1. Cheek by Jowl
Replacing now defunct Sorrel, is the new Cheek by Jowl, a nascent Modern Australian restaurant helmed by Chef Rishi Naleendra, the former head chef of MACA restaurant, and his wife, Manuela Toniolo. The name means “side by side”, reflective of the close and intimate relationship between this husband-wife duo, who professionally delivers Rishi’s Modern Australian cuisine coupled with organic and biodynamic wines from Manuela’s collection. One can expect to find Rishi’s signature dish Duck Confit with Waffles ($36++, pictured) that was previously esteemed as MACA’s stellar dish. Comprising of a duck confit marinated with a distinctive five spice caramel and topped with crunchy cucumbers as well as crispy and fluffy waffles, this platter is out to tantalize your taste buds for sure. 21 Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069620 (Image: Cheek by Jowl’s Website)2. Menya Takeichi
Lauded as Tokyo’s Number One Chicken Ramen Chain, Menya Takeichi has a whopping 40 stores in Japan and has gone on to open its first Singapore outlet within the Eat at Seven concept in Suntec City. Must-tries include their signature Chicken Paitan Ramen dish ($15.50, pictured), which comprises of springy, soft noodles soaked in a collagen-rich broth. The latter is painstakingly acquired through the simmering of a fresh chicken and chicken hours for hours. If you find the broth too thick, ask for clear soup made from bonito flakes to ameliorate the richness of the dish. Click to read our full review on Menya Takeichi. Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Boulevard #03-314 Singapore 038983 (Image: Menya Takeichi)3. A.R.C. Coffee
A.R.C. stands for Academy, Roastery and Café and occupies all three levels in a corner shop house along Sultan Gate, boasting a gorgeous mural on its exterior wall – by artist Yip Yew Chong. With 2015 Singaprore National Barista Champion, John Ryan Ting behind the counter, you can expect a winning cup of coffee alongside burgers ($16.80 - $17.80), pastas ($18.80 - $20.80) and desserts such as tiramisu ($6.80) served in a mini flower pot with a spade-spoon, made with the A.R.C. house blend. But if there’s one thing we would keep our eyes peeled for, it would be their adorable Light Bulb Cold Brew, available in limited portions daily. 29/31 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198477 (Image: Peh Yi Wen)4. Ramen Keisuke Lobster King
The recent unveiling of Japanese restaurant, Ramen Keisuke Lobster King, marks the 10th Keisuke outlet in Singapore along with other sister concepts such as Keisuke Tori king and Keisuke Tonkotsu King. Inspired by the French lobster bisque, Ramen Keisuke Lobster King offers ramen marinated in a rich and smooth lobster broth that was attained by simmering French rock lobsters for hours. Ramen comes in four different soup bases: Lobster Broth Ramen with Clear Soup ($13.90), Lobster Broth Ramen with Rich Creamy Soup ($14.90), Miso Lobster Broth Ramen ($14.90) and Spicy Miso Lobster Broth Ramen ($15.90). Bonus: This restaurant stays open from 6 pm to 5 am, making it an ideal late night supper place in the area! The Cannery, 3C River Valley Road #01-07 Singapore 179022 (Image: Andrea Tan)5. Waa Cow
NUS students, you are in for a treat. Conveniently situated within NUS Shaw Foundation Alumni House is the newly established Japanese joint Waa Cow that offers delectable Japanese rice bowls and udon. We would definitely recommend you to get their signature Aburi Bara Chirashi Rice Bowl ($16.90, pictured) that comes with a medley of ingredients including diced salmon, tuna, swordfish and Hokkaido scallop garnished on top of blow-torched rice. Tip: NUS students and alumnus get to enjoy a 10% off. Shaw Foundation Alumni House, 11 Kent Ridge Drive Singapore 119244 (Image: Waa Cow Facebook Page)6. Dallas Restaurant & Bar
After making its first appearance in Boat Quay a decade ago, contemporary restaurant Dallas Restaurant and Bar springs forth with its second outlet at Suntec City Sky Garden, in hopes of reaching out to more customers in the Marina Bay area. Start with a trio of signature Snapper Fish Tacos or heavenly breaded spheres of Jalapeno Croquettes ($15). Thirsty? Look to their island bar of bottled beers, ciders or skim through the cocktail list with options aplenty. For meat lovers, go straight for their two anniversary dishes: Prime Rib Steak ($40) – free flow on weekends at $35 per person – and the Dallas Meat Platter ($70 for two, $130 for four, pictured). The latter gets you a party of lamb cutlets, pork ribs, rotisserie chicken and prime rib steak on a bed of roasted potatoes.GIVEAWAY!
