Destination Dining: Far
and Away
Check out these far-flung dining
destinations away from the crowds. By Belinda
Wan
According to various studies,
Singapore is one of the most crowded cities to live in, alongside
other cities like Tokyo and Hong Kong. That’s a fact of life here;
but when dining out, no one wants shoals of people coming into the
restaurant every few minutes; waiting long periods for their food
due to the restaurant’s bursting capacity, or loads of noise from
truckloads of diners that makes conversation impossible—common
things you experience at popular restaurants.
Which explains why far-out dining destinations are fast
springing up and burgeoning in popularity (remember the impact of
Dempsey and Rochester Park when they first burst onto the scene?).
These places often boast interesting ambiances; and are sometimes
more affordable than restaurants in prime areas. Here’s
I-S’ pick of the best, off-the-beaten-track restaurants to
visit.
To Water, To
Water
Most of us are unable to resist the allure of dining by water.
After all, what better way to forget the big, bad world than with
an intimate wind-down dinner by the sea or harbor? These
restaurants are a great bet for big fans of waterside
dining.
Braise
60 Palawan Beach Walk, Sentosa, 6271-1929.
In brief: A fine dining European restaurant in
Sentosa.
The vibe: Expect a romantic and intimate ambiance
at this glass-paneled restaurant close to the beach. But bring a
shawl—it can get really cold indoors. The food:
Loads of meat. Try the beef carpaccio with capers, onion and tuna
sauce ($26); capellini with seared Hokkaido scallops, parmesan
veloute ($26); and Pork Three Ways ($42).
How to get there: Nearest MRT is HarbourFront.
From MRT, take a bus or monorail to the Beach Station. Walk 10
minutes to reach Amara Sanctuary Resort.
Mana Mana Beach
Club
1212 East Coast Parkway, Area E, 6339-8878.
In brief: A watersports club, Mana Mana Beach Club
has a good feel about it.
The vibe: A relaxing one that you can totally
chill out to (Note: Even though this is a club you don’t have to be
a member). The Italian and Western food is also unbelievably cheap,
and the sea breeze blowing through your hair will ensure that you
look (and feel) chic as well.
The food: Unpretentious and hearty. Try the
herb-crusted salmon ($16), baby back ribs ($16), Mana Mana burger
($10), chicken roulade ($15) and warm lava cake ($10.50).
How to get there: Nearest MRT is Bedok. Take bus
196 or 197, alight at Eastern Lagoon Condominium and use the
underpass to ECP.
Prive
Marina at Keppel Bay, 2 Keppel Bay Vista, 6776-0777.
In brief: Set up by Michel Lu and Oeij Yuan Siang,
the 88-seater Prive (it means “privacy” in French) is a cool mix of
a bar, bakery and gastrobar.
The vibe: What’s really charming about Prive is of
course, the view—cross a bridge that is gorgeously lit at night;
gaze at yachts in the harbor and take in a lovely night view of the
condos opposite. The bar outdoors has large lounge sofas and huge
potted plants, and the fine dining restaurant is all New York
minimalist chic indoors.
The food: Dig into Continental offerings like the
poached Hokkaido scallop lasagne ($38), roast boneless quail with
foie gras and spinach ($38); and the molten center chocolate
souffle ($18).
How to get there: Nearest MRT is HarbourFront.
From the MRT, take a taxi or walk 20 minutes. Or take buses 10, 30,
97, 131, 145, 166, 143, 100, 57 to Telok Blangah Road and alight at
bus stop after Seah Im Road.
Silk Road of the
Sea
60 Palawan Beach Walk, Sentosa, 6377-4248.
In brief: Silk Road of the Sea is the
seafood-oriented cousin of the established Silk Road
Restaurant.
The vibe: Very laidback and resort-like. Located
right by Palawan Beach, Silk Road of the Sea has an idyllic vibe,
and a lovely view of the blue sea and skies. Sit indoors for
air-conditioned comfort, or go alfresco to soak in more of the
beach feel.
