GRIGLIA 

37 Craig Road; tel: 8949-7011

“This relatively new spot serves up contemporary Italian fare, with the heart of the menu centred around a custom-built cast iron charcoal grill. Definitely go for the dry-aged porterhouse ‘Fiorentina’ steak – which looks intimidatingly large in portion but is good to share between two or three friends. To finish, try the zesty and delicious Capri in a cake.”

Gordon Ng, writer

GIBSON

2nd Floor, 20 Bukit Pasoh Road; tel: 9114-8385

“Cocktail bars are old hat for plenty of Singaporeans, but Gibson is by far and large my longtime favourite for how welcoming it feels. It’s got a fun menu that celebrates local, regional and Asian ingredients for those who need a bit of help navigating. If you want a bit of a fiery show, be sure to try the Blazer. If, however, you already know what you want to drink, the folks behind the bar have a deft handle on mean classics.”

Gordon Ng, writer

KKI SWEETS

3 Seah Street, tel: 9799-2668

“I don’t know how Kki does it, but their cakes are some of the lightest and most delicious I’ve had. The whole ones are great for birthdays too: in my experience, theirs are the only cakes that get finished in a night. Their spot on Seah Street is well worth a visit. They serve great tea, and it’s a calm and insulated environment where you can enjoy the lovingly-crafted sweets. I’ve also grown to appreciate that the ‘dessert studio’ (their words, not mine) gets almost no data reception. Nice reminder to slow down and appreciate your time with the person you’re going with.”

Gordon Ng, writer

SILK TEA BAR

26A Sago Street, @silk.teabar

“I was recently introduced to this lovely space located in a shophouse in Chinatown and its quiet, contemplative vibes really sit well with me. Opened by two young tea enthusiasts Melody Tan and Xian Tan, they’ve created a little oasis for which Chinese loose leaf tea is the main act, rather than an afterthought. What I appreciate is that the place is not some forbidding monastery where only tea connoisseurs are engaged – as the name suggests, it’s more akin to a library where anyone is welcomed to try various blends of tea.

The menu is extremely concise – aside from various teas (both hot and cold brew) and small nibbles in the form of the traditional snack Kueh Kosui to complement the tea, there’s also a selection of deliciously fizzy cold-brew single-origin honey that is a must-try. I like to think of Silk Tea Bar as a hideaway and the intimate space certainly lends itself well to relaxing conversations, no matter what time of the day you drop by. P.S. they keep late hours.”

Keng Yang Shuen, senior features writer

CUGINI TRATTORIA PIZZERIA

37 Joo Chiat Place, tel: 6243-5215

“On weekends, I like to walk around the Joo Chiat neighbourhood – I like the mix of traditional eateries such as Ampong Yong Tau Foo and buzzy new places – which is how I stumbled upon Cugini. This little trattoria is hard to miss with its striking white and blue facade that makes one think of southern Italian destinations like Sicily and the dishes served, as you’d imagine, are unfussy Italian comfort food at its best.

My recommendations? Go for the risotto with fresh asparagus, smith apples and lobster emulsion (pictured) and the solepomodoro pizza that’s decorated with mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted potatoes, onions and Italian sausages.”

Keng Yang Shuen, senior features writer

AL SOLITO

#03-49 Orchard Plaza, tel: 6735-0763

“Orchard Plaza has steadily become the go-to place for small, hole-in-the-wall outfits opened by entrepreneurial Japanese chefs over the past year. Al Solito, located on the third floor of this battered mall, is one such star boasting similar qualities – at least size-wise (it seats about a dozen at most).

There is no grumpy master behind the bar, however – a friendly young chef runs the place, serving up simple, Italian-by-way-of-Japanese dishes that are cooked with tender care (the cold uni pasta is simply shiok). The atmosphere is convivial and intimate (it would have to be, considering how the counter seats afford you a view of everything the chef is up to) and just the place to unwind with some sake or highballs. Be sure to call ahead for reservations.”

Keng Yang Shuen, senior features writer

MR STORK

Level 39, 5 Fraser St, tel: 6408-1288

“If you’re looking for the perfect spot to have drinks with a view, Mr Stork is a must-visit with your friends or date! I’ve enjoyed cocktails and bar menu from their Mr Stork X pop-up series where they partner with various bar hotspots in Singapore. My personal favourite from their own menu has got to be the Balinese-inspired cocktail called the Barong which consists of Nusa Cana Spiced Rum, Gula Jawa, Pineapple, Lime and Bitters.”

Margaux Levy, contributing writer

DUMPLING DARLINGS

44 Amoy Street, tel: 8223-9249

“The first time I tried Dumpling Darlings was actually on a birthday staycation and it was love at first bite – bringing me back to the times where I’d even make dumplings for myself when I was studying abroad and missed home. Having now been to the restaurant as well, I’d say it’s definitely a whole vibe with its stylish decor and fun menu filled with dumplings galore. My favourite has still got to be The Original that combines minced pork collar, ginger soy sauce, napoa cabbage and black vinaigrette!”

Margaux Levy, contributing writer

MERCI MARCEL ORCHARD

#01-03 Palais Renaissance, tel: 6735-2608

“Merci Marcel’s an amazing spot to visit when in town and when in doubt, I love ordering a large sharing platter of the cheesy Ravioles de Royans and a French 75 cocktail.”

Margaux Levy, contributing writer

TAN YU

#B3-30/32 313 Orchard Road, tel: 6509-8887

“This is my go-to place for communal dining. In fact, if I have to choose between a steamboat night or a dinner at this restaurant that specialises in Chongqing-styled grilled fish, I would choose the latter in a heartbeat. Go for its ‘signature flavour’ which comes overloaded with green peppercorns and a moreish spicy gravy. And while the fish is the star here, the smorgasbord of side dishes are definitely the supporting actors.

The deep-fried sticky rice cake with black sesame is love at first bite thanks to its slightly crunchy crust and the perfect harmony of sweet savoury flavours. I’ll also recommend the delectably refreshing cold spinach salad with cumin seeds – a perfect complement to the spicy dishes. My only gripe: I wish it comes in a bigger portion.”

Imran Jalal, digital editor

HELLO ARIGATO

227 Upper Thomson Rd, @helloarigato.official

“I’ve developed an appetite for sando or Japanese sandwiches since the pandemic began as they are part comfort food, part fuss-free lunchtime grub. One of my favourite finds is this unpretentious little nook in Upper Thomson which serves a tight curation of sando on its menu. On days when I feel indulgent, its Angus beef strip loin sando with caramelised onions is a treat. Otherwise, you cannot go wrong with the tamago sando which contains the holy trifecta of Japanese egg mayo, tamogoyaki and lava egg.”

Imran Jalal, digital editor