Singapore is known to be a food haven with abundant options such that we always find ourselves spoilt for choice when it comes to making a decision on what to have for our next meal. However, within Singapore itself, there are several enclaves where foodies will find themselves at during the next outing with their mates. Needless to say, Tanjong Pagar is one of them.

Many would think of just Korean restaurants when Tanjong Pagar comes to mind, but beyond that, Tanjong Pagar is home to a slew of cafés, restaurants and eateries. Whether it is Western food or Chinese fare you are looking for, cheap-eats or posh, elegant restaurants to bring your date, Tanjong Pagar has it all.

Here we have sussed out 27 eateries, cafés and restaurants in Tanjong Pagar for you to check out!

BAR-ROQUE GRILL

Awarded with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, Bar-roque Grill is a meat-centric smokehouse offering the best of French European cuisine.

Here you can indulge in decadent French-inspired food, including the esteemed Rotisserie Chicken (S$24/ half chicken) that is made using free-range and hormone-free French breed of chicken.

165 Tanjong Pagar Road #01-00
Singapore 088539
Tel: +65 6444 9672
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat: 6pm – 10.30pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

BEARDED BELLA

Whipping up contemporary brunch fare is Bearded Bella, a Melbourne-inspired café situated along Craig Road. Their coffee beans are sourced from Ethiopia, so coffee-goers should make sure to not skip their signature caffeine beverages.

Otherwise, Bearded Bella also serves a range of substantial, hearty meals that will no doubt leave you satisfied.

8 Craig Road
Singapore 089668
Tel: +65 9880 0775
Mon to Thu: 7.30am – 5pm
Fri: 7.30am – 11pm
Sat to Sun: 7.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

CAKE SPADE

Looking for somewhere to chill out and indulge in desserts after dinner? Score yourself some sweet treats at Cake Spade, one of the most popular dessert spots in Tanjong Pagar.

Cake Spade is best known for their amazing cakes in the likes of Strawberry Tofu Cheesecake and Speculoos Cheesecake; loyal patrons also visit them again for their brownies, crumbles and tarts.

83 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088504
Tel: +65 6444 3868
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 9.30pm
Fri to Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

CHO-WON GARDEN KOREAN RESTAURANT

Situated just a 3-minute walk away from Tanjong Pagar MRT station along Peck Seah Street, Cho-won Garden Korean Restaurant offers some of the best and authentic Korean cuisines in Singapore.

Owned by a Korean ahjumma, you know Cho-won Garden Korean Restaurant is legit when you see many Koreans frequenting this eatery!

2 Peck Seah Street
Singapore 079305
Tel: +65 6225 1317
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Sun: 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

DOCO

Located at International Plaza, DOCO—short for ‘Donburi Coconut’—specialises in wholesome rice bowls that are priced affordably for the masses.

For a hearty and filling meal, we’d suggest that you opt for the Sh-nack Don (S$8.90) which features grilled minced beef and cajun fish sprinkles nestled atop steaming hot Japanese white rice. Don’t forget to get a serving of Doco’s Coconut Soft Serve (S$4.90) for a refreshing treat.

10 Anson Road #01-16
International Plaza
Singapore 079903
Tel: +65 9049 9926
Mon to Fri: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 8pm
(Closed on Saturday and Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

DRURY LANE CAFÉ

Our go-to for delicious brunch over the weekends, Drury Lane Café is a two-storey café located just down the road from Cake Spade.

You can expect an extensive range of food, from hearty, filling meals to simpler options including Banana Cake and Pancakes.

94 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088515
Tel: +65 6222 6698
Mon to Fri: 8am to 5pm
Sat to Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

FIVE OARS COFFEE ROASTERS

Five Oars Coffee Roasters is the newest addition to the list of cafés along Tanjong Pagar Road. This Aussie-style café strikes all the right chords in terms of aesthetics, and trust us when we say that it isn’t just the interior that will leave you in awe.

Their menu offers a tantalizing array of contemporary dishes—Mentaiko Royale (S$21), Valrhona Chocolate Pancakes (S$19.5) and pasta dishes such as the Spaghetti Granchio (S$18.50).

39 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088462
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

GATTOPARDO RISTORANTE DI MARE

Gattopardo Ristorante Di Mare is one of the restaurants along Tras Street that promises guests a gastronomical dining experience—their posh interior makes the restaurant perfect for an intimate meal.

