14 New Cafes & Restaurants In Oct 2021 - Galaxy-Themed Interiors, Pastel Brunch Spot, & Tropical Bar

By Rachel Yohannan on 06 Oct 2021

Senior Digital Editor

2 pax dine-ins? We’ll take ‘em. It’s not ideal for those of us who enjoy frequent family meals or hanging out in larger friend groups, but it’s better than nothing. A blessing in disguise with these restrictions is the fact that eateries probably won’t be as crowded as before - which means you can expect shorter queues (or none at all!) and quieter environments. To ride out this period, here are 14 new cafes and restaurants in October 2021 in Singapore for your dates.

While you’re here, check out our list of 20 new things to do in October 2021!

Read on for 14 new cafes and restaurants in Singapore for October 2021!

#1: JIDAI Restaurant - Japanese fusion with galaxy theme & maneki-neko wall

Photo from @originalxhater via Instagram

It’s gonna be impossible to ignore JIDAI Restaurant when walking past its storefront, which gives you a glimpse of its feature wall full of maneki-neko (fortune cat) figurines. Opposite that is a giant mural of the moon surrounded by stars. Walk in and the psychedelic kitschiness continues with more galaxy motifs, neon light beams, and a metallic silver ceiling.

Photo from JIDAI Restaurant

If that doesn’t already draw you in, the fusion Japanese cuisine with a hint of French will. Start off with small snacks like the Oyster Croquette ($5) with smoked cheese and avruga caviar, before moving on to Yakitori (from $3) and larger sharing portions like Unagi Donabe ($56) and Char Siu Sakura Pork Rack ($56).

Photo from JIDAI Restaurant

Prices may be on the steep end, but they’re typical of an izakaya. A little splurging on a special occasion won’t hurt, especially for the quirky out-of-this-world vibes.

Address: 9 Circular Road, Singapore 049365
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 10.30pm (Closed on Sunday)
Website

#2: The Great Mischief - pastel cafe with scenic window nooks

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

After shutting their doors at The Great Madras 2 years back, The Great Mischief is back with a fresh new look at the National Gallery. While their previous outlet had eclectic decor with neon lights, turquoise tiles, and wallpaper illustrated with scenes of our island city, their new home has a cleaner and more refined theme with soft, pastel colours.

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

The menu has been given an update too. Though bits of their past Catalan influence remains, most of their dishes now follow the typical style of basic cafe brunches - not that we’re complaining. Currently popular are The Grandé ($22), their rendition of the classic big breakfast with pimento beans and feta cheese, and Fancy French ($14), which is basically French toast with poached plums, blackberries, custard, and a dusting of cinnamon with yoghurt on the side.

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Try snagging one of their window nook booth seats that look out to the streets full of skyscrapers. They’re perfect for laid-back dates with just the right amount of privacy - not too open, not overly intimate.

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Address: 1 St Andrew’s Road, #01-17 National Gallery Singapore, Singapore 178957
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm daily
Website

#3: Qiu Qiu Tea - Doraemon-themed bubble tea

Photo from Qiu Qiu Tea

Located in the heartlands of Eunos is Qiu Qiu Tea, a humble hole-in-the-wall bubble tea shop with a cheery Doraemon theme that will brighten up even the gloomiest of days. With plushies, wall art, and Japanese-style curtains featuring the robot cat all over, this takeaway store makes the simple errand of getting your BBT fix a whole experience.

Photo from Qiu Qiu Tea

Prices start from a mere $2 for their fruity Exotic Hot Tea range, going up to a maximum of just $4 for a mocktail with fruits. Some unique items that stand out to us include Gula Melaka Milk Tea ($3), Champagne Grape Smoothie ($3), and Rooibos Caramel ($2).

Photo from Qiu Qiu Tea

Read our full article on Qiu Qiu Tea here.

#4: Dewgather - minimalist glasshouse cafe

Photo from Dewgather

Fans of the ever-popular minimalist interior aesthetic should make a beeline for Dewgather. Coupled with all the light wood and white surfaces, the skylight in this glasshouse-style space lets in a healthy amount of natural light creates a welcoming, zen feel.

Photo from @carbsforlyfe via Instagram

Those who make their food selections based on what looks prettiest will delight in the French Toast ($18), a real treat topped with purple candy floss and edible flowers, among other standard ingredients like berries and ice cream.

