Best new restaurants in Singapore: September 2023

Formerly from the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Octavium in Hong Kong, chef Bjoern Alexander debuts Matera, his modern Italian waterfront restaurant. Located in the charming Fullerton Waterboat House, Matera promises to blend traditional Italian cuisine and vibrant flavours of Asia on artfully inventive plates. Expect combinations like ravioli made from dumpling skin stuffed with sweet red prawns, bucatini pasta coated with spicy Asian dried scallops, Wagyu sirloins enhanced with braised beef tendons on the side, and grilled French pigeon paired with five spice jus. The fine-dining enclave is also offering tasting menu formats for a fuss-free experience: a two-course lunch starts from $78 and dinner begins at $138 for three courses, while the eight-course dinner is priced at $308 with wine pairings going for $148.

Breathing fresh air into the oldfangled Purvis Street is Tempt, a groovy gastro bar that charms the senses and journeys tastebuds across cultures. The vibey space is steeped in historical charm and contemporary grittiness: gritty paint-stripped walls, tasteful wall art, and exposed brickwork from the late 1800s. Plates here are vibrant and bold, expect mouth-watering bites of Japanese tomato ceviche, crispy oxtail croquettes, and signature hay-smoked pork belly with charred fermented rose apple. And if you're adventurous, dabble in the exotic selection where crunchy pig’s ears, raw kangaroo tartare, and rabbit-stuffed pasta might perhaps delight.

At Catkin, desserts are not an afterthought. The intimate dessert bar is helmed by Soh Hui Shan, who at 27 years young, has already clocked in with local fine-dining giants such as the now-defunct Restaurant Andre and three-Michelin-starred Restaurant Zén. Opt for the Catkin experience ($48), where Huishan recreates familiar flavours into a Haute dessert omakase course. Savour on inspirations drawn from nostalgic snacks like the tutu kueh, hawthorn flakes and the muah chee. The dessert bar has also got a range of freshly churned ice cream and sorbets for those looking for a cheeky little treat after a meal.

Popular craft burger joint Honbo makes its way onto the idyllic grounds of Chijmes with its American-style burgers. Hailing from Hong Kong, the Singaporean outpost will be the burger chain’s first overseas outlet. Each juicy stack is made from high-quality ingredients: freshly ground Wisconsin beef; pillowy housemade potato milk bun from a recipe by the renowned Eric Kayser; house-cured Japanese pickles; and specialty sauces developed from closely guarded recipes. There's even the option to choose whether to have your burgers smashed ($15) or the classic juicy thick cut ($18).

All eyes are on Tambi, a casual Southern Indian and Korean eatery along Amoy Street. Dreamt up by chef-owners Mano Thevar of two-Michelin-starred Thevar and Sun Kim of one-Michelin-starred Meta, the first-of-its-kind concept attempts to meld flavours of two cultures. Think Korean kimchi incorporated into an Indian chicken curry stew ($18), gochujang coral grouper grilled Pollichathu-style ($32), and crispy prawn pancakes ($28) inspired by the humble Thosai (Indian thin pancake) and Pajeon (Korean pancake).

The idea is to keep it cool, casual and accessible. And prices are also kept affordable as a gesture of gratitude to the local dining community for its support through the pandemic. Dinner is served in two sittings so you best get to booking now.

The World’s Greatest Butcher, Dario Cecchini, brings with him eight generations of butchering experience to fire up the dining scene in the little red dot with Bottega di Carna at the ultra-chic Mondrian Singapore. Expect the unexpected when it comes to dining in Bottega di Carna – think creative handmade pastas, inventive crudos and charcuterie, flame-kissed meats, luscious seafood, and even a bold range of progressive wines to pair.

Apart from the action that goes on in the open-concept kitchen, the posh restaurant is also accompanied by a congenial crew and a cavernous dining room flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the verdant outdoor garden.

Orchard's latest upscale dining gem comes by the name of Mosella and modern Mediterranean Peruvian is the theme. The cavernous dining hall features an open-concept kitchen and is flanked by the flourishing greenscape of the adjacent Forest Terrace. Savour fresh seafood ceviches, Spanish suckling pigs, spatchcock chicken, grilled seafood and Wagyu steaks. The all-day restaurant is also open for lunch with seasonal three-course sets (from $78) where guests can luxuriate over a rotation of delectable appetizers, hearty mains and an indulgent dessert to finish.

