Looking for a laid-back restaurant to hang out with pals over great comfort food? Check out these five places in Singapore that are perfect for doing so
A countryside summer escape is what describes The Summerhouse best. Tucked away in Seletar, this restaurant is housed in a colonial bungalow and boasts quaint antique flooring and floral-patterned furniture. Find comfort in nature as you take in the lush greenery surrounding the restaurant, and enjoy the peace and quiet you need to unwind and while the day away.
For a more intimate experience, have your meal in The Summerhouse’s star attraction — the garden domes. Fully air-conditioned and equipped with a dedicated sound system, these igloo-shaped domes come in three different styles: Scandinavian, Bohemian, and Lounge.
What’s on the menu? A wide and unique range of starters and mains, including the Avocado and Chia Seed Cracker, and the menu’s highlight, the slow-cooked lamb shoulder.
Tip: Each dome can seat up to only eight people, and you’re required to spend a minimum $300 per booking, so reserve this intimate experience for a smaller group.
Where: 3 Park Lane
At Naked Finn, less is more — expect nothing but pure, unadulterated flavours at this little seafood shack in Gillman Barracks. The seven-year-old establishment believes in keeping it simple, thus avoiding the heavy use of seasonings which may mask the natural taste of seafood. Staples such as olive oil, sea salt and unsalted butter are used delicately, so dishes taste much like home-cooked food. Nearly all offerings, from the sauces to sorbets, are also made in-house.
What’s on the menu? Try Naked Finn’s take on local comfort favourites such as Teochew-style fish soup and hae mee (prawn noodles), both available only during lunch. Dinner offerings like the wild-caught lobster and locally farmed barramundi are worth a try as well.
Tip: The restaurant has separate lunch and dinner menus, so check out what they offer before going down.
Where: 39 Malan Road, Gillman Barracks
There are many storied heritage sites in Singapore, and Corner House is one of them. Set amidst the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Corner House was home to the late Edred John Henry Corner, a botanist and assistant director of the Gardens noted for his various contributions in the study of fungi. This landmark is today a conserved building and Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by chef John Tan.
Within the restaurant lies four areas, including the Reading Corner for, well, reading, the Whispering Corner for more intimate conversations and the Verandah, where you can dine in the company of the trees surrounding the compound. Whatever your needs, Corner House is perfect for those who seek some quiet privacy over quality food.
What’s on the menu? Think fine dining with influences from botanical elements, such as the Tomato “Les-Jardin de Rabelais”, an appetiser featuring strawberry, basil, yuzu and Iberico ham. Chef Tan also put his spin on the onion in four different ways — roasted with sous vide egg, as a tart, chip and in a broth.
Tip: There are no à la carte options available here. Instead, four-, five- or eight-course lunches and dinners are offered, so check ahead.
Where: 1 Cluny Road, E J H Corner House, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Located on Level 2 of multi-concept F&B destination The Garage, Botanico is for those who find pleasure feeling the warm evening sun on their skin while savouring a cosy meal. The roof of the restaurant, a partially leaf-shaded canopy, allows dappled sunlight to shine through. Inside the main dining area of the restaurant, diners will find a juxtaposition of the new and old as modern furniture fill the space’s colonial ground.
What’s on the menu? An extensive range of botany-inspired drinks containing a mix of herbs and spices. An interesting dish to try is the Wild Mushrooms “Latte”, which is warm soup topped with milk foam and fresh seasonal truffles.
Tip: Don’t worry about feeling warm while you dine — multiple air conditioning vents installed in the side of the walls will provide a cool ambience for al fresco dining.
Where: 50 Cluny Park Road
Kilo Kitchen may have moved from its former location in Kampong Bugis to Duxton Road, but it has stayed true to its rustic, homely charm. This Japanese-Italian establishment is ideal for a cosy gathering with friends. Here, large dining tables and couches complete with cushions fill the main dining area, while floor-to-ceiling windows provide a comfortable brightly-lit environment.
What’s on the menu? For weekend brunch, Kilo Kitchen serves a wide range of bread dishes, including the good ol’ Grilled Cheese Toastie and Shakshouka. Make-your-own brunch options are available as well. For dinner, try the signature Seafood Ceviche and Beef Tongue Tacos.
Tip: Getting a table at this popular restaurant can be difficult, so be sure to make a reservation to avoid disappointment.
Where: 97 Duxton Road
Quote "Citroën" at Botanico and enjoy 10% off menu items for the month of September 2019. Terms and conditions apply.
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Don’t be fooled by the C5 Aircross’ appearance — it may look simple, but its features are exceptional. This versatile ride stands out as the most comfortable SUV in the Citroën family, thanks to two exclusive innovations: The Progressive Hydraulic Cushions and Advanced Comfort seats. The former act as a stop for each shock absorber — one for rebound and the other for compression — ensuring a smooth drive even on the bumpiest of roads to the furthest of destinations. Meanwhile, the back seats slide, fold and recline — perfect for taking post-meal naps.
