Following closely on the heels of festivities that celebrate the bond between loved ones, the month of May continues to excite with brand new offerings that come as a welcome prelude to the upcoming mid-year holiday season. We list 9 of the best restaurants to check out this month.
HENRI
This fresh French bistro and bakery gives our CBD’s colourful culinary scene a novel addition, showcasing a new duo-concept where you can enjoy up to 30 types of artisanal bakes and their own specialty coffee blend roasted in-house to kickstart your day, and head over for a date over lunch or dinner with exquisite dining menus that are sure to impress. Their set lunches will quickly satisfy your mid-day needs with options like the traditional Steak Frites, the light and refreshing Salade Lyonnaise with Herb Crusted Hake, and the ever-popular Fricassee de Poulet with Pain de Campagne. For an unforgettable dinner, drop by to savour highlights such as a delicately seared Magret de Canard, and a mouthwatering Steak Box that is definitely not to be missed – offering Japanese A5 Wagyu Striploin, Australian Wagyu Ribeye, and a 28-day dry-aged US Prime Ribeye, all smoked to aromatic perfection with lychee wood and served with sautéed porcini and a classic mashed potato.
BORN
Slated to officially open on 23 May, this new fine-dining establishment harnesses Chef Zor Tan’s childhood memories, professional journey, and personal ideals to present an elevated Contemporary menu that marries the elegance and subtlety of French gastronomy with the influence and knowledge of Chinese flavours and ingredients. Telling a story with each dish, BORN is situated within the heritage-rich Jinrikisha Station in the CBD, painting each unique experience with ingredients such as aged Wagyu beef tartare marinated with Sichuan peppercorn, Alaskan King Crab with glutinous rice, smoked eel wrapped in fresh Barramundi fish maw, and bincho-grilled pigeon.
Ichiban Boshi
This month, fans of this modern Japanese chain are in for a real treat with the launch of a grand new menu that boasts over 40 novel items. Staying faithful to their culinary dedication and quality, the masterfully prepared new dishes feature highlights such as the renowned Miyazaki A5 Wagyu beef, a new Kobore Sushi series, desserts imported directly from Japan, and many more. Not to be missed are stars like the Flaming Miyazaki A5 Wagyu Aburi Truffle Cheese Roll (or have it simply as a steak), Kaisen Kobore Sushi with salmon, bluefin tuna, and swordfish, the comforting Truffle Tori Zousui, and desserts such as Apple Ice Cream from Japan, served in an apple itself for that extra natural flavour.
Lime Restaurant
Conveniently located within the Downtown district, Lime Restaurant’s vibrant concept and open kitchens consistently offer quality bites and fresh ingredients, offering professionals in the area a quick go-to for any occasion. For a quick mid-day meal, head over for their new Weekday Set Lunch, featuring appetisers such as Smoked Chicken Potato Salad and Double-boiled Chicken and Winter Melon Broth, and mains the likes of a Pan-roasted Snapper, Beef Cheeks Stew, Barramundi Cheese Ravioletti, or Shrimp Fried Rice in XO Sauce for a more familiar taste.
Lobby Lounge
Available from now – 15 May only, The Westin Singapore’s Lobby Lounge presents an exclusive, limited-time seafood themed afternoon tea in collaboration with MALIN + GOETZ, celebrating the launch of their Strawberry Eau de Perfume (EDP) and Tomato Candle. Featuring delicate desserts reimagined with unconventional, playful notes of tomato and strawberry, A Blooming Garden Seafood Afternoon Tea showcases exquisite creations like a savoury macaron with luscious cream cheese, sundried tomato and pesto, fresh strawberry tart with hints of bergamot, and an herbaceous tomato rosemary scone, served alongside delicious sandwiches and a baked lobster.
Lumbre
An urban escape to unwind and leave the hustle of city living behind for a bit, Spanish restaurant Lumbre specialises in small plates and mains cooked over wood fire. Made for the modern cosmopolitan’s taste, Lumbre’s contemporary menu stars signatures such as the Homemade Foie Terrine, Squid Ink Balls with Japanese Uni, Arroz Caldoso, Woodfire-grilled Duck Breast, Woodfire-grilled Lamb Rack, and Caramelised French Toast.
SENSHI Sushi & Grill
Premiering a new à la carte buffet menu in tandem with Spring this year, SENSHI Sushi & Grill’s revamped offerings will feature new interpretations of their classic signatures and all-time favourites – presenting new recipes while sticking to their roots. With new sashimi varieties like Hamachi, Mekajiki, oysters and more on the menu, Unagi Maki, Bara Chirashi Don, Salmon Mentaiko Don, Maguro Spicy Don, and other such new options alongside beloved favourites like their Pidan Tofu, Chawanmushi with Truffle Paste, Sea Clam Butter Monte with Herbs & Sake Mirin, and Spider Maki, this all-you-can-eat buffet is a real bang for your buck.
Sushi Yujo
Located in the heart of the CBD, within Amara Hotel Singapore, Sushi Yujo is a new omakase restaurant that promises a unique contemporary experience. Armed with 20 years of culinary experience, Chef Desmond Fong delivers innovative signatures of cooked dishes and aburi sushi. Don’t miss out on his Aburi Ootoro, Aburi Foie Gras, Hairy Crab served in Whole Yuzu, and Awabi Abalone with housemade liver sauce.
Tianfang Pavilion Chaoshan Hotpot
Hotpot enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover this unique hotpot experience helmed by Chef Fu of Northern China descent, offering authentic Chaoshan-style hotpot. Tucked within our Chinatown district, they offer a wide selection of Japanese and Australian beef cuts, including melt-in-your-mouth Japanese Sirloin and Beef Flank, handmade Teochew Beef Meatballs, with their signature Oxtail Soup or Mushroom Soup – both of which take over 10 hours to painstakingly prepare. Other soup options available include their Cow Bone Soup, Spicy Mala, and the popular Tomato.