14 New Cafes & Restaurants In August 2021 - Pink Interiors, Paris-Inspired Cafes, & Romantic Rooftop Bar

By Rachel Yohannan on 12 Aug 2021

Senior Digital Editor

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

Just when we thought we were done with dine-in restrictions, another one came along to halt our cafe-hopping fun. But now that we’ve emerged from that second mini storm, it’s time to resume our food hunts - in groups of 5 pax too, for those who’ve gotten both their shots! Gather your pals and check these 14 new cafes and restaurants in August 2021 off your list, featuring all sorts of cuisine including Japanese, French, Korean, and Indian!

While you’re here, check out our list of 19 things to do in August 2021 including 2 pax date activities.

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

#1: Mr Holmes Bakehouse - original creator of the cruffin

Photo from Mr Holmes Bakehouse

By now, everyone knows what a cruffin is - a flaky pastry that’s a cross between a croissant and muffin - and Mr Holmes Bakehouse in San Francisco, USA is where it all started. The OG cruffin pioneer has since brought their signature bakes to Singapore, and due to the pandemic, it’s now their only remaining storefront in the world. Lucky us!

Photo from @sharonachia via Instagram

Decked out in their iconic hot-pink-and-white colour scheme, their sit-down cafe brings a bright splash of colour, further heightened with neon wall art. Needless to say that their stuffed Cruffin ($5.80) is a must-try, but do also leave some space for their Donuts ($4) and Croissants (from $4) in unique flavours like Matcha and Chocolate and Lemon Meringue Pie.

Photo from @sharonachia via Instagram

Read our full article on Mr Holmes Bakhouse here.

#2: Cafe Aux Bacchanales - famous French cafe from Harajuku

Photo from Cafe Aux Bacchanales

Cafe Aux Bacchanales first made their debut 26 years ago in Harajuku, and has since expanded to open multiple outlets in Japan - which is telling of their long-standing popularity. In their first-ever overseas venture, they’ve opened their doors at Plaza Singapura, bringing with them the French dishes and classy European-style decor they are known and loved for.

Photo from Cafe Aux Bacchanales

We tried their 250g Sirloin Steak Frites Sauce Bordelaise ($32.80) which was pleasantly tender and cooked to perfect doneness. The fries were delightfully crisp, and tasted great on their own without any dipping sauce. Though I typically don’t enjoy duck, their Confit de Canard ($35.80) won my heart with its crispy, flavourful skin and non-gamey fall-off-the-bone meat.

Photo from Cafe Aux Bacchanales

Meaty mains aside, there are also lighter items like sandwiches (from $10.80) and the best-selling Galette au Jambon & Champignon ($15.80) - a ham and mushroom crepe sprinkled with cheese and topped with a runny egg. If you’d rather have sweet crepes instead of savoury, there’s the Crepe Suzette ($10.80) and Crepe au Chocolat ($10.80) with caramelised banana and chocolate ice cream.

Photo from Cafe Aux Bacchanales

Address: 68 Orchard Road, #03-83 Plaza Singapura, Singapore 238839
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm daily
Website

#3: Firangi Superstar - eclectic Indian restaurant with themed zones

Photo from Firangi Superstar

Serangoon Road may be the place to hunt for traditional Indian cuisine, but restaurant-bar Firangi Superstar at Tanjong Pagar offers a luxurious immersive experience with its eclectic themed zones and flavour-packed dishes with a modern edge.

Photo from Firangi Superstar

Embark on a whole journey as you pass through the different parts of the restaurant, with names like The Elephant Room, Officer’s Club, and Jungle Lodge.

Photo from Firangi Superstar

For best variety, we’d recommend getting their small plates to share, along with their Firangi Naan Basket ($12) which lets you choose from the following three flavours: Black Garlic Butter, Cheese Trio, or Nigella Seeds.

