AntoinetteWe’ll be honest, we much prefer the original location in Lavender (it’s roomier and brighter), however this second outlet has the former beat on accessibility. Food-wise, it’s pretty much the same deal: French-inspired fare that spans savory blinis (pancakes) with smoked salmon ($15), half a dozen egg options (from $10.50), hearty mains and enough pastries and desserts to feed a kingdom of hungry ladies-in-waiting (it’s owner and pastry maestro Pang Kok Keong’s baby after all). We suggest heading down with a bunch of girlfriends or your significant other, the swish velvet seats accommodate groups of two to four perfectly. They don’t take bookings here, so either get up early or brace yourself for a 15-20 minute wait, if you’re lucky.
Daily 9am-10pm.
Tucked away on the second floor of a non-descript shophouse along the Duxton Road is Group Therapy, home to a café with a trim food and drinks menu. This cozy spot is certainly ideal for a few friends to relax and catch up over a meal. Expect to find bites like homemade wholemeal bagel with cream cheese ($4.50) and turkey breast panini stuffed with spicy guacamole and red cabbage, accompanied by salad and crisps ($15), as well as beverages including macchiato ($4.50), and Trappistes Rochefort and Coedo beers (from $12). Tues-Thurs 11am-6pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 9am-6pm.
HOUSEEasily one of the most appealing spots in jam-packed Dempsey, with its alfresco terrace overlooking some lush greenery, a bright airy space (pack the sunnies if you’re hungover) and great laidback vibe. Ideal for a catch-up sesh with a bunch of good friends, not just for the company but more because you can safely order up a storm of well-poached free range eggs ($15), seven-layer pancake with Nutella and maple syrup ($15) and their famed skinny pizzas to share. Be warned though, it gets crowded and boisterous at about noon (with a mostly 20-something, early 30s crowd), so make sure you have a reservation.
Sat 11am-4pm; Sun 9am-4pm.
Jones The GrocerEven if an outside seat at Jones can mean looking into the carpark, there’s a wholesome and reassuring vibe here that (just about) makes it worth the half-hour or longer wait. The traditional English breakfast ($20) might be first on the menu, but it’s not the best thing on it. The spanish eggs ‘on cocotte’ ($19.50) are far better, the coconut pancakes ($13.50) a worthy indulgence, and the iced long black ($5.50) is one of the best in town (despite increasingly stiff competition). Being in Jones is like being in a rich friend’s kitchen.
Mon-Fri 9am-noon; Sat-Sun 9am-3pm.
With its raw brick walls, distressed metal elements, and a bar counter that proudly displays its fire engine red Slayer, walking into Symmetry feels very much like stumbling upon a rustic Australian bar. Set up by Le Cordon Bleu grad Abby Lim, this eating spot whips up a delightful brunch with bacon and cheese rissoles, truffle eggs with mushroom, and smoked salmon croissants. They go great with a good cuppa.
Sat-Sun 11am-3.30pm.
Brought to you by the folks behind Table66, this mod bistro located in a quiet corner nearby Newton Circus is a great hideout to catch up with friends. Choose from a delectable range of mains such as sous-vide lamb shank with tomato salsa ($26), kurobuta pork cheek burger ($18) or their Skyving’ Breakfast, two eggs served with wild mushroom fricassee, bockwurst pork sausage and roasted baby potatoes ($22). Be sure to try their earl grey creme brulee ($8) as well. Enjoy a mellow vibe as you eat, the place is all about vintage furnishings and laid-back jazz tracks.
Sat-Sun 10am-4pm.
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