There’s always more to uncover when it comes to Singapore’s gastronomic scene. Whether it be inventive culinary concepts and unique dining destinations, there’s bound to be a fresh new venture on our shores month on month.
1-Michelin Nae:um seems to be the gift that keeps on giving. Since introducing its casual sister concept Gu:um down on Keong Saik, chef-owner Louis Han has now opened his discreet doors to Hideaway, a private experience space that is designed like a home away from home. It’s where one can host an intimate soirée in the inviting premise that includes a living room, dining room and open kitchen.
While there’s no shortage of Italian fare on our shores, a new trattoria in Little India certainly makes good on enlivening the heritage district. Opened by 1-Michelin Buona Terra and conceptualised by chef Denis Lucchi, expect high-quality wines and mouthwatering pastas housed in a charming shophouse.
Speaking of renowned names, Greek great Milos is now the latest addition to Marina Bay Sands’ star-studded gastronomic lineup. Having opened in cities like Montreal, New York, Dubai and London, the celebrated Greek restaurant’s debut in Singapore will be its first Asian outpost. From globally sourced ingredients and seafood from the Mediterranean to its time-honoured culinary traditions, discover Greek cuisine like never before. In Milos, large sharing plates go hand in hand with a wide variety of Greek wines as well as cocktails, including a few Singapore-exclusives.
Ahead of your next gathering or weekend out, look to our list of the city’s latest culinary addresses to dine at, each one promising languid vibes and delectable flavours that are worthy of our dynamic food scene.
1 / 5
Locanda
The heartland that is Little India has a charming addition to the neighbourhood and it happens to be a casual spinoff from 1-Michelin starred Buona Terra. Its name Locanda, translates to ‘inn’, traditionally a place of rest in the countryside of Italy that provides simple and hearty fare for weary travellers. The same intention resides here in this cosy Italian trattoria; whether it be its rustic brick walls or jovial service staff, or perhaps its menu that sings of honest and delectable flavours.
As far as starters go, Locanda cheekily dubs bruschetta as Bruscaccia, with a signature focaccia by chef Denis Lucchi. Toppings go from black truffle shavings and cascara cheese to grilled zucchini slices and smoked scamorza. Whilst the menu tends to veer carb heavy, one can also enjoy delightful platters of fresh yellowtail and veal eye round—the latter seared then plated with creamy dollops of tonnato sauce.
The main star of Locanda is undoubtedly the pasta. From dried to fresh shapes, classics to the alternatives, an array of varied iterations can be found on the menu. Think fresh tagliolini enveloped with generous shreds of crab meat, fresh tomato as well as a fresh zing of lemon zest. Then, there’s the octopus ragu tossed with tiny morsels of malloreddus pasta—a piquant, easy-to-devour creation that seals in the goodness of tomato paste, celery, onions and red wine. Those dining in a bigger party can certainly opt for the restaurant’s Spaghetti al Frutti di Mare—laden with garlic sautéed crustaceans like lobster, scampi, red prawns, clams and more. Craving for something other than seafood? A heady, wise choice would fall on the pappardelle drenched in a meat ragu, of different cuts like cheek, tongue and ribs before it’s joined with braised mushrooms.
There has to be room for dessert, especially at Locanda. With a crisp cocoon piped with Artigiana ricotta, Valrhona 55% chocolate, candied orange and Sicilian pistachio, it’s safe to say you can procure the perfect cannolis here.
Locanda, 109 Rowell Rd, Singapore 208033
Enquiries: 9619 2691
2 / 5
Jungle
In an unassuming corner of Ann Siang Hill, a rediscovery of Thai fare awaits. Meet Jungle, where a casual open-fire kitchen is the heart and soul of a menu that contends the usual expectations of Thai food. Putting an emphasis on carefully-sourced ingredients and artisanal processes learned from the region, everything from its refreshing array of appetisers to its slow-cooked meats are both familiar yet new at the same time.
To kick things off light, a tangy-sweet Pomelo-Lemongrass Salad makes for an exciting starter—brightened with dried shrimp and candied coconut. For an interesting twist? Opt for the robust Northern Duck Laab, a rare exploration of the Northern Thai dish that sees a tantalising blend of herbs and spices come together for that kick of heat. At the core of Jungle, is its treatment of its meats on the grill. Like a succulent rendition of the Gai Golae in its Southern Style Charcoal Grilled Chicken, topped with a piping hot red-curry glaze. And standing elite? The mouthwatering Sugarcane Smoked Pork Jowl, a fork-tender cut smoked with lychee wood and sugarcane to attain its sweet undercurrent.
For a heartier addition to the meal, the restaurant’s rich curry dishes are already designed for success. Best enjoyed with rice, both the Beef Panaeng Curry and Southern Crab Yellow Curry serve up simplicity and decadence all in one. Leaving space for dessert at Jungle should also be no issue, especially when the all-too-familiar Grilled Banana Cake drizzled in gula melaka and served with coconut ice cream is bound to hit home.
