It’s another exciting month for food lovers with a slew of restaurant openings to excite their discerning palates. Here’s where they should be feasting at now
Tatler Asia
Linguini, clams, garlic, white wine (Photo: Courtesy of Nostra Cucina/Facebook)
Above Linguini, clams, garlic, white wine (Photo: Courtesy of Nostra Cucina/Facebook)

1. Nostra Cucina

True to the saying “when one door closes, another opens”, this homely kitchen restaurant was established after the closure of Italian favourite, Osteria and Pizzeria Mozza. The latter’s former team, led by executive chef Peter Birks and executive pastry chef Ariana Flores, continues to helm the new kitchen.

Together, they whip up classic Italian recipes every nonna would be proud of. Pastas are meticulously prepared in-house and used in delightful creations such as the bucatini alla puttanesca tossed with anchovies, capers and olives, and the tagliatelle loaded with hearty beef cheek ragu.

Even the pizzas, some of which are the margherita and gamberini, are prepared the Italian way and finished in the built in wood-fired ovens. When you see the dessert menu, you’ll instantly make space for the classic tiramisu and affogato. These come with optional wine pairing.

Nostra Cucina | B1-42, Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (across from Sands Theatre), S(018972) |  Book here

(Related: Getting Over The Closure Of Osteria And Pizzeria Mozza)

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Quinoa burrito (Photo: Courtesy of Lower East Side Taqueria)
Above Quinoa burrito (Photo: Courtesy of Lower East Side Taqueria)

2. Lower East Side Taqueria

Mexican cuisine is usually associated with hearty and heavy dishes, so this new taqueria along Thomson Road is a breath of fresh air. While the interiors sport a vibrant Latino vibe, the conventional burritos and tacos are given a modern and healthy-ish spin.

First is with the use of more nutritious alternatives when composing the typical dishes. Such is the “Guilt-free-ish All day Burrito” packed with quinoa (instead of rice or beans) and the usual accompaniment of grilled chicken, pulled pork or chipotle beef. Better yet, order it as a burrito bowl with toppings of pork carnitas, vegetarian guacamole or mango.

Tacos can be served as salads too, with a choice of grains or greens as base. The food is complemented by alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The former includes craft beers, tequilas and mezcals, while the latter comprises homemade juices and blended teas.

Lower East Side Taqueria | 01-03, 273 Thomson Road, S(307644) | 6265 0621

(Related: What You Should Know About Mexican Cuisine)

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Meat platter (Photo: Courtesy of House of Mu)
Above Meat platter (Photo: Courtesy of House of Mu)

3. House of Mu

This is easily one of the prettiest restaurants that has opened of late, as it also doubles as a Burmese teak furniture boutique. So, after a busy day shopping for intricate and handmade home pieces here, end with a satisfying meal courtesy of chef Tyrell Joon.

Trained in French cooking techniques, thanks to his stint at two-Michelin-starred Les Amis, he’s able to transform humble fare into celebrated dishes. The mushroom soup is extremely light and creamy, thanks to how he boils the mushrooms for hours before adding the butter and cream. The pan-seared scallops are cooked sous vide to preserve their plumpness and accompanied by cauliflower puree and fresh apple slices.

Even the risotto is prepared in an unconventional way, by infusing the al dente morsels of rice with truffles and succulent crayfish. And for a winning end to the meal, choose between the Oreo chocolate cake (because who can say no to Oreos?) and the always indulgent New York cheesecake.

House of Mu | 11 Mohamed Sultan Road, S(239010) | 6732 1011

(Related: Home Tour: A French Château With An Incredible Sense of Style)

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Alko shots with whipped cream (Photo: Courtesy of 78 Alkofelic)
Above Alko shots with whipped cream (Photo: Courtesy of 78 Alkofelic)

4. 78 Alkofelic

The newly established bar on Purvis Street caters to cocktail and coffee lovers with its range of coffee cocktails—the first in Singapore. For the uninitiated, go straight for the signature brews: Flying Singaporean, an energising concoction of absinthe, XO and coffee; and Ice Boozy Alkofee, which is the perfect balance of sweet and refreshing, thanks to generous pours of Cointreau, brandy, Kahlua, hot coffee and Irish cream.

If you prefer classic brews, the menu includes Irish coffee, old fashioned coffee and espresso martini. While drinking with friends, you may want to add in some savoury bites, and you also have a lot to choose from—beef wrap, chicken pie, quiche and baked pasta, to name a few. But make sure you finish with something sweet, perhaps an apple pie or cheese cake?

78 Alkofelic | 01-01, 6 Purvis Street, S(188585) | 9275 9864 | hello@78alkofelic.com

(Related: Singapore’s Top 30 Bars)

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Lunch set (Photo: Courtesy of Merci Marcel)
Above Lunch set (Photo: Courtesy of Merci Marcel)

5. Merci Marcel

This quaint cafe feels like a slice of Paris within the busy Club Street vicinity. Granted that it’s smaller than its sprawling Tiong Bahru outlet, the space is still divided into a dining area (fronted by a bar) and a gourmet store well-stocked with wines and all the delicious finds from France.

However, their menus are totally different (save for a few dishes). And in true French style, you’ll first be served with baguette and butter; we recommend having these with the three cheese platter, which regularly changes based on what they have for the day.

What’s constant are the signatures which include the Hokkaido scallop carpaccio burrowed under heaps of marinated seaweed and button mushroom; and duck confit which is served with pomme macaire (a dish on its own where the potatoes are cooked twice) instead of the usual mashed potatoes.

Merci Marcel | 7-9, Club Street, S(069403) | 6438 3913 | hello@mercimarcel.com

(Related: Who's The Most Popular Pastry Chef On Instagram Right Now?)

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6. Guccio Ristorante

Having spent a good part of his time in Singapore helming some of the island’s top Italian restaurants, from Garibaldi to Zafferano, chef Marco Guccio finally steps out on his own to open his eponymous restaurant on Gemmill Lane only a few months back. Here you will find the chef’s acclaimed mix of refined home-made, hearty cuisine and creative interpretations, notably in dishes such as the poached and pan-seared Sardinian octopus, served with seasonal vegetables and salmoriglio dressing; or the Hokkaido scallop tartare with spring salad, Oscetra caviar and scampi broth. There’s also a seasonal tasting menu, from four to six courses, to consider as well. 

Guccio Ristorante | 20 Gemmill Lane S(069256) | 6224 1684 | reservations@guccioristorante.com

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