Photo from Firangi Superstar

Address: 20 Craig Road, #01-03, Singapore 089692
Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 12pm - 2.30pm | Saturday: 12pm - 2.30pm, 5.30pm - 10.30pm (Closed on Sunday)
Website

#4: Dazzling Delish - sweet and savoury Japanese sandos

Photo from Dazzling Delish

Talk about elusive; Dazzling Delish only opens on weekdays, for 3 hours at a time from 11am to 2pm. Lucky you if you work near Raffles Place or Clarke Quay, for this Japanese sando cafe is a 5-minute walk from either.

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Sweet Sandos with fruity fillings like golden kiwi, banana, and mango start from $8, all made with Japanese-style shokupan (milk bread). There’s also an Azuki Sando stuffed with sweet red beans and cream. Looking for a quick bite for lunch? Grab a Savoury Sando ($10) with options like Smoked Chicken & Egg and Smoked Salmon.

Photo from Dazzling Delish

Coffee is a must when you’re a tired CBD office worker. Get your caffeine fix here from $4.50, or order some fruit juice ($5) for a refreshing perk-me-up.

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Address: 37 Circular Road, Singapore 049393
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 11am - 2pm (Closed on weekends)
Website

#5: Sweetish Dessert - pink cafe with over 60 desserts including bubble tea “hotpot”

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Though places like Parklane Shopping Mall have recently made the news for...less savoury reasons (ahem, KTVs *cough*) but we’d like to draw your attention to the cute and wholesome instead; Hidden amidst the siam dius and dubious-looking “massage” parlours is Sweetish Dessert (有点甜), a whimsical pink cafe with unicorn decor, trendy terrazzo floors, and circus-style lights.

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Be spoiled for choice with over 60 varieties of sweet treats, starting from $3 for a thirst-quenching bowl of Cheng Teng and $4.50 for Papaya Stewed Milk. Bubble tea lovers should go straight for the Milk Tea Ice Pot ($15.90) - a steamboat pot with 7 chewy toppings served with a jug of milk tea.

Photo from @zippyzipeng via Instagram

There’s a bubble dome swing chair in front of a neon light backdrop specially created for taking photos, so don’t be shy to go all snap-happy!

Read our full article on Sweetish Dessert here.

#6: Aloha Avenue - refreshing rum-infused smoothies & traditional Hawaiian fare

Photo from Aloha Avenue

A new contender has appeared along the Haji Lane stretch: Aloha Avenue. If you haven’t already deduced from its name, this cosy establishment helmed by a Japanese owner serves all things Hawaiian, born out of their love for the island state.

Photo from Aloha Avenue

Beat the heat with a tropical fruit smoothie ($9, $15 for rum option) in flavours like Strawberry Pineapple, Pina Colada, and Mango, or dig into a refreshing Acai Bowl or Poke Bowl ($20). The Spam Musubi ($12), a traditional Hawaiian-Japanese fusion dish that’s popular in both Hawaii and Okinawa, is another must-try, along with the Garlic Shrimp Plate ($22) and Mochiko Chicken Plate ($16).

Photo from Aloha Avenue

The interior is also worthy of mention. A mermaid scale-patterned bar counter, beachy curtains, and flower leis draped all over will make you feel as though you’re really chilling in an island cafe.

Photo from Aloha Avenue

Address: 51 Haji Lane, Singapore 189244
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 11am - 8pm | Sunday 12pm - 8pm (Closed on Monday)
Website

#7: Sky Lido - rooftop bistro & bar with amazing sunset views

Photo from @skylidosg via Instagram

Bask in the view of the most splendid sunsets at Sky Lido, an aptly-named rooftop bistro and bar that’s perfect for a laid-back date that’ll still impress. With leafy plants and full trees lining the perimeter of its railings, this romantic spot is a little oasis of its own, cocooned from the bustle surrounding it.

Photo from @skylidosg via Instagram

On the menu are Western comfort dishes like pasta (from $19), pizza (from $16), and burgers (from $23), which you can wash down with cocktails and wine. Those with a sweet tooth should try the Dessert Platter for 2 ($23) with chocolate and cheese macarons, whiskey chocolate truffles, madeleines, financiers, mini lemon tartlets, and chocolate soil.

