If you know us then you’re probably aware that we’re always on the lookout for hotnew restaurantsaround town and we tend to gravitate tosuper buzzy spots. But what you may not know is that we also love quaint hole-in-the-wall eateries where the vibes are chill, the food is comforting and the bill won’t burn a hole in the wallet. You know—the kind of places that are perfect for an easy-going Sunday night when you’re hungover and tired and all you want is some good, tasty grub. If that’s the state of mood you’re in, then you’ll love these chill spots offering casual comfort food like Sunday roasts, hearty pastas, homey zi char dishes and more.
Eclectic would be one word to describe Artichoke, a funky Middle Eastern-inspired spot in the heart of the arts district. Here chef Bjorn Shen puts out imaginative culinary creations in his signature ‘dudestronomy’ style. Dishes are meant to be shared, so grab some mates and dig into offerings like the burnt miso hummus with Turkish bread, crispy ‘wangs’ with Sriracha, and the aptly named Lambgasm, a succulent whole roasted lamb shoulder that can feed up to six.
Artichoke, 161 Middle Road, Singapore 188978. p. +65 6336 6949. Open Tues – Sun 4pm – 9:45pm, Brunch Sat – Sun 11:30am – 2:45pm
If you happen to be on the East Coast and craving a homey Italian meal, Bruno’s Pizzeria & Grill is your spot. Everything about the space is ultra inviting from the simple checked tablecloths to the warm wood panelling, and the smiling servers who make you feel right at home. The homemade pizzas and pastas are simply divine, but we suggest checking out the daily specials for inspired creations like the spinach risotto with asparagus and gambas wrapped in bacon.
Bruno’s Pizzeria & Grill,344 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437113. p. +65 6440 4525. Open daily 12pm – 2:30pm, 6pm – 10:30pm
Din Tai Fung
Coming to us by way of Taiwan, Din Tai Fung specialises in classic Chinese cuisine, but it’s the xiao long bao (steamed pork dumplings) that are really the stars. In fact, these dumplings are so damn good that they’ve earned a few of the locations Michelin stars. Grab a group of friends and order up a variety of dishes to share like the steamed truffle and pork dumplings, steamed chili crab and pork buns and wontons with black vinegar and chilli oil.
Din Tai Fung, various locations around Singapore
If there’s a better way to spend a Sunday night than gorging yourself on insanely good Italian cheeses, meats, pastas and wine, then we don’t know what it is. D.O.P is owned by Campania-native Luca Iannone, who sources the very best mozzarella from farms in his hometown, as well as fine Italian products that he uses in his easy-going plates. We highly suggest the deep-fried Mozzarella Ball stuffed with parma ham, sun-dried tomatoes and basil. Drool.
D.O.P, 60 Robertson Quay, #01-04A, The Quayside, Singapore 238252. p. +65 6908 0830. Open Mon – Fri: 5pm – 11pm, Sat, Sun & PH 12pm – 11pm
E-Sarn
Founded in 2003, E-Sarn now has four laid-back locations that focus on fresh, authentic Thai food. You won’t find any fancy gimmicks here; just simple dishes that boast big, bold Thai flavours like the hearty beef noodle soup, fragrant papaya salad laced with herbs, and plump prawns stir-fried in a tangy tom yum sauce. Try the weekday lunch sets for just $10++ with a drink or swing by in the evening for a tasty Thai feast that won’t break the bank.
E-Sarn, 200 Turf Club Road #01-13, Singapore 287994 (and various locations). +65 6468 4484. Open daily 11:30am – 10pm
Step inside the glass-enclosed interior of iO Italian Osteria and you’ll find yourself in a homey space with rustic white-washed tables, shelves lined with Italian staples, and wooden barrels filled with house wine. Breathe in the aroma of roasted garlic and freshly baked bread, and we can guarantee your stomach will start growling. Some of our favourites here include the burrata with parma ham and rucola and the to-die-for orecchiette with pork sausage and saffron sauce.
iO Italian Osteria, 4 Hillview Rise, HillV2 #02-01, Singapore 667979. p. +65 6710 7150. Open daily 10am – 10pm
There’s something so satisfying about tucking into a big bowl of steaming ramen. Think springy noodles, melt-in-your-mouth pork slices and a soft-boiled egg in a rich, umami-packed broth. Ippudo is one of our go-tos when we’re craving this quintessential Japanese comfort food because each branch offers easy-going vibes and the ramen is consistently good, so we know exactly what to expect every time.
