Can you believe it’s already November? So far this year we’ve seen tons of hot and happeningrestaurantsandbarsopening all over the island, and even though the year is almost out, things don’t seem to be slowing down a bit! As always, we’ve been keeping our finger on the pulse of theSingapore F&B sceneand sussing out new openings and restaurant revamps that we’re sure are going to be smash hits. For your dining pleasure, these are our top restaurant picks for November serving up everything from contemporary Basque tapas toexquisite French fare,healthy guilt-free treats,sublime sushiand more.
Bacchanaliaby Vianney Massot
Even with one Michelin star already in the bag, Bacchanalia is ever progressing, so it’s no surprise that they’ve recently undergone another evolution. Now helming the kitchen is chef Vianney Massot, who hails from Bordeaux and spent the last nine years working with the esteemed Joël Robuchon group. Chef Vianney brings his mastery of French cooking techniques and creative flair to Bacchanalia with fresh dishes featuring peak season produce. Expect an exciting new degustation menu and sleek new look at this fine dining favourite.
Bacchanalia, 39 Hong Kong Street, Singapore 059678. p. +65 6909 6360. Open Tues – Sat 12pm – 2:30pm, 6:30pm – 10pm
BasqueKitchen by Aitor
Taking over the old Blackwattle space, Basque Kitchen is a new offering from the Unlisted Collection. Here chef Aitor Jeronimo Orive puts a contemporary spin on traditional Basque dishes. Take for example the oxtail “bomba” rice bursting with tender Angus oxtail, confit quail egg, and chive aioli or the jambon de Bayonne croquettes topped with red Espelette pepper aioli and fresh green coriander cress. There are also more than 100 Spanish wines on offer to complement the cuisine.
Basque Kitchen by Aitor, 97 Amoy Street, Singapore 069917. p. +65 6224 2232. Open Mon – Fri 11:30am – 2:30pm, 6:30pm – 11pm, Sat 6:30pm – 11:30pm
Duxton 41
The words healthy and dessert don’t often go together, but that’s exactly what Duxton 41 offers. Owners Christopher and Wyatt are fitness enthusiasts and passionate bakers, so they decided to combine their interests at this chic new cafe where they serve up guilt-free treats. Try the elegant chocolate fudge cake made with whey protein fudge and brown rice sponge cake or the flourless, sugar-free souffle cheesecake made with cottage cheese. Beverage options include aromatic coffees, teas, champagnes, and wines.
Duxton 41, 41 Duxton Road, Singapore 089505. p. +65 6224 1941. Open Mon – Sat 10am – 10pm, Sun 10am – 6pm
Hashida Sushi
If you were a fan of Hashida Sushi at Mandarin Gallery, then you’ll be happy to know that chef Kenjiro ‘Hatch’ Hashida is back to slicing and dicing the freshest cuts of fish at his new location on Mohamed Sultan Road. Set in a two-storey shophouse, the new Hashida Sushi features intimate private rooms and an inviting bar where you can watch all the knife action go down. Exclusive sakes and sparkling wines pair perfectly with the omakase menus featuring exquisite sashimi, sushi, and imaginative house creations.
Hashida Sushi, 25 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 238969. p. +65 8428 8787. Open daily 12pm – 3pm, 7pm – 10pm
Restaurant JAG
If you’re in the mood for a few glasses of wine and innovative French cuisine, make your way to Restaurant JAG on Duxton Road. On the first floor you’ll find seating for just 25 and an open kitchen where Michelin-starred chef Jeremy Gillon whips up creative takes on classic French dishes using sustainably sourced produce and artisan ingredients imported from around the world. Upstairs is a cosy bar and lounge where you can settle in on a leather sofa with a fine vino or scotch. We reckon this would be a great place for a date night or a meetup with foodie friends.
Restaurant JAG, 76 Duxton Road, Singapore 089535. p. +65 3138 8477. Open daily 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 10pm
LINO
Singapore already has a slew of Italian restaurants, but we have a feeling that LINO is going to give a few of those spots a run for their money. Chic and contemporary, this new eatery in the Binjai Park hood offers al fresco and indoor seating, classic Italian bevvies like Aperol Spritzes, and an enticing menu of wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and grilled fish and meats. We already have our hearts set on the asparagus pizza with braised leek, goat cheese, and pancetta and the tortellini with pork and veal in a paremsan sauce.
Lino, 7 Binjai Park, Singapore 589821. p. +65 6463 7800. Open Mon – Fri 4pm – 12am, Sat – Sun & PH 11am – 12am
SoloRistorante
From the minute you step into Solo Ristorante, you feel right at home due to the cosy environs and warm greeting from chef-owner Gabriel Fratini. Grab a seat at the counter in front of the open kitchen or one of the intimate tables in the back and let chef Gabriel prepare you a customised Italian meal catered to your tastes and made with whatever fresh, seasonal ingredients the chef procured that day. Dishes could be anything from cod fish with foie gras to grilled octopus drizzled with balsamic vinegar or a decadent ossobuco risotto.
Solo Ristorante, 45 Amoy Street, Singapore 069871. p. +65 9610 1861. Open Mon – Fri 11:45am – 2pm, Mon – Sat 6pm – 9:30pm
BARS
Eliza
Buzzing Telok Ayer Street is the perfect locale for this glitzy new nightlife concept that’s part restaurant, part cocktail lounge, and part nightclub. Start with a few plates of modern Shanghai cuisine, then segue into classic cocktails as a live band sets the mood with jazzy takes on pop songs. Stay on after the band finishes for fresh beats by the resident DJ and dance floor shenanigans until late. Word on the street is they have great happy hour specials from 5pm – 8pm on weekdays and 6pm to 8pm on Saturdays.
Eliza, 113 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068582. p. +65 6781 4708. Open Mon – Fri 5pm – 3am, Sat 6pm – 4am
