14 New Cafes & Restaurants In May 2021 - Pink Steakhouse, $10 Eggs Benedict, Gelato Till 2AM

Lifestyle Food

By Rachel Yohannan on 04 May 2021

Senior Digital Editor

Crazy cat lady who loves afternoon tea, kawaii Japanese fashion, and all things Sanrio.

While you’re here, check out our list of 17 things to do in May 2021 for outing ideas.

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

#1: Main Street Commissary - $10 eggs benedict and art showcases

Photo from @j_essplaces via Instagram

If you thought JB’s cafe districts are the only places to get $10 Eggs Benedict, think again. Main Street Commissary, a cafe with minimalist decor on the first floor of a Little India shophouse, serves exactly that - along with other affordable brunch dishes like Acai Superbowls at $7 and Breakfast of Champions (pictured below) at $12.

Photo from @mainstreetcommissary via Instagram

Opened by a creative agency housed on the second floor of the same building, the cafe also doubles up as an art space. At present, they’re host to Young Love: A GEN X Singapore - a B&W photography showcase that will be on till the end of the month. Can’t wait to see what other exhibitions they will be featuring in the months to come!

Photo from @mainstreetcommissary via Instagram

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Address: 81 Rowell Road, Singapore 208014
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm daily
Website

#2: Three Point Two - pink and blue gelato joint that opens till 2am

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Remember that scene in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty where Aurora’s fairy godmothers were bickering over whether her dress should be pink or blue? They’re gonna love Three Point Two, a gelato cafe that incorporates both in its colour theme!

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

It’s no surprise that Three Point Two has been highly lauded for their durian flavours, seeing as they’re opened by the same folks behind Pang Zi Durian, a durian dessert store at Jurong. Mao Shan Wang gelato costs $6 for a single scoop, and $9.50 for double. Other durian treats here include D24 Durian Puffs, D24 Durian Mochi, and Mao Shan Wang Craquelin Puffs.

Photo from @iris.nihao via Instagram

Don’t worry, there are 17 other ice cream flavours that don’t involve the pungent fruit, all made fresh in-house. These include Watermelon Mint, Ferrero Rocher, and Chrysanthemum, and start from $4 per scoop.

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Address: 85 Kampong Bahru Road, Singapore 169380
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday: 12pm - 10pm | Friday & Saturday: 12pm - 2am
Website

#3: Enclave - Bali-esque hole-in-the-wall with fountain and private room

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Enclave is quite aptly-named; This hole-in-the-wall is well-hidden in the Keong Saik area, nestled between a 7-Eleven and music school. From outside, their red storefront doesn’t look like much, but inside is a whole different vibe with ornate mirrors and hanging lamps, antique-looking drawers painted with flowers, and even a water fountain with traditional tiles.

Photo from Enclave

While the way this Bali-esque eatery is made up might make one think that it’s a fine-dining restaurant with sky-high prices, this isn’t the case. Tuck into relatable, Indonesian-influenced dishes like Otah Fritters ($8), Otah Buns ($8), and Indomiberico ($15) - Indomie goreng with Iberico pork. The owners themselves are Indoensians, which explains the selection!

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

There’s a more contemporary-looking private room with elegant teal walls, though this requires a minimum spend of $600.

Photo from Enclave

Address: 41 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089146
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday: 4pm - 11pm (Closed on Sunday & Monday)
Website

#4: Alto Cafe - cosy botanical-themed cafe

Photo from @altocafe.sg via Instagram

Botanical-themed Alto Cafe brings on the good vibes with their cosy, airy setting, with leafy plants lining an entire shelf and then some. Expect the standard host of brunch fare like sandwiches, pasta, croissantwiches, and all-day breakfast.

Photo from @altocafe.sg via Instagram

Tuck into hearty options like Papa Rosti ($14.90, pictured above), Runny Benny ($15.90), and Salmon Khan ($15.90) - a pesto sourdough with melted cheddar and mozzarella, smoked salmon, and cream cheese dressing. There’s even a kid’s menu for those who are bringing their little ones along.

Photo from @altocafe.sg via Instagram

Address: 54 Bayshore Road, #01-01, Singapore 469979
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9am - 6pm | Saturday & Sunday: 8am - 7pm
Website

#5: Smile Dessert - 3-storey cafe full of photo spots

Photo from @hey.sharlottek0h via Instagram

The owners of Smile Dessert sure knew what they were doing when they designed their space; This 3-storey cafe was clearly made for selfie-lovers to bust out their best poses for mini photoshoots. +10 points to your Instagram feed.

Photo from GirlStyle SG

IG-worthy spots here include a ball pit, a princess canopy bed, and a pink area with pop art and shopping carts filled with pink and white balls.

Photo from @littleteochewmama via Instagram

At present, Smile Dessert opens till 3am, but plans on becoming a 24/7 establishment in the future.

Photo from GirlStyle SG

Read our full article on Smile Dessert here.

#6: Crayon Shinchan Cafe - cheeky cartoon-themed pop-up

Photo from Kumoya

Breaking away from their usual cutesy collabs, Kumoya at Jalan Klapa has just launched their new Crayon Shinchan pop-up cafe. While the previous Little Twin Stars and Molang editions were sweet and pastelly, this one’s loud and cheeky - just like the cartoon character himself.

Photo from Kumoya

What’s on the menu? One word: BUTTS. Alright, there’s more than that, but these So Mischievous Japanese Seafood Curry Rice ($26.90) and Relaxing Onsen Pudding Parfait ($22.90) are definitely the highlights, since mooning and butt-shaking is integral to this wacky Japanese cartoon.

Photo from Kumoya

Read our full article on the Crayon Shinchan Cafe here.

#7: Fuel X - all-day brunch and coffee

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Brunch dishes for dinner? That’s entirely possible at Fuel X, an all-day brunch cafe hidden along the retail section of a condominium complex that’s a short 5-minute walk from Potong Pasir MRT station.

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

With the cafe closing at 9.30pm daily, there’s ample time for working folk - or those who aren’t early risers - to get their fix of Toasties ($16), pasta ($16 - $18), and X-Ben ($16), an unconventional combination of poached eggs on brioche with crispy fish nuggets and tobiko.

Photo from @my_matcha_moments via Instagram

Their generously-topped pancakes come in flavours of Matcha ($15) and Salted Caramel ($16). Other dessert options include Homemade Apple Crumble ($10) and Red Velvet Nutella Cake ($8).

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Address: 2 Tai Thong Crescent, #01-06 The Venue Shoppes, Singapore 347836
Opening hours: Monday to Friday (except Wednesday): 11am - 9.30pm | Saturday & Sunday, PHs: 10am - 930pm | Closed on Wednesday
Website

#8: Republic Bar - swanky 1960’s-inspired cocktail bar

Photo from @republicbarsg via Instagram

Take date nights up a notch at Republic, a swanky new 1960’s-inspired bar and lounge at the Ritz-Carlton. Think dark wood and leather upholstery, posters featuring guerrilla leader Che Guevara, black and whit photo prints, and all-round sophistication as you sip on your tipple.

Photo from @republicbarsg via Instagram

Aside from vintage spirits and cocktails inspired by that era, this high-end drinking spot also serves mains like Open Face New York Steak Sandwich ($32) and British Prawn Cocktail ($24). Afternoon Tea starts from $59.

Photo from @republicbarsg via Instagram

Address: 7 Raffles Avenue, The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore Level 3, Singapore 039799
Opening hours: 12pm - 11pm daily
Website

For more new luxurious restaurants in Singapore, check out this article.

#9: Knock Knock Cafe - giant floral wall and neon lights

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Knock Knock Cafe has nailed pretty much everything in the “IG-worthy cafe” formula: Sleek, minimalist furniture, marble surfaces, pink neon lights, and a massive floral feature wall. Though still in their soft launch stage, their doors are already open for customers who want a taste of their fusion dishes and desserts.

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Prices for mains are mostly below $20, save for more premium options of Wagyu Beef Foie Gras Burger ($26) and Grilled Ribeye Steak ($28), and they pride themselves on their cold brews. Private dining options are available for those who wish to be away from the crowds during special occasions.

Photo from GirlStyle SG

Read our full article on Knock Knock Cafe here.

#10: Champion Bolo Bun - zen Hong Kong tea cafe with 3 floors

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Think of cha chaan tengs and you’ll probably picture an old, traditional-looking coffee house with gritty walls and colourful floor tiles. But Champion Bolo Bun breaks that stereotypical image with its zen interior, which has an almost Japanese-like quality with hints of Bali with clean white walls, wooden furniture, and tropical plants.

Photo from @nathanielneo via Instagram

This 3-storey shophouse cafe specialises in bolo buns and Hong Kong-style milk tea. The only other thing on the menu are beverages like coffee and iced lemon tea. Clearly, they’re serious about their focus - in fact, the buns are freshly baked every 15 minutes to ensure tip top freshness.

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Read our full article on Champion here.

#11: Gemma - pink-hued steakhouse

Photo from @liuying.photos / @thishumidhouse via Instagram

True meat lovers know that glorious feeling of cutting into a perfectly pink, tender steak. Now, how about doing that in a steakhouse with perfectly pink walls too? That’s right, ladies - Gemma at National Gallery is a rosy-hued Italian restaurant by a Michelin Chef, and it’s perfect for fancy nights out with your gal pals.

Photo from @hannahcinco5 via Instagram

Photo from @chloe_0208 via Instagram

Steaks here start from $48 for an Australian Futari Wagyu Butcher’s Cut, going up to $118 for Japanese A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Sirloin. For a value-for-money treat, opt for their 3-course set lunch at just $48 which ends on a sweet note with Coconut Panna Cotta with Brown Butter Crumble as your dessert.

Photo from @benjamin.szeto via Instagram

Address: 1 St Andrew’s Road, #05-03 National Gallery, Singapore 178957
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 12.30pm - 2.30pm, 6.30pm - 10.30pm (Closed on Monday)
Website

#12: Culture Spoon - daily rotating chefs and cuisines

Photo from @eugeneleecoaching via Instagram

Every day is a surprise at Culture Spoon, a co-sharing kitchen that rotates chefs daily, at different times of the day. This means a whole slew of cuisines including Thai, Filipino, Western, Indonesian, and Chinese!

Photo from @burmese.brand via Instagram

Some examples of past dishes include healthy Tea Leaf Salad from Burmese Brand, Tom Yum Mama Noodles from Wok With Man, and fresh bakes from Cultured Bakeyard.

Photo from @pondr.cafe via Instagram

The space is a welcoming one along a row of other shophouse eateries. Sit al fresco and watch cars zoom past, or snag an indoor concrete booth seat with leafy decor for a cosier, cleaner vibe.

Photo from @freedomyogasg via Instagram

Address: 409 River Valley Road, Singapore 248307
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday: 8am - 10.30pm | Friday & Saturday: 8am - 11pm
Website

#13: A Beautiful Day - cafe-bar with pink floral decor and souffle pancakes

Photo from @eating_mpire via Instagram

A Beautiful Day is experiential from the get-go - first, you walk through a doorway framed with a colourful floral arch, before coming face to face with an all-pink space featuring more flowers and a pink telephone booth. Then, you’ll be brought to the dining area, which sings a different tune with yellow walls and a bohemian aesthetic.

Photo from @mandyymiz via Instagram

On the menu are dishes like Peri Peri Chicken and Bandung Soufflé Pancake, the latter of which is perfectly fluffy, jiggly, and not overly sweet.

Photo from @kellykalysa via Instagram

The al fresco bar area is strung with fairy lights overhead, making for a chill setting for after-work drinks.

Read our full article on A Beautiful Day here.

#14: Daya Izakaya - Singapore’s only halal izakaya, with no GST

Photo from @dayaizakaya via Instagram

Muslims in Singapore can finally get a taste of what it’s like to dine at a Japanese gastropub with Daya Izakaya, the only Halal izakaya in the country! To make the experience as authentic as possible, the restaurant is decked out in noren curtains and even wooden planks on the wall featuring names of dishes served. Topping that off is a feature wall plastered with a realistic image of what looks to be the streets of Tokyo.

Photo from @dayaizakaya via Instagram

Kushiyaki (Japanese skewers) starts from $2 per stick, while sashimi starts from $6 for 3 pieces of salmon. At present, they’re having a Ramadan promotion with massive Sumo Set meals that can feed 4 pax (from $112 nett) or 8 pax (from $208 nett) - that’s as little as $26 per person!

Photo from @dayaizakaya via Instagram

Wash that down with their specialty Ume Soda, which comes with a whole piece of plum for an added flavour jolt, or their refreshing Calpis Soda. Those who are on the adventurous side can down a bottle of Whisky High Ball ($8.90) - non-alcoholic, of course.

Photo from @dayaizakaya via Instagram

Another bonus: There’s no GST and service charge, and free WiFi is provided for all customers!

Photo from @dayaizakaya via Instagram

Address: 254 Jalan Kayu, Singapore 799481
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 11.30am - 2.30pm, 6pm - 11pm | Friday: 1pm - 11pm | Saturday & Sunday: 11.30am - 11pm
Website