The highly-anticipated South Beach Avenue is now opened, and we are really excited by all the dining, wining, nightlife and lifestyle options offered here. Designed by Foster + Partners, the 32,000 sq ft property sees the perfect amalgamation of heritage buildings such as the old Beach Road Military camp and the modern multi-tiered courtyards, walkways and the iconic wave-like microclimatic canopy. Here are some recommendations which we tried, and you should too!
Text: Sean Tan
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Beer connoisseurs will have a field trip here! New to Singapore, Alchemist Beer Lab is the first beer infusion bar in Asia and it houses an impressive 16 state-of-the-art infusion towers that let the brewer come up with exciting beer creations. Star drinks include the fruity 50 Shades of Pink, a cider with pink guava; and the dark, creamy Obama, a stout with toasted marshmallows, vanilla pods and mint leaves.
Next: The must-try dish at Alchemist Beer Lab
This plate of luscious local sea bass fried in a light ale batter is paired with duck-fat chips and homemade tartar sauce with capers. Wash it down with one of their craft beers – so satisfying!
Alchemist Beer Lab is located at #B1-16, South Beach Avenue.
We are always on the lookout for authentic Italian food, and when we heard that Atmastel – helmed by Andrea Tarini, an Italian chef with a 3-Michelin-star background – has opened here, we were delighted. Using only the freshest artisanal ingredients, ranging from San Marzano tomatoes, San Daniele ham, to fresh burrata and mozzarella air-flown weekly from Italy, Atmastel crafts a menu so enticing you will be spoilt for choice. There’s also a pizza bakery and a well-stocked retail section with over 70 varieties of artisanal cold cuts, cheeses, wines and condiments.
Next: The must-try dish at Atmastel
The dough on this pizza – one of Atmastel’s signature dish – is so light and airy; plus, generous slices of whole Italian black truffle, fresh burrata and Grana Padano cheese accompany every bite. Trust us when we say one slice is not enough.
Atmastel is located at #B1-22, South Beach Avanue.
This classy and elegant café is Italy’s oldest family-owned coffee roaster and was established in 1882. They source and procure Arabica beans from Central America and blend it with an Arabic “Sidamo” of Ethiopia, resulting in a complex aroma with subtle hints of citrus fruit and floral notes. Caffè Vergnano 1882 in Singapore imports all its products direct from Italy and trained baristas ensure the best extracts when preparing every cup of coffee. The café also holds coffee workshops in Accademia Vergnano for those who are interested in the art of coffee brewing.
Next: The must-try drinks at Caffè Vergnano 1882
There’s a wide variety of coffee and chocolate drinks at Caffè Vergnano 1882, but do not miss trying their signatures which are all really good (from left): Caffe Vergnano 1882 Caffe Gianduja; Espresso Shakerato; and Cioccolata. They are all simply pure indulgence in a cup.
Caffè Vergnano 1882 is located at #B1-17, South Beach Avenue.
Another great café you can find at South Beach Avenue is this Australian coffee chain which owns a 33-hectare coffee plantation on the Atherton tablelands in the highland region of northern Australia. That’s where their Arabica beans come from to make their signature coffees. The characteristics of java made with this bean includes a sweet chocolate-caramel body and a long finish on the palate. The café also makes all their pastries and sweets in-house.
Next: The must-try sweets at Dimbulah Coffee
The classic Australian desserts served here are as authentic as you can find them in Australia, as they are derived from the owner’s family recipes. The pillowy Lamingtons come in raspberry and chocolate which are a joy to bite into, while the rich and fudgy Downunder slices – available in various flavours like coffee macadamia and white chocolate.
Dimbulah Coffee is located at #01-14, South Beach Avenue.
If you are pressed for time, Fasta is a great place to grab lunch from if you are near the area. Drawing inspiration from different culinary traditions, Fasta’s chef has creatively planned every dish to feature unique sauces and dressings accompanied by a variety of seafood and meat toppings. The vibrant eating area makes for a fun casual meal anytime of the day.
Next: The must-try dishes at Fasta
The Siow Ba Mee (left) features crunchy caramelised pork belly on top of aglio olio-style al dente pasta with a hint of yuzu dressing, while the Scallop Wallop pasta is tossed in a flavourful house sauce, chopped bacon and crab meat, then crowned with juicy seared Hokkaido scallops.
Fasta is located at #B1-23, South Beach Avenue.
