Can’t travel? Head to these spots where you’ll be transported to the streets of Japan or the vineyards of Southern Europe. You can also indulge in fancy champagne from northern France, or choose from a bunch of craft beers from all over the world.
KOI Sushi + Izakaya
Inspired by the traditional Izakayas and sushi bars of Japan, this place was founded by Clement Chin (who has industry experience working at Lucky 13 and IndoChine). On the menu are simple Japanese bites such as scallop sashimi ($13), seasoned baby octopus ($7) and tuna tartare on toast ($12). The drinks options are the ones to look out for, with Japanese beers like Hitachino Nest Pale Ale ($15), and cocktails like the Truffled Japanese Whisky Sour ($16), made of Nikka whisky, lemon, egg white and truffle oil, and the Cherry Blossom ($16), a combination of Effen black cherry, Kirei umeshu, cherry, and lime. There are also shooters including Tokyo Banana ($9), comprising banana puree, baileys, and vodka.
KOI Sushi + Izakaya, 89 Club Street, Singapore 069457, p. 6225 5915. Open Mon-Fri 12-1am, Fri-Sat 5pm-2am.
Napoleon Food & Wine Bar
Whether you are a wine connoisseur or just a social drinker, at Napoleon you’ll be able to enjoy wines at your own pace and comfort in a slick but laidback atmosphere. On the menu are mostly Southern European specimens, available by the glass and categorized according to price ($8, $12, $18, and premium). You can also try sample portions from dispensers before purchasing a bottle. Unlike regular wine bars, the wines are not categorized by grape variety or region but by flavours; think ‘fruity’, ‘spicy’, or ‘sweet’.
Other options include wine-based cocktails like Lady in Red ($16), a concoction of red wine, melon liqueur and peach liqueur, and Red Autumn ($16), made up of moscato, raspberry, and lime juice.
Napoleon Food & Wine Bar, 206 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068641, p. 6221 9282. Open Mon-Fri 1130am-12am, Sat 5pm-12am.
The Tuckshop
The Tuckshop
Put together a Singaporean, an Englishman, a Frenchman, and an Italian and what do you get? A newly launched bistro/bar that serves a range of artisanal and craft beers from all over the world, ciders, wines and spirits, plus some really good locally-inspired bar grub. Located at an area undergoing somewhat of a renaissance, this is a cool new spot to hang out at.
The Tuckshop, 403 Guillemard Road, Singapore 399795, p. 6744 8441. Open Mon-Sun 5pm-1am.
Perrier-Jouët Salon
A first in Singapore and South East Asia, the Perrier-Jouët Salon is a place where guests can experience Perrier-Jouët champagnes in an intimate and elegant setting. It is also the only place in Singapore to offer Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque champagne by the glass.
Perrier-Jouët Salon at The Mansion, #01-01/03 Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road, Singapore 228210, p. 6734 2276. Open Sun-Thu 10am-2am, Fri-Sat 10am-3am.
Image: Napoleon Food & Wine Bar