August is a month where we celebrate our nation’s independence and all things Singaporean. What better way to celebrate it than to tip our hats to the vibrant restaurant scene that we’ve so painstakingly built over the decades?
This month sees a fresh batch of new openings and that includes new spots by established restaurant groups and even an Italian restaurant opened by Mauro Colagreco – the man behind Mirazur, World’s Best Restaurant in 2019 – 2021.
Here’s more.
Jinhonten
The Les Amis Group’s empire just keeps growing as it adds a new Japanese restaurant into its mix. Jinhonten is a tiny 10-seater omakase led by Head Chef Issey Araki and Executive Chef Makoto Saito. The 8-course lunch is priced at $180++ while the 10-course omakase menu goes for $450++ per person.
Fiamma
Chef Mauro Colagreco is on a roll. Now that his restaurant has topped The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, and therefore, can no longer compete, he has set his sights further afield. He has opened an Italian restaurant, Fiamma, in Capella Singapore. The establishment pays homage to “the heritage and spirit of Italian family cuisine,” so the menu will be replete with comforting classics like pastas and pizzas. Says the chef: “Fiamma has been imaged by my life’s influences, from being inspired by the nature in life to my joy of sharing what makes the essence of the restaurant: bringing the flame of people together, generosity and the simple joys of providing authentic hospitality.”
Sonder
Bakery bistro by day and omakase diner by night – that’s the concept that Sonder, a new establishment at Bukit Merah runs by. This hip new spot is opened by Chef Joe Leong, son of decorated local chef Sam Leong who founded Michelin-starred Forest at Resorts World Sentosa. Expect fresh bakes in the afternoon while at night, two prix fixe menus will be offered at either S$138++ or S$198++. We think the young chef is the next name to watch.
Restaurant Poise
Chef Steve Lancaster who formerly headed two-Michelin-starred Saint Pierre has opened his own restaurant on Teck Lim Road. Poise is set to make waves on the culinary circuit with the chef’s brand of modern European cuisine with a Nordic touch. Traditional dishes like coq au vin are given a lighter facelift without being doused in cream while other meats like pigeon are marinated in shio koji to truly bring out its finer umami qualities.
Luce
InterContinental Singapore’s Ash & Elm is now gone, replaced by Luce, an Italian restaurant that occupies that same spot. Chef de Cuisine Davide Giacomelli who has sharpened his knives in multiple Michelin-starred restaurants including the three-starred Le Meurice Alain Ducasse in Paris. Make time for the weekday lunch set menu, which will condense the chef’s cooking finesse into three courses for just $40++.
