CASA MANINI

14B Kensington Park Rd; tel: 6281-1286 

“If you like that homely environment and equally good Italian fare, you must make a visit to this family-run restaurant. Its Rosemary Flatbread, Crab Linguine and the Australian Black Angus Prime Rib steak, accompanied by its great selection of red wine, is my idea of a perfect dinner.”

Jonathan Chia, art director 

HVALA 

#01-04/05 Chijmes

“As an ex tea lover, I really enjoy sipping into its Hojicha Latte with either the Goma (black sesame) or Sweet potato cake. Plus, I love the relaxed vibe of this minimalist cafe – it’s a spot I’d visit for a few hours of peace.”

Jonathan Chia, art director 

LA TAPERIA

#02-10/11 Shaw Centre; 6737-8336

“My family is crazy for Spanish cuisine and having tried various places here, this newly renovated restaurant is the one we always return to for its honest-to-goodness fare and unpretentious setting.”

Keng Yang Shuen, senior features writer

MICRO BAKERY

#01-05 Serene Centre; tel: 8339-4133

“I adore this charming hole-in-the-wall bakery for its earnest baked goods especially the sourdough – well-worth making a trek down to the Bukit Timah area for. The Big Breakfast is my personal favourite while another standout is the House Ricotta Tartine, but do note that it tends to sell out early. P.S. They’ve gotten so popular that they opened a second branch at Katong.”

Keng Yang Shuen, senior features writer

BUTCHER’S BLOCK

#02-02 Raffles Arcade; tel: 6337-1886

“This is a great place to go for a treat-yourself type of day and so far, I’ve pleasantly enjoyed their weekend lunch menus that include their famous tostadas like the Big Eye Tuna & Chipotle Mayo and mains like the Garum Cheese Burger. Don’t forget to complete the experience with a tipple of your choice. They carry a broad range of wines and at the moment, my personal fave is the sweet and organic Kindeli ‘Primavera’ Pet-Nat Rose from New Zealand.”

Margaux Levy, contributing writer

CAFE DE NICOLE’S FLOWER 

#01-01 UNI Building; tel: 8338-8511

“This Telok Kurau hotspot is chockfull of freshly cut flower arrangements (there’s an in-house florist in the shop) and is one to visit if you’re looking for some great shots for the ‘Gram. During my last trip there with a friend, we simply enjoyed their speciality drinks like the Alice In Wonderland and Mermaid Tears along with the delish Brioche Bread Toast and super fluffy Original Souffle Pancake. They’ve recently announced a dinner menu too, so it’ll be time for me to head back for a second try.” 

Margaux Levy, contributing writer

THE ORIGINAL BOAT NOODLE HOUSE 

#02-46 Bugis Junction; tel: 6665-0246

“It’s not unusual for me to walk out of the stall after my meal with a few takeaway boxes of boat noodles in my hand. The sweet and spicy sauce that accompanies the meatballs is 100/100.”

Hisyam A Rahman, senior graphic designer

TIPO

785 North Bridge Road; tel: 8768-0785

“This DIY pasta place boasts an interesting selection of garlic- & beetroot-infused flavours. Top off all that goodness with its choice of sauces that range from the Pomodoro to (my personal favourite) Beef Ragu.”

Hisyam A Rahman, senior graphic designer

PUJIM

#01-00, 82 Amoy Street; tel: 6224-1588

“Order the Pujim Shovel for its selection of quality beef and pork that will feed four hungry mouths sufficiently. Also, the servers will help to cook the meat according to your preferred doneness so you can concentrate on drinking soju.”

Chia Wei Choong, fashion editor

SARI RATU

20 Pahang Street; tel: 6294-9983 

“If I have to choose my last meal on earth, I’ll choose a hearty serving of Nasi Padang without a second thought. Singapore-based Indonesian photographer Ivanho Harlim introduced me to this underrated restaurant (you don’t get more legit than that) which whips up a smorgasbord of dishes daily, prepared by a team of Indonesian chefs. These are the must-haves you’ll find on my plate each time I’m there: a dollop of its fragrant and rich Beef Rendang, Terong Balado and Sayur Pucuk Ubi. Everything else on the menu is added bonus.”

Imran Jalal, digital editor

SUNDAY FOLKS

#01-52 Chip Bee Gardens; tel: 6479-9166

“I’m not big on desserts but I can never turn down a good serving of ice-cream. This Holland Village establishment is where I go to for a guilty indulgence of churned ice-cream served on top of freshly baked Belgian waffles. Earl Grey Lavender ice-cream+ waffles = Heaven.”

Imran Jalal, digital editor