New Restaurants, Cafes And Bars: July 2015

A thoughtful collaboration between the Spa Esprit Group, Chef Ryan Clift and Edible Gardens, this edible garden concept comes with a gorgeous indoor terrace garden, fruit orchards, and even space for lawn bowling and table tennis. This 60-seater restaurant set on Dempsey hill might be as close to "farm-to-table" as we're going to get in Singapore, and it certainly is a breath of fresh air. Brunch is available on weekends from 11am to 3pm, with coffee from Common Man Coffee Roasters. Expect vegetable-forward dishes such as Chilled Avocado & Ginger Soup with Poached Yabbies & Fresh Radish ($20). For something heavier on the palate, go for the spicy Squid Ink Tagliatelle with "Inferno" Sauce ($26). For dessert, both the 8 Spice Apple Crumble ($17) and the Lemon Tart with Basil Ice Cream ($17) look and taste fantastic.

This is one spot you party people need to check out pronto. Charmingly situated on the rooftop of the former People's Park Complex, Lepark (a play on "lepak", Singlish for "chilling out", just FYI) serves a variety of beers, comfort food and tapas. Share a Signature Platter ($40) with your friends — salted egg yolk soft shell crab sliders, lobster in sambal butter, peri peri chicken on chips and truffle fries. Down it with one of their 80 (!!) different craft beers, or have their Soft Serve Milo ($8) for something non-alcoholic, and just sit back and lepak...

Opening their doors at the culturally rich Desker Road is CreatureS, a a modern-day café with a gorgeous interior best described as "chillax sexy rainforest chic". Drop by after work for a drink on their balcony at sunset, then adjourn inside for a meal. The menu is full of gentle surprises, with unexpected Asian twists that seem to genuinely come from the heart. Go for their Prawn Ravioli ($22) — prawn filling encased in silky wanton wrappers, and bathed in a heavenly ginger-garlic-thyme butter sauce. Their Seafood Risotto ($30) boasts beautifully fragrant rice that gives you a hug on the inside, and is perfect for sharing between 2. You'll want to save space for a slice of their moist chocolate cake served with salted caramel, creamy coconut ice cream and topped with Himalayan sea salt. Always call in advance to make reservations!

Wafuken prides themselves on serving food that not only tastes good, but is good for your body too. Located at the food court of Asia Square Level 2, the meats here are cooked sous-vide — an method usually employed by restaurants — ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you're feeling like an indulgent lunch, go for their Truffle Wagyu Don ($24.90) that comes with healthy Australian brown rice and an onsen egg. For a far cheaper option, go for their Chicken Don ($8.90)!

Quietly launching itself along Prinsep Street is Curious Palette, a café which currently serves mains and all day breakfast. Think Crayfish Linguine with Chilli Crab Sauce ($23.50), or their Curious Breakfast ($23) — Iberico chorizo, Thai basil sausage, bacon, hash, artichokes, arugula, spicy tomato relish and a sunny side-up. You're in very safe hands when it comes to coffee here, go for their Flat White to enjoy a truly smooth, non-acidic cuppa. It is a joy to have such a good cup of coffee in town, what more in a lovely white-washed, light-filled space.

Initially a pop-up concept, L’eclair has now opened a shopfront at Singapore Shopping Centre, serving their delicately crafted and gorgeous eclairs. With flavours ranging from Vanilla and Pecan to Matcha, you will have a difficult time deciding which to pick. We say go for the Lemon Meringue ($7.50) — filled with a tart lemon curd and topped with marshmallow-like meringue — or the stunningly beautiful Ispahan ($8.50). For something savoury, go for the flaky home-baked Chicken & Bacon Pie ($12).

Bringing life to the serene area of Chinese Gardens, The Usual Place provides home-style, no-frills Western fare. Go for their Premium Sirloin Steak with Seasoned Fries, which is attractively priced at $16.90 (!!). Don't expect a steak to die for here, but it certainly does hit the spot. Also get the Usual Wings ($6.50) for sharing — the portion serves six. For all you salted egg fans out there, the Salted Egg Prawn Pasta ($12.90) is a must try!

Heads up, CBD peeps — Teppei Syokudo has opened one more outlet at Republic Plaza! Their value-for-money Kaisendon ($16) topped with six types of seafood drizzled in that lip-smacking special sauce needs no introduction. Carb-watchers can opt for the Kaisen Salad and get a bed of greens in place of seasoned rice. Other signature dishes include Katsu Curry, Katsudon, Hamburg Bento and their moreish selection of croquettes. Keep your eye out for their weekly specials launching soon!

Located along the bustling Craig Road is Korean street food concept, Twins Chicken. Ladies would be pleased to know that their food is cooked by not one, but two good looking Korean twin brothers — SungJae and WooJae. Their Yang Nyum Chicken ($15 for 10 pieces) is well-coated with an addictively spicy, sweet sauce that is bound to capture your heart. For a hearty meal, go for the rich Spicy Seafood Noodles Soup ($16.90) laden with a generous portion of seafood.

The much anticipated Bread Street Kitchen by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay finally opens its doors at Marina Bay Sands, mirroring the warehouse design of the flagship restaurant in London. Come here for the experience, but don't expect your socks to be blown off. That said, some dishes certainly stand out. For starters, try the Roasted Veal Carpaccio ($26) for its lovely balance of taste and texture, then go for the timeless British classic of Traditional Fish & Chips ($26). Save space for their Coffee and White Chocolate Parfait ($18).

From the people behind Thai Boat Noodle at Bedok Point comes another Thai concept, Tuk Tuk Cha, known for their Thai milk tea drinks and savoury desserts such as Tom Yum Toast ($2.50) and Mango Sticky Rice ($6). Go for their Thai Green Milk Tea ($2.80 for regular, $3.20 for large) and their oh-so-crispy, air-fried Golden Toast ($3) which comes with dips such as Thai tea kaya, taro kaya and condensed milk with Milo, available for an additional $0.80 per dip. Interesting fact: there is an actual tuk-tuk (auto rickshaw) parked inside for your seating pleasure!

Chic working space The Working Capitol welcomes a new tenant, The Daily Roundup, which specialises in both sweet and savoury crepes. Those with a sweet tooth should try their Yuzu Butter Crepe ($10), which is layered with sugar and topped with yuzu-infused artisanal butter by Jean-Yves Bordier. For something more savoury, go for their Scottish Smoked Salmon ($14).