With the culinary scene constantly churning out new food places month after month, Singaporeans are never short of restaurants to dine at. But when you’ve tried every cuisine there is in our city, everything starts to get dull.
Restaurants with an innovative themed concept might be hard to come by these days but believe it or not, there are still a few that not only serve up delicious food but are intriguing, as well.
Whether it is dining inside a revolving restaurant or in the dark, I guarantee that these unusual establishments will make for a gastronomical experience unlike any other.
All of these places can be booked through Quandoo, which has 1000+ restaurants under its belt. Earn loyalty points and trade them for $15 cashback to your own account!
Short-listed are nine restaurants to check out if you’re an adventurous soul looking for something unconventional:
1. Mr Punch Public House
Serving modern European cuisine, Mr Punch Public House is a gastropub that was inspired by one of the main characters in the traditional puppet show, “Punch & Judy”.
With a quirky space, this drinking joint boasts all kinds of alcohol from whiskies and beers to cocktails for a night of enjoyment with friends after working hours. Coupled with eclectic sharing plates, this restaurant is most known for its iconic kitschy design, featuring retro posters of various British brands. They are full of vintage vibes, for sure.
Located in the basement of the Mint Museum of Toys directly behind Raffles Hotel, this isn’t hard to find.
While they have some killer mains, the Passionfruit Crème Brûlée ($12) is worth the mention as well. A classic Crème Brûlée is enhanced with a tropical touch by adding strips of sweet dried mangoes and a dollop of mango ice cream on top. This is indeed refreshing when eaten with spoonfuls of the almond crumbs that are strewn across the plate.
Address: Mr Punch Public House, 26 Seah Street, Singapore 188382 | Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday (3pm – 11.30pm), Fridays and Eve of PH (3pm – 2am), Saturdays & PH (11am – 6pm), Sundays (11am – 6pm) | Facebook
2. DC Comics Super Heroes Cafe
Located within The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, The DC Super Heroes Comics Cafe will immerse you in the world of the DC Comics Universe. Eat in at their Justice League inspired diner for themed menu items conceptualised by local chef Martin Woo, all while admiring their superhero motifs and life-sized figurines.
Aside from the cafe, they also sell official Warner Bros. merchandise, carrying apparel and accessories that fervent fans can purchase. Surely, this is every DC Comics fan’s dream come true.
Chow down on one of their newest menu offerings: Batman’s Dark Night ($28.90). Packed with various ingredients such as, grilled portobello mushrooms, mesclun salad, fresh tomatoes, red onions and melted nacho cheese, all on top of a wagyu beef patty with tapenade spread, their charcoal burger is guaranteed to fill you up. It comes with a side of french fries, as well.
Address: DC Comics Super Heroes Cafe, 2 Bayfront Avenue, L1-03/04/05 Bay Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018972 | Opening Hours: 10.30am – 11pm, 10.30am – 11.30pm (Sunday – Thursday) | Tel: 6688 7610 | Facebook
3. Arteastiq
As a boutique tea house, Arteastiq offers British high tea in a modern tea lounge, where guests can kick back and relax in. With decor akin to that of a European salon, you will be fascinated by their elegant ambience and wide selection of artisanal teas available for the picking.
What’s more, you can exercise your creative juices at their art jam studio, which allows you to express yourself on canvas whilst sipping on their gourmet tea. If you want something heavier, you can also go for their all-day breakfast and brunch dishes. Sounds therapeutic, doesn’t it?
In addition to their impressive teas, brunch items such as the Pan seared snapper ($27) is something that most patrons keep coming back for. Paired with crispy sweet potato chips, torched lemon, mushrooms and arugula, their fish will serve to tantalise your taste buds.
Address: Arteastiq, #04-14/15 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238897 | Tel: 6235 8370 | Opening hours: Monday – Friday (11am – 10.30pm), Saturday & Sunday (10am – 10.30pm) | Facebook
4. NOX
Have you ever experienced social project Dialogue in The Dark? Well, this is similar except you get to enjoy fine dining in a pitch-black restaurant. Guided by visually impaired individuals who have been specially trained, you can rest assure that your dining needs will be met.
The best part is, the chef will surprise you with his culinary creations from their exquisite menu. Although you will not be able to see your food, it will most definitely engage your other senses, and at the same time add a certain air of mystery to the whole experience.
As their menu cannot be disclosed, this is just an example of a European dish that the head chef and his team might conjure up for you. Get ready to be pleasantly surprised by their Prix Fixe Dinner ($88++ per pax) which, has been carefully crafted into a 3 course meal featuring 12 unique dishes. If you happen to have any dietary restriction or food allergies, be sure to inform them and they will change the menu according to your preferences.
If you would like to sample their alcoholic beverages, wine pairings are also available (3 glasses of wine at $40++ per person, 2 glasses of wine at $30++ per person).
Address: NOX, 269 Beach Road, Singapore 199546 | Tel: 68846884 | Opening Hours: Monday – Friday (6pm – 12am), Saturdays (5pm – 12am), Sundays (5pm – 11pm) | Facebook
5. Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill
Boasting some of the best Tex-Mex dishes in Singapore, Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill is aptly named indeed. They are best known for their authentic Mexican dishes including the quesadillas, fajitas and chimichangas and of course, their classic American steaks.