Photo from @skylidosg via Instagram

Once you’ve gotten your fill, cuddle up with your partner on the garden swing, draped with vines and fairy lights, for that winning couple shot. Seems like the perfect setting for a proposal surprise too!

Photo from @skylidosg via Instagram

Address: 317 Outram Road, #05-01 Concorde Shopping Centre, Singapore 169075
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 5pm - 10.30pm (Closed on Monday)
Website

#8: Bali on the Cove - a slice of Bali in Sentosa

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Bali on the Cove offers a triple treat in the form of a cafe, co-working space, and boutique with homeware all rolled into one chill space. Located at Sentosa Cove’s Quayside Isle, this sea-facing joint with a breezy outdoor deck is outfitted with rattan chairs, lamps, and wooden furniture - all solely made by and directly sourced from Balinese crafters as a means of supporting them.

Photo from Bali on the Cove

Coffee (from $5) and baked goods are their specialty, and since they open bright and early at 8am, you can drop by for some breakfast before strolling along the scenic boardwalk. Items on the breakfast/brunch menu include Pain au Chocolat ($6), Benedict on Sourdough with Bacon ($25), and Fluffy Pancakes ($24) with flowers, strawberries and almonds.

Photo from Bali on the Cove

Come by after 1pm for heavier lunch items like Gourmet Sandwiches (from $23), Lobster Mac and Cheese ($25) with house salad, and healthy Bali Bowls (from $21) with proteins like smoked salmon and pulled pork.

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Address: Sentosa Cove, #01-16 Quayside Isle, Singapore 098375
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm daily
Website

#9: Simplicité by Fresh Fruits Lab - Parisian vibes and pink interiors

Photo from @eatwithfelz via Instagram

By the same people behind Singapore’s world-famous Harry Potter cafe is Simplicité. Once known as Fresh Fruits Lab, which had a colourful Science lab theme, this cafe in the East has undergone a complete makeover and now sports modern Parisian vibes. From the outside, the all-black store facade gives off a stately and slightly masculine vibe - but step through the doors and it’s a whole 180.

Photo from @simplicitebyffl via Instagram

In contrast with the dark exteriors, the inside of the cafe is washed in various shades of peach and coral, with random placement of green leaf motifs. Complementing that are a couple of actual plants and a deep turquoise sofa that serves as a great photo spot.

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

The food here is French-inspired as well, with items like Spaghetti Alle Vongole ($17), Duck Confit ($28), Chicken Fricassee ($19), and a selection of tapas from $8.

Address: 351 Changi Road, Singapore 419818
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday: 9am - 10pm | Saturday & Sunday: 11am - 10pm (Closed on Monday)
Website

#10: Sapporo Misono - Hokkaido miso ramen by Keisuke Group

Photo from Keisuke

Ramen comes in all sorts of flavourful variants, and if you’ve been to Hokkaido, you’ll know that Sapporo’s specialty is miso-based, topped with a dollop of butter and a scoop of sweet corn. With ramen king Keisuke Takeda’s newly-opened Sapporo Misono - the 9th Keisuke chain outlet in Singapore - you can now get a slurp of such noodles with authentic flavour.

Photo from Keisuke

With a curious-looking bear statue greeting you at the entrance, this outlet tucked in a back corner of Millenia Walk’s main specialty goes without saying. But don’t just stop at the basic Miso Ramen ($12.90) just to save a couple of bucks - we urge you to go all out with the umami-packed Miso Ramen Butter & Corn Special ($17.90) which comes with those classic Sapporo-style toppings and hanjuku egg.

Photo from Keisuke

There’s also Scorched Shoyu Ramen (from $11.90), Spicy Miso Ramen (from $13.90), and Hokkaido Miso Tsukemen ($13.90). Speaking of Hokkaido, check out the restaurant’s large table shaped like the prefecture itself!