Chef Lino Saruo has over 25 years of culinary expertise in preparing Sicilian dishes and strives to use only sustainable seafood. From entrance to departure, what you get is an impeccable experience; gorgeous elegant interiors, exceptional service with attention to details and mouthwatering Southern Italian cuisine.

34 Tras Street
Singapore 079026
Tel: +65 9325 8843
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Hokkaido Izakaya

HOKKAIDO IZAKAYA

Hokkaido Izakaya is where you can relish the taste of Hokkaido in Singapore. Their dishes are cooked using fresh ingredients imported from four cities—Yakumo, Akkeshi, Furano, and Kamishihoro.

They offer a myriad of Japanese fare ranging from sashimi to sushi and soba sets so you would surely be spoilt for choice.

95 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088516
Tel: +65 6221 7118
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 12am
Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

KURO MAGURO

If you have a hankering for maguro donburi, then Kuro Maguro will be your best bet. Conveniently located on the ground floor of Tanjong Pagar Centre, it is definitely an ideal location for those working in the CBD area.

Prices range from S$20 to S$40, with dishes including the classic Barachirashi (S$18.80++) as well as the Salmon Oyako Meshi (S$20.80++), both featuring a generous helping of fresh seafood slices nestled atop warm Japanese white rice.

7 Wallich Street #01-04
Tanjong Pagar Centre
Singapore 078884
Tel: +65 6386 8561
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Sat to Sun: 11.30am – 2pm, 5.30pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

L’ENTRECÔTE THE STEAK & FRIES BISTRO

The single item menu at L’Entrecôte features their speciality steak, which comes doused in their house-made legendary brown sauce—a palate-pleaser for the carnivores.

For those who love anything free-flow, you’d be glad to hear that ordering a main will entitle you to unlimited servings of crisp, golden brown fries!

36 Duxton Hill
Singapore 089614
Tel: +65 6690 7561
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm –11pm
Sat: 5pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park / Tanjong Pagar

LUCHA LOCO

Lucha Loco is a casual and vibrant Mexican cocina and garden bar located along Duxton Hill that offers contemporary Mexican food.

Looking for a date night place to impress your significant other? Their outdoor dining area hits all the right spots for a romantic night out. While you are there, be sure to try the stellar Barbecued Chicken Quesadilla (S$16++) and 6-inch Chorizo Y Papa Tacos (S$12++)!

15 Duxton Hill
Singapore 089598
Tel: +65 6226 3938
Mon to Tue: 12pm – 4pm, 5pm – 11pm
Wed: 12pm – 4pm, 5pm – 12am
Thu: 12pm – 4pm, 5pm – 1am
Fri: 12pm – 4pm, 5pm – 2am
Sat: 6pm – 12am
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

LUNAR COFFEE BREWERS

Brought to you by the same team behind Atlas Coffeehouse and the now-defunct Assembly Coffee, Lunar Coffee Brewers is a café in the CBD worth checking out after a hectic day at work.

Their premium cold brewed beverages and coffee will serve as fantastic accompaniments to their hearty donburi bowls.

6 Shenton Way #01-49/50
OUE Downtown Gallery 2
Singapore 068809
Tel: +65 6224 4500
Mon to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat: 9am – 3pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Downtown / Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Man Man Singapore

MAN MAN JAPANESE UNAGI RESTAURANT

As its name suggests, Man Man Japanese Unagi Restaurant specialises in Unagi-centric dishes. With freshwater eels specially imported from the Mikawa Isshiki region, what you can expect is the utmost premium quality of unagi and nothing less.

Man Man Japanese Unagi Restaurant offers their guests a dining experience unlike any other—you can watch the chefs expertly slice the freshwater eels and charcoal grill them over high heat right before you!

1 Keong Saik Road #01-01
Singapore 089109
Tel: +65 6222 0678
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar / Outram Park

Photo Credit: Ninja Bowl

NINJA BOWL

Ninja Bowl is a dining concept owned and operated by The Astronauts Group, and this where you can get affordably priced Japanese-inspired dishes that will have you crooning over how gorgeous they look.