While Jaan isn't exactly new, the two-Michelin-starred restaurant recently underwent a much-needed facelift that is a breath of fresh air to gastronomes. From avant-garde paintings of fossil cliffs decorating the hallway and textured azure carpets that remind of picturesque coasts to the mesmerising repurposed glass centrepiece, it is all designed to sweep you off to Devon in Southwest Britain, where acclaimed chef Kirk Westaway grew up.

Now, Spring is the theme and a multi-sensorial modern British experience is set to wow your tastebuds. Expect edible works of art inspired by Devon on intricate plates Westaway personally designs. And if that won’t convince you to make the splash during special occasions, we don’t know what else will.

Locate the quirky entrance to a hidden burger bar modelled after an 80s-inspired American diner. Slide open the doors and you’ll find yourself in The Bank where the walls are plastered with vintage movie posters and film memorabilia while 80s disco pop music pulsates in the background. Sink your teeth into greasy stacks of hand-butchered Angus Prime beef patties. Keeping it fuss-free, the menu has only three burger options: the signature cheeseburger (from $18.80), the extra-large fried chicken sandwich (from $18), and the grilled portobello burger (from $18). There is also a decent selection of sides and milkshakes too.

Escape to Paris without leaving Singapore at PS.Café’s new MBS outlet. The 86-seater space, outfitted in PS.Cafe’s signature black and white aesthetic, is inspired by Parisian café culture and features a dining space suspended over the Canal at the Shoppes, sheltered by parasols. In addition to classics like truffle shoestring fries ($18) and the PS. big breakfast ($29), you can look forward to several new additions to the menu, including buttermilk chicken nasi lemak ($26) and duck confit curry with crispy roti ($29).

If you’re craving something sweet after your meal, the café’s classic range of desserts, such as the sticky date pudding ($15), are also on offer at the new outlet. On weekends, brunch specials will be available from 10am-4pm.

The homegrown Poké bowl brand comes home to Telok Ayer where it first sprouted in 2016. Now, with 14 outlets islandwide, Poke Theory opens its largest-ever outlet along the buzzy Telok Ayer Road, boasting 104 seats. It takes over the space of the now-defunct Park Bench Deli. While the popular raw fish and rice combination still headlines the value-for-money offerings (from $9.90), this new outlet will debut inventive flavours (from $11.90) that riff on beloved local dishes such as Samsui ginger chicken and vegan tempeh.

The new location also features a sauce bar that allows diners to enjoy a free-flowing range of complimentary sauces. And on July 17 (opening day), the outlet will give out free bowls to the first 50 patrons. But don't worry if you miss out, the chain will also honour an exclusive one-for-one deal for all its already affordable poke bowls.

Just when you thought the East couldn’t get any better, semi-casual waterfront restaurant Fico takes it up a notch. Inspired by his childhood growing up in the Puglian countryside, chef Mirko Febbrile presents a spread of uncomplicated Italian fare that celebrates the simple pleasures of life. It all begins with the signature Foccacina (from $18) that serves as a crisp and airy base for juicy San Marzano tomatoes, sweet Tropea onions or fresh buffalo mozzarella. Febbrile’s small plates focus on seasonal seafood and vegetables where the meaty pecorino-laced Cardoncelli mushrooms ($21) and charred red peppers with Cantabrico anchovies ($18) stood out most.

Thereafter, segue into the freshly made pasta (from $23) from linguine and malfadine to orecchiette, all prepared right in front of your eyes by the live pasta bar. For large groups, consider the showstopping grass-fed bone-in ribeye beef costada ($178) that arrives in spectacular fashion. Desserts come in a cart and you get to choose from a smorgasbord of cakes, pastries and even ice creams. Our pick? Definitely the iconic cannoli and the luscious burrata gelato.