Photo from @fluffedup via Instagram

Other items include Hummus in the Pan ($15), Linguine Puttanesca ($17), and Salmon Avocado ($20).

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Address: 1 Vista Exchange Green, #01-46 The Star Vista, Singapore 138617
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm daily
Website

#5: Cherki - modern Peranakan dishes and craft cocktails with stellar presentation

Photo from Cherki

Cherki serves modern Peranakan cuisine like you’ve never experienced before. At the crux of their menu are traditional ingredients and flavours including petai, candlenut, lemongrass, and of course, a generous dose of spicy sambal - but reimagined to create something completely new and experimental.

Photo from Cherki

Take, for example, their Black Nut Chicken Linguine ($21) and Pangium Beef Wellington ($30), which fuse buah keluak with European and British favourites respectively. Also worth a try are the Truffle Itek Popiah ($9), sous vide Baba Back Ribs ($24), and Braised Pongteh Lamb Shank ($27).

Photo from Cherki

Don’t leave without trying at least one of their 15 unique craft cocktails, each one prepared to aesthetic perfection with a Nyonya twist. Pictured above are (clockwise from top-left): Date With The Devil ($24) which is served in a royal-looking goblet, Potpourri ($23) with floral flavours, Pulut Hitam ($25) that’s disguised as its namesake, and The Descendants ($22), a fruity concoction.

Photo from Quandoo

It’s worth mentioning that Cherki is by the same people who founded Hopscotch, so you know the alcoholic beverages are gonna take your tastebuds on a whirl.

Address: 1 Straits Boulevard, #01-02, Singapore 018906
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 5pm - 10:30pm (Closed on Sunday)
Website

#6: 6 Letter Brunch - pet-friendly, bicycle-friendly cafe with garden swing

Photo from @eatwithfelz via Instagram

Pet owners, this one’s for you. 6 Letter Brunch, a cosy white-walled cafe in the East, has a pet-friendly outdoor seating area so your furkid doesn’t have to be left at home. This al fresco zone also has a small bicycle parking space for the convenience of those who wish to make this a pit stop to refuel in the middle of a cycling outing.

Photo from @mochi_girl_toypoodle via Instagram

They’re all about brunch favourites such as Pancake Wonderland ($16) with your choice of gelato, Smoked Duck Pancakes ($12) with sour cream and blueberry jam, and the less common Crabcake Sweet Potato Rosti ($18).

Photo from 6 Letter Brunch

The cafe’s spacious interior is dotted with various species of potted plants, and there’s a green garden swing in one corner where you can have a whirl - and a photo opportunity.

Photo from @lifeisgood_iz via Instagram

Address: 103 Frankel Avenue, Singapore 458225
Opening hours: Sunday - Thursday: 8am - 8pm | Friday & Saturday: 8am - 9pm
Website

#7: Cherry & Oak - BBQ smokehouse that’s abundant with greenery

Photo from Cherry & Oak

It’s all about flavourful, wood-smoked nosh at Cherry & Oak, a new smokehouse that’s a stone’s throw from Farrer Park MRT station. Of course, steaks are the star of the show here - there's pure Black Angus Brisket ($29, 200g), BBQ Burnt Ends ($32, 200g) with sambal, as well as a massive 1.6kg Black Angus Tomahawk ($158) from Australia.

Photo from Cherry & Oak

Beyond the beef are also smoked seafood items like Octopus ($28) glazed with soy sauce, Salt-Crusted Smoked Barramundi ($38), and Mud Crab ($65, 3 pieces) doused in garlic butter sauce. Freshly Shucked Oysters are available on Fridays and weekends for $7 per piece.

Photo from Cherry & Oak

Worried that the smoke will cling to your hair and clothes? Opt for a seat in their sheltered but airy semi-al fresco zone that’s decorated with artificial grass, potted plants and dried flowers, as well as strings of bulb lights which add a chill touch to the overall ambience.

Photo from Cherry & Oak

Address: 93 - 95 Owen Road, Singapore 218907
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 11am - 10pm (Closed on Monday)
Website

#8: Tipsy Flamingo - tropical beach-themed bar helmed by Pierre Png

Photo from Tipsy Flamingo

Adding on to the ever-growing Tipsy Collective family is Tipsy Flamingo, this time helmed by local actor Pierre Png and wife Andrea De Cruz - whom you may be lucky enough to spot during your visit there. The theme here is beachy and tropical with a good dose of pink and pastel tones - quite a change from the other Tipsy bars which are darker and more subdued.