They offer an all-day brunch menu, which includes items such as the Mentaiko Scrambled (S$19), Steak & Udon (S$22) and Ebisu (S$18). Otherwise, their Ninja Bowls—Noka (S$14), Kamo (S$18) and Torinosu (S$18) are great options too.

15 Duxton Road
Singapore 089481
Tel: +65 6222 8055
Mon to Fri: 9.30am – 9pm
Sat to Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

OVEN & FRIED CHICKEN

The fried chicken at this humble eatery will leave you so satisfied that you would throw any plans of a diet out of the window immediately.

Over at Oven & Fried Chicken, you can tuck into a tantalizing array of fried chicken done in a myriad of ways, some of which you have never heard of before—this includes crispy fried chicken smothered in Neapolitan-flavoured ice cream which goes highly recommended by us!

182 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068630
Tel: +65 6222 5959
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 12am
Sat to Sun: 4pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

PARK BENCH DELI

Park Bench Deli started out as mere vendors at pop-up events, but the success of their gourmet sandwiches have led them to open up a store along Telok Ayer Street years ago.

For the love of sandwiches, go for their Cheese Steak (S$16) or the Fried Chicken Sandwich (S$16) which are all made fresh upon order.

179 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068627
Tel: +65 6815 4600
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 4pm, 5pm – 9pm
Sat to Sun: 9am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

PINCE & PINTS

Mirroring a similar concept to Burger & Lobster in London, Pince & Pints is dedicated to serving the best lobster dishes under one roof.

Their menu is rather limited, but you cannot go wrong with their signature Live Whole Lobster (S$58++) and The Lobster Roll (S$58++) which were our favourites. Alternatively, you can get local-inspired lobster dishes such as Chilli Lobster (S$58++) and Lobster Noodle (S$58++).

32-33 Duxton Rd
Singapore 089496
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Sat: 12pm – 10pm
Closed on Sunday
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

PRAELUM WINE BISTRO

This intimate wine bar along Duxton Hill is perfect for after-work drinks or a night out with your girlfriends.

Managed by famous sommelier Gerald Lu—two-time National Sommelier Champion—and his partners, Praelum Wine Bistro is a welcoming space for not just wine connoisseurs, but anyone who enjoys good food with even better wine.

4 Duxton Hill
Singapore 089590
Tel: +65 6238 5287
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 1am
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Ryo Sushi

RYO SUSHI

Home to one of the most affordable Omakase sets in Singapore is Ryo Sushi, which is within walking distance from Orchid Hotel.

Setting you back at just S$38 for a 15-course meal, Ryo Sushi is where you should head to if you are looking for somewhere to get a holistic, indulgent dining experience without breaking the bank.

1 Tras Link #01-06
Orchid Hotel
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 6443 3463
Mon to Sat: 11.45am – 2.45pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

SALMON SAMURAI

Situated in 100AM Mall, Salmon Samurai is a hidden gem that all salmon-lovers ought to visit the next time you are in the vicinity.

They offer salmon donburi bowls, with options such as Salmon Mentaiko, Salmon Poke, and Garlic Shoyu Salmon, all priced reasonably at S$9.90. The Warrior Maki (S$9.90) had a good mix of crab meat, salmon sashimi, fresh cucumber and savoury chicken floss.

100 Tras Street #01-11
100AM
Singapore 079027
Tel: +65 6543 6823
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9.30pm
Sat to Sun: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

SUPER STAR K

Super Star K specialises in using a charcoal grill and the authentic dining experience explains its popularity among Singaporeans and tourists alike.

They offer banchan that are not overly ambitious, unlike many other Korean eateries. Our personal favourites to order here include the beef short rib and pork belly. Also, did we mention that Super Star K is open until 4am daily?

75 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088496
Tel: +65 6224 0504
Daily: 11.30am – 2am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

HAMBURG STEAK KEISUKE

There are only 2 items on the menu—the Keisuke Prime Beef Hamburg Steak Set (S$18.80) and Triple Cheese Prime Hamburg Steak Set (S$20.80). The latter is essentially hamburg steak with generous cheese filling within the grounded beef patty, which oozes out upon tearing the patty apart.

You’d be pleased to hear that diners have access to a free-flow salad buffet and 7 different egg stations as well!