Chef Fernando Arévalo, former chef-owner of now-defunct Preludio, returns to his roots with a playfully elegant Colombian dining experience in the heart of the CBD. Expect a strong influence from Fernando’s Colombian narrative and memories set onto plates that finds balance between robust and refreshing flavours. Think modern luxe interpretations of Latin American classics such as the fork-tender Lengua (veal tongue), Tiradito (Spanish mackerel), and Arroz Caldoso, an indulgent seafood rice dish bejewelled with uni cream, smoked eel, and caviar. The restaurant’s sleek interiors tastefully reflects the soul of Colombian culture where handcrafted indigenous artworks and life-sized vases adorned the space.

Transporting you away to the charming city of Marrakesh, Tajine is a ritzy restaurant serving up exotic flavours of Moroccan cuisine. The executive chef at the helm is Remy Carmignani, who cut his teeth at the iconic La Mamounia in Marrakesh. Communal sharing plates take inspiration from traditional North African cooking techniques and Mediterranean sensibilities. Graze about the mixed platter that features an appetizing spread, from grilled eggplants and creamy fava bean hummus to pistachio-crusted slow-cooked lamb shoulder. Expect showstopping mains to arrive in a piping hot Tajine encasing a succulent chicken or a milk-fed veal shank. There is also the highlight of Couscous Royal which is made up of fluffy hand-rolled semolina cooked with lamb, spring chicken, onions and chickpeas.

For Moroccan-inspired tipples that feature herbal infusions, check out the Sumactini, a sweet and tangy martini built with sumac-infused vodka, pomegranate and pink grapefruit. Wine lovers can also try the Queen of the Roses, where an aromatic mix of rosé wine, cognac VSOP, peach, and strawberry delivers a refreshingly fruity drink to pair.

If Boat Quay ever needs another F&B concept, it’s gotta be this. And ex-Les Amis Group chef Brandon Lee's culinary philosophy is all about making fine dining accessible through his elevated modern Asian plates. Think bincho-grilled Caesar salad ($17) with brown butter anchovy sauce, crab toast ($19) with mustard-laced brown butter aioli, collagen-rich miso cod ($26), and tender sous-vide grilled chicken ($28) with cauliflower hummus. The fuss-free booze list features approachable bottles of natural wines and sessionable craft beers and they only go for $10 during happy hours (Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 5pm to 8pm).

Miyoshi is a modern multi-concept restaurant introduced by the award-winning fine Japanese restaurant, Fat Cow. The sleek new outpost finds itself in a conserved colonial mess hall on the tranquil grounds of Sentosa. Here, traditional Japanese flavours are stylishly expressed in three modern dining experiences: ramen; teppanyaki; and omakase. Expect a la carte serves of comforting Wagyu dry ramen ($58) and lobster broth ramen ($88) or enjoy sizzling delights straight from the teppan.

For a truly unforgettable experience, opt for the Teppan-Kaiseki (from $98) where you’ll sit by the gorgeous 12-seater teppan counter. At your service are highly experienced chefs (minimally with over eight years of teppan experience) finessing dishes such as straw-smoked Hokkaido scallops, melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu sukiyaki and the irresistible teppan fried garlic rice. For those in search of a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the CBD, there are set lunches that start from just $32 featuring Hide or Setsuma Wagyu.

Located in Duxton lies Kumi Den, a fun and casual booze den that is all about bringing forth low-intervention wines from artisanal small-batch producers around the world. And the brainchild behind this new venture is Joel Lim, one of Singapore’s best sommeliers who has clocked in time at wine institutions including Praelum Wine Bistro, Les Amis, and Park90. Here, the effervescent lad cherry-picks from a plethora of wine options which includes natural wines, orange wines and pét-nats.

In the food department, tasty sharing plates of modern Asian fare interpreted by French cooking techniques are thoughtfully designed to pair with the delicate bubbly. Think fluffy otah stuffed crispy chicken wings ($19), luscious smoked speck (Italian cured smoked meat) curry ($26), and grilled Padron peppers perfumed with Shaoxing wine ($16).

