Wining & Dining in Singapore: My Can’t-Miss Restaurants

What are your can’t-miss Singapore dining spots, mama? If you’re looking to work something new into the rotation, foodie mama Fiana has the scoop on some updated old favourites…

Mamas, as you know, this little island city we call home has numerous interesting dining destinations. Some new, some tried and tested, and some hidden treasures. Those who know me well know my preference is always to try a new restaurant (not necessarily a new launch but somewhere that’s a first visit for me) each time I’m dining out, but sometimes I can’t help but want to revisit certain old favourites.

I’m on a never-ending dining and wining spree and last month was no exception. Here were some highlights in case you’re looking for new spots to try:

First up, I have to zoom in to Jones the Grocer. Whilst this is by no means new, the restaurant has undergone a makeover of sorts and is now a one-stop gourmet food haven. From Singapore’s first walk-in cheese room, a butcher’s corner, award-winning teas and luxury chocolates such as Prestat (the brand that has held a royal warrant from none other than her Majesty The Queen for over 35 years!), to an absolutely delicious dining menu, Jones the Grocer is one place you don’t want to miss out on. Whilst I love to visit Jones for an early cuppa, a freshly baked croissant and one of the many egg creations, I was impressed with the melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu burger with truffle fries as well as the moist pan-seared Asian Black Cod with teriyaki sauce and the creamy yet light Asparagus Risotto. One thing is for certain, Jones the Grocer has something for everyone!

Jones the Grocer, Multiple locations (click here for details)

A hidden gem I recently discovered is PerBacco. Since this is located right next to my favourite Spanish restaurant (Binomio) at Craig Road, I was surprised that I hadn’t tried it earlier but as the saying goes better late than never! The unpretentious portions of homey northern Italian food, coupled with a carefully curated 90-bottle wine list, make Perbacco a great dining option. Chef Marco’s signature dishes are, as he likes to say, “Just like Nonna’s.” As far as appetizers go, I loved the spicy crab croquettes and the batons with scamorza cheese wrapped in parma ham. The green pea risotto was not overwhelmingly cheesy or heavy and made for a wonderful accompaniment to the stewed veal cheek which I was told had been marinated overnight in red wine and then slow cooked for three hours until fork-tender. No wonder it tasted so good! Finally, the ricotta cheesecake and the hazelnut panna cotta were the perfect end to a delightful meal.

PerBacco,  20 Craig Rd, #01-03 Craig Place, Singapore 089692, Tel: (+65) 6635 7130, www.perbacco.sg

My Italian food spree continued at Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore. This age old establishment (28 years and counting!) was one of the first to bring the concept of freshly made pasta to our island city. I visited the outlet at bustling Boat Quay and had a very hearty meal beginning with one of my go-to Italian appetizers — a generous portion of Burrata cheese served with a myriad of accompaniments including asparagus, porcini mushrooms, pan fried cherry tomatoes drizzled in basil oil and red wine reduction and served with grilled rosemary oil bread. The onslaught of pastas followed and here’s a handy tip – these guys really know their pastas so skip the pizzas unless you are voraciously hungry and simply indulge in pasta, pasta and more pasta! You can even create your own pasta combinations if you’re feeling creative! Another must try was the delicious Crespelle Al Funghi, an Italian-style crepe filled with sautéed mushrooms, parmesan cheese and baked with cream sauce (customers can opt for a tomato based sauce too).End the meal on a sweet note with a traditional Mascarporne Cheese and Coffee Tiramisu and you are definitely going to leave very satisfied.

Pasca Fresca da Salvatore, Multiple locations (click here for details)

East siders, a newbie you should definitely check out for some classic feel-good comfort food is The Chop House, which opened its doors earlier this year at I12 Katong (there’s also a location at Vivo City). I dropped by and sampled some succulent meats grilled to perfection thanks to the high-speed Southbend broiler that occupies pride of place at this outlet. As the name suggests, steaks, chops and grilled meats are the must-tries here, but don’t forget to try some of the other goodies on the menu. We began our meal with freshly shucked oysters served with lemon, eschalot and red wine vinegar – as an oyster lover this was a must try for me! Another favourite was the simple – yet unbelievably delicious greasy – ham and cheese sandwich, which is also served as an ‘afternoon special’ along with a choice of beverage at an unbelievable $8++.

The Chop House, 112 East Coast Road, #01-13 I12 Katong, Singapore 428802, Tel: (+65) 6443 1011, www.facebook.com/TheChopHouseI12

Finally, something truly exciting for the foodies amongst us – especially those who are sometimes too lazy (or let’s just say too comfortable) to get off their couch and head out for a meal: Deliveroo has launched in Singapore and this service is all set to be a game changer in the food delivery arena. Partnering with over a 100 restaurants all over the island, Deliveroo promises to bring good food from your favourite restaurants straight to your doorstep within 32 minutes. How amazing is that?! Download the app from itunes, punch in your pincode and see what you can have delivered to you today!

Happy Dining In or Out ….whichever way you like it, mamas!