72 Peck Seah Street
Singapore 079329
Tel: +65 6908 4348
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: The Daily Cut

THE DAILY CUT

If you fancy wholesome, albeit hearty, salad bowls that will satiate you nonetheless, The Daily Cut at Tanjong Pagar Centre should be your go-to.

To start, simply grab the order list and check off your desired base, protein and supplements. They offer 4 different sizes ranging from petite (S$9) to X-Large (S$18), all of which are fully customisable.

7 Wallich Street #B2-16
Tanjong Pagar Centre
Singapore 078884
Tel: +65 6386 6160
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

THE MARMALADE PANTRY

Known for their eclectic mix of desserts, pasta, weekend brunch items and afternoon high tea, The Marmalade Pantry is a leading dining destination where you can always get hearty and wholesome food in a cosy environment.

You must try the melt-in-your-mouth Char Siew Kurobuta Pork Belly (S$32) and the luxurious Lobster Barley Risotto (S$34) for a satisfying meal that will bring your taste buds on a gastronomic journey.

100 Peck Seah Street #01-01
Oasia Hotel Downtown
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 6385 0741
Daily: 6.30am – 10.30am, 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Wafuken

WAFUKEN

Wafu refers to the Japanese style of western cuisine, whereas Ken is short for Kenko, which means wellness in Japanese. Wafuken essentially serves sous-vide rice bowls that are healthy but delectable nonetheless.

Most dishes are priced below S$20, making Wafuken a popular spot to get wholesome yet not overly-indulgent meals!

12 Marina View #02-05
Asia Square Tower 2
Singapore 018961
Tel: +65 9459 6073
Mon to Fri: 11am – 8pm
(Closed on Saturday and Sunday)
Nearest Station: Downtown

XIAO YA TOU

Standing out amongst the bustling nightlife of Duxton Hill, Xiao Ya Tou is a restaurant bar that exudes charm and quirkiness unlike any other.

This modern fusion restaurant offers upgraded versions of ubiquitous street food, including the to-die-for XYT Hokkien Mee (S$16) and the XYT Ayam Percik (S$26) which we would find ourselves returning for.

6 Duxton Hill #01-01
Singapore 089592
Tel: +65 6226 1965
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri: 12pm – 12am
Sat: 10am – 12am
Sun: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar / Outram Park

Managed by famous sommelier Gerald Lu—two-time National Sommelier Champion—and his partners, Praelum Wine Bistro is a welcoming space for not just wine connoisseurs, but anyone who enjoys good food with even better wine.

Its location at Duxton Hill is just one of many reasons why working professionals head there after work for a good time with their colleagues and friends.

Service is intimate, food is impressive and they have their very own walk-in cellar which houses about 1,000 bottles of vino. What other reasons do you need to visit Praelum Wine Bistro?

Their wines, oh their wines. Wine aficionados will appreciate the splendid array of fine wines that are sourced from all over the world—including Italy, France and Germany. But for someone who is just starting out on wines, it can be somewhat intimidating to go through the extensive wine menu but this is when the servers step in to give suggestions.

Whether you are looking for bubbles, pinks, reds or whites (from S$17++/glass onwards), Praelum Wine Bistro has them all. We have been told by Gerald that the wine list is updated frequently so guests can probably expect something new on every visit. Well, more reasons to keep going back then!

While wine is the main focus here, we actually like how the bistro keeps their food menu concise—focusing on quality instead of quantity.

You cannot go wrong with the Pork Parcels, Tomato-Basil and Pineapple Chutney (S$27++), Foie Gras, Caramelised Apple and Balsamic Reduction (S$28++) and Salmon-En-route, Dill-Tarragon Butter (S$35++). Ask the wait staff for their recommended wine pairing and you are on your way to a gastronomic journey!

If you are curious and wish to sample on a variety of wines, opt for the wine flights where you can get to taste three to five different types and even rare wines that are not easily found anymore. The sommeliers will also share about the history and story behind the wines.

Praelum Wine Bistro
4 Duxton Hill
Singapore 089590
Tel: +65 6238 5287
Mon to Sat: 5pm – 1am
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Five Oars Coffee Roasters is a Melbourne-style café which opened just a week ago in Tanjong Pagar. This newest addition to the slew of cafés around the area makes for an excellent choice for coffee-goers as they get their coffee beans sourced from Ethiopia and Brazil.