Enter the stylish sand-washed space of Cuisson, Tanjong Pagar’s latest dining destination that operates at an intersection of using the finest Japanese ingredients expressed with classic French sensibilities. At the helm is Chef Tan Wee Kiat, an experienced chef who has flown under the wing of renowned chefs such as Daniel Boulud and Ivan Brehm. Here, he sets the stage for culinary works of art that honours the produce. From an amuse-bouche of white asparagus royale perfumed with crustacean essences to a lightly grilled abalone and foie gras ‘mille feuille’, expect an intriguing yet tantalising slew of seafood-forward courses (from $98) to come.

The popular bagel shop brings its wood-fired bagels into the trendy neighbourhood of Joo Chiat. The fourth outlet will debut a new space and tease spanking new items that will be featured alongside well-loved favourites. Opening hours remain the status quo where all last orders are taken by 2.30pm in the afternoon. The bagel house also anticipates a potential sell-out situation and as seen from the overwhelming love shown online, that may well be true. So if you’re stoked for a hearty stack, your best bet is to show up bright and early.

Located in the chic new grounds of Pullman Orchard, Eden is well and truly a fitting reflection of its own name. First off, the modern Asian restaurant is spruced up with plenty of lush foliage, giving guests the pleasure of dining in a verdant glasshouse sanctuary. In the kitchen, Asian flavours are playfully showcased and expressed with a contemporary touch. 

Think rich satay peanut sauce and a spicy yet creamy Thai coconut curry. The former comes with a juicy grilled lamb rack ($40) while the latter is paired with a generous slab of crispy skin salmon ($32). There is also a showstopping Szechuan T-bone steak ($138) that is perfect for sharing. Two-course lunch sets are available from $35 but the real draw has got to be complimentary parking during those hours.

Joo Chiat’s latest muse, Province, is an intimate eight-seater diner dreamt up by young chef Law Jia Jun. The recent Magic Square (now-defunct incubator restaurant in Portsdown Road) graduate also boasts a tutelage stint at three Michelin-starred Atelier Crenn in San Francisco. And if you’re wondering where exactly this rustic shoebox sanctuary is, it actually hides behind the facade of the buzzy 808 Eating House. Each evening, Law orchestrates a seasonal tasting menu (from $138) that is steeped in the diversity of Southeast Asian ingredients and flavours. From the conscious championing of regional and local produce to injecting personal anecdotes that inspire his cooking, the young chef shows plenty of promise.

The dawn of 2023 saw the former home-based bakery depart from the cradle of Ang Mo Kio in search of greener pastures. And greener pastures it is as they now find themselves rubbing shoulders with the big names of Amoy Street. Armed with an even bigger kitchen, the bakery is set to debut a wider range of freshly baked goodies. The main highlight is the Sourdough Bombos ($3.80 to $6.50), a take on Italian doughnuts made using a two-year sourdough starter. These indulgent treats are stuffed with toothsome fillings such as vanilla creme brulee, blueberry cheesecake, and roasted garlic mascarpone. Then there are the triple chocolate brownies ($15) that are so fudgy they melt in the mouth. Keep a look out for eye-catching murals of the fat kid, that's where you'll find them.

Korea’s hottest sensation has landed in Singapore and no, we’re not talking about another K-pop darling. Fresh, hot and crispy – these are a few things commonly associated with South Korea’s largest fried chicken chain BHC Chicken. The 108-seater retro-chic restaurant is its first Singaporean outpost and serves up long-standing Korean favourites such as the Bburinkle Chicken, an irresistible variety of cheese, onion and garlic-dusted fried chicken, alongside signatures like the Macho King and Gold King. And that’s not all – the chain goes the extra mile to offer familiar Korean dishes to fortify your meal – think sotteok, kimchi fried rice, tteokbokki and even a comforting samgyetang.

Ceres Haus finds a nest on a second-floor shophouse on Circular Road. This hidden haven runs an all-day program: cafe by day; wine bar by night. Simply look out for an empty wine bottle hanging by the unassuming entrance and make your way up to a plywood door. What is an absolute contrast from the energetic lane transports you to a calm and safe space. During the day, the coffee menu is pretty minimalist with espresso-based drinks going from $4 and fresh bakes (from $5). The madeleines ($6) are baked upon order, a conscious decision made by owners Sarah and Aloysius to channel their efforts into the finer details in simplicity. Once nightfall, the lights are dimmed and the vibe turns amorous with natural wines available by the glass.