Dallas Restaurant & Bar would like to give away the Dallas Meat Platter to 2 lucky winners! All you have to do is: 1) Like Dallas Restaurant & Bar Facebook page 2) Share this article and tag a friend on Facebook 3) Answer the following question: What does the meat platter consists of? Submit your entry here: http://bit.ly/1oXGxBc Giveaway closes on 8th March 2016. Suntec City Mall (North Wing), 3 Temasek Boulevard #03-302/303, Singapore 038983 (Image: Dallas Restaurant & Bar)7. Sakurazka
Harnessing Chef Masahi Horiuchi’s French culinary experience and Japanese heritage, Sakurazaka offers traditional Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki with a distinct European flair. To cater to the diverse palates, a total of three different Shabu Shabu sets are incorporated into the menu with a choice of two broths out of the six different broths available: Pork Set ($95++ for two), Bouillabaisse Set ($108++ for two) and Beef Set ($128++ for two). Alternatively, opt for the Sukiyaki Set ($150++ for two) that includes servings of Japanese Wagyu-Holstein F1 Crossbreed, 150g Striploin and 150g Ribeye. Towards the end of your meal, cleanse your palates with the traditional Japanese dessert, Kakigori, which reminds us of the popular Korean Bingsu. Do note that Sakurazaka is only open from 11.30 am to 3 pm from Thursdays to Sundays, and 6 pm to 10.30 pm from Mondays to Sundays. Click to read our full review on Sakurazaka. 24 Greenwood Avenue, Singapore 289221 (Image: Sakurazaka Website & John Heng)8. 999.99 (Five Nines)
Helmed by Masanao Saito who has accumulated close to a decade of experience in the culinary world, modern European restaurant, 999.99 (Five Nines), endeavours to deliver exceptional fine dining meals at inexpensive prices. Expect to find intricately executed European platters with a Japanese flair that stems from Chef Masanao’s Japanese background. For lunch, get the two-course set ($19.80++) that comes with a bowl of soup and a selection of four different mains, including the creamy Lobster Gratin (pictured). For dinner, opt for à la carte platters (less than $25!) such as Lamb Chops and Eggplant ($22) or satiate your appetites with the five-course meal priced at $59++ per pax. 29 Keong Saik Road Singapore 089136 (Image: 999.99 Five Nines)9. Naughty Nuri's
Hailing from Bali, Naughty’s Nuri is internationally renowned for its succulent, smoky ribs and martinis. Their success lies in their tender pork ribs ($18.80 for half, $35.80 for full rack) that are marinated in a sweet-savoury sauce and drizzled with lime for an extra kick of tanginess. Other than the signature pork ribs, the air-conditioned outlet in Singapore also offers a satisfying selection of small plates including Indon Buffalo Drumlets ($7.80) and Nasi Goreng ($11.80). Capitol Piazza, 15 Stamford Road #01-84 Singapore 178884 (Image: Naughty Nuri’s Facebook Page)10. Butter My Buns
Established by the duo-team behind Tiramisu Hero, the cheekily named café, Butter My Buns, is cosily tucked in NUS University Town and serves as a perfect place for NUS students to partake of a hearty meal before heading to lectures. Prices are kept really low for the students with small breakfast bites such as Waffle Hash costing only $2.50 and creamy Scrambled Eggs at $3. Topped with the café’s special basil and mustard sauce, the mischievously named Bastard Dog ($3) makes for a perfect, quick lunch in between seminars. Alternatively, if you have the luxury of time, get the fluffy Honey Truffle Waffles ($12). Food is freshly prepared upon ordering, so be prepared to wait for quite some time. NUS, University Town, Stephen Riady Centre, 2 College Avenue West #01-07 Singapore 138607 (Image: Butter My Buns’s Facebook Page)11. Two Plus One
While we certainly have no lack of dessert cafes in recent years, far flung places like Woodlands have been rather neglected from the equation until now. The opening of Two Plus One finally gives Woodlanders an ice cream parlour situated within the vicinity to satiate their sweet indulgences. Currently in soft launch mode, Two Plus One is out to tantalize your cravings with their assortment of ice cream flavours including Bubblegum Cotton Candy (pictured) and Mocha Biscuit & Chips (from $3.80). Get those fluffy Waffles (from $4.50) or the oozing Lava Cake ($5.80) to complement your ice cream. For the night owls, you'll be glad to know that this café stays open till midnight on weekdays and Sundays, and closes only at 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays. 30 Woodlands Avenue 1 #01-01 The Woodgrove Singapore 739065 (Image: Two Plus One Facebook Page)12. The Lookout at Customs House
Boasting a spectacular view of the Marina Bay skyline and Central Business District in their 360 degree glory, 23 metre high The Lookout at Customs House sets the stage for an unprecedented and unforgettable waterfront fine dining experience. The restaurant goes out of its way to conceive the perfect mood for momentous occasions with their ”Dining Under The Stars” programme that includes a complimentary arrival and departure transfer to and fro The Lookout in a chauffeured vintage Rolls Royce. Choose between the carefully curated Cocktails Menu ($588++ for two) that includes caviar and oyster buffet with free flowing Veuve Clicquot Yellow Brut Champagne NV for 2 hours, or the Degustation Dinner Menu with Sommelier’s Wine Pairing Selections ($588++ for two) that comprises of exquisite platters like Angel Hair Sea Urchin Showkombu and 100 grams Queen Kaluga Caviar . The Customs House 70 Collyer Quay, Fullerton Square Singapore 049323 (Image: The Lookout at Customs House)Written by Tan Siew Bee & Peh Yi Wen