Photo from Tipsy Flamingo

The details here are on point - portions of the floor have blue and white tiles resembling that of swimming pools, and a giant flamingo floatie hangs from the ceiling. There are even booth seats with curtains, made to mimic poolside cabanas! This is probably as close as you’ll get to Korea’s Stylenanda Pink Pool Cafe in Singapore.

Photo from Tipsy Flamingo

Similar to the other outlets, Tipsy Flamingo serves a mix of Asian fusion dishes such as Thai Basil Pork Shabu-Shabu ($16) and Crispy Chicken Katsu with Housemade Balado Chilli ($16), but if you’re after lighter meals that one can find at a beach bar, there’s also the highly-raved Tipsy’s Lobster & Crabmeat Roll ($29), Ebi Katsu Sando ($18) and Japanese Oysters ($24 for 6) among other bites.

Photo from Tipsy Flamingo

Artisanal Signature Cocktails here cost $18, with the exception of Coco-Not Chanel ($34), which is good for two and comes served in a coconut husk with actual coconut flesh and a scoop of coconut ice cream.

Photo from Tipsy Flamingo

Address: 252 North Bridge Road, #01-17A Raffles City Shopping Centre, Singapore 179103
Opening hours: 12pm - 10.30pm daily
Website

#9: The Ice Cream Bar - boozy ice cream parlour

Photo from The Ice Cream Bar

It’s adults only at The Ice Cream Bar, for they mainly focus on boozy flavours like Baileys Brownies, Smoked Cognac, Guinness Pistachio, and Bacardi Choc Crunch - all of which you can pair with Buttermilk and Charcoal Waffles ($6). Premium flavours require a $2 top-up.

Photo from The Ice Cream Bar

It costs $4.90 for a single scoop, $8.50 for double, and $11.60 for triple, which is very reasonable considering the alcohol involved. According to reviewers, they’re pretty generous with the booze content too, so you can expect a distinct buzz.

Photo from @eatwithfelz via Instagram

Address: 59 Kampong Bahru Road, #01-01, Singapore 169367
Opening hours: Sunday - Thursday: 12.30pm - 10.30pm | Friday & Saturday: 12.30pm - 11pm
Website

#10: Lounge at Avenue 87 - hidden cocktail den

Photo from Avenue 87

Avenue 87 has been open since 2020 but their new space, Lounge at Avenue 87, has just opened to welcome patrons who are seeking a tipple in an environment that’s classy yet relaxing at the same time - nothing too chi-chi, so you can truly unwind and be yourself. The forest green walls and sofas mirror the botanical theme found in thor sister restaurant below, and add to that overall calming ambience.

Photo from Avenue 87

You could say this is a speakeasy - the hidden cocktail den is only accessible via a neon-lit staircase at the back of the restaurant. If your date or pals aren’t already privy to this little open secret, you’ve got a great opportunity to surprise and impress them here!

Photo from Avenue 87

Some of the unique local-inspired cocktails here include Botanic ($21), a quirky mix of Rojak Gin, Melati, and Indian tonic, along with the bandung-inspired Jambu ($21), a pink concoction of vodka, sherry, apple, rose syrup, and honey. Traditionalists can go for classics like Mango Daiquiri ($19) and Bourbon Sour ($19).

Photo from Avenue 87

Address: 47 Amoy St, Singapore 069873
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday to Saturday: 11.30am - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm (Closed on Sunday & Tuesday)
Website

#11: Chez Suzette - homely 2-storey French cafe

Photo from Chez Suzette

Named after the founder, Chez Suzette is a homely double-story establishment where you can just slow down and enjoy life with good food and your favourite people (or even yourself). Opening bright and early at 8.30am, they serve classic all-day brunch dishes like Eggs Benedict with Parma Ham ($18) or French Smoked Salmon ($20), and Avocado Toast ($18).

Photo from @amerie.__ via Instagram

There’s quite a great deal of French influence in their menu as well, with items like Escargots à la Bourguignonne ($16), Crêpes Suzette ($15), and Duck Leg Confit ($29) - which you can wash down with specially curated French wine and artisanal coffee.