The food: Tracing the South China/Mediterranean
journey of Marco Polo, there are loads of seafood offerings here,
and Szechuan, Liaoning, Shaanxi and Beijing cuisines (plus
Mediterranean, Indonesian and Thai influences) that replicate his
historic route. Must-tries are the crab in Sichuan dried chili and
peppercorn ($3.80 per 100 grams); garoupa in Sichuan hot and spicy
beancurd ($7.50 per 100 grams) and stir-fried prawns in wasabi
sauce coated with shredded potato ($21).
How to get there: Nearest MRT is HarbourFront.
From MRT, take a bus or monorail to the Beach Station. Walk 10
minutes to reach Amara Sanctuary Resort.
Offbeat
Offerings
Sometimes, you cherish a place for the particular feel it
has—especially a random, off-kilter, slightly elusive feeling that
makes you feel you’re not really in busy Singapore, but somewhere
exciting and off-the-radar. These restaurants (all in Bukit Timah)
have an indie feeling about them, for diners who want to escape
without going too far.
Don Quijote Spanish
Restaurant (NEW)
#01-09, 17 Lor. Kilat, 6465-1811.
In brief: Don Quijote is one of the latest and
best places for tapas, and is tucked away off the beaten
track.
The vibe: Quiet and tranquil. Located just off the
Upper Bukit Timah Road, Don Quijote is comfortably far from
everything.
The food: Expect a wide range of Spanish tapas and
paella. Tapas comprise usual suspects like Spanish meatballs,
sauteed mushrooms and garlic prawns. Don’t miss the tabla de Don
Quijote (mixed platter of ham, sausages and cheese, $30); almejas a
la marinera (clams in garlic, onion and white wine “Quijote” sauce,
$19), rabo de toro (oxtail stew, $28) and paella Don Quijote
special ($36-80).
How to get there: Nearest MRT is Clementi. Take
bus 171 and alight at bus stop at Jalan Jurong Kechil.
Firestation Hillside
Gastrobar (NEW)
274 Upper Bukit Timah Rd., 6465-0600.
In brief: Located in a disused part of an old
firestation, Firestation Hillside gastrobar is a novel dining
experience.
The vibe: After you’ve finally found the place (a
bit of a challenge as it’s quite hidden), you’ll love the respite
you get from the concrete jungle. Most of the space here is
alfresco—diners sit on the large wooden patio out front and the
charming little back garden is perfect for a spot of chilling with
a beer.
The food: No fancy fare here—the menu consists of
tapas, pizzas, salads, soups, pastas, main courses and desserts.
The ambiance, not the grub, is more the hook here. However, the
Hoegaarden beer battered fish and chips ($18), smoked duck pizza
($22), Firestation gourmet burger ($24) and grilled tenderloin
($30) are good to try.
How to get there: From town, take buses 67, 75,
170, 184, 852, 961, 171 or 173, and alight at the bus stop opposite
the old firestation.
Raw Kitchen Bar
(NEW)
276 Bukit Timah Rd., 6467-3987.
In brief: A fusion restaurant hidden in Bukit
Timah, and situated right next to Firestation.
The vibe: Adorned with paintings, raw concrete
walls and quirky mismatched furniture, the place feels like
someone’s zany home. The warm, cozy service plays a part too.
Co-owner Javier is a personable kind of guy, so don’t be surprised
if he starts chatting to you. Both indoor and alfresco options are
available.
The food: A funky mix of Japanese, Thai and
Italian. Have a go at the seared tuna ($14), salt and pepper squid
($8), crispy duck ($24) and the tenderloin ($32).
How to get there: From town, take buses 67, 75,
170, 184, 852, 961, 171 or 173, and alight at the bus stop just
opposite the fire station.
Pastoral
Paradise
Stop bemoaning the fact that Singapore is a cold jungle of steel
and glass—there are nice eateries nestled in far-flung locations
with a tranquil pastoral vibe. You have to travel a little bit to
get to these restaurants, but fortunately in Singapore nothing is
really very far away.
Cicada
7 Portsdown Rd., 6472-2100.
In brief: Another Michel Lu venture, Cicada is
located in the leafy confines of Portsdown Road, and serves a cool
mix of Californian and French cuisine.