Their extensive menu features value-for-money brunch fare and substantial meals at night—from sumptuous rice bowls in the day to hearty mains for a filling dinner, Five Oars Coffee Roasters surely has something for everyone. They also serve craft beers on tap, including Stone & Wood Pacific Ale and Tuatara Helluva Helles Lager.

Besides their stunning instagrammable interior, here is why Five Oars is be somewhere café-hoppers should be adding to their list of brunch spots for the next hang out.

This brand new addition to the café scene in Tanjong Pagar strikes all the right chords in terms of aesthetics. The coffee shop is divided into two areas—an air-conditioned indoor area and an outdoor space with beautiful flora adorning the walls.

For our White Coffee (S$5 for 5oz), we opted for the blend roasted from a mix of Brazilian and Ethiopian beans. The result? A nutty, bittersweet and fragrant roast that will be enough to win over the discerning coffee-goers who frequent the district.

Otherwise, Five Oars Coffee Roasters also serves juices (S$5.5) and Craft Sodas (S$6.50) for non-caffeinated beverages. Should you be looking for some booze to have with your meal, they also offer craft beers on tap!

Five Oars offers a wide myriad of brunch fare ranging from interesting spins such as the Mentaiko Royale (S$21) and Valrhona Chocolate Pancakes (S$19.5) if you are craving for sweeter treats.

We opted for the Five Oars Breakfast (S$24), which indubitably is their signature breakfast item. Mixed salad, a sausage, a slice of thick cut bacon, portobello mushrooms, grilled tomato and half an avocado sits beside a piece of crispy hashbrown nestled atop a thick slice of sourdough toast.

Even with so many things going on in a single dish, every element on the plate was executed nicely—we would recommend getting this dish if you are looking for a substantial brunch affair.

Next up, we had the Spaghetti Granchio (S$18.50), which is essentially crabmeat pasta tossed in a tomato sauce. It is indeed a fairly simple dish, but it impressed us entirely nevertheless.

The pasta was cooked al dente and had a pleasant bite to it—but the star of the show goes to the generous helpings of crabmeat that topped the pasta which we were glad the café did not skimp on. 

Boasting an aesthetically-pleasing botanical interior, impeccable service, amazing coffee and plenteous food offerings, Five Oars Coffee Roasters is definitely a new café in Singapore worth checking out.

Five Oars Coffee Roasters
39 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088462
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

OUE Downtown Gallery is one of our favourite hangout spots in the heart of town—there are endless dining options—such as The Autobus, Lunar Coffee Brewers and Omotesando Koffee—that leaves us spoilt for choice when we are feeling peckish.

Adding onto the long list of dining options is a relatively new vegan dining concept that has popped up in the mall—HRVST. Pronounced as ‘harvest’, this is one stylish cafe that will catch the fancy of all health and gym junkies.

The kitchen is helmed by a pair of partner chefs, Addis Tan and Dylan who have 20 years of experience working for established F&B names such as Tippling Club, Esquina and Cheek by Jowl.

Located just beside Kilter Avenue (a boutique gym), HRVST aims to redefine your expectations of vegan food—using only the freshest ingredients they can source and turning them into aesthetically pleasing dishes that do not compromise on taste at all.

While HRVST mainly gets their produce from reliable suppliers, they also make use of the edible garden outside the cafe for some of their dishes. Take a walk around the open rooftop garden where you can temporarily escape from the hustle of the city.

A favourite among their diners, the Sourdough with Orange-Glazed Grilled Tofu (S$16++) is a great brunch or lunch option that is appetising and wholesome.

Tuck into the dish and let your taste buds discover the layers of flavours and textures that come from the sourdough, nut spread, soft tofu, broccoli and cauliflower florets that are doused in kelp stock and pickled zucchini ribbons.

For those who are attempting vegan food for the first time, their BKT Barley Risotto (S$16++) will impress you it does replicate the original dish well—in terms of the oily texture (thanks to the garlic and coriander oil) and taste.

We were pleasantly surprised that all the spices of what you would expect from a regular bak kut teh were there sans the meat, of course. Instead, what diners can expect from this dish is diced fried daikon, pink radish, braised nuts and thin dough crisp that will remind you of you tiao.