Photo from Keisuke

Address: 9 Raffles Boulevard, #02-15 Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 11:30am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm | Saturday & Sunday: 11.30am - 9pm
Website

#11: Garden@One-Ninety - botanical-themed restaurant & bar

Photo from Garden@One-Ninety

Here’s a well-kept secret that quietly opened along Orchard Road: Garden@One-Ninety at a scenic terrace within Four Seasons Hotel. Open also to non-staying guests, this botanical-themed al fresco restaurant-bar is safely sheltered from rain and the glare of the sun.

Photo from Garden@One-Ninety

Lounge on their wicker chairs or sofa seats as you tuck into their seafood tower for two ($148) and clink glasses of botanical cocktails (from $25) with your buddies. To match their garden theme are plenty of creative plant-based dishes, but don’t worry if you’re a die-hard meat-lover, as there are also hearty T-bone steaks ($134).

Photo from Garden@One-Ninety

Read our full article on Garden@One-Ninety here.

#12: 90 Minutes - Korean tteokbokki hotpot buffet from $14.90

Photo from 90 Minutes

Despite being relatively new, 90 Minutes is already popular among Koreans in Singapore - an indication that their nosh is worth your buck. Priced at $14.90 for weekday lunches, $22.90 for weekday dinners, and $23.90 for weekends and public holidays, their affordable tteokbokki hotpot buffets bring a novel experience that sets them apart from the other Korean army stew and steamboat restaurants here.

Photo from 90 Minutes

5 types of tteokbokki - namely round, sliced, hollow, sweet potato, and cheese - are available for your choosing, along with other hotpot staples like sliced meat, shellfish, and assorted veggies. Pick from 5 soup bases, or customise your own - and add on to the flavour with a selection of 7 sauces. There’s also the option to get a cheese ring with a top-up of $9.90!

Photo from 90 Minutes

With a high ceiling, strings of bulb lights, and rainbow neon signages alongside cute food-themed illustrations, their space is inviting and homely - perfect for casual group gatherings with your pals. As the name of the eatery already implies, your buffet session is only limited to 90 minutes, but that’s still a comfortable timing for you to pace your meal with room for chit-chatting.

Photo from 90 Minutes

Address: 9 Bras Basah Road, #01-01 Rendezvous Hotel, Singapore 189559
Opening hours: 10am - 11pm daily
Website

#13: Tearuk Dessert Bar - affordable Thai yaowarat buns and snow ice

Photo from Tearuk Dessert Bar

While we wait for a long-anticipated trip to Bangkok, Tearuk Dessert Bar is here to settle our cravings for traditional Thai street food. They specialising in yaowarat buns, which are toasted and stuffed to the brim with your choice of Thai tea kaya, pandan kaya, taro coconut, milk, chocolate, crab mayo, ham and cheese, and pizza.

Photo from Tearuk Dessert Bar

Other Thai dessert staples here include Mango Sticky Rice ($5.80) and Thai Red Ruby ($3.80), along with Snow Ice ($7.80) and Thai Milk Tea (from $4.50).

Photo from Tearuk Dessert Bar

Other than a minimalist, laidback air-conditioned space with cat illustrations decorating the otherwise bare walls, Tearuk also has a little outdoor dining area with artificial grass for those pseudo-Bangkok vibes.

Read our full article on Tearuk Dessert Bar here.

#14: Whiskit Bakery & Cafe - artisanal tarts

Photo from Whiskit

Previously located at Chinatown, Whiskit Bakery & Cafe took a short break earlier this year when their lease expired, but has since re-opened at a new location in the South-West - and their decor is prettier than before. While their previous outlet was in a girly pink, this new outlet only has hints of the colour in a soft and classy blush shade, with plant-themed decor taking centrestage.

Photo from Whiskit

Often topped with fruits and florals, their carefully crafted artisanal tarts come in flavours like Lemon Meringue ($7), Floral Ruby, and unique local-inspired ones like Orh Nee Ginko ($7). Their brownies and cakes are also well-loved!

Photo from Whiskit

Address: 11 Biopolis Way, #01-08 Helios, Singapore 138667
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 8.30am - 5pm | Saturday: 11am - 5pm (Closed on Sunday)
Website