Two years ago, it was best known for its girly bars. A year ago, for its new foodie arrivals. Now, Duxton Hill has come into its own with an eclectic mix not just of restaurants, but bars, bookstores, art spaces and retail outlets.
*NEW* 1. Le Petit Cancale
The focus here is firmly on crustaceans and bivalves. Try their signature Le Petit Cancale ($90), a platter of freshly shucked Fine de Claire n° 3 and Normandes n° 4 molluscs from Cancale, Brittany crab, clams, whelks, winkles, langoustines and shrimp, or spring for the even more epic Le Grand Cancale ($195).
2. Latteria Mozzarella Bar
Don’t miss fresh cheeses such as stracciatella sprinkled with bottarga ($20) and nodini with proscuitto ($22) at this mozzarella bar owned by the il Lido group. Mains like melt-of-the-bone lamb shanks ($35) round out the menu.
3. Wok & Barrel
Chef-owner Shen Tan’s modern Singaporean eatery offers nasi lemak sets (from $7.90) and specialties like beef rendang pizza ($13.90).
4. Buyan Russian Haute Cuisine & Caviar Bar
Throw back a selection of over 50 vodkas (from $13/shot) at their downstairs bar. They go great with bites like khachapuri ($10), Georgian goat cheese flatbread.
5. Praelum Wine Bistro
This modest space serves a rotating variety of wines—dispensed by two Enomatic machines—in three different sizes: 25ml, 75ml or 150ml. On tap are choices like the house red, a 2008 Château La Croix Figeac (from $2.50/25ml).
6. Flor Pâtisserie
Stop at this Japanese bakery/café for maple, blueberry and caramel cheese tarts ($3.20), as well as the yummy chestnut marron pie ($4.20).
7. Broadway Cafe
Chow down on wedges and onion rings (both $6.90) while enjoying a private movie screening (they have a large projection screen and have themed movie nights every so often) at this homely spot.
8. Littered with Books
This book store repositions its furniture weekly, so customers get a fresh browsing experience each time. Pick a corner—our favorite nook is among the travel and food tomes upstairs—and read away the afternoon.
9. Greens on Screens
This café-bar-indoor golfing center features a simulator with advanced technology and interactive graphics. It’s currently closed for renovation but is set to reopen in late June.
10. The Pigeonhole
Pick up preloved books (from $3) at this indie alcove. The multifaceted establishment also serves Highlander coffee (from $3.50), displays local art and hosts budding music acts.
11. La Maison Fatien
Dishing out traditional fare is this atmospheric brasserie decorated with French paraphernalia. Dig into pan-seared foie gras with caramelized apple-raisin glaze ($18) and duck confit ($28). Served alongside are vinos from their famed namesake winery Maison Fatien (from $80/bottle).
12. En Motion Dance School
Specializing in Latin dance lessons—think salsa, tango and bachata—this studio is a haven for happy-footed couples. Trial classes go for $10. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, the house also hosts hot and heavy social dance parties called Latin Nitez ($3-5).
13. Richard Koh Fine Art
Focused on contemporary Southeast Asian art, this gallery is currently displaying work by Filipino abstract artist Jay Ticar (from $8,000). They also represent local art collective Vertical Submarine (from $1,200) and art installation specialist Yeo Chee Kiong.
14. AV Galleria
At this audio visual equipment store, pick up high-end pieces such as Audio-Technica headsets (from $38) and iPod docks by brands such as a JBL and Harman Kardon (from $100). For a more immersive experience, they’ll even build you a custom home theater system (from $3,000).