We had the Matcha Ice Cream (S$8++) which was complemented with a touch of blood orange puree, poached plums and pistachio bits. To be completely frank, we still prefer our normal creamy matcha ice cream but the cafe’s vegan rendition wasn’t too lacklustre either as the ice cream was rich with matcha flavours.

On top of those that we have tried, HRVST’s straightforward menu also includes other dishes such as Pumpkin Fettucine (S$16++), Hay Salt Baked Celeriac (S$18++) and desserts including Caramelised Pineapple Ring (S$8++) and Blackforest Cake (S$8++).

HRVST
6A Shenton Way
#05-01, OUE Downtown Gallery
Singapore 068815
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 11pm
Sat: 10am – 3pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

The beauty in fusion cuisine lies in its ability to combine different culture, culinary techniques and cuisine to create something entirely different and intrinsically better. But it goes far beyond simply slathering kaya on a scone or sprinkling curry leaves onto pasta—it takes practice, and possibly hundreds of failed attempts to achieve the perfect recipe.

Maru Dine & Bar is a contemporary Asian fusion restaurant located in Icon Village in Singapore’s central business district that expertly integrates the cultures of Vietnam, Japan and America into its food.

Be charmed by its uniquely designed interior that creatively encompasses the essences of each individual culture, as well as a stellar array of quirky creations that will please your palate as much as it will tickle your senses.

Photo Credit: Maru Dine & Bar

Setting their sights on a new culinary direction, the chefs behind Maru aim to deliver refreshing and inventive dishes that are derived from the collision of cuisines from around the world.

Some popular items on their menu include the Iberico Pork Jowl that features strips of tender and crispy pork cheek served along with a tofu purée and a savoury mentaiko sauce, as well as their Uni Ikura Angel Hair that comes with caviar, seaweed, truffle and a Japanese-inspired sauce made using fresh sea urchin.

Photo Credit: Maru Dine & Bar

For cuisine that bends all the rules in an edgy yet sophisticated setting, Maru Dine & Bar is a spot you should totally visit.

Maru Dine & Bar
12 Gopeng Street#01-05 Icon Village
Singapore 078877
Tel: +65 6327 1123
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 11pm
Sat: 4pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Freehouse is a craft beer joint you can escape to after a hard day’s work. Hidden on the second floor of a shophouse along Boon Tat Street, feel free to knock back a few pints and leave your troubles at the door.

This unsuspecting craft beer den houses up to 16 different craft beers and ciders on rotation, all affordably priced from S$9 for a 10oz pint. The selection changes constantly, so feel free to ask the bartender what the hottest beers are for the week.

In addition to their excellent range of tipples, they also serve up amazing grub; interesting bar bites like their signature Cereal Frog Legs With Ginger Flower Dressing to mouth watering mains like their Bombay Burger With Piccalilli.

Freehouse does not have a particularly striking sign board, just a small fluorescent one that might be a little tricky to spot. Once you find it, your journey to beer heaven begins at the foot of a dimly lit staircase.

This joint exudes a cosy and laid-back vibe. The quaint shophouse space is simply decorated with wood furniture, twinkling lights, graffiti stained walls, and craft beer posters but what really got us excited was the bar—a row of 16 shiny taps against pristine tiles.

We started off with some of their more interesting varieties; a 10oz glass of Heretic Chocolate Hazelnut Porter (S$12++ for 10oz) followed by another (of the same measure) of Zeffer Cider Cherry Bomb (S$11.50++ for 10oz)

Their food menu is not extensive, but they sure pack a punch and include possibly some of the most interesting renditions of classic bar bites we have ever seen.

We ordered the Bombay Burger With Piccalilli (S$15++) which comprised a massive boneless chicken thigh seasoned beautifully with Indian spices (cumin being a dominant flavour), sandwiched between two sturdy yet pillowy, perfectly charred buns. The chicken itself brimmed with so much flavour and was tender enough to chew off with relative ease.

If you love spicy food, then definitely go for the Thai Beef Sliders With Somtum (S$16++). Although small in size, the kitchen really goes above and beyond to stuff a smorgasbord of ingredients between two tiny buns.

