green chilli, and Spanish mackerel, beautifully presented with with slices of zucchini and fresh basil. And round off with the light and refreshing goat’s cheese parfait dessert, scattered with dehydrated white chocolate and frozen strawberry crumbs. If you like, linger over your meal with a bottle of wine – there are 80 labels to choose from but do ask Manuela for recommendations.
21 Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069620
Tel: +65 6221 1911