The vibe: Imbued with a cozy, private feel, this
is the place to carry out your secret dates—it’s pretty much
removed away from the crazy hustle-and-bustle of Orchard Road.
Check out the patio that comes with a retractable awning—plus a
lawn that takes up a staggering 6,000 square meters of garden
space.
The food: We recommend the crab Caesar salad
($15.60), tuna salad ($15.90), The Infamous Cicada Burger ($28.90),
slipper lobster capellini ($27) and the peanut butter chocolate
brownie crunch cake ($13).
How to get there: Nearest MRTs are Commonwealth
and Buona Vista. It’s advisable to hop into a cab from
there.
Mimolette Restaurant &
Bar
55 Fairways Dr., 6467-7748.
In brief: Serving up American cuisine, Mimolette
is a hidden gem in Fairways Drive.
The vibe: This small, intimate setup is great for
those who are a little old-world and romantic at heart. Mimolette
is infused with a rustic tranquility and a distinct pastoral feel
that reminds one of Dempsey but without the crowds. It almost feels
like countryside here, and it’s a fab idea to go alfresco to max
out your experience.
The food: The pan-fried foie gras ($28),
pan-seared Angus tenderloin ($40), slow cooked roasted rack of lamb
($38) and benoffi pie ($16) are recommended. Quick tip: Mimolette
is popular for brunch, and is open till midnight on Tue-Sat for
drinks.
How to get there: Take a cab.
Ristorante
Pietrasanta
#10-03, 5B Portsdown Rd., 6479-9521.
In brief: Also a Portsdown Road resident, this
restaurant dishes out good, authentic Tuscan chow and is relatively
new in the dining scene.
The vibe: Rustic and cozy—think pottery, and
wooden tables and chairs. The ambiance is unpretentious but
absolutely delightful.
The food: Check out the Angus T-bone steak (less
than $150 for 1.1 kilograms), pan-fried snails ($13.90), squid-ink
tagliolini with tomato sauce and crab meat ($24.90) and bistecca
Fiorentina ($54).
How to get there: Nearest MRTs are Commonwealth
and Buona Vista. Hop into a cab from there.
Go Green
Singapore prides itself on being a garden city and a “tropical
paradise,” but it’s surprisingly hard it is to find an outdoor
restaurant in the city that has lots of greenery. They do exist,
however, at these places.
Casa Verde
(NEW)
Singapore Botanic Gardens, Visitors Centre, 1 Cluny Rd.,
6467-7326.
In brief: The newish Casa Verde is a collaboration
between Les Amis Group; and Oscar and Tracy Pasinato, the couple
behind the ever-popular Buko Nero.
The vibe: Casa Verde has won half the battle with
its beautiful park location. But if you’re a stickler for privacy,
do note that this place is packed most of the time, especially
during weekends when families and pooches descend. That’s when the
service somewhat struggles to keep up.
The food: The straightforward menu comprises
salads, pastas, pizzas, mains and Asian dishes. We like the
delicious bacon burger ($15) and the spaghetti carbonara ($15). At
night the menu changes into a trattoria one, with wood-fired oven
pizzas being the highlight.
How to get there: From Holland Road, take buses 7,
105, 123, 174, 75, 77 and 106; from Bukit Timah Road, take buses
66, 151, 153, 154, 67 and 171.
Halia
Restaurant
Ginger Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Rd.,
6476-6711.
In brief: Also in the Singapore Botanic Gardens,
Halia serves Continental and Asian cuisine.
The vibe: Halia is worth visiting for its good
food and getaway-from-the-city feel. Blessed with a gorgeous
location, this is an excellent place for a leisurely meal amid
loads of greenery on the shaded deck (or you can also head for the
air-conditioned indoors). Villa Halia, its extension, houses a wine
bar, an alfresco courtyard and a gallery room.
The food: Continental and Asian touches crossover
nicely in dishes like the crisp black pepper soft shell crab with
wasabi aioli (lunch $14, dinner $18), pepper-crusted tuna tataki
(lunch $15, dinner $24), shrimp satay (lunch $17, dinner $20) and
“teh tarik halia” sorbet (dinner only, $11).