Jungle, 10 Ann Siang Hill, 069789 Singapore
Enquiries: 8389 2258
3 / 5
Hideaway
To any discerning foodie in the city, Nae:um needs no introduction. Chef Louis Han’s one-Michelin-starred contemporary Seoul cuisine restaurant has cemented a place for itself amongst Singapore’s best restaurants in the four years it has been open. Earlier this year, Han added Gu:um, a modern Korean grill concept, to his repertoire. Now comes a third opening—this time for a more exclusive space.
Occupying the second level of the quaint shophouse unit in which Nae:um sits, Hideaway is a new space open exclusively for private dining. Hideaway feels like a warm and homey cocoon, with ambient lighting, lime plastered walls and linen fabric panelling the windows. Step in and a plush couch greets you in the living room—perfect for lounging in while sipping preprandials and digestifs—before you move into the adjourning dining room, where you’ll find a sprawling natural wood table set with artisanal tableware. Designed for a single party of 14 guests at maximum, or 25 for standing canapes-style receptions, the space has its own dedicated open kitchen where Han and a team of Nae:um’s experienced chefs whip up their culinary magic.
Like at Nae:um, the food at Hideaway is exceptional. Exclusive menus showcase premium ingredients sourced from around the world through a series of both Korean- and locally-inspired dishes. Think seasonal fish sashimi and garden vegetables on a fresh vegetable consommé jelly, enlivened with a piquant vinaigrette; or a seasonal fish course complemented with a rempah butter sauce and perilla fishcake. Guests can also opt to enjoy Nae:um’s episodic menu in their own private enclave, should they wish to do so. For your next intimate soirée, convivial family gathering or special occasion, we can’t think of a more romantic place to gather over animated conversation and delectable cuisine.
Hideaway, 161 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068615
Enquiries: 8830 5016
4 / 5
Estiatorio Milos
Milos needs little introduction. It is a veritable culinary empire—one of the most celebrated Greek restaurants in the world, with outposts everywhere from Athens to Las Vegas. And now, its latest restaurant finds its home in the heart of Singapore. Step in and you’ll find, as with all its other outposts, a spectacular variety of fish air-flown daily from the Mediterranean, extravagantly displayed on ice for you to choose from. Chefs and staff are prepared to offer advice on which to select based on the cooking style of choice, be it sashimi, grilled, or baked in sea salt. Next to that, a display of impossibly vibrant seasonal vegetables sit. This marketplace is the beating heart of Milos.
It is the restaurant’s precise emphasis on the quality of ingredients that makes a meal at Milos so exceptional—and when accompanied by the masterful techniques of the chefs, the results are all the more so. Begin your meal with the Milos Special, a layered tower of paper-thin and lightly fried zucchini and eggplant with a scrumptious tzatziki dip at its centre and pieces of Saganaki Kefalograviera cheese on the side. Another must-try is the Tomato Salad. Vine-ripened beefsteak tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, red onions and Kalamata olives are tossed in extra virgin olive oil then served with barrel-aged feta cheese. It’s a simple and unassuming dish, but one that truly showcases how outstanding the restaurant’s ingredients are.
On the seafood front, try the Octopus, charcoal-broiled until tender with the perfect touch of smoke. There’s also Athenian-style pasta dish Astakomakaronada, an impressive steamed lobster served with linguine in a savoury lobster bisque. You might be tempted to eat your fill, but definitely make sure to save room for dessert, because the Greek Yoghurt Ice Cream is exquisite. With bits of caramelised walnuts and swirls of thyme-honey, it is a wonderfully refreshing sweet treat to close an extraordinary meal.
Estiatorio Milos, 2 Bayfront Ave, B1-48 Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018972
Enquiries: 6688 9977
5 / 5
Sospiri
Sospiri is a small glazed cream-filled pastry from Italy—and the favourite dessert of chef-owner Beppe De Vito growing up in Puglia. It is these joyful childhood memories that inform his latest culinary venture. At once both lavish and chic, Sospiri transports guests to a lively Italian-Mediterranean escape, capturing the essence of Southern Italian cuisine with its fresh ingredients, rich traditions and vibrant flavours.
Start with the Capocollo di Martina Franca, a dish rarely found in Singapore. A beloved street food item in Puglia, olive pettole—think small, savoury doughnut balls stuffed with cheese—are served alongside Apulian cured ham. Simply pull apart the little fritters, stuff them with as much ham as you like, and pop them into your mouth. It’s simple and unpretentious, but this winning combination will prove to be a memorably satisfying bite.
You can’t have an Italian restaurant without fresh pasta, and Sospiri’s offerings certainly don’t disappoint. The Ravioli alla Vaccinara, in particular, is a standout—a dish of hearty oxtail ravioli with pine nuts and a touch of lemon zest to cut through the stronger flavours on the plate. To accompany your meal, try the Orata al Limone. Perfectly tender roasted sea bream is complemented by a hint of acidity from the aromatic Amalfi lemon sauce and sweet-bitter notes from the bed of broccoli rabe it rests atop, making for an outstanding seafood plate.
Sospiri, IOI Central Boulevard Towers, 2 Central Blvd, #07-02, 018916
Enquiries: 9478 0906