The Thai flavours really came through with this. It was tangy, sweet with an intense heat that kicks you at the end. The beef patty was firm and juicy and the tangy som tum salad provided an added brightness to the dish.

Despite the spiciness leaving us gasping for ice water after, we must say that this was some of the best sliders we have ever had. Period.

Freehouse
21A Boon Tat Street
Singapore 069620
Tel: +65 8362 6740
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Thu & Sat: 5pm – 12am
Fri: 3pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Specialty cocktail bar Employees Only is an exceptionally popular bar in The Big Apple. The nightlife destination has been around for more than a decade—a testimony that it has long since established a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers.

The World’s 50 Best Bars has reconfirmed its status in the competitive industry by ranking it fourth on earth.

Employees Only opened its first international outpost in Singapore’s Amoy Street and the opening sees co-founder Igor Hadzismajlovic, principal bartender Steve Schneider and executive chef Julia Jaksic, moving from The Empire State to our sunny island.

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The A-team strives to present a memorable experience similar to its flagship bar in NYC.

Cocktail connoisseurs can now have a taste of the legendary speakeasy’s signature concoctions such as Ready Fire Aim and Employees Only’s Manhattan.

The former is a mixture of fresh lime juice, homemade honey-pineapple syrup, mezcal and dashes of Hellfire Bitters, while the latter is an infusion of Angostura Bitters, Italian vermouth, rye whiskey and orange curaçao.

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Source: Employees Only Singapore

Bartenders of Employees Only will continue donning their iconic white jackets and the tradition of offering complimentary chicken soup at closing time will live on.

With its strategic CBD location, Employees Only Singapore is already very well-received amongst the nearby working executives. But the bar is an IT place whereby people will travel specially for.

Employees Only
112 Amoy Street
Singapore 069932
Tel: +65 6221 7357
Mon to Fri: 5pm – 1am
Sat: 5pm – 2am
Sun: 6pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves travelling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all-time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

From the best selection of rums and sakes, to the best happy hours—it’s not just us who need a break; so does the wallet—we’ve done our groundwork, and pounded pavement to bring you the best bars in Tanjong Pagar.

BAM! – BEST SELECTION OF SAKE IN SINGAPORE

Housing some of Singapore’s rarest sakes, as well as one of the most extensive sake lists in Singapore, each label in BAM!’s walk-in cellar is carefully selected by owner Derrick Lim, an advanced sake professional certified by the Sake Education Council in Japan. An intense passion for the art has led him to establishing a bar where locals are able to enjoy exquisite sake without having to travel to Japan.

On the sake list, stands a total of over 80 labels from 10 artisanal sake breweries in Japan, as well as some rare awamori and shochu. Top tier labels such as Diamond Akatsuki (S$880) and Katsuyama Diamond Lei (S$1,120) are extremely limited—only 300 and 600 bottles respectively, are produced annually—that use a state of the art centrifuge extraction method to obtain its pure aromas and taste. Other rare sakes include elegant limited edition organic Asahi rice (Kyoto) Junmai (S$100), fruity Junmai Ginjo Ichigo Nama (S$120) that’s wonderful with Western dishes, and multiple gold medal winner Daiginjo Tobindori (S$299).

BAM! is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s Top 5 Sake Bars.

38 Tras Street
Tel: +65 6226 0500
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

ELEMENT ON TRAS STREET – BEST FOR HAPPY HOURS

The newly revamped Element at Amara Hotel now sports a snazzy new outdoor post; Element on Tras Street—an alfresco bar that boasts incredibly attractive happy hours. From 5pm to 8pm daily, draft beers go at S$9 per pint, one of the lowest prices in the CBD. Beers available on tap aren’t the standard run-of-the-mill beers either. Exclusive to our sunny little island is RedRock lager, a slightly hoppy, rich and malty full-bodied beer with a crisp and clean finish.

Brewed from Italy’s largest brewery, Peroni is Italy’s number one premium beer—a refreshingly crisp lager that’s high on the charts for its character, style and taste. We love its light-bodied malt and bitterness that starts out slow and grows increasingly focused. For the weight-conscious, there’s also Australia’s leading low carbohydrate beer, Pure Blonde. Refreshing and easy on the palate, this is our go-to beer anytime of day.

