Bars and restaurants
Atlas, Bugis
World-class bartenders and an imaginative cocktail list – from Prohibition-era stalwarts to experimental tipples – are enough to lure patrons to Atlas. But the bar’s stunning interiors distinguish it with sumptuous, gilded balconies, intricate art-deco murals and a 1,300-bottle gin tower.
The Coconut Club, Siglap
Fresh coconuts arrive from Malaysia every other day to be used in cocktails and the fragrant steamed rice nasi lemak, the restaurant’s star dish and a regional classic. All this is easily enjoyed in the bright atmosphere of the space, which features walls of tropical-themed tiles, rattan furniture and plenty of greenery.
Claudine, Dempsey Hill
A brasserie housed in a 19th-century chapel is an unusual presence on a tropical island. But Michelin-starred chef Julien Royer’s Claudine – an homage to his hometown in rural Auvergne – is just that. Expect delicious French classics with some fine-dining flair.
Wildcard, Tiong Bahru
Co-owned by sommelier Charlene Yeap and Maxi Coffee Bar founder Denise Lum, all-day drinking-and-dining spot Wildcard offers a lively environment and decadent dishes, including oxtail doughnuts and succulent prawn sandos.
405 Havelock Road, 01-03 Furama Riverfront
Keng Eng Kee (KEK) Seafood, Alexandra Village
Enjoy Singaporean seafood classics the right way: in a bustling open-air restaurant with plenty of cold beer. Standout items on the extensive menu include chilli crab, curry fish head, salted-egg squid and wok-fried “moonlight” hor fun noodles.
The Elephant Room, Chinatown
The Elephant Room serves creative cocktails influenced by the cultural enclave of Little India, including a delicate jasmine-honey concoction inspired by a neighbourhood flower shop and a negroni made with wild mangosteens. It also boasts a robust food menu.
Nutmeg & Clove, Bugis
An unassuming street-level space in the lively neighbourhood of Bras Basah, Nutmeg & Clove serves Singapore-inspired cocktails and food in a setting that’s both relaxed and refined. Try the boulevardier with pandan and coconut, while snacking on moreish pork curry puffs.
Seroja, Bugis
Michelin-starred Seroja serves a prix-fixe menu that showcases the spices, herbs and culinary techniques of the Malay archipelago. Chef Kevin Wong enjoys unearthing “micro-seasonal” ingredients and indigenous species. Make sure to pair your meal with one of the restaurant’s signature non-alcoholic drinks, which are made in-house using fruit-and-vegetable offcuts.
Forma, Katong
Chef-founder Lee Yum Hwa quit his job as an accountant to master the art of pasta-making. The results are on display at Forma, which features a rotating seasonal menu and a robust Italian wine list.
Native, Chinatown
Taking up all three floors of a shophouse on historic Amoy Street, Native is an ambitious and artfully presented cocktail bar with painstakingly crafted drinks. Regional Asian spirits, from Japanese shōchū to Sri Lankan arrack, ensure that Native’s creations provide a singular punch.
