When it comes to Singapore’s culinary scene, there’s always more to discover. Exclusive pop-ups regularly bring unique new gastronomic experiences to our door, and chef collaborations continually yield creative and delicious results. And of course, who could forget the inventive new restaurants that are finding their place on our shores? From dining concepts by famed international chefs to buzzy new nightlife destinations, there seems to be something for everyone to look forward to.
Two years after it was first announced, world-renowned Dutch chef Sergio Herman finally unveils Le Pristine. Marking his first restaurant in Southeast Asia, the casual fine dining concept is infused with his love for music, art and fashion. On the menu at Le Pristine is a cuisine described by Herman as “New Italian”—a combination of authentic Italian flavours with his own Zeeland heritage. The result? Rich, innovative dishes that offer a fresh take on one of Europe’s most well-known cuisines.
For a more casual spot, there’s also Bar Bon Funk. Following the success of Le Bon Funk, chef-owner Keirin Buck’s new concept is a chic neighbourhood cocktail bar situated in the ever-happening New Bahru. Head here for classic and seasonal tipples done well, and a food selection focused on quality produce. Also at New Bahru is Clos, a charming French restaurant with its own artisanal deli and extensive wine collection.
Ahead of your next big night out, look to our list of the city’s most exciting new restaurants to check out.
1 / 4
Le Pristine Singapore
For your next big occasion meal—this is undoubtedly the table to book. Three Michelin-starred Sergio Herman makes his Southeast Asian debut with Le Pristine Singapore, which joins the lineage of Le Pristine restaurants in Antwerp and Tokyo. Ascend the grand staircase of the newly reopened Grand Hyatt Singapore to enter the restaurant, and you immediately get the sense that Le Pristine’s universe extends far beyond its food.
Infused with Herman’s love for music and art, Le Pristine’s show stopping interiors include artwork handpicked by the chef, featuring artists he has had longstanding collaborations with in the course of his career. Look out for Dutch collective Rotganzen’s melted disco ball sculptures studding the walls, clueing you into the idiosyncratic mood present at Le Pristine. Meanwhile, a cavernous wine tunnel looks straight out of the future, lined with dual cubbies perfect for date night alongside housing the restaurant’s extensive wine collection.
On the menu is a cuisine described by Herman as “New Italian”—a combination of authentic Italian flavours with his own Zeeland heritage. Available through both a tasting and a la carte menus, the seafood-centric culinary offering at Le Pristine is an elegant display of Herman’s powers of a chef. Must-tries include the Cannelloni Mussels, where tender mussels are wrapped in delicate pasta, perfectly showcasing the harmony between clean flavours from Zeeland and the elegance of Italian cuisine; and the Le Pristine Signature Seafood Orecchiette, a signature at all Le Pristine locations, an amalgamation of fresh seafood with a light yet intensely savoury nduja sauce. Don’t miss out on the housemade à la minute Vanilla Ice Cream either, made fresh to order and finished tableside with a grand spectacle.
Le Pristine Singapore, 10 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228211
2 / 4
Bar Bon Funk
New Bahru continues to be the gift that keeps on giving with progressive openings unfolding within the creative compound over the last few months. The latest, of course, is chef-owner Keirin Buck’s new venture, Bar Bon Funk. After finding success with Le Bon Funk, the gastro wine bar on Club Street that took Singapore by storm since its opening six years ago and with a second outlet in Holland Village, Buck is dipping his toes into the vibrant local cocktail bar scene with this fresh offshoot.
Intimate and atmospheric, Bar Bon Funk uses timber-panelled walls, lush design and a deep colour palette to set its loungey atmosphere—akin to an elevated dive bar where cosy conversations feel more in place than boisterous noise. A music-centric venue, the bar is enveloped in the sound of vintage McIntosh amplifiers and custom Altec A5 speakers, complemented by a turntable in the front bar as well as a cassette player.
The beverage programme is led by head bartender Josiah Chee, who brings almost a decade of experience from local mixology institutions such as Jigger & Pony, 28 Hong Kong Street and Employees Only Singapore. A mix of creative concoctions and reinvented classics, the cocktails here are nothing short of excellent. But don’t expect the food menu to play second fiddle. Designed by Buck himself, the culinary offering at Bar Bon Funk spans addictive light bites (try the tangy Pickled Egg, English Mustard and Dill Pollen) to heartier plates suitable for sharing.
Bar Bon Funk, 46 Kim Yam Rd, #02-01
3 / 4
Wild Blaze
Upon entrance, Wild Blaze sings of an easy, light-filled ambience, sans the dark, dim interiors that often shroud most steakhouses. But that’s not to say you shouldn’t take it seriously—sleek marbled walls, posh leather seats and towering chandeliers and all. Chef-owner Nic Ong, who cut his teeth at Brasserie Gavroche for 13 years, brings his expertise in French culinary to his very own establishment. Expect the usual suspects of French Onion Soup as well as the signature Pâté en Croute, with filling of chicken liver, pigeon, duck, pork, sweetbreads and a layer of truffle madeira jelly delicately cased in a shortcrust pastry. The escargots here also boast their own piquant charm, in a special bake within fluffy garlicky pastry rounds. An addictive morsel after morsel, which feels like a snail-meet-garlic bread creation.
As for the restaurant’s bragging rights on the meat depo, Wild Blaze sources beef from Rubia Gallega, a producer in Northwestern Spain known for raising cattle with a high marbling. As a result, the meat tastes nuttier with a deep umami finish. It’s hard to go wrong with steak of this calibre, as we found in the wagyu ribeye. Grilled medium rare over a mix of applewood, cherry wood and lychee wood, a slab of this with a sprinkle of salt would already be perfect, but the bearnaise sauce on the side serves well as a delectable alternative. Of course, no steak would be complete without its frites; Wild Blaze does a mean serving of twice-fried shoestring fries. But do save space for their Signature Mac & Cheese Gratin, that left us blissfully sated yet still craving for more.
Wild Blaze, 66 Tras St, Singapore 079005
4 / 4
Le Clos
Nestled in a quaint corner of New Bahru lies a charming new French restaurant, Clos. As its name, which translates to ‘enclosed’ in reference to the walled vineyards in France, suggests, Clos transports the flavourful richness from the vineyards into its very own wine cellar—housing 800 labels of variegated artisanal wines. With well-versed sommeliers on hand, the restaurant is well set to be the latest go-to hotspot for oenophiles to visit. Step in and a spacious delicatessen welcomes you, showcasing an array of fine cheese, charcuterie and accoutrements. Go through the curtains and you’ll find a wine bar and restaurant within the intimate space, offering warm, homey familiarity—perfect for sipping Apéritifs over catch-ups with friends.
The journey of wine pairing begins with some bubbly. We recommend the Drappier Brut Nature Zéro Dosage, a sip of decadence that sets a celebratory tone for the dining experience. Best coupled with crispy appetisers—like the crunchy octopus tempura paired with tangy, creamy piment d’Espelette mayonnaise, or the crisp pizza dough with Piquillo peppers sandwiched in-between. The food menu includes classics like the Tagliatelle paired with generous chunks of spanner crab and enveloped in a rich lobster bisque. Be sure not to miss the succulent Black Angus ribs, complemented with the Bordelaise sauce. Marrying the marbled steak with the classic velvety French sauce, the dish melts in your mouth and is deeply satisfying.
More than just a French restaurant, Clos is also a dessert haven with a wide selection of pastries and gelatos. Gratify your sweet cravings with the Hazelnut Praline Choux, a simple classic topped with a sumptuous pastry cream, and a hidden hazelnut praline surprise at its centre.
Clos, 46 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239351
