You may be familiar with Chef Felix Chong from Monti, where his deft hand in executing fine Italian fare earned the restaurant 2 Temples by the Accademia Italiana Della Cucina 202. Now, the 1-Group executive sous chef steers Latin-European bistro Sol & Luna, where seafood-forward sharing plates reflecting an intersection of cultures – Italian, French, Portuguese and Spanish flavours sing here – take centre stage. Affordable tapas options such as the Smoked Duck & Foie Gras Rillette abound, making the restaurant at CapitaSpring’s 17th floor a choice spot for a boozy brunch.
‘No name’ Fish Soup Stall
I frequent this stall three to five times a month if time permits, and it always draws endless queues; mornings are the best time to visit. Their battered fish is crispy, while the well-flavoured soup base – made with secret ingredients only known to the owners – is full of collagen. They have killer home-made chilli sauce, too. Order the mixed ingredient fish soup without milk, and enjoy it with lots of chilli on the side.
127 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Block 127
Fu Ming Cooked Food
We typically make the base of our local carrot cake with white radish. Although it is an arduous process to prepare it from scratch, this store makes it in-house, resulting in a carrot cake with a lighter and softer texture. I usually go for their ‘yuan yang’ option with half a portion of savoury white carrot cake and the other half cooked in sweet black sauce. Who says you can’t have the best of both worlds?
85 Redhill Lane, #01-49
Ristorante Luka
Along the bustling streets of Tanjong Pagar, Ristorante Luka serves Italian-Japanese cuisine in a casual and contemporary environment. The menu is reasonably priced and they serve great wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas. I would recommend sitting at the bar counter to watch the chefs in action. Pair their Tomosankaku-A4 Japanese Wagyu Beef Tri-tip with a glass of Barolo.
18 Tanjong Pagar Rd
The Other Room
One of my favourite cocktail bars, its interior is elegant with a sleek marble bar and warm ambient lighting. I especially love their secret hideout entrance. Sit by the bar and order the Reversed Gin & Tonic – here, they make tonic with the same botanicals found in the gin before adding it to the drink. Pair this with the Nduja Bruschetta – Spanish-inspired Cristal bread topped with moreish Nduja (spicy, caseless Calabrian pork sausage) and a drizzle of olive oil.
320 Orchard Rd, Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
FLNT at 1-Atico
This spacious and modern gastro-bar offers Nikkei, or Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, which isn’t commonly found in Singapore. I enjoy bringing friends from overseas for their unpretentious food and service. Perched 55 storeys above ground, you get spectacular views of the city. Opt for their tasting menu and try the Iberico Pluma featuring grilled Spanish acorn-fed pork with Achiote Sauce.
2 Orchard Turn, #55-01 ION Orchard