Dempsey Hill and Tanglin aren’t the first places you think of when you wanna hit a hot new restaurant, but there’s something about the wide roads, the grassy knolls and the wide skies that makes the area perfect for when you want to get away from the trends and just enjoy a solid (if pricey) meal out. Here are the best places to do it.
Basilico
Under the guidance of northern Italian chef Luca Becalli, the swish and swank Basilico offers both a warm and inviting atmosphere, as well as delicious food options that are both upscale and comforting. The buffet options feature a dazzling display of antipasti, live stations, as well as wonderful desserts, and their wine and cheese nights are legendary. On the a la carte front, familiar Italian formats are executed with interesting and seasonal combos, as in the Hokkaido scallop with eggplant puree and anchovy sauce, and the cod fish fillet with onion puree, polenta and baby beetroots. 2/F The Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here.
Blu Kouzina
Millenial foodies and their parents alike will agree that Blu Kouzina is arguably the best Greek restaurant in town. We held our breaths when the institution moved from its home on Bukit Timah to Dempsey Hill, but the new space (Cycladic blue and white color scheme intact, of course) has only enhanced the delight of their staple mezedes like the taramasalata (cod roe salad) and keftedes (beef meatballs with tzatziki sauce), as well as mains like the juicy souvlaki and mousaka. The menu at this family-run place offers few surprises, but the perfect execution and touches like the the organic extra virgin olive oil from Messinea and the ouzo digestifs make it a wonderful experience. #01-21, 10 Dempsey Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here.
Candlenut
Fat Cow
The brief and high-quality lunch and dinner menus at this “meat atelier” are a joy for carnivores. Walk in through the shoji doors, grab a seat at the centerpiece U-shaped counter and prepare to be delighted by a selection of premium wagyu from several Japanese prefectures. To go with are equally delightful starters like the seafood-stuffed fried zucchini blossoms and the crab cakes with pickles. At lunchtime, there are affordable sets covering sushi, sashimi and donburi, too. #01-01/02 Camden Medical Centre, 1 Orchard Blvd.
La Ventana
It’s not as hyped as some of the other recent openings, but foodies and industry professionals know that Michelin-starred Catalan chef Carles Gaig’s airy restaurant, set in a white heritage building on Dempsey, is a culinary triumph. Gaig’s daughter Nuria Gilbert runs the restaurant, while Eduard Castellarnau helms the kitchen. Try exciting tapas like the Atlantic cod fritters and the canelon, a cannelloni-style dish stuffed with foie gras, beef and pork in truffle cream. They also do a mean fideua—a Catalan noodle paella—and a crispy suckling pig. #01-01, 16A Dempsey Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here.
Open Farm Community
Bringing some trendiness to the lovely but staid Dempsey Hill, Spa Esprit’s Open Farm Community has chef Ryan Clift teaming up with urban farmers Edible Gardens City for this farm-to-table inspired concept. The expansive 3,250 sq m space has its own herb and vegetable garden, as well as an airy dining room serving hearty and fresh pastas, salads and meat dishes. Don’t skip the creamy rigatoni with local mushrooms, smoked pancetta, Stilton, balsamic reduction, as well as the braised lamb shank with homemade couscous. The place also encourages people to picnic in the garden while playing a game of lawn bowling or ping pong, too, and their monthly Social Market is now a weekend staple. 130 Minden Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here.
The White Rabbit
Destination dining spot for those special occasions, this high-ceilinged chapel-turned-date night hot spot churns out gloriously executed classics alongside amiable and competent service. Once you stop admiring the stained glass windows, white-washed space and tiled floors, the food is the focus. The dishes aren’t big on innovation, but rather on good ingredients prepared well. At dinner time, we’re fans of the Dover sole meuniere, a two-person affair filleted tableside. Or try their oft-changing, affordable set lunches, with items like the asparagus veloute with truffle and the 36-hour Brandt short ribs. 39C Harding Rd. Make a reservation via Chope here.
Yan Ting
Inspired by the courtly Cantonese style dining of the Ming dynasty, the dining hall at Yan Ting, replete with stained glass panels, chandeliers and plush booths, is as luxurious it gets. The food is as pretty as the cushy beige chairs and purple tinted decor, so expect excellent Cantonese cuisine courtesy of Hong Kong-trained chef Tony Wun. Menu highlights include the prawn ball in pumpkin soup and the pan-fried scallop with corn and teriyaki sauce. The weekend dim sum brunch is always packed, so book ahead. 1/F The St Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Rd.
