With all the hype over major events such as the opening of Jewel and Shilin-inspired Night Market in April, it’s time to take things down a notch and bask in some slow and easy vibes. Make May the month for a rendezvous in a speakeasy bar or a casual catch-up in a luxe F&B with pampering gourmet food.

For a change from the usual café-hopping and quick Instagrammable bites, wind down with classy nosh and artisanal concoctions for drinks. We found quiet spots right in the city hidden away from its hustle and bustle.

Here is our curated list of 10 new openings for you to drop by this May. We made sure to include an izakaya, some quiet places with lip-smacking bowls, plus a couple of enclaves to explore over toasts with tipples.

Photo Credit: 51 Soho

51 SOHO

51 Soho is a luxurious restaurant that bathes you in blue light and serenades you with acoustics as you step in. Their all-day dining concept elevates one-bowl lunch meals in the Central Business District with their Pan Seared Chicken Breast. Dinner with them is made interesting with Salmon & Pearl.

51 Telok Ayer St, #01-01
Singapore 048441
Tel: +65 9755 1058
Mon to Fri: 8am – 11pm
Sat: 10am – 11pm
Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

B BAR

Rendezvous over tipples at b bar, a speakeasy beyond the Wines and Spirits alley in habitat by honestbee. Slide open their full-length mirror facade of a door and step into a green-hued classy bar that is heavily enshrouded in darkness. Their cocktails are grouped by alcohol content; look forward to stellar grub too, such as our favourite rosemary fries.

34 Boon Leat Terrace, #01-01
Singapore 119866
Mon to Fri: 5pm – 12am
Sat: 12pm – 12am
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Pasir Panjang

Photo Credit: botany.sg

BOTANY BY DAZZLING CAFE

Dazzling Cafe may have closed but you can still get your honey toast fix at Botany By Dazzling Cafe—co-owned by local actress Julie Tan. Dine slow by the river where sinful eating coexists with healthy nosh.

86 Robertson Quay, #01-03
Singapore 238245
Tel: +65 6951 4861
Mon to Fri: 9am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 8:30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Photo Credit: CHEEK BISTRO

CHEEK BISTRO

CHEEK BISTRO takes over Cheek By Jowl but with a cheeky and different direction. Their menu pushes out small and large sharing plates with familiar flavours but in exciting guises with bold flavour combinations or unconventional executions. Think Beef Tartare with millet and desserts such as Goat Cheese Parfait with berries.

21 Boon Tat St
Singapore 069620
Tel: +65 6221 1911
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2:30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat: 6pm – 10:30pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: Idlewild

IDLEWILD

Plan your next cocktail destination to Idlewild. They give you a globetrotter experience with drinks inspired by 10 cities along the popular Transatlantic Route—Dublin, Rome, Lima, Lisbon, New York, Casablanca, London, Paris, Mexico City, and Havana. Signatures include Rooster of Barcelos and Journey of Limun.

80 Middle Rd
Lobby Level
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 6825 1045
Tue to Thu & Sun: 5pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 2am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Bugis

JW360° CAFE

JW360° is a Japanese concept store that comprises JW360° Cafe, Suju Restaurant, and a retail corner called Nomono. Try their ultra premium strawberry gelato made from Amao strawberries after enjoying Western-influenced Japanese cuisine. Their Mixed Katsu set is crispy and their Gindara Misozuke Yaki features a grilled miso-marinated codfish that easily melts in your mouth.

78 Airport Boulevard, #01-223/224/225
Jewel Changi Airport
Singapore 819666
Tel: +65 6243 2466
Daily: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

Photo Credit: Olivia Restaurant & Lounge 

OLIVIA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

Nestled in the Keong Siak neighbourhood in KeSa House is Olivia Restaurant & Lounge which is a window into dining in Barcelona. Their menu embodies a Mediterranean essence with elevated homestyle cooking so you can relax late into the evening over their dishes. Some highlights are their Japanese Tuna Cheek and Olivia’s Creamy Homemade Cheesecake.

55 Keong Saik Rd
Singapore 089158
Tel: +65 6221 0522
Tue to Sat: 9am – 2:30pm, 6pm – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays & Sundays)
Nearest Station: Outram Park

THE DRAGON CHAMBER

Singapore’s only speakeasy restaurant, The Dragon Chamber, has reopened behind a corner fridge in an unassuming coffee shop. With its enigmatic “secret society” decor, it is a spot to visit at least once for the experience. Complete it with their Wagyu Truffle Beef Hor Fun which still gets us raving and their Dragon’s Claw which remains a showstopper for the brave.

2 Circular Rd
Singapore 049358
Tel: +65 6805 8181
Mon to Fri: 10am – 12am
Sat: 5pm – 12am
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Photo Credit: The Old Man

THE OLD MAN

‘The Old Man and the Sea’ is a novel on perseverance in pursuit of a big fish and, in that same vein, The Old Man is Agung Prabowo’s big catch and dream. This award-winning cocktail bar is furnished with touches of island life. Order inventive sips like Death In The Afternoon which blends absinthe, sparkling wine, and coconut-pandan yoghurt or A Farewell To Arms for a safe favourite.

YUJIN IZAKAYA

Yujin Izakaya is tucked away along Zion Road with dynamic manga scenes hung on their wall. Step past their metal mesh doors to an open kitchen for creative bites inspired by traditional Japanese izakaya. Their menu includes cold and hot appetisers, smokey grilled dishes, beautifully singed skewered items, lip-smacking bowls, and light desserts.

56 Zion Rd
Singapore 247781
Tel: +65 6235 0429
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 12am
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru