14 New Cafes & Restaurants In July 2021 - Zen Japanese Tea Room, Glasshouse Cafe, Scenic Rooftop Bars

By Rachel Yohannan on 01 Jul 2021

Senior Digital Editor

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

At long last, after what seemed like forever, dine-ins are back once again - hurray! While we’re still limited to parties of 2 pax, this is the best time to have quiet dates with your partner, or intimate catch-ups with friends you’ve been missing for a while. Our round-up of new cafes and restaurants in July 2021 are a great start to getting back into your dearly missed foodventures - let’s dive right in!

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

#1: Coexist Coffee - dual-toned rooftop cafe

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Hidden on the rooftop of an unassuming industrial building is Coexist Coffee, a dual-toned cafe. By that, we don’t just mean a mix of two colours - this cafe is split with a line right down the middle, with one side 100% white and the other side in a terracotta orange. Can’t pick a single side? You and your friend can each pick your preferred colour, and sit at the long table smack in the middle!

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Mains and all-day breakfast start from $8. Try the unique Chili Crab Shakshuka ($16), which comes with crab meat, chili crab sauce, poached egg and mantou. They’re currently having a promotion with 10% off the entire menu - the end date has not been specified, but you’ll want to head down ASAP before it starts getting crowded!

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Read our full article on Coexist Coffee here.

#2: Marcy’s - eclectic seafood bistro & bar

Photo from Marcy’s

You’ve probably never seen a restaurant in Singapore that looks anything like Marcy’s - this seafood bistro and bar has eclectic European-style decor in the form of antique-looking shelves, gilded frames on the wall, and stained glass lamps.

Photo from Marcy’s

The walls splashed in green contrast starkly with the red couches and their cushions, and while at the risk of being a tacky Christmas-themed disaster in theory, it somehow works well put together. This establishment resembles a home, but a posh one, with the perfect balance of kooky and intimate.

Photo from Marcy’s

Choose from small sharing plates like Crab Toast 2.0 ($24) and Scallop & Swordfish Crudo ($22), or larger portions like Rigatoni ($31) with red wine-braised octopus and beef tendon, and Arroz Negro ($32) - black rice with squid and citrus. Wash that down with cocktails from $17 and beer from $14.

Photo from Marcy’s

Address: 39-40 Duxton Road, Singapore 089503
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 6pm - 10.30pm (Closed on Monday)
Website

#3: Around - glasshouse ice cream cafe that opens till 2am

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Around the corner of a condominium complex at Tampines is Around, an ice cream cafe in a gorgeous glasshouse that keeps its doors open till the wee hours of 2am. Lucky Easties who now have a new go-to for late-night cravings!

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Don’t just keep your visits to nighttime though, for you’ll also want to drop by during the day to experience the splendour of the soft sunlight filtering through the glass panels. Inside is a simple, airy space spruced up with muted green wall accents and earthy-toned pampas grass.

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Ice cream here starts from $4.20 for a single scoop and $8 for double, while their crispy waffle at $7.90 comes with your choice of Nutella or maple syrup as toppings. They also serve cakes from $7.90 and Caramel or Hazelnut Lattes at $5.50.

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Address: 115 Tampines Street 86, #01-51 The Alps Residences, Singapore 528537
Opening hours: 12pm - 2am daily
Website

#4: Clos Pasoh - French cuisine in a heritage shophouse with outdoor terrace

Photo from Clos Pasoh

Clos Pasoh is the place to be for a date that’s laid back but will still impress. Located on the second floor unit of a heritage shophouse at Tanjong Pagar, this contemporary French restaurant has wallet-friendly weekday set lunches at just $42 for 2 courses and $49 for 3 courses.

Photo from Clos Pasoh

A la carte mains include Boeuf aux échalotes ($49), a wagyu steak with beef cheek confit, and Canard aux olives ($42), roasted duck breast with olives, fennel, and confit lemon.

Photo from Clos Pasoh

The interior of the restaurant is filled with leafy plants, which complement the botanical-themed wallpaper - a lovely contrast from the urban jungle it's set in. For fresh air and a view of rustic shophouses juxtaposed against skyscrapers, opt for a seat at the outdoor terrace.

Photo from Clos Pasoh

Address: 48A Bukit Pasoh Road, Level 2, Singapore 089859
Opening hours: Tuesday: 4.30am - 11pm | Wednesday to Saturday: 11.30am - 11pm (Closed on Sunday & Monday)
Website

#5: Joji’s Diner - retro American-style diner

Photo from Joji's Diner

Pretend you’re starring in your own episode of Riverdale at Joji’s Diner, a retro-themed American-style cafe along Serangoon. A working jukebox, old-school gum machine, striped vinyl booth seats, and neon lights - it’s got the whole works for that classic 80’s throwback.

Photo from Joji's Diner

Their all-day breakfast starts from an affordable $5.90, with a PBNJ Sandwich and Mac & Cheese going for that price. They also have pancake stacks, full breakfast sets, and marshmallow-topped milkshakes, among other items.

Photo from Joji's Diner

Read our full article on Joji’s Diner here.

