Nowadays, does anyone think of Valentine’s Day as exclusive to lovers? To us, Valentine’s Day is a great reminder to overworked hustlers that, sometimes, one must slow down and appreciate the people around you – whether it’s family, a lover or a friend.
But! How should one show this appreciation? The ancient Greeks show you the way; Theophrastus – a close colleague of Aristotle and a rigorous naturalist often revered as the “Father of Botany” – once declared that,
“Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.”
~ Theophrastus, close colleague of Aristotle and “Father of Botany”
So perhaps it is little wonder that since time immemorial (pun unintended!), one of the favourite ways of celebrating love – in all its different forms – is to invite someone for a quiet tête-à-tête.
With the approach of Valentine’s Day, we show you some of the best places:
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- When You Have Only A Little Bit of Time
- When You Have An Entire Evening To Spend
They may not have a Valentine’s Day promotion, but the ambience, the locale and the menu? Unmatched.
PS – these places are great to go at any time, not just the 14th of February!
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When You Have Only A Little Bit of Time
Or when you’re spending time with a new friend and need a less intimidating venue
AMI PATISSERIE
Now a classic of Singapore’s pastry world, AMI Patisserie – helmed by Chef Makoto Arami – is a modern rendition of a Kyo Machiya that sits on the grounds of a historic black and white bungalow.
In AMI Patisserie, Chef Makoto looks to inspire a shift in perception: to showcase pastries in a new light – as a full experience; a main star of a meal from start to end. This free spirit offers a new pastry experience in both his serenely elegant Patisserie Café and his exclusive 8-seat Tsudoi Dining Room.
AMI Patisserie Cafe Interiors
This concept makes the Café an ideal spot for a teatime gabfest – especially if you’re looking to consolidate new friendships or first-time Bumble date. Not only are the pastries delicate, delicious and novel (the perfect ice-breaker!) but the elegant environment encourages hearts-to-hearts.
Our pick from the café range? Their classic Seasonal Parfait ($38++). Chef Makoto’s modern version of this Japanese childhood treat is both nuanced and elevated, with fresh seasonal fruit and luxe house-made fillings such as Sicilian-pistachio-and-white-chocolate cream and a fresh-mint-and-Cointreau gelee.
AMI Patisserie Seasonal Parfaits - left, featuring Amaou strawberries from Fukuoka; right, featuring Musk Melon from Shizuoka
Our fruit fingers are crossed in hopes for the Amaou strawberries from Fukuoka prefecture; they’re in season from Dec to May and at peak sweetness in Feb and March!
GILMORE & DAMIAN D’SILVA
Opened late last year in the iconic National Gallery Singapore, Gilmore & Damian D’Silva is a premium casual restaurant by beloved F&B luminary, Chef Damian D’Silva. The restaurant is particularly special to Chef Damian as the first complete tribute to Gilmore D’Silva – his Grandad.
Gilmore & Damian D'Silva's Entryway
Here, Chef Damian presents the soulful heritage flavours he is renowned for, in a menu of predominantly heirloom Eurasian recipes - some dating back more than 200 years, while the rest are Chinese dishes inspired by the home cooking of Gilmore, his Grandad.
The hospitality embraced by the restaurant is also inspired by Gilmore’s famously steadfast adherence to proper gentlemanly manners, and his thoughtful, heartfelt generosity that made everyone feel at home.
The restaurant is also a poignant nod to Gilmore’s position and responsibility as the first and only caretaker of the Supreme Court. The interior design brings forth memory and heritage and delicately balances it with the present, creating a seamless continuity that connects to the historical setting and elevates the space. Clean lines and a restrained geometry is balanced through soft lighting, luxe seating and materials that echo the patina of heirloom furniture. Little touches of history in the forms of Gilmore’s handwritten notes are also unobtrusively displayed.
Gilmore & Damian D'Silva's main dining room
With this richly layered sense of time and space, Gilmore & Damian D’Silva is the most wonderful spot to have a relaxed spot of tea with an old friend or your family as you reminisce over funny incidents in your younger days. The Gilmore Afternoon Tea ($38++ per person, available from 3pm to 6pm only on Sat and Sun) offers a carefully curated set of bite-sized savouries and kuehs accompanied by free-flow coffee, tea and soft drinks – perfect for lingering an afternoon away.
When You Have An Entire Evening To Spend
And a little extra cash for an indulgