New Restaurants, Cafes and Bars in Singapore: October 2017

A joint venture by Unlisted Collection and award-winning Australian chef Clayton Wells from Sydney's Automata, Blackwattle is the most talked about restaurant of late, and with good reason. The food is outstanding, ambience is befitting of a classy business lunch and prices are reasonable, which is why we've made plans to return as soon as possible. Prices for a two and three-course set lunch start from $38 while a Prix Fixe Five-Course Meal is $115; a la carte items start from $10. Swing by during lunch and have the affordable Three-Course Set Lunch ($48) that comes with an entree of Kingfish Tartare tossed in crème fraîche and topped with capers, yuzu koshō and fresh plums. For mains, follow Burppler Veronica Phua's lead and get the Barramundi that comes served with hispi cabbage "dressed in an insanely yummy kombu butter and dotted with buckwheat" on the side. End your meal with the crowd favourite Pumpkin Seed Sorbet that is surprisingly creamy and rich in flavour. Pro tip: Treat yourself and get items from the a la carte menu like the Stormshell Clam (from $14 a shell) that comes with rosemary dashi and aerated cream as well as the Grilled Duck Hearts ($12) that come with burnt onion mustard and a dash of viking salt.
Avg Price: $60 per person
Photo by Burppler Veronica Phua

While exploring the Kampong Glam enclave, cool down and treat yourself to a refreshing scoop of Italian ice cream. This new takeaway shop on Arab Street serves up some seriously good Gelato (from $3.90), and we love the array of flavours that veer off the beaten gelato track — chocolate chilli or orange with ginger, anybody? Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua enjoyed his scoop of strawberry mint gelato, which he describes to be tart, cooling and palate cleansing. For something richer, try the pistachio or the mascarpone with dates and walnuts. Burppler Veronica Phua likes that the gelato here is really thick and smooth, slightly sticky and brims with flavour — exactly how it should be.
Avg Price: $5 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua

This new addition to Icon Village is perfect for a fun lunch in the CBD. Don't be put off by the fancy decor — Burppler Jonathan Teo attests to Maru's very reasonable prices. Inspired by the cuisines of Japan, Vietnam and America, the cooking is bold and creative, and absolutely tasty. The Burpple community is really loving the Grilled Pork Jowl ($18) and Spicy Fried Minced Pork ($13) so far. The former turns out super tender pork slicked in wafu sauce and atop rice, while the latter is glazed with fish sauce and spicy miso, and served with springy noodles. Add a squeeze of lime for a good pop of flavour.
Avg Price: $15 per person
Photo by Burppler Jonathan Teo

Having set up over 20 stores across Asia, this award-winning ramen chain from Tokyo has finally made its way to our shores. Pop into its Suntec city location for a bowl of steaming, soul warming ramen. Keep it simple with the Original King ($13.90), which sees thin, straight noodles swimming in creamy and rich tonkotsu broth; add a perfectly cooked soft boiled egg for $2. Burpplers with heavier palates may prefer the Black King ($15.90). The noodles come with the signature 'black ball' made from minced pork, black sesame and special spices. Stir it into the already thick broth for extra flavour, but bear in mind that its intensity also means this is unlikey to be a soup that'll have you drinking up every last drop. Pro-tip: Make sure you're not pressed for time when you visit — there is often a queue, especially during peak meal times.
Avg Price: $15 per person
Photo by Burppler Dex Neo

Located in the sleepy part of Upper Thomson Road near Casuarina Curry, Thus Coffee is a modern cafe that dishes hearty brunch grub and excellent coffee. It's hard to get to, but well worth the trek, plus the ambience is welcoming and inviting — great for catching up with friends on a lazy Saturday afternoon. Share the Crispy Fish Fingers ($12), an addictive starter that pairs well with Craft Beer ($15) from 1925 Brewing Co. Our Burpple community loves the Hearty Chicken Stew ($16), a lusciously rich and creamy chicken stew cooked with potatoes and carrots, served with a slice of toasted multigrain bread. For brunch lovers, you won't go wrong with the THUS Breakfast ($19) that comes with the full works — two wobbly eggs on top of toasted muffins, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, salad and baked beans. Truffle lovers, don't miss out on their Truffle Ice Cream (from $6), a seemingly plain looking ice cream that packs a strong hit of truffle. Weird, but wonderful! Wash it all down with a Flat White ($5) made with beans roasted in-house, or their Iced Green Shot ($6.50), a matcha-based milk drink with two shots of coffee.
Avg Price: $25 per person
Photo by Burppler Hilary See

Set at the InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay, this vibrant, sprawling space is the latest must-visit place, especially for lovers of Italian food. The multi-concept destination features a restaurant overlooking the Singapore River along with a daytime deli that transforms into a Italian cocktail and dessert come evening. The fun and spacious deli is our favourite concept so far — it serves a scrumptious all-day breakfast menu and coffee from Liberty Coffee, making it one of our top spots for an indulgent weekend brunch, especially when dining in a large group. Settle back for hearty plates like Avocado on Tuscan Toast ($15) and Italian Meatballs Panini ($19), or get your green game one with the Burrata Salad ($19). Save space for the dreamy Profiteroles ($10). Burppler Kris Lim shares that the beautifully dimpled choux puffs are filled with light, airy cream and drizzled over with rich and smooth chocolate sauce.
Avg Price: $30 per person
Photo by Burppler Kris Lim

Set along South Bridge Road, a short stroll from the drinking enclaves of both Boat Quay and Clarke Quay, Babao Dessert is the place to go for an Asian dessert fix. Expect traditional Chinese sweet soups like Rice Dumpling in Ginger Soup ($3) and Mango Sago ($4.50), alongside more modern sweets like Japanese shaved ice (kakigori). Burpple Tastemaker Vanessa Kou says that the kakigori here resembles Korean bingsu. She really liked the Cocoa Kakigori ($8.80). Expect a rich, malty treat with crunchy Milo nougats buried under the mountain of shaved ice. The Mango Kakigori ($11.80) is a fruitier option packed with chunks of freshly cut mango. The creamy espuma topping adds a richer mouthfeel. Pro-tip: They open till 3am on Fridays and Saturdays — perfect for chilling out with your drinking kakis.
Avg Price: $5 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Vanessa Kou

In place of KOKI Tamagoyaki in the basement of Raffles City Shopping Centre, this sandwich stall turns out incredibly satisfying and fuss-free sandwiches. The prices are wallet-friendly too! One of the clear winners, especially among our Burpple Tastemakers, is the 52 Grilled Cheese ($6.90). With three different cheeses (fontina, mozzarella and cheddar) sandwiched between buttery, toasty brioche, this is a classic combi that'll hit the spot. For something more substantial, the Yakiniku Pulled Pork Sandwich ($8.90) that comes packed with tender sous vide pulled pork collar, homemade yakiniku sauce, pickles and the same trio of cheeses in the 52 Grilled Cheese. The result is a meaty, hearty meal, enlivened with spot-on pickles.
Avg Price: $10 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Wei Zhi Chiang

Set in the new and swanky InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay, Wolfgang's Steakhouse is the new it place for meat connoisseurs to celebrate special occasions. Prices are steep, but the combination of stellar meats, personalised service and elegant ambience — think walnut wood floors and alabaster chandeliers — makes this well worth the splurge. The restaurant prides themselves on their dry aged beef. According to Burpple Tastemaker Felicia Sim, the process is carefully carried out in-house in a designated aging room for 28 days, which allows the meat to develop its deep, rich flavour. Taste that in the USDA Prime Dry Aged Porterhouse Steak ($185 for two), which sports a lovely caramelised crust and perfectly pink center. It's great with a side of Creamed Spinach ($11) and a glass of red — wines by the glass start from a decent $18.
Avg Price: $130 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Felicia Sim

Those living in the Hillview area — rejoice! Set up by the Ninepress folks, who are also behind the takeaway coffee stand Kyu Coffee Bar in the CBD, this beautiful cafe is just the place to go to have an intimate catch up session with your friends, or to enjoy a good read with a cup of coffee. Kohi-Ya, which means coffee house in Japanese, is located in the newly built Hillview Community Club, a short walk from Hillview MRT Station. Cool down with a cup of refreshing Iced Cappuccino ($5.50) that comes in a cute miniature fishbowl mug or get your caffeine kick with a Flat White ($4.50). They've recently revamped their menu to do away with starters and desserts, and currently only serve a modest selection of all-day mains like the tasty Squid Ink Orzo Pasta ($18) and the Miso Yuzu Udon ($18). That said, prices are steep for the location and portions run small, so you might want to file this away as a pitstop for just drinks instead.
Avg Price: $10 per person
Photo by Burppler Hilary See

This smart casual new joint in Craig Road is the place for down to earth, honest to goodness Italian. They specialise in handmade pasta, and judging by what the Burpple community has to say so far, they do it really well, and at very affordable prices. Burppler Kenneth Lee really enjoyed the Italian Meatballs ($12.80, with your choice of pasta) — hearty and spot on, it makes a solid lunchtime option for executives working around the area. Burppler Alex Chua on the other hand likes the Prawn & Saffron ($15.80, with your choice of pasta). The pappardelle he chose was thin and soft, while the cream sauce was light with lovely hints of saffron. What won Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua over though was the Martini Grilled Pork ($15.80), which boasts tender meat and comes slicked in a luxurious and sweet glaze. Consider getting the Portobello Fries ($8.80) and gooey Fried Mozzarella ($6.80) to share too. Pro tip: Their default way of cooking the handmade pasta is a little over al dente, so request for it to be al dente if you want a bite in your pasta!
Avg Price: $15 per person
Photo by Burppler Kenneth Lee

This new stall in Berseh Food Centre serves delectable Western plates that way surpass coffeeshop fare, which adequately justifies the slightly higher prices. Start with the Mushroom Soup ($3), which Burppler Jocelyn Ning found flavourful and enjoyable. If you're in the mood for a meaty feast for mains, order the generously portioned Lamb Shank ($15.50), cooked till soft and tender, and served with mashed potato and a salad on the side. For something less rich, the Seafood Pasta ($7.90), which comes with lots of squid, prawns and clams, and cooked with a touch of white wine, is a good option.
Avg Price: $10 per person
Photo by Burppler Jocelyn Ning