#6: White Tree Cafe - Japanese organic tea cafe cum hair salon

Photo from @kate.traveler_sg via Instagram

It’s as zen as it gets at White Tree - a calming Japanese-owned minimalist tea room and hair salon in the heart of town. While they only opened their dine-in and salon space this year, their eponymous organic tea brand has been around for a couple of years now, and has clinched partnerships with 5-star hotels like Capella Singapore as well as major hospitals around the world for postpartum care.

Photo from White Tree Cafe

All their Wellness Tea blends ($12 per pot) are created by medical herbalists to help boost your wellbeing naturally. Some options include Beauty, Calming, Detox, and Energy. Beverages aside, they also have healthy bites like acai bowls from $7 and an eye-catching Pink Vegetable Salad at $18. You can also grab small pastries like croissants and cinnamon rolls from $3.90 onwards.

Photo from White Tree Cafe

Pop by to let your mind rest and wander as you gaze out upon the streets below. While you’re at it, you might as well take a peek at their hair services - you might just find yourself walking out with a fresh new ‘do!

Photo from @lutilu_ via Instagram

Address: 24A Circular Road, 2nd Floor, Singapore 049380
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm daily
Website

#7: Levant - rooftop bar with Mediterranean mezze & cocktails

Photo from Levant

While our sunny island can be scorching hot during the day, winding down with drinks at an open-air bar is always a good idea in the evening - especially after a tough day at work. Levant is one such new rooftop bar to hit up for some much-needed R&R, with its Tanjong Pagar location super convenient for stressed-out CBD warriors. You might even be treated to a stunning sunset if skies are clear for the day!

Photo from @s_fooderene via Instagram

Look forward to Mediterranean mezze bites like Beef Kofta Sliders ($18) with eggplant fritter and green chilli shatta, and Smoky Baba Ganoush ($16) and Avocado Hummus ($16) served with pita bread. Cocktails (from $18) are also inspired by Mediterranean flavours. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, try Greek Forest, which contains pine liquor infused with honeycomb and a slight kick of lemon.

Photo from Levant

Address: 32 Tras Street, Level 4 Signature Hotel, Singapore 078972
Opening hours: 4pm - 10.30pm daily
Website

#8: Lady M Champagne Bar - first outlet in the world with champagne-focused items

Photo from Lady M

Lady M needs no introduction. Hailing from New York, their mille crepes are arguably some of the best you’ll ever come across. They already have a handful of outlets in Singapore which are often packed to the brim, but the patisserie has just opened a new Champagne Bar - the very first one in the world, no less!

Photo from Lady M

Other than their classic cakes and outlet-exclusive mains like Chilled Caviar Angel Hair ($40) and Creamy Lobster Fettuccine ($32), they also serve delicate afternoon tea sets and champagne-focused items that you won’t be able to find anywhere else - the Champagne Mille Crepe ($25) is a must-try! Glasses of bubbly start from $19.

Photo from Lady M

Read our full article on Lady M Champagne Bar here.

#9: Cancita - Peruvian cuisine in a forest oasis

Photo from Dempsey Hill

Have a taste of flavourful Peruvian cuisine at Cancita, the newest kid on the block at Dempsey Hill. Directly facing a forested area with floor-to-ceiling windows, this little oasis gives you a good eyeful of nature as you dine - making you feel as though you’re in a resort.

Photo from Canchita

There’s a sizeable selection of seafood dishes here, such as charcoal grilled Octopus ($32), various Ceviches ($28), and Arroz con Mariscos ($34) - a crayfish and seafood rice dish with Peruvian chilli, crab butter, and white wine. But don’t worry, meat lovers and vegetarians won’t be left out either! For best value for money, go for a 4 pax Cancita Family Bundle at $120 ($30 per person!) with a mix of Chicken Tacos, Ceviche of the day, Arroz con Mariscos, and Tres Leches, a coconut cake with strawberries and cream.

Photo from Zuzanna Neziri

Address: Dempsey Road, 9A 9B, Singapore 247698
Opening hours: 11am - 8.30pm daily
Website

#10: Casa by Remy Lefebvre - Mediterranean-inspired woodfired dishes

Photo from Casa by Remy Lefebvre

“Casa” means “home” in Spanish - and that’s exactly the sort of vibes Casa by Remy Lefebvre wants to evoke. Fine dining here is made comfortable and pressure-free with its luxurious yet homely interior of light colours and contrasting velvety blue booth seats - a change from the usual dark, brooding decor that many high-end restaurants have.

Photo from Casa by Remy Lefebvre

The offerings are seasonal, so there’s something new to look forward to every couple of months. Set menus are all served with complimentary snacks and petit fours, starting from $88 for a 3-course executive lunch set, $118 for a 4-course lunch or dinner, $198 for 6 courses, and $258 for 8. Bookmark this for your next special occasion date!

Photo from Casa by Remy Lefebvre

Address: 30 Victoria Street, #01-20 CHIJMES, Singapore 187996
Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 12pm - 2pm, 6pm-10:30pm | Sunday: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm-10:30pm (Closed on Monday & Tuesday)
Website

#11: Orange & Teal - social enterprise cafe with books and no GST

Photo from Orange & Teal

Don’t be too surprised if you happen to see Dr Chee Soon Juan of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) when you visit Orange & Teal at Rochester Mall; This social enterprise cafe is owned and run by him and his wife, and has been a shared long-term dream of theirs for many years. A day before its grand opening, Dr Chee even treated all the cleaning staff at the mall to a meal - how sweet!