100 Tras Street
Tel: +65 6879 2555 / +65 6879 2607
Sun to Thu: 6pm – 1am
Fri to Sat: 6pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

HOUSE OF DANDY – BEST BAR TO SEE AND BE SEEN

If you enjoy people-watching, you’ve come to the right place. Bringing back the roaring twenties with spot-on art deco, House of Dandy encourages patrons to exude the same fashion-forward confidence it embodies. The crowd here consists of well-dressed PMEBs and fashionistas who know what they want, and have no qualms on how to get it.

Adding to that draw, is a recently launched list of cocktails like Blushing Barmaid ($22) that consists of Campari, amaretto, egg whites and bitter lemon shaken and strained over ice, and garnished with dehydrated orange peel for a zesty fragrance. A house signature, Rakes’ Ration ($34 for two) is a blend of two spirits and a beer (warning: not for the weak): Plantation 3 Star rum, Makers Mark bourbon and IPA; shaken and smoked in a mason jar with Amaro Montenegro, Chambord, lemon juice, and Rakes’ syrup, before rounding up the drink with a dash of Angostura and orange bitters—expect complex and bittersweet layers of berries and herbs.

House of Dandy is also listed in our guide to 5 Hot New Bars in Singapore.

74 Tras Street
Tel: +65 8661 2340
Mon to Sat: 5pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

MARS BAR BY MIXES FROM MARS – BEST CREATIVE COCKTAILS

Who would’ve thought a chili crab cocktail would work? Oh, but it has, and very much so. The boys (yes, these youngurns should be proud) behind Mars Bar are bartenders Louis Tan and and Roger Yip, who honed their creative skills at Bar Stories before venturing out on their own. On the menu are crazy-sounding concoctions like bak kwa cocktail (S$22) that fat-washes local favorite honey glazed Bee Cheng Hiang bak kwa in Bulleit bourbon before mixing in cinnamon and orange syrup to enhance its savory sweetness; and the sweet, salty, and savory chili crab cocktail (S$22) made with chili crab paste, Tanqueray gin, Malibu rum, kaffir lime, lemongrass, and orgeat.

Bespoke concoctions are also at play here. On our visit, we were served King of Asia (S$22)—a cocktail creation inspired by durian. Fresh passion fruit, butterscotch schnapps and vanilla ice cream recreates creamy textures of durian, and the addition of Gosling rum results in a lingering pungent fruity bitterness best described as the king of all fruits.

83 Duxton Road
Tel: +65 9651 6714
Mon to Sun: 4pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

SUGARHALL – BEST SELECTION OF RUM IN SINGAPORE

With the people behind cocktail bar Jigger & Pony running this establishment, you know you’re in good hands. Two-time Diageo Reserve World Class Singapore winner Aki Eguchi helms this well-stocked bar of over 60 rums, including uncommon rums like the highly sought-after Ron Zacapa 2013 Reserva Limitada (S$53) that’s incredibly oaky and subtly sweet—perfect for pairing with a grilled juicy slab of pork chop (S$28). Other exclusive rums include Zafra Ron Master Reserve Panama (S$36), and Diplomatico 2000 (S$34)—only six bottles are available in Singapore, all of which sit behind the bar at Sugarhall.

Made with multiple gold award winner (at the Caribbean Rum Taste Test in London) El Dorado 12 years, Bumbo Old Fashioned (S$22) is an exemplary rum cocktail with a beautiful smoky nose of sweet toffee and vanilla with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon, whose taste is further emphasized with a good ‘old grilled rib-eye (S$32). Our personal favorite is the Sugarhall Mai Tai (S$22) that opens with sour and fruity notes of Tamarind and spiced apricot before blossoming into a rich, dark yet mellow bitterness with a mildly spicy finish.

102 Amoy Street
Tel: +65 6222 9102 / +65 9732 5607
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

For more recommendations on the best bars in Singapore, read the following guides: Top 5 Bars at Club Street || Top 5 Bars at Raffles Place || Top 5 Bars at Ann Siang Hill.

About the writer:
Mandy Lynn is a former I-S Magazine writer and current columnist at Nookmag; her dining and nightlife features are published in Appetite Asia, Food & Travel, and Singapore Tatler Dining. For bite-sized food recommendations, follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or join her Gourmet Adventures to keep up with the latest openings in the dining scene.