The Best of Chinatown: Bukit Pasoh / Keong Saik / Kreta Ayer

ABSINTHE RESTAURANT FRANCAIS
This restaurant has charm in spades and delivers superbly on all fronts. We suggest you start with the fresh oysters and follow that up with either the robust bouillabaisse or spectacular rack of kurobuta pork.

BOOKS CELLAR

With Stephen King and a pool table in one place, this is where you can get intoxicated with alcohol, the wonders of a book, or both. Limited‑edition and autographed collectibles, as well as browsing copies (bookmarks provided) are noteworthy. If you feel peckish while reading, Mom’s Favourite Apple Crumble ($4.50) will fi ll the void.

DESTINATION WINE AND DINE
A cozy space greets you with the aroma of superior wines from France, Italy and Chile, just to name a few. Choose from 42 labels for a buy‑2‑get‑1‑free promotion. You can get plenty of recommendations from the boss—he’s a wine lover himself. You can also opt for some steak or pasta to go with the wines.

DONOMA
Simply put, Donoma’s cuisine is urban American featuring salads and sandwiches ($12–20) including Waldorf and Caesar “Cardini.” We say go for the hearty New Orleans blackened shrimp ($28).

DRINK CULTURE
A combination of bistro and cocktail bar, white and silver with dashes of black are the dominant shades of the interior, giving it a posh vibe. While prices are slightly above average, the drinks are certainly worth it. Its cocktail recipes are near magical.

EIGHT CAFÉ AND BAR
Disco balls and fancy lights are among our favorite in this joint. Featuring an alfresco section open after dusk only, the retro‑themed café serves highly affordable Asian and Western dishes.

HOTEL 1929
The original boutique hotel from Loh Lik Peng, who is also the man behind the New Majestic Hotel nearby, is still the one to beat with 32 individually designed rooms decked in a mix of classic designer and retro vintage furniture, and one of the most affordable in the city (room rates start at $159).

MAGMA GERMAN WINE BISTRO, DELI & SHOP
Decorated in red and white, this casual open‑kitchen restaurant serves up traditional hearty German food and is one of the few places in town where you can get authentic Berlin‑style pork knuckles, hand‑minced beef tartare, and fl ammkuchen (crispy German pizza with sour cream and various toppings).

MAJESTIC RESTAURANT

Few Chinese restaurants are hip, but this one defi nitely is. Dishes like crispy wasabi prawn, Peking duck and grilled rack of lamb in Chinese honey continue to pull in fashionable crowds.

NEW MAJESTIC HOTEL
As a tribute to the trishaw pullers of the past, a patchwork old‑school trishaw is displayed in the lobby. It never gets boring because the boutique hotel is an eclectic blend of Chinese oriental styles, pop art, Zen and minimalism.

NICOLAS LE RESTAURANT
Chef‑owner Nicolas Joanny’s eponymous eatery is housed in a restored shophouse on this street. He and his small team serve up memorable multi‑course meals for lunch and dinner.

OSO RISTORANTE
Italian fi ne dining features on the extensive menu, along with the restaurant’s climate‑controlled cheese and wine rooms. Try everything: The menu is changed monthly, and comprises fabulous dishes such as the freshly shaved cold cuts; rigatoni with rabbit; and rack of lamb, which is baked for eight hours.

RESTAURANT ANDRE
An intimate space in a three‑story shophouse. With two prix fi xe menus for lunch and dinner, chef André Chiang’s focus on fresh artisanal produce is showcased in exquisite dishes that refl ect his roots in Southern French nouvelle cuisine.

RESTAURANT EMBER
It is fitting that one of Singapore’s hippest European restaurants is situated within one of our hippest boutique hotels. The marinated cod with black miso is a winner. Desserts are equally praiseworthy; try the warm chocolate cake and thyme ice cream.

ROSE CITRON
This boutique‑in‑a‑shophouse is like a breath of fresh air. What you’ll find are bags designed with colorful fabrics and interesting motifs. Since everything is hand‑sewn, only a couple of pieces per design are produced.

TARATATA BISTROT
Head down for lunch at this bistro serving popular French cuisine. A three‑course lunch won’t burn a hole in your pocket since it’s only $32++. For mains, you have four options including grilled sausage of Toulouse and poached salmon.

THE SAFF HOTEL

Characterized by Asian‑Middle Eastern‑style furnishings, this six‑month‑old hotel will appeal to those who fancy contemporary and understated style. Free WiFi is available in its 79 rooms.