Photo from Orange & Teal

Mains here are hearty and full of flavour, with their house specialty being Creole Jambalaya ($13.90), a Cajun dish with spicy rice and prawns. Other highly-raved dishes include Creamy Butter Tuscan Salmon ($20.80) and Texas Oven Baked Beef Brisket ($18.80). Best part? There’s no GST or service charge!

Photo from Orange & Teal

Or, simply drop by for some cake and coffee, and thumb through one of the many reads from their bookshelf while you’re at it!

Photo from Orange & Teal

There’s also a cute little al fresco area with umbrellas for shade, draped with fairy lights and leafy vines for added cosiness.

Address: 35 Rochester Drive, #02-12 Rochester Mall, Singapore 138639
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday: 11am - 9pm | Friday & Saturday: 11am - 10pm
Website

#12: SYIP - calming minimalist cafe

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

We’re not sure what’s up with the funky spelling, but we fully agree with the philosophy of SYIP (pronounced “sip”): “Take it easy, have a syip of coffee”. And solid coffee is what you’ll get in this zen minimalist cafe - Hot White ($5), Iced Mocha ($6.50), and their signature SYIP White Coffee ($6) with double shot espresso, whipped cream, cocoa powder, and chocolate are some options.

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Tea lovers can look forward to Iced Dirty Matcha ($6.50) and their rendition of London Fog ($7.50), a blend of strawberry puree, tea, and whipped cream.

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Mains like the SYIP Big Breakfast ($19.26) and Steak on Eggs ($27.82) are well-portioned. They also have healthy Japanese-inspired rice bowls with a balanced mix of proteins and greens.

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Read our full article on SYIP here.

#13: Summer Lab - succulent-themed superfood smoothie bowls

Photo from Summer Lab

Acai bowl kiosks are a dime a dozen these days but Summer Lab does it differently with succulent-themed superfood smoothie bowls that you’ll have a hard time digging into, only because they’re too pretty to destroy! The 3D succulents and flowers topping each bowl are made of agar jelly.

Photo from Summer Lab

Choose from 7 combinations, with bases like acai, pitaya, or chia pudding with a mix of fresh fruits, seeds, and granola. Given the aesthetics, prices are very reasonable, at $8.90 for regular and $12.90 for large.

Photo from Summer Lab

Address: 33 Erskine Road, #01-05 The Scarlet Hotel, Singapore 069333
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10.30am - 7.30pm (Closed on Sunday)
Website

#14: QIN - stunning city views

Photo from QIN

If you’ve had a staycation at The Clan Hotel - a new hotel at Telok Ayer with a sky pool on the 30th floor - you’d already know of their in-house eatery that is QIN. While their location on the 5th floor isn’t particularly sky high, the high ceiling and wide windows allow you to dine overlooking the stunning cityscape below.

Photo from QIN

It’s owned by Tung Lok so you know their reimagined oriental dishes are gonna be delish, and the good news is, you don’t even have to be a hotel patron in order to dine here! Some of their unique signature dishes include Canton Crisp ($38), a beef brisket braised in picked cream and topped with crispy vermicelli, and Short Rib ($68) with spicy peanut espuma and sambal matah.

Photo from QIN

Address: 10 Cross Street, Level 5 The Clan Hotel, Singapore 048417
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 6.30am - 10.30am, 11.30am - 3pm, 6.30pm - 10.30pm | Saturday: 6.30am - 10.30am, 12pm 3pm | Sunday: 6.30am - 10.30am, 12pm - 3pm, 6.30pm - 10.30pm
Website

BONUS: Niku Katsumata - premium Japanese beef cooked on crystal grills
Limited-time ladies’ special & FREE drink for GirlStyle readers

Photo from Niku Katsumata

Talk about exclusive - Niku Katsumata’s original outlet in Ebisu, Tokyo, is only open to members. Luckily for us, their Singapore branch welcomes anyone and everyone! What sets them apart from other Japanese restaurants along the Duxton stretch is that all their beef slices are cooked one by one for you, on a special crystal plate. This keeps temperatures optimised so your meat won’t get overcooked, plus there’s less smoke involved.

Photo from Niku Katsumata

While they aren’t new in our little red dot’s Japanese dining scene, they do have a limited-time 6-course ladies’ special that just launched today and will only be running this month. This Ladies’ Course features leaner cuts of beef, with portions just right for gals who don’t have monstrous appetites - which means you get to indulge without overeating or ingesting too much fat. At $80, it’s also more affordably priced than the other kaiseki sets on the menu! Do note that prior reservations are required (not available on Fridays and Sautrdays)

Photo from Niku Katsumata

Of course it’s still a bit of a splurge, but very value-for-money considering the quality of wagyu you’re getting. For added bang for buck, GirlStyle readers who order the Ladies’ Course get to enjoy a free drink - simply flash this post to claim it!