This casual modern Australian restaurant serves up contemporary takes on global flavours and classic favourites – from fresh pasta dishes, burgers and grilled meats to sweets dishes like homemade corn fritters, chia seed pudding and fluffy vanilla pancakes. The diverse menus for lunch and dinner will keep you coming back to try more. Also, we love how modern yet cosy the seating area is – perfect for a nice dinner date or weekend brunch with BFFs.
Next: The must-try dishes at Fynn’s
Must-tries at Fynn’s include their star dishes like the Spanish Polpo – pan-seared octopus with lemongrass and spicy apple slaw, and the tantalising Iberico Pork. But the dish which most impressed us was this Homemade Cavatelli Pasta which features homemade pasta accompanied by broken pork sausages, red wine-braised octopus, with fennel seeds in a tomato sauce topped with Parmesan.
Fynn’s is located at #B1-21, South Beach Avenue.
Ah, good ol’ Harry’s – one of Singapore’s most iconic restaurant/bar now has a new outlet at South Beach Avenue! The chic bar and dining spot has been updated to cater to everyone; whether you are gathering for after-work drinks, having a family celebration or just want to catch up with friends, nothing beats the food, drinks and relaxing vibes that this place provides.
Next: The must-try item at Harry’s
Always order the all-time favourite Harry’s Signature Wings – these addictive crispy chicken wings are dressed with a house blend of spices and you can’t stop until the whole plate is gone! Accompany with a glass of cold Harry’s beer – so good!
Harry’s is at #01-18, South Beach Avenue.
Whiskey lovers should not miss this place. Established in 2006, Quaich Bar was the first dedicated whisky bar in Singapore. For the last decade, the team has pioneered the whisky appreciation culture in Singapore. With more than 500 different labels – 95 percent of them being Scottish – Quaich Bar is the go-to place for whisky connoisseurs and collectors. Quaich Bar was also awarded the “Great Whisky Bar of the World” accolade by the international Whisky Magazine.
Next: The must-try whiskeys at Quaich Bar
Try this sampling set to experience the spectrum of single malt whisky flavours. Collectors and connoisseurs can also go for the Kilkerran 2006 Calvados Cask which is bottled exclusively for Singapore, or the Cadenhead Bowmore 12 years old which is bottled exclusively for Quaich Bar.
Quaich Bar is located at #01-16, South Beach Avenue.
Real Food is an organic vegetarian-cum-vegan concept run by a team of passionate individuals that strongly believe in the mantra “You are what you eat”. Real Food takes pride in being well-informed about where and how ingredients are grown and produced and they actively support local producers. All dishes are free from processed ingredients, artificial preservatives and trans-fat.
Next: The must-try dish at Real Food
We were pleasantly surprised by how delicious this vegetarian dish tasted. The homemade curry with oat milk and extra virgin organic coconut oil is served with spinach noodles and assorted vegetables, with options of garlic and non-vegan hard-boiled egg available.
Real Food is located at #B1-19, South Beach Avenue.
Housed within the beautiful conservation building that was formerly the military armoury of Beach Road Military camp, The Armoury offers an eclectic mix of Singaporean, classic European and Japanese cuisine and at the same time boasts a line-up of eight international craft beers and five branded beers on tap. Wine lovers will do well to check out their comprehensive wine list that suits any budget and palate.
Next: The must-try dish at The Armoury
This amazing burger has a hefty 200 g charcoal grilled wagyu beef patty slathered with onion jam, layered with gruyere, maple glazed bacon, lettuce and sliced tomato in between brioche buns, and served with a basket of fries. Yes, did we mention it’s amazing?
The Armoury is located at #01-01, South Beach Avenue.
One of Korea’s hottest restaurants, Vatos Urban Tacos is influenced by the Mexican street tacos culture in Los Angeles and combines it with home-cooked classic Korean dishes. The result is exciting creations such as Kimchi Carnitas Fries, Galbi Tacos and more. CNN named Vatos the ‘Hottest New Restaurant in Seoul’ and The Daily Meal chose Vatos as one of the ’10 Best American Restaurants Outside of the States’. Be sure to check out this hip joint when you visit South Beach Avenue.
Next: The must-try dish at Vatos Urban Tacos
There are many impressive dishes here, but this Vatos original is one of the must-tries. It features seasoned French fries smothered in braised pork carnitas, sautéed kimchi and melted cheese, then topped with cilantro lime crema, Vatos hot sauce, fresh cilantro and onion. You have to try it!
Vatos Urban Tacos is located at #01-03, South Beach Avenue.