How to get there: From Holland Road, take buses 7,
105, 123, 174, 75, 77 and 106; from Bukit Timah Road, take buses
66, 151, 153, 154, 67 and 171.
KHA
#02-02, 33 Hyderabad Rd., 6476-9000.
In brief: KHA is a modern Thai restaurant located
in the lovely HortPark.
The vibe: It doesn’t get greener than the lush and
very pretty HortPark. KHA certainly scores for effort: There’s nice
greenery, and a pretty alfresco area. Try to go alfresco—there is a
stunning view that you can’t really see from the minimalist
interior.
The food: It’s all traditional Thai food executed
with a modern twist. Check out the spicy grilled salmon soufflÈ on
lemongrass ($16), Thai crab and prawn cakes ($16) and roasted duck
red curry ($27).
How to get there: Take buses 166, 100, 97, 61 and 51. KHA is a
five-minute walk from the main road.
La Villa
(NEW)
341 River Valley Rd., 6836-5286.
In brief: This is the addition to the Senso Group,
located in the old River Valley Primary School.
The vibe: The interior is tranquil-overlooking a
small garden and field, with tables outside where you can dine
alfresco. It’s really pretty hip, and with the luxury watch and
jewelry companies that have taken up residence here, elegant too.
Parking here is plentiful—a wonderful bonus.
The food: Great bets include the La Villa salad
($18), homemade pappardelle with Italian pulled pork ($18) and the
La Villa pizza ($18).
How to get there: Take the MRT to City Hall
(Orchard station is closer but harder to get to the restaurant
from). At City Hall, take Exit B and take buses 32 or
195.
Olive
Ristorante
Labrador Park, 30 Labrador Villa Rd., 6479-2989.
In brief: Serving up European and Italian food,
Olive Ristorante is in the lovely confines of Labrador Park.
The vibe: Getting here involves some effort if
you’re not in a car—you have to huff and puff up the steep and
winding Labrador Villa Road. But Olive Ristorante at the top is
lovely; exuding romantic, escapist rustic charm with its simple
wood furnishings and lush surroundings.
The food: Not too bad—try the rack of lamb ($37),
tenderloin ($35) and duck leg confit ($32).
How to get there: Nearest MRT is HarbourFront.
From there, take buses 10, 51 and 143.
Suburbia
30 Allanbrooke Rd., Sentosa., 6376-5938.
In brief: Run by the guys behind Wine Network in
Dempsey, Suburbia is a chic restaurant in the old two-storey Ficus
Station (a stop on Sentosa’s monorail).
The vibe: Housed in a glass-paneled building,
Suburbia is flanked on both sides by tons of greenery. The vibe
here is soothing and intimate—yet smart and stylish.
The food: The soft shell crab linguine ($22), filo
pastry escargots ($16), Australian lamb rack ($34) and chocolate
mille feuille ($12) are signatures.
How to get there: Take the Sentosa monorail from
VivoCity and alight at Imbiah station. Take the bus (yellow-line)
to Ficus Tree bus stop.
Verve Bar & Bistro
(NEW)
Blk. 7, Lock Rd., Gillman Village, 6473-3655.
In brief: The erstwhile Turquoise Room has now
morphed into this restaurant that serves European cuisine.
The vibe: Turquoise Room’s garish hues have been
replaced with a more subtle look—stucco white walls and black
trimmings contrasting nicely with the abundant greenery.
The food: Some of Verve’s specialties are the
calamari ($16), confit of duck fettucine ($28), fillet steak ($38)
and pork rack with parma ham and asparagus ($36).
How to get there: Take buses 57, 61, 100, 97 and
166. Verve is a five-minute walk from the main road.
The White
Rabbit
39c Harding Rd., 6473-9965.
In brief: The new darling of Dempsey, The White
Rabbit is opened by the cool folks behind Loof and OverEasy.
The vibe: The White Rabbit is housed in a restored
Ebenezer chapel with stained glass windows, a high ceiling replete
with a slightly old-world, rustic—but hip—feel. We like the
alfresco space that overlooks a small grassy area—perfect for
Sunday brunch.
