New restaurants, bars, or seasonal menus perfect for a fancy date night or casual dining with friends …would be an honest, albeit SEO-driven description of these establishments. Not that we are any authority, but each has definitely earned their spot on this written highlight reel. Or if you have already been eyeing these places, take this as a lowdown of key dishes and worthy mentions to try. Succinct? You betcha.
FYSH gets a less saline name with the debut of the restaurant taking its place. A intentional spoonerism on "botanical" and "tannins", Tanica is highly Asian as it is contemporary. The menu explores herbs, spices, and the techniques of fire across the wok and Josper grill. Seemingly straightforward dishes like the Charcoal Grilled Indonesian Squid excel in blending the smoke while staying tender, and finds a nice balance with the pickled watermelon rind and ginger torch dressing. If you've always wanted to take on the Asian heat without tackling its fury, XO Mapo Tofu Lobster and Asam Pedas Seafood Risotto are quieter on that front though still delivering on tang and taste. The lineup of desserts are consistently strong, but we have to highlight appetiser Chicken Rendang Puff for its unlikely pairing with roasted garlic yogurt that oddly works. Experience the fare in a Weekday 3-Course Set Lunch at SGD48, or a weekly Sunday brunch from SGD98.
Tanica is located at The Singapore EDITION.
The grounds upon which the nation's nightclub used to stand opens a new chapter designed around the communal spirit of Asian dining. We're going to avoid using the word 'reinterpreted' here, but you will find familiar flavours evolving into modern offerings. What we mean by that unnecessarily cryptic statement is Indian, Peranakan, Hakka, Teochew, Hainanese are embedded culinary traditions, rather than recreated classics. Seafood Otak Chawanmushi, and 'Dang Gui' Confit Duck Neck are just some of the unusual combinations you'll find that extends even to desserts. Unsure where to start? The Tinkat of Memories is a super sampler at SGD28; while a two-course lunch set starts from SGD45.
Jiak Kim House is located at 3 Jiak Kim Street, Singapore 169425.
Gotti Italiano has got new hands on helm, which means the menu also earns a refresh. A pretty authentic one, might we add. Hailing from north Italy, Chef Alessandro Giustetti brings his foundations from back home and training with the big boys on our shores to craft over 20 new a la carte items. A great exemplar of the subtle subversiveness is the Cacio e Pepe, which utilises housemade fermented black lemon powder—that you may understandably mistake for pepper—to cut through the richness of the cheese. The signature Puttanesca shows off the wood-fired prowess, layering Cantabrico anchovies with the iconic sauce on lovely crusts. Ending it all with a Limoncello Tiramisu is also a recommended way to enjoy at La Dolce Vita, the establishment's bottomless weekend brunch from SGD38.
Gotti Italiano is located at 78 Amoy Street, Singapore 069897.
Singaporeans have a strange love affair with handmade pastas, but this one is actually affordable for its central locale. At SGD20 and under, the casual eatery founded by the team behind Salt & Soul dishes out a mix of old and new school. Linguine Al Limone gives the creamy a tart edge, while Gamberi sautés generous kombu in prawn stock to spruce the coastal favourite. Besides pasta, Beef Ragu Arancini serves the meat in deep fried rice balls. Sourdough pizzas sees the dough cold fermented for up to 72 hours, which you do carbs on carbs with the Potato & Leek. Fret not protein people, you've got the slow-braised Osso Buco; and a well-poached Barramundi Con Brodo Di Pesce.
Tavola Aperta is located at Plaza Singapura #01-60, Singapore 238839.
