The buzz: The young team behind this wine bar comprises expats Jean Christophe Cadoret and Pearl Pillaert, who both have day jobs in finance. They’ve found a prime location on red hot dining street Telok Ayer, right next to hip Loh Lik Peng resto The Market Grill.
The décor: It’s pretty slick but still accessible with lots of black leather and dark wood, plus exposed brick walls. The most eye catching feature is the long row enomatic machines.
The drinks: On the menu are mostly Southern European specimens, available by the glass, categorized according to price (from $8). But you can also try $8 glasses dispensed from enomatic machines—categorized according to flavor (think spicy or fruity) such as liquorice-y Marquis de Saint-Estephe 2009.
The food: To go along with the vinos, find an array of European eats such as chicken ceasar salad ($17) and grilled Angus beef tenderloin ($32).
The music: As youthful and unstuffy as the atmosphere—mostly upbeat indie-dance tunes.
The crowd: Execs who work in the area dropping in for after work drinks.
Why you’ll be back: The sheer variety of vinos you’ll get to taste without breaking the bank. Besides, you won’t find many wine bars as laidback and unintimidating.
Drink this at Napoleon: Marquis de Saint-Estephe. This liquorice-y medium body red is filled with rich dark berry flavors. It’s addictive. From $11 per half glass.
Napoleon Food & Wine Bar is in I-S Best Bars Guide 2014. Download your copy to see where else you should be partying.
