2am:dessertbar
The ultimate sweet tooth retreat, this late night dessert haunt has made waves islandwide. Chef-owner Janice Wong’s signature edible art displays include marshmallow walls to chocolate tables, and everything that comes out on a plate is equally decadent. There are dishes like matcha lava cake and pistachio sponge with coco mousse, as well as recently introduced savory items like beef cheek rendang and tacos.
CRAFT Bakery
For those who like a spot of people watching with a good lava cake and coffee, this is the cafe for you. The menu’s pretty simple and the attention is focused on 3 Inch Sin’s signature chocolate cakes, as well as a some savory options like bacon mac n’ cheese. There’s also Papa Palheta coffee that’s perfect for a lazy weekend afternoon.
Da Paolo Pizza Bar
As one of Da Paolo’s remaining Chip Bee establishments, this pizza bar still draws the crowds with its cow print ceilings, wooden tables and huge wine racks. The thin-crusted pizza is the star of the show with options like tomato, mozzarella, pink peppercorns, avocado and chicken, as well as calzones (folded pizzas). If you’re not in the mood for pizza, they’ve also got salads, meatballs and sandwiches on offer.
Hatched
If you love eggs, this is the place to go. The easy-to-miss cafe nestled amongst a stretch of banks and big corporations specializes in everything eggy. There are favorites like eggs benedict with streaky bacon and ham; wagyu burgers with fried eggs; breakfast burritos and baked eggs, too.
Original Sin
An institution in Chip Bee Gardens, this Mediterranean restaurant is known for its vegetarian offerings. It’s cozy and quiet, which is a welcome change from the raucous weekend atmosphere across the road, with dishes like pan-fried haloumi salad with roasted capsicum and lentils, creamy porcini pasta and great mezze platters to share. Don’t miss their ever-changing risotto dish, too.
PARK
Housed in a converted cargo shipping container, this place has a casual vibe with food like spam chips, smoked duck tacos and burgers. If you’re looking for casual drinks, they’ve got a pretty extensive list of beers and wines like Kronenbourg Blanc, Zonin prosecco and Blaissac Bordeaux AOC. Plus, they’ve got pretty good happy hour and ladies night deals.
The Pit
Tucked away in a corner of Lorong Liput next to some tech stores, this no-frills pub is right below 2am:dessertbar. Frequented by lots of regulars and soccer fans, it’s got a convivial atmosphere fuelled by local craft brews by Archipelago. Plus, they’ve got some pretty decent bar bites like buffalo chicken wings and ribs.
Sanpoutei Ramen
This Niigata ramen restaurant has something a little different to offer: it uses fish stock as its soup base, rather than the usual blend of tonkotsu (pork bone) and shoyu bases. On offer are bowls of tori and miso-based noodles with chasiu, bamboo shoots and, of course, Japanese soy-flavored eggs.
Sunday Folks
Another dessert-centric place, this one specializes in more down-to-earth favorites like waffles and soft serve ice cream. Their ice cream swirling skills are pretty impressive, piled high atop waffles by the Creamier folks. They’ve also got other sweet treats like yuzu cheesecake, sticky toffee cake, chocolate peppermint marshmallows and takeaway ice cream cones.
Wala Wala
Who doesn’t love a casual night out in the open air drinking with friends? This Holland Village stalwart pub has nailed the atmosphere with their approachable list of drinks, pub snacks, sports telecasts and live music. Think drinks like beers on tap, bottles of wine, rudimentary cocktails and bottles of spirits. Don’t forget to order jugs of frozen margaritas on that next balmy night out.