Ippudo, 5 Wallich Street #01-15, Tanjong Pagar Centre, Singapore 078883 (and various locations). p. +65 6584 0087. Open Sun – Thurs 11am – 10pm, Fri – Sat 11am – 11pm
Nanbantei
Squirreled away on the top floor of the Far East Plaza, Nanbantei is a super cosy spot offering up authentic and affordable Japanese eats. Grab a seat at the counter in front of the grill and watch the chefs in action as they skewer premium cuts of meat, season them simply with salt and pepper, and grill them to perfection over hot coals. Yakitori is the main draw, but they also do great sashimi plates and robust rice bowls.
Nanbantei, 14 Scotts Road #05-132, Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213. p. +65 6733 5666. Open daily 11:45am – 2:30pm, Mon – Sat 6pm – 10:30pm, Sun 5:30pm – 10pm
Nobuya
We’re kind of torn about sharing thishidden Japanese gem, but Nobuya is just too good to keep secret. Izakaya style eats are the game at this small hole-in-the-wall spot, so you can expect small plates like crispy whole grilled fish, light spring vegetable tempura, chopped tuna belly on rice, and thinly sliced beef tataki. Be warned though—this space is tiny and fills up fast, so reservations are highly recommended.
Nobuya, 190 Middle Road, Fortune Centre #01-05 Singapore 188979. p. +65 6338 3450. Open Tues – Sun 6pm – 11pm
Pince & Pints
You’ve gotta love a spot where the beer flows freely and you’re fully encouraged to eat with your hands. Pince & Pints specialises in lobsters caught wild off the Atlantic East Coast along with other tasty bites from the sea. Try the lobster roll packed with sweet lobster meat in a pillowy bun, the whole steamed lobster with melted butter on the side, or the oh-so-creamy lobster mac ‘n’ cheese. Wash it all down with an icy cold Hoegaarden or Stella Artois.
Pince & Pints, 32/33 Duxton Road, Singapore 089946. p. +65 6225 7228. Open Mon – Fri 12pm – 2:30pm, Sat & PH 12pm – 11pm & 95 East Coast Road, Singapore 428793. p. +65 6386 3988. Open Tues – Fri 12pm – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 11pm, Sat, Sun & PH 11am – 11pm
Looking for a chill, no-frills spot for a hearty and flavourful dinner? Make your way to Pistachio Grill in Zhongshan Mall where Khaled Elelimi whips up tasty Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes with a healthy twist. Standouts for us include the creamy hummus, crunchy falafel with tahini, and the slow-cooked lamb shank with tender meat served on top of fluffy saffron rice.
Pistachio Grill, 501 Orchard Road, #02-04/05 Wheelock Place, S 238880
Samy’s Curry
Fish head curry is a Singapore fave, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better version than at Samy’s Curry. Just the fact that the restaurant has been around since the 60s should tell you something right there. Order up some basmati rice on a banana leaf and then opt for a small, medium or large pot of fish head curry served with a fresh snapper head swimming in a beautiful sauce laden with big bold spices.
Samy’s Curry, 25A Dempsey Road, Singapore 249670. p. +65 6472 2080. Open daily Wed – Mon 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sin Hoi San
Sin Hoi San has been satisfying locals, expats, and tourists alike for over 30 years now and it doesn’t take a genius to see why. The atmosphere at this Tiong Bahru institution is casual and cheerful, the seafood is spectacularly fresh, and the chefs are experts at cooking up homey zi char dishes like salted egg crabs, fried mantis prawns with salt and pepper, and clams fried with garlic and chili. Even better, they stay open until 5am every night of the week.
Sin Hoi San, Block 55 Tiong Bahru Road, Singapore 160055. p. +65 6223 0810. Open daily 5pm – 5am.
The Sushi Bar
Just like the simple name suggests, The Sushi Bar doesn’t mess around with OTT creations. Instead the menu is all about thick slabs of sashimi, classic sushi rolls, and a few rice and noodle dishes thrown in for good measure. The quality is always top-notch and the prices are super reasonable, which makes this is a great spot to hit up when you’re looking for a quick, healthy lunch or an easy after-work dinner.
The Sushi Bar,391B Orchard Road, Ngee Ann City #05-35, Singapore 238874 (and various locations). p. +65 8818 3535. Open daily 11:30am – 9:45pm
Wang Dae Bak
We love Korean BBQ, especially when we’re in a laid-back mood and just want to a hearty feed. Wang Dae Bak has two branches, both of which offer up authentic Korean culture and cuisine. Start with some soju, then order up an array of veggies and meats that you can grill yourself right at your table. Do yourself a favour and order up some kimchi pancakes and bulgogi to go with your grilled pork belly and prime rib.
Wang Dae Bak, 98 Amoy Street, Singapore 069918. p. +65 6226 0450. Open Mon – Sat 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 10:30pm & 22 Cross St #01-64, Singapore 048423. p. +65 6225 2646. Open Mon – Sat 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 10:30pm
