By Nandita Chennakrishnan and Yashas Ramakrishnan

Hello everyone! The Casual Observer is back for the new year with another exciting range of mouthwatering dishes and unexplored cuisines at a variety of different price points. Sit back, enjoy this read and you’re guaranteed to find a restaurant that’s worth a visit!

Loving Hut $$

Address: 229 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-01, Singapore 427489

For a restaurant that is fully vegan and uses only plant-based ingredients, the menu at Loving Hut is surprisingly extensive. This restaurant transforms many beloved Singaporean classics like Nyonya Laksa Lemak and Teochew Mee Pok as well as western delights like lasagna and burgers to make them extremely accessible to vegetarians and vegans alike. While we normally expect watered down flavours from vegan food, the food at Loving Hut left us yearning for more. The ambiance of the place is also a massive plus, with the restaurant being decorated in a minimalistic fashion and located in the old shop houses of Joo Chiat. Be sure to take a stroll around the area and take some pictures for Instagram after you finish your hearty meal!

Poke Theory $

Address:  Multiple locations

If you’re a fan of sushi and seafood, you’re bound to like poke. Poke Theory’s take on this refreshing Hawaiian classic allows customers to completely customise their poke bowls according to their liking. You get to choose between Sushi Rice, Lemon Herb Quinoa and Romaine Lettuce as a base before adding on your fish of choice (Shoyu Tuna, Spicy Garlic Sesame Tuna, Spicy Mayo Salmon or Avocado Miso Salmon). On top of this, they offer a wide selection of free toppings like Nori and Cherry Tomatoes. If you want our opinion, definitely do try out the premium toppings like the Ramen Egg and Kale Chips! Finish your meal off with an açai bowl for a quick sweet tooth fix!

Artichoke $$

Address:  161 Middle Rd, Singapore 188978

The immediate thing that catches your eye about Artichoke are the colours. From the intricate interior designing to the vibrant dishes served, this funky Middle Eastern restaurant celebrates the assimilation of many different cultures. Their unique combination of flavours is particularly seen in Grilled Cuttlefish and the extensive Mezza options they have. Although the bread initially looked unassuming, you’ll quickly find yourselves ordering more as you make your way through this meal. To finish off, make sure to get the Date Pudding – a possible competitor for Chef Gordon Ramsay’s iconic dessert!

Lime House Caribbean $$

Address: 2 Jiak Chuan Rd, Singapore 089260

Most people in Singapore have yet to try Caribbean food. We can confidently say that Lime House Caribbean is precisely where you should begin your exploration of this cuisine of bold flavours. Aside from the astounding interior and the tropical feel of the restaurant, the food does not disappoint. Start off with the Oxtail and Eggplant Tapas which is bound to convert even aubergine-haters. As for mains, the Jerk Chicken, the pride and joy of Lime House, is everyone’s first choice. Make sure to get the delicate Mango N’ Coconut Panna Cotta to finish your meal or try the Guava Cheesecake if you’re feeling bold!

Aburi-En $

Address: Suntec City B3, Temasek Boulevard

A secluded restaurant in the basement of Suntec City, this Japanese restaurant has a variety of excellent dishes, but its signature Donburis are truly to die for. If you enjoy Wagyu beef, this is the place for you! Having one of their cool mocktails or warm miso soups with the rice or noodle-heavy meal makes for a soothing, satisfying experience. 

Publico Restaurant $$

Address:  InterContinental Robertson Quay, 1 Nanson Road

Among the more upscale ristorantes in Robertson Quay, Publico’s Italian cuisine puts the others in the area to shame. From seafood pastas to avocado-and-burrata bruschettas, these dishes are created with finesse and taste just as good as they look when served. If you go during a festive time, do try their mulled wine (provided you are over 18). Otherwise, enjoy a cooling mocktail or gelato to complete your dining experience.

Monti $$$

Address: The Fullerton Pavilion, 82 Collyer Quay

If you are ever in need of an Italian restaurant for an occasion, be it a date with your partner or a celebration with the entire family, Monti is the go-to restaurant/rooftop bar in the city. At the heart of the Marina Bay Area, not far from the Fullerton Hotel, its spherical rooftop allows for a 360-degree view of the Bay and the magnificent, towering Marina Bay Sands. Try their burrata-and-prosciutto salad or hand-crafted thin crust pizzas to satisfy your cravings. Be cautious of the prices, though, as they are incredibly steep, and rightfully so!

Wild Honey $$$

Address:  Scotts Square, 6 Scotts Road

A hearty, healthy breakfast consists of bread, eggs, meats, vegetables, and more, all preferably packed into one substantial, delicious item; Wild Honey has it all. With three incredible locations around the Orchard area and city centre, this restaurant is perhaps the Singaporean expat’s favourite place to go for brunch. Take a bite of their warm apple pie; scrumptious as it may be, it hardly holds a candle to their vast egg-based plates or pristine cleansing concoctions.

We had a fantastic time exploring new cuisines, eating delicious food and seeing the many resemblances in dishes across many restaurants. We hope that this edition kicks off your food exploration journey for 2022 and that you found something that piques your interest in this curated list of restaurants.

Till next time!