A dense CBD-edge neighbourhood of preserved Straits Chinese shophouses turned into wine bars, izakayas, modern Indian restaurants, and late-night drinking spots.
Contemporary Southeast Asian tasting menus drawn from pasar malam night market flavours and traditional techniques at Tanjong Pagar. Michelin Guide-listed.
Signature: Pasar malam-inspired tasting courses
Order: The tasting menu drawing from pasar malam night market traditions and Southeast Asian produce
Tip: Reserve at least two to three weeks ahead; the restaurant seats fewer than 30 diners at a time.
Michelin Guide-listed Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurant on Peck Seah Street. Bold mezze and grilled meats; back in Tanjong Pagar in 2025.
Signature: Shawarma plate, Mezze spread, Fattoush
Order: The mezze spread to share followed by the slow-roasted lamb shawarma
Tip: The bar programme is genuinely good; a cocktail before dinner is part of the Fat Prince ritual.
Order: ['Discovery tasting menu', 'Tandoor lamb rack', 'Wood-fire prawn']
Tip: Book the chef's counter for the best view of the kitchen. Set lunch at S$119 is the most accessible entry point.
Order: ['Crossroads tasting menu', 'Bread with cultured butter', 'Any fermented course']
Tip: Book the chef's counter seat for the most engaging evening. Lunch is available Wednesday to Sunday and offers slightly better value.
Wine focus: Classic European, 1000+ label cellar
Order: ['Curated wine flight', 'Cellar pick with sommelier guidance', 'European cheese plate']
Tip: The walk-in cellar is worth exploring before ordering. The sommelier team is knowledgeable without being stuffy. Closed Sundays.
Wine focus: Old World and New World, accessible list
Order: ['Affordable Burgundy by the glass', 'French sandwich at lunch', 'Cheese plate']
Tip: Set on the second floor; look for the entrance staircase. Lunch from 11.30am with good-value set menus on weekdays.
Wine focus: Curated boutique list, rare bottles
Order: ["Sommelier's pick by the glass", 'Rare bottle from the list', 'Seasonal snack']
Tip: Open from 2pm on weekdays, ideal for a long afternoon with wine before dinner. Closed Sundays.
Signature drink: The Garibaldi or seasonal signature cocktail
Tip: Open from 6pm daily; Wednesday to Saturday until 2am. Book ahead for weekend evenings. The counter seats are coveted for watching the team work.
Signature drink: Seasonal rotating menu built on foraged Southeast Asian ingredients
Tip: Open Sunday to Saturday from 6pm. The bar runs a zero-waste policy; ask about the current foraged ingredient on the menu.
Signature drink: Gin Gin Mule or Billionaire Cocktail
Tip: Open from 5pm Monday to Friday, and Saturday. The kitchen serves food; the bar snacks pair well with the cocktail programme. Asia's 50 Best Bars, No.
Signature drink: Bespoke cocktail tailored to your palate
Tip: Call ahead; the intimate space fills quickly on weekends. Hand-carved ice takes time; allow the bar to set the pace.
Signature drink: Chai cocktail or tamarind sour
Tip: Open from 6pm Tuesday to Sunday. A compelling partner to Thevar or Revolver for a South Asian-themed evening.
Signature drink: House spritz or seasonal cocktail
Tip: Keong Saik Road has multiple bars nearby; this is a good starting point for an evening that walks the strip. Open from 5pm daily.
Signature drink: House arak sour
Tip: Michelin Guide listed. Good for groups; the mezze sharing format works well alongside the cocktail programme. Book ahead for weekend evenings.
Ginza-style Japanese whisky and cocktail bar in a Bukit Pasoh shophouse. Twenty seats, omakase cocktail service, and one of Singapore's most seriously compiled Japanese whisky and shochu lists.
Tip: Reservations recommended. The omakase cocktail service allows bartenders to create based on stated preferences. Japanese whisky selection is among the most serious in Singapore.
Singapore's most established LGBTQ bar, open since 2004 as the first Neil Road business to fly a rainbow flag. The Blue Spin cocktail and May Wong's Cafe create a layered Chinatown-fringe queer space.
Tip: The best nights are Friday and Saturday from around 10pm. The heritage shophouse setting is the draw; the outdoor Neil Road pavement seating is pleasant for earlier evening drinks.
Singapore's longest-running gay dance venue since 1997, now on Duxton Road. Operating in a hybrid format with drag shows, party nights and a food collaboration with Peranakan dining concept f've.
Tip: Check Facebook for the weekly programme; drag shows and Men-Only nights are announced monthly. Entry S$10 to S$25 depending on the night.
Jazz Kissa-inspired listening bar on Duxton Road from the D.Bespoke team. Vintage JBL speakers, a floor-to-ceiling vinyl collection, Japanese shochu and specialty spirits in 30 intimate seats.
Tip: A quieter alternative to Offtrack; the vinyl collection leans toward Japanese jazz and 1970s soul. The shochu selection is among the most serious in Singapore's bar scene.