Restaurant Recos at Dempsey Hill, Singapore’s Under-the-Radar Lifestyle Enclave

Once a nutmeg plantation, Dempsey Hill is now one of Singapore’s thriving lifestyle hubs where locals and expats flock to for a weekend brunch or a dinner date with friends. If you want an alternative to the city’s more popular landmarks such as Orchard Road or Clark Quay, this place has the answer for you. Although dotted by contemporary shops, this cool destination has managed to preserve its rustic appeal reminiscent of its history as a farmland and a former military camp.
If you’re here to explore its walking trails, bask in the hilly view, or shop at the cute boutiques surrounding the area, you shouldn’t let a day pass without stopping by for a nice bite! This lifestyle destination is brimming with exciting food choices including Michelin-starred restaurants, cozy brunch places, and Instagram-worthy cafés. Here are five restaurant recommendations at Dempsey Hill, Singapore’s under-the-radar lifestyle hub!
Atout Restaurant
This French bistro and wine bar may look intimidating at first glance, but once you’ve found a table and had a taste of their home-made charcuterie, you’ll never think twice about coming back. The atmosphere is welcoming and informal, allowing guests to pair their main course with a choice of a glass of wine offered at a reasonable price. Geneva-born chef Patrick Heuberger helms the restaurant, bringing with him nearly two decades of culinary experience from the corners of Holland Village to Hong Kong’s gastronomy scene and then back to Singapore at the bistro’s present location at Dempsey Hill.
Location: 40C Harding Road
Candlenut
If the myriad of positive reviews wouldn’t convince you to try this Peranakan restaurant at Dempsey Hill, perhaps a Michelin star would. Dubbed as the first Peranakan resto in the world recognized by the Oscars of culinary, Candlenut whips up contemporary yet authentic Straits-Chinese dishes. Be sure to try their Sotong Masang Lemak, Nyonya Steamed Fish, and Beef Short Rib Kapitan. This restaurant is open for lunch from Mondays through Sundays at 12 noon to 3 PM, and dinner on the same days from 6 PM to 10 PM.
Location: Block 17A Dempsey Road
COMO Cuisine
In the mood for an international dish? This is what COMO Cuisine is good at. The restaurant uses organic and fresh ingredients to serve up gastronomic dishes that will satiate your foreign cravings. If you’re counting calories, opt for their Yellowfin Tuna Bowl or Wild Rice Salad; but if you have extra space in your tummy to spare, order the Lobster Biryani, Five Spice Chicken, and Pork Ribs. Like Candlenut, COMO Cuisine is under the COMO Dempsey umbrella.
Location: 18 Dempsey Road
JUMBO Seafood
Best known for their chili crabs, this place has been cooking mouth-watering seafood plates since 1987. They have six outlets across Singapore and their restaurant at Dempsey Hill has been a go-to among locals.
Location: Blk 11 Dempsey Road
The Dempsey Project
This all-day dining and gourmet grocery features a relaxed ambiance, perfect if you want to catch up with friends over a toast and coffee. Aside from their great selection of vegan-friendly offerings, we love The Dempsey Project’s interiors featuring a high ceiling and plants.
Location: 9 Dempsey Road
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