Where can you find them? Certainly not on land because the restaurant is located on the main deck of Stewords Riverboat, parked at Marina South Pier on Marina Coastal Drive. If the prospect of dining on a floating Mississippi-style riverboat excites you, make a reservation with them to enjoy a unique dining experience. If you are prone to motion sickness, this might not be the ideal choice for you.
The Turkey Quesadillas ($11) are simply delectable, with flour tortillas packed with smoked turkey slices before being brushed with BBQ sauce and cheese. Served with a small side of greens, this is definitely one you shouldn’t miss out on.
Address: Stewords Riverboat, 31 Marina Coastal Drive, Berth 1, Marina South Pier, Singapore 018988 | Tel: 6278 5775 | Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm daily | Facebook
6. Kombi Rocks
Ever wanted to travel back in time? Well, Kombi Rocks will do just that with their retro set-up that is most reminiscent of the 60s.
This quaint eatery at Yio Chu Kang Road is parked with a fleet of some of the most vintage auto mobiles that you will find in Singapore. Guests can even pay for a joyride or have a private meal in one of these. There is certainly no better way to preserve such iconic vehicles.
Aside from the groovy decor, they also serve some awesome Thai and Asian fusion dishes that have been passed down for generations. Their welcoming ambience features musical memorabilia, particularly of The Beatles and they also have live musicians playing oldies on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
Can’t decide what to order? Why not get something to share. Featuring various dishes, their Kombi-nation Platter ($38 for 4, $58 for 8) is great for sharing with a large group of people. Expect to find handmade Thai fishcake, prawn rolls and a crab omelette along with spicy vermicelli salad and pork ribs with lychees.
Address: Kombi Rocks, 66 Yio Chu Kang Road, Singapore 545568 | Tel: 62881206 | Opening Hours: 12 – 11pm daily | Facebook
7. Wave House Sentosa
At Wave House Sentosa, surfers can ride the waves on their FlowRider and FlowBarrel wave rides and enjoy a scrumptious meal to reward themselves thereafter. They even have premium cocktails at their fancy beach bars where DJs and musicians will perform.
Located at Sentosa’s Siloso Beach Walk, this is the perfect beach destination to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and indulge in a well-deserved meal. Whether you are planning a family get-together or a private party, this venue is always open for reservations.
Their latest promotion, which is valid until March 2017, includes a 1 hour session on the FlowRider + a choice of 1 Pasta/Pizza at $50 nett (worth $60.95). Some pizza choices include Hoisin Roast Duck Pizza and Wasabi Seafood Pizza, among other options. Pastas to choose from are the Spaghetti in Creamy Cheese Sauce, Spicy Sausage Spaghetti or Lasagna Florentine.
Pan-Fried Salmon ($24.50) is just one of many delicious main courses. The salmon fillet is considerably tender and fresh out of the pan. Paired with greens, garlic mashed potato and a savoury onion butter sauce, you certainly can’t go wrong with this option.
Address: Wave House Sentosa, 36 Siloso Beach Walk, Singapore 099007 | Opening Hours: 10.30am – 10.30pm daily | Facebook
8. Handlebar Gillman
Here’s to one of the coolest bars in the central area of Telok Blangah. Decked out in grungy furnishings and biker paraphernalia, you can expect to find gallons of beer and mouth-watering Western food at the Gillman Barracks outlet.
Combining their love of bikes and Americanised dishes, the biker-themed cafe is not only edgy but serves tasty and sizeable prime steak cuts. Definitely the place to go if you’re looking to chill out while enjoying a hard house pour.
The simple Steak and Egg ($30) combination is a satisfying staple, featuring a 250g steak grilled to perfection and executed well. Accompanied with a side of thick fries, a sunny-side-up and baked beans, it is rather fulfilling. Be sure to get the medium rare for a perfectly tender cut. And, maybe order some cold beers to wash everything down.
Address: Handlebar Gillman, 10 Lock Road, Singapore 108938 | Opening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday (12 noon till midnight), Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays | Facebook
9. Prima Tower
Prima tower is certainly one-of-a-kind in Singapore. As the only revolving restaurant and one of the oldest establishments to date, it can surely be considered as a landmark by now. Situated in Tanjong Pagar on top of a now defunct grain silo, you can expect to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the sea while dining in.
Upon reaching the restaurant on the 11th floor, reward yourselves to delectable regional delicacies from Beijing prepared by a master chef. I’m sure it will make for quite an experience, being able to admire the cityscape as the restaurant revolves smoothly. Just be sure to snag the seats by the window for the best view.
One of their signature dishes is the tasty Shredded Scallops with Fish and Egg White ($30++ small, $45++ large). This may look like simple fare but the combination of sweet and savoury really shines through with the blend of scallops, fish and smooth egg whites. Just add some vinegar and pepper and you’re good to go.
Address: Prima Tower, 201 Keppel Road, Singapore 099419 | Tel: 6272 8822 | Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday (11am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm), Sundays & PH (10.30am -2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm) | Facebook
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