The food: Their thing is everyday food made
extradordinary: Try signature offerings like The White Rabbit mac
and cheese ($28), chicken and duck liver parfait ($19) and
Tournedos Rossini ($45). Although this restaurant is most popular
for dinner, if you come for lunch, you get a daily set for great
value.
How to get there: From town, take buses 7, 77 and
106.
Food with a
View
In any dense urban center, top views are prized and sought after.
It’s no different with restaurants, and here are some set in
beautiful locations that come with stunning vistas. Check these
out.
The Cliff
The Sentosa Resort & Spa, Sentosa, 2 Bukit Manis Rd.,
6371-1425.
In brief: The Sentosa Resort & Spa’s most
famous restaurant, The Cliff is well-known for its jaw-dropping
views and top notch cuisine by its Chef de Cuisine sand firmament
Shawn Armstrong.
The vibe: Romantic, elegant and endowed with a
sweeping view of the sea, this dimly-lit, fine dining restaurant is
where you go to celebrate a special occasion. The balcony booths
and the bar have the best view.
The food: Armstrong is still going strong with
signature dishes that you should not miss like the shelled mangrove
crab ($29), roasted “true” cod ($72) and the souffle ($18).
How to get there: Take the bus or train (alight at
HarbourFront) to Sentosa and take the monorail.
Empress Jade
(NEW)
The Jewel Box, 109 Mount Faber Rd., 6377-9689.
In brief: Perched atop The Jewel Box, Empress Jade
specializes in old school Chinese cooking with a touch of
contemporary class.
The vibe: With a full-glass enclosure, generous
use of expensive Japanese wood, and a stunning view of the sea,
cable cars in the distance and the entire HarbourFront precinct,
this one’s a must-visit. If you don’t drive, it can be hard to get
to, but the splendid view justifies it.
The food: Conceptualized by renowned Consultant
Chef Jereme Leung and inspired by traditional Singapore Chinese
cuisine, the menu features timeless favorites like the paper
wrapped salt-baked chicken ($24 per portion), fried king prawns
“har lok” ($28 per portion) and the pork liver with spring onions
and ginger in claypot ($16 per portion).
How to get there: Take the MRT to HarbourFront.
Then take a quick cab ride.
Far Out
If you feel like really getting away, these really out-of-the-way
places should do the trick.
Admiral Bar &
Grill
#01-02 Admiral Hill, 345A Old Nelson Rd., 6257-1184.
In brief: A steak and grills joint located in
Sembawang.
The vibe: Located near the MRT station and resting
on Admiral Hill, Admiral has a comfy vibe and nice alfresco area
with much greenery. Overall, it’s got alright grub, a relaxing
ambiance and warm service.
The food: Try the baby back ribs ($14.90), mixed
grill with chicken, beef and prawns ($19.90) and the seafood combo
with prawn, squid and salmon ($24.90).
How to get there: Nearest MRT is Sembawang. Locate
Admiral Hill (it’s nearby) and walk in.
Rider’s
Café
51 Fairways Dr., 6446-9819.
In brief: A chilled-out cafe hidden amid the lush
vegetation surrounding Bukit Timah Saddle Club.
The vibe: Aside from the flora surrounding the
saddle club, you get a great view of horses and riders trotting by
this cafe.
The food: For lunch, check out the chicken
paillard salad ($15) and garlic prawn Portobello ($14); for dinner,
tuck into the herb crusted lamb rack ($29) and Death By Chocolate
cake ($12).
How to get there: Take a cab.
Smoochies Bistro & Bar
(NEW)
#01-10, 991B Alexandra Rd., 6276-7337.
In brief: Smoochies is located inside a
single-floor office building complex—just a short distance away
from Gillman Village. The building used to be the old Institute of
Technical Education campus in Pasir Panjang.
The vibe: This super-hidden bistro has a nice
alfresco area, with live band Acoustic Trip playing every Tuesday
and Thursday. The interior is decked out in refreshing white and
purple accents.
The food: Good quality no-frills Western grub for
unfussy diners.
How to get there: Take buses 57, 175, 100, 133 and
61. Smoochies is a short walk from the main road.
i-s magazine