Where to eat this August: From French Flair to Fire-Grilled Burgers
CONTENT: Yiew Kai Jie
Singapore’s culinary scene never rests, with each month bringing new contenders determined to make their mark in a city famed for its discerning palates and global flavors. As July unfolds, the competition in the F&B landscape is fiercer than ever: top chefs launch ambitious concepts, beloved brands reinvent themselves, and newcomers stake their place with boundary-pushing menus.
Whether you crave the elegance of French brasserie fare, the vibrancy of international fusion, panoramic city views with your drinks, or immersive garden dining, Singapore’s most dynamic restaurants and bars are battling for your attention—one inventive dish and expertly crafted cocktail at a time.
The Plump Frenchman
Check out The Plump Frenchman, a brand-new French brasserie from the renowned Zouk Group. Helmed by two Michelin-starred chef Lorenz Hoja—famed for his decade-long tenure with the old L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, and helped them achieve two Michelin stars in 2016 and 2017—this 70-seater eatery is a heartfelt tribute to classic French comfort food, served with a quirky and creative twist. Chef Lorenz Hoja reimagines beloved French staples using high-quality ingredients and rustic techniques, all while keeping portions generous and prices accessible.
Designed with sharing in mind, the menu features everything from inventive starters like Chipirons (baby squid stuffed with chorizo, parsley, and garlic) to timeless favorites such as La Soupe À l’Oignon, a deeply caramelized onion soup topped with crispy croutons. For mains, don’t miss the signature Demi Poulet Rôtisserie—succulent slow-roasted chicken served with a fresh salad, sriracha, and tangy house-made pickles. Guests with heartier appetites can opt for the robust Coq Au Vin, a classic French stew brimming with red wine, mushrooms, bacon, and carrots.
Whether you’re a Francophile or simply craving something indulgent, The Plump Frenchman also offers a Menu de Canut—a selection of thoughtfully curated set menus that range from small two-course to a filling four-course feast available Monday to Saturday, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
The Plump Frenchman is located at Guoco Midtown ll, 20 Tan Quee Lan Street, #01-20 Singapore 188107.
SUSHISAMBA
For a midday break that impresses, SUSHISAMBA’s Vivo Business Lunch (S$48++) is a standout option in the CBD. Available on weekdays from 11:30 am-2:30 pm, this three-course set is all about efficiency—serving the dishes in under 60 minutes—making it ideal for client meetings, team gatherings, or solo treats. Diners can expect a rotating menu inspired by Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisines, with highlights such as Wagyu Beef Tataki, Sea Bream Seviche, Chilean Sea Bass, and indulgent desserts like Mochi Ice Cream. Enhance your lunch with a curated wine or cocktail pairing at an additional S$18++.
When the workday ends, SUSHISAMBA’s Sunset Hour is the perfect way to wind down after a long day at work. Enjoy panoramic skyline views and sip on their signature cocktails, including creative concoctions like Shiso Shadows, Floating World, Nazca Lines, and Os Gêmeos Guava. Each cocktail is crafted with unique ingredients, blending Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian influences for a memorable happy hour experience.
SUSHISAMBA is located at Level 52, Capital Tower, 168 Robinson Rd, Singapore 068912.
NOVA
It’s always a good time at Nova, with a curated lineup of DJs, exciting midweek parties, and everyone’s favourite – happy hours madness. Unwind with panoramic views of the theSingapore skyline with housepours and select cocktails during It’s Suntory Time from Monday to Saturday, 7-11pm. Ladies night sees DJ Tang on the dance floor with hip-hop and R&B beats, with complimentary entry for ladies and a bottle of champagne for a group of five. Prolong the weekend vibes at The Longest Happiest Hour at NOVA on Sunday, with 1-for-1 drinks all night long from 6pm till 1am to delay any Monday work blues as long as you can!
NOVA is located at 1 Raffles Place, Level 63, Singapore 048616.
il Giardino
il Giardino brings a fresh cicchetti-style Italian dining experience to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, just in time to celebrate the Gardens’ 10th UNESCO anniversary. Surrounded by greenery and the sounds of nature, it’s a perfect spot for couples, families, and groups seeking a convivial meal in a tranquil garden oasis.
The menu draws inspiration from across Italy, spotlighting premium ingredients like Pecorino cheese, Mostarda Di Frutta, and Tuscan Panzanella, while weaving in local produce and Asian touches for a unique twist. Highlights include the Panzanella ‘Singapura’—a tropical take with green mango and smoked tamarind vinaigrette—and the Italian Harvest Salad, served tableside for extra flair. Cicchetti-style dining means dishes are designed to be shared, with options for small or large plates. Mains such as Slow Braised Osso Buco with kaffir lime gremolata, Roasted Corn-fed Chicken with Amalfi lemon caper sauce, and Pan Roasted King Salmon with ginger flower salsa verde showcase both comfort and creativity. Seafood lovers will appreciate the signature Slow Cooked Venetian Octopus, plated tableside for a rustic, interactive experience.
il Giardino’s beverage program is just as enticing, offering classic Italian cocktails with botanical twists—think Giardino Spritz with house-made thyme syrup, or Under the Tuscan Sun with Limoncello and fresh basil. Desserts are both delicious and Instagram-worthy: the il Giardino Affogato features gelato atop a crunchy, upcycled base, finished tableside with a hot espresso pour that melts a Valrhona chocolate shell. Other sweet treats like Chiacchiere pastries come with a choice of gelato or sorbet, rounding out a meal that’s as memorable as its lush, garden-inspired setting
il Giardino is located at 50 Cluny Park Road, Level 2 Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 257488.
WILD/FIRE Burgers
WILD/FIRE burgers has made a triumphant comeback that stays true to it’s business motto: one single outlet, no franchising, and a commitment to quality over quantity. The experience centers on live fire cooking and an all-new, dynamic menu—wood-fired burgers, curated meats, seafood, premium caviar, and an inventive cocktail list.
Central to the WILD/FIRE menu are the unforgettable burgers. Each of them are crafted with Stone Axe full-blood Wagyu and premium beef from Butcher Box, then flame-grilled and served in soft brioche buns from Bakery Brera. Standouts include the Classic 101 Cheeseburger packed with an ultra-juicy wagyu patty, American cheese, beer-pickled onions, and chipotle mayo. More adventurous choices like The Bear bring together wagyu, housemade chilli con carne, truffled mayo, mushrooms, and four cheeses. For those seeking pure fire-grilled meats, signature cuts like the Bone-In Short Ribs and Picanha showcase the alluring flavors and tenderness of top-quality wagyu.
For something truly luxurious, WILD/FIRE elevates the dining experience with its premium caviar offerings. The Oscietra delivers briny, nutty depths with a sophisticated finish, while the Beluga entices with creamy, mineral-rich pearls. Pair these delicacies with roasted bone marrow or even their unique Flor Di Panna soft serve with extra virgin olive oil. Cap it all off with their daily happy hour cocktails at just $16 until 7pm—WILD/FIRE promises an unforgettable July feast.
Wildfire Burgers is located at 207 River Valley Road, #01-59 UE Square, Singapore 238275