Photo from Chez Suzette

One prime spot within the cafe to check out is the wall mural depicting a window opening up to the flowery fields of Southern France.

Photo from @iris.nihao via Instagram

There’s also a retail area with items sourced from local artists. Cafe Suzette hopes to host craft workshops in the future, so keep an eye out for announcements in time to come!

Address: 5 Teck Lim Road, #01-01, Singapore 088383
Opening hours: Sunday & Monday: 8.30am - 5pm | Wednesday - Saturday: 8.30am - 10pm (Closed on Tuesday)
Website

#12: Singapore Chocolate - turquoise artisanal dessert cafe by the sea

Photo from Singapore Chocolate

Joining the row of al fresco eateries along the idyllic Quayside Isle at Sentosa Cove is the gorgeously turquoise Singapore Chocolate, which boasts a chic and romantic Paris-esque vibe.

Photo from Singapore Chocolate

This sister outlet to Singapore Coffee at Raffles Hotel is for lovers of all things sweet - their specialty lies in artisanal bon bons, fresh bakes like pastries and cookies, and perhaps the most sinful of all, the Ultimate Choco-nut Sundae loaded with chocolate shavings, caramelised hazelnuts, and almonds.

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Address: 31 Ocean Way, #01-08 Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove, Singapore 098375
Opening hours: 7.30am - 4pm daily
Website

#13: Wild Child Pizzette - fried pizza

Photo from Wild Child Pizzette

From the same folks behind Bar Cicheti and Caffe Cicheti comes Wild Child Pizzette, a cosy joint serving up mini pizzas that are all expertly fired the traditional way, in a stone oven. To quote them, “all good things come in 10 inches”. This diameter of their Pizzettes ($15.50 - $21) allow for sharing with even more variety, or are just nice for a personal portion.

Photo from Wild Child Pizzette

Cheese lovers can get their fix with the Trio Formaggio ($19), topped with taleggio, fior di latte, grana padano, and caramelised onions. Feeling adventurous? Go for Cavolo Nero ($18.5) with an interesting medley of tuscan kale, garlic confit, lemon, fior di latte, bagna cauda, grana padano, and pickled onions.

If you have yet to be acquainted with fried pizza, you have to give the Crispy Fried Margherita ($21) - topped with semi-dried tomatoes, stracciatella, basil, and aged parmigiana - a try. It was our favourite of the lot, not just because of its sinful you tiao-like texture, but also the classic blend of flavours and just the right richness of cheese.

Photo from Wild Child Pizzette

But pizza isn’t the only thing they’re about. Add some variety with small plates (which they’ve dubbed “Antipizette”) such as Burratina ($25) or Bikini ($18.50), a cheesy braised beef cheek sandwich of sorts made from pizza dough bread. And if you didn’t think vegetables could taste so good, let yourself be proven wrong with their roasted Cauliflower ($14.50), with Middle Eastern-inspired flavours in the form of coriander,mint, pistachio, and labneh.

Photo from Wild Child Pizzette

As a sweet-tooth, I thoroughly enjoyed ending off my meal with their Pecan Tart ($13), served with whisky gelato, and caramel bourbon sauce - one of the best I’ve ever tasted thus far.

Address: 50 Circular Road, Singapore 049405
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 12pm - 2.30pm | 5.30pm - 10.30pm
Website

#14: NY Verden - bar and grill overlooking the Forest Valley

Photo from NY Verden

NY Verden is the place to be if you’re looking for a scenic dining experience devoid of any sweating or mosquito bites from being outdoors. With a direct view of the Forest Valley and Rain Vortex waterfall at Jewel Changi, this European bar and grill gives you that al fresco experience with all the indoor comfort you crave.

Photo from NY Verden

Using Josper grills, they whip up smokey hearth-cooked dishes like Iberico Pork Jowl ($32), Mayura Full Blood Wagyu ($60), and Grilled Tiger Prawns ($23) using ingredients air-flown from specific origins for the best quality. The menu is constantly changing based on the best produce of a particular season so it’s a fresh experience each time.

Photo from NY Verden

Don’t expect large portions that will have you bursting on the seams - reviewers have commented on how the dishes here are rather petite, so those with monster appetites might want to take note. Still, there have been praises for the taste, so it’s still worth considering if you’re after quality over quantity for a special occasion.