5 buzzy new restaurants to try in December 2022

At this neighbourhood restaurant and bar, chef-owner Colin Buchan serves up classic British dishes finished over wood-fired grills. Start with sharing plates, and dig into the hand-dived roasted scallops dressed in umami-rich seaweed butter. Fresh ocean flavours are complemented by a sweet and tangy grapefruit marmalade.

Savour grilled plates, too, such as the black opal Wagyu entrecote. The beautiful cut is first brushed with beef fat and cooked over the binchotan grill until it’s tender and juicy. Another standout is the hand-rolled tagliatelle tossed in chilli butter and confit tomato sauce.

Pair these plates with a cocktail or two—the Bobby Burns is an interpretation of the classic espresso martini, comprising Mackintosh Blended Malt Scotch whisky, Mancino Rosso Amaranto vermouth and Benedictine liqueur.

Col, 1 Keong Saik Road, 01-05 The Working Capitol Building, S(089109), +65 8870 2401

You’ll be able to soak in the Mediterranean vibes at Sol & Ora, thanks to its extensive menu that pays homage to the region’s melting pot of culinary history and tradition. The cuisines of Italy, France, Spain and Greece are put in the spotlight here. Seafood lovers are able savour the fregola (Sardinian pasta) mixed with prawns, scallop and squid, while those who love their proteins can opt for the Greek-style lamb shoulder slow-cooked until it’s fork-tender

Vegetarian-friendly dishes are also available—a must-try is the moussaka which consists of layers of zucchini, potato, eggplant and bechamel sauce. Wash these dishes down with a drink or two. The Altitude Attitude is a refreshing frozen drink made with hibiscus, Milagrio-infused lychee and raspberry, Cointreau and lime. 

Sol & Ora, 10 Artillery Avenue, 07-01, S(099951), +65 8879 8765

In case you missed it: The Best Crepes You Can Find in Tokyo, Japan

Chef-owner Leon Yap is serving up modern Japanese omakase at Hatsu, the newest Japanese restaurant located at Royal Hotel Singapore. Each week, ingredients are flown in from seafood markets across Japan including Toyosu market in Tokyo, ensuring the quality and freshness of each dish.

Go for the Grand Hatsu omakase menu and anticipate dishes like the umami bomb hand roll, a lavish roll filled with tuna, pickles and dry aged bonito. It’s crowned with creamy Bafun uni and briny caviar. Traditional sushi and sashimi are available too, like shima aji (striped jack), chutoro (fatty tuna), and Iwate scallops. Top up with additional dishes like the umi don, layered with uni, maguro and ikura; and Wagyu sukiyaki.

Hatsu, 36 Newton Road, 03-01 Hotel Royal, Singapore 307964, +65 8654 7200

Les Amis Group, which has previously brought Lino and Kausmo to Singapore’s dining scene, has opened Japanese restaurant, Kissajin, at Shaw Centre. Chef Ryo Yamaguchi takes diners on a gastronomic journey through innovative dishes that draw inspiration from the Japanese culture. Visit during dinner and indulge in its eight-course omakase menu, which commences with a game of yoyo tsuri. Diners are invited to fish a balloon from a glass bowl and pop it to reveal a smooth and silky goma tofu that’s served with a refreshing yuzu dressing. The game is followed by bite-sized appetisers like the seaweed konjac and charcoal battered karaage.

As for mains, dig into the juicy Kagoshima Wagyu before savouring a hearty bowl of Inaniwa udon spiced with togarashi. Dessert is the cream anmitsu, Yamaguchi’s interpretation of the traditional Japanese cold dessert topped with jelly cubes, azuki bean pasta, light and airy cream and fruits.

Kissajin, Scotts Road, 01-11 Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208, +65 9635 0963

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