You're likely to find colourful desserts in this joint – after all, Arc En Ciel means rainbow in French. The dreamy French patisserie is dreamt up by chef-owner Jiawen – formerly from Kki Sweets – and draws from her experiences in Paris where she enjoyed her sweet treats in parks. And just like a walk in the park, you'll find raw elements such as wood and stone dotted with potted plants in the calm 25-seater space. There is a tasting set ($30) that comprises three exquisitely made signatures including the standout of the lime-hued Elijah which tastes like the childhood Solero ice cream. Other nostalgic twists see the likes of Yakult-flavoured cheesecakes and a homemade pineapple jam mousse cake. Tea lovers can also opt for the fine tea pairing experience ($15) to complete the toothsome session.

Tasty Indonesian fare doesn't always need to stick to hard-boiled traditions and Salt & Palm knows just that. This Sydney-based restaurant first found fame with its fun yet contemporary interpretation of Indonesian cuisine. Led by brother and sister Indonesian restauranteurs, Salt & Palm now expands into Singapore in the lively neighbourhood of Joo Chiat. Expect progressive takes on traditional flavours that are bold and complex yet familiar to taste. Think bombastic flavours to start with twists to the Kerupuk, fish cake and bergedil potato cake. Hearty mains also see the same innovative DNA with Balinese babi guling prepared Italian porchetta-style and bebek goreng done French confit-style. The cosy 46-seater space also doubles as a bar with a thoughtful selection of natural and low-intervention wines that complements the exciting menu.

Just like its namesake, Ikkagoyo, a Japanese kaiseki restaurant blooms on Amoy Street. Behind the unassuming entrance lies an intimate wood-toned space that mimics the tranquillity of traditional tea ceremonial houses. At the helm is chef Mitsutaka Sakamoto who boasts over 20 years of kaiseki experience in Japan at top-notch ryokans and restaurants – Hyakurakuso, Sushi Arai and Naruse. The 12-course prix fixe menu ($338) sees the seasoned chef display his flair for finesse and the arts to present haute Japanese cuisine using only peak-season ingredients. 

For drink pairings, Sakamoto personally picks out limited edition Junmai Daiginjo grade sakes such as Noto Arabashiri ($250) from Ishikawa and the fruitier Kokuryu Shizuku ($560) from Fukui.

Beef lovers, you’re gonna want to hear about this deal. Singapore’s first halal steakhouse fires up the grill to serve up mouth-watering cuts of A5 Kuroge Wagyu beef hailing from Mie Prefecture. Get straight down to business in this casual diner and pick from three types of Kuroge A5 Wagyu cuts: sirloin ($38), ribeye ($48) and tenderloin ($58), all served in 100-gram format. For groups or those looking to indulge, the Heavenly Meat Board ($198) has got enough melt-in-your-mouth goodness to feed three to four steak lovers.

Taking Joo Chiat by storm is chef Eugene Chee with an inventive spate of contemporary Asian plates that honours regional flavours and produce. The casual space brings people together over delicious food that is said to be more fun than fine dining. Bold and punchy flavours take centre stage: think Japanese oysters (from $8) with papaya sauerkraut; robust Buah Keluak Pork Belly ($26); crisped barramundi with garam masala pumpkin puree ($28); and Chee's signature duck fat financiers ($10) layered with velvety chicken liver mousse. The modest drink list showcases local craft beers and a small selection of natural wines available to add a bit of funk to your session.

Mamacitas is a homely mom-and-pop restaurant that serves up hearty Costa Rican fare. The foxy matron behind this folksy operation is chef Cindy Castro Vega and she is committed to serving up a taste of her homeland to anyone who is curious enough to have a go at it. Expect hearty serves of her signature chalupas (from $16.80) and aromatic seafood rice ($26). Or gather round a few hungry pals to tackle the sharing platters ($88) that come piled with fried meat stew, beef and vegetable stew, turmeric onion yellow chicken and plenty more. Close your eyes and you might just feel as though you’re on a coastal vacation in Costa Rica.