Best New Restaurants of 2014 | OpenRice 新加坡開飯喇

One thing that excites most foodies on a daily basis is the discovery of new restaurants and cafes – better yet if they are located close to home, work (for lunch getaways) or in your preferred neighbourhoods. Approximately 575 new restaurants were set up this year within the first 11 months of 2014, according to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). Of the lot, 435 of them didn't last in this competitive food scene. Throughout the year, we covered 117 recently opened eateries in our monthly New Bites series. Despite having to bid goodbye to some like Spanish Doughnuts, Koryo and The Cereal Pantry, we’re glad to see some of our favourites going strong. 1. Hatter Street

Still serving some of the best waffles around, their Pandan Ice Cream Drizzled with Gula Melaka “Whoaffle” remains a standout. But besides that, Chef-owner Yvette Chua constantly keeps the display fridge stocked with delectable cakes themed to fit various holidays. Hatter Street Bakehouse & Café, Blk 212 Hougang Street 21 #01-333, Singapore 530212

2. Gaest

Nordic sandwiches, pizzas, salads and homemade breads fuel Gaest’s loyal following, made up of mostly office workers on weekdays due to its location in the CBD. Swing by for a healthy and hearty brunch, available every Sunday from 8.30am to 3.30pm. Gaest, The Clift, 21 McCallum Street #01-01, Singapore 069047 (Image: Gaest Facebook Page)

3. Gyoza-Ya

One of the best gyozas we’ve tried this year belongs to this Japanese restaurant in the basement of Robinsons Orchard. Other than the traditional pork and vegetable pan-fried dumplings, Gyoza-Ya has gone up a notch to include more savoury stuffings like Red King Crab and recently – Grilled Cheese. Gyoza-Ya, Robinsons Orchard, 260 Orchard Road #B1-02, Singapore 238855

4. Sanpoutei Ramen

After their first outlet at Holland Village, Sanpoutei Ramen went on to open a second one in Shaw House. Our current favourite at this ramen joint: Rich dried sardine Tsukemen. Dip the cold and dry springy noodles into the separately served bowl of hot thick broth. Sanpoutei Ramen, 253 Holland Ave #01-01, Singapore 6278982 (Image: Sanpoutei Ramen Facebook Page)

5. My Awesome Cafe

What looks like an old traditional Chinese medical hall on Telok Ayer Street really is a café sporting a rustic fantastic appearance. They serve some of the most generous salads here, featuring a trio of proteins such as smoked salmon, chicken breast and duck rilettes. Grab your chums and head over for Awesome Time (happy hour), which happens from 5 to 9pm on weekdays. My Awesome Cafe, 202 Telok Ayer, Singapore 068630

6. Portico

Former Fat Duck chef Leandros Stagogiannis may have left Portico, but the restaurant now lies in the good hands of Nixon Low, who was part of the winning national team at Expogast Culinary World Cup last month. The well-curated interior featuring hand-picked furniture and vibrant photographs of the Portico family goes hand in hand with comfort food such as Wagyu Beef Cheek and Sea Bass Fish and Chips – absolute stunners here. Portico, 991B Alexandra Road #01-10, Singapore 119964 (Image: Portico)

7. Carvers & Co.

The good folks of Carvers & Co are back from a recent renovation, giving us one more reason to travel to the east with their expanded menus. We’re calling dibs on their bacon chips available throughout the day, as well as the Carvers Plate, which stars a trio of roasted meats, for dinner. Banana bread or Earl grey custard infused french toast for brunch anyone? Carvers & Co., 43 East Coast Road, Singapore 428764

8. Pince & Pints

While some have slammed this lobster joint down as mediocre or a copycat, we think the lobster rolls here are definitely worth a try though it could probably do with a friendlier price tag. Buttery-soft buns sourced from a traditional bakery are as satisfying as the lobster chunks stuffed in between and the herbed butter sauce makes finishing those shoe string fries extremely compelling. Pince & Pints, 32 - 33 Duxton Road, Singapore 089497

9. Mrs Pho

One of our best finds in May was this Vietnamese eatery in a shophouse along Beach Road. Its rustic interior with corrugated metal gates, an ‘al fresco’ waist height table along the walkaway outside and beyond authentic bowl of Pho Bo Tai certainly evokes some authentic Vietnamese street food vibes in the narrow space. Mrs Pho, 349 Beach Road, Singapore 199570

10. Chef Yamashita

After impressing many at Glacé and Flor, Chef Yamashita Masataka moves on to his namesake patisserie to continue wowing us with the delicate intricacy of Japanese confection. The Luna Wrap sports a soft and fluffy sponge and the souffles here are as light and airy as they can possibly get. Chef Yamashita, Blk 1 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, #02-44, Singapore 082001

11. The Lokal

Australian-inspired café on the fringes of Duxton previously swept us away with their sweet and fragrant toasted banana bread and pork belly burgers. Now, we hear the popular brunch spot has dessert enthusiasts returning for its Sticky Date Pudding. Save some for us, won’t you? The Lokal, 136 Neil Road, Singapore 088865

12. Potato Head Folk

Possibly one of the most Instagrammed places in the month of July, Potato Head Folk fed us well with their signature Baby Huey burger and Naughty fries though we wish the former wasn’t so pricey. Still, the ambience in the three-storey building decked in a whimsical fashion makes for a great place to hangout at with friends till late. Potato Head Folk, 36 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089143

13. Alt Pizza

The beauty of good pizzas and craft beers comes together like a match made in heaven under AltPizza’s roof. Sharing works best here so go ahead and order standout starters like Idaho Spud Cheddar Fries, Wagyu Shortrib Meatballs and Artichoke and Spinach Dip. The Lean & Green pizza has earned some raves – so has the Truffle Shuffle. Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying their Pizza Doughnuts. AltPizza, Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Boulevard #B1-111, Singapore 038983

14. Old Hen Coffee Bar

Iced coffee might not sound too inviting with the rainy weather we’ve been having lately. But once the humidity returns, you’ll be clawing for Old Hen Coffee Bar’s popular cold brew, which has even gotten a thumbs up from non-coffee lovers . Old Hen Coffee Bar, 88 Rangoon Road #01-03, Singapore 218374 (Image: Kaeting Yong)

15. Sunday Folks

Creamier’s very successful sister café has everyone gushing over its soft serve and waffle pairings, complete with handcrafted toppings. The good: These sexy piped soft serves come extremely photogenic, whether on crusty waffles or in a cone. The bad: It melts fast – very fast. The ugly: Waiting time at this hot dessert joint can stretch up to an hour on extra busy days. Still, it doesn’t stop the shop’s constant flow of customers. Sunday Folks, Chip Bee Garden, 44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-52, Singapore 278116 (Image: Cheryl Chong)

16. FIX Cafe

Poolside café FIX is GRUB’s second food venture located within HomeTeamNS-JOM Clubhouse in Balestier. Try their original Asian-inspired Naanwiches, which comes in flavours like Chicken Tikka and Beef & Kimchi. FIX Cafe, Home Team NS-JOM SPANS, 31 Ah Hood Road, #01-06 Singapore 329979 (Image: FIX Cafe Facebook Page)

17. Ten-ichi Udon

One of our go-to places to counter some massive udon cravings is Ten-ichi Udon, nestled within Shokutsu Ten in nex. The self-serve concept allows you to customize your udon orders with as many tempura add-ons as you would like. We’d recommend the Yuzu Wasabi Udon for chilled options and the Beef Soup Udon for those who love a good hot broth. Ten-ichi Udon, Nex, 23 Serangoon Central #B1-02, Singapore 556083 (Image: Ten-ichi Udon)

18. SEAR

High level steakhouse dining starts at SEAR. Not only is it perched on the 45th floor of 50 Raffles Place, but it also uses quality meats like certified Kobe beef. While you’re here, pair the intensely marbled Australian Jacks creek Wagyu with add-ons such as Grilled Bone Marrow or Truffled Poached Egg. SEAR, 50 Raffles Place #45-01/02, Singapore 048623 (Image: SEAR)

19. Joyden Canton Kitchen

Who knew that Cantonese restaurants in Singapore would be seeing some serious competition from the Joyden Group. While it doesn’t find itself in the most convenient location for now, Joyden Canton Kitchen gives us plenty of reasons to venture over to the Upper Bukit Timah area – more specifically the new Hill V2 mall – for their Signature Traditional Hakka Salt Poached Farm Chicken and Cantonese Roast Duck. Joyden Canton Kitchen, Hill V2, 4 Hillview Rise #02-21, Singapore 667979 (Image: Cheryl Chong)

20. Chotto Matte

Sleek and edgy, Chotto Matte led by former executive chef of Standing Sushi Bar, Chef Roy Chee, specializes in sushi and yakiori items. Sashimi and flown over to the restaurant every two to three weeks. There is also an Omakase option available. Chotto Matte, 54 Blair Road, Singapore 089954 (Image: Chotto Matte) See Also: Check out the latest restaurants in town Browse around at these cafes

Written by Peh Yi Wen Images are writer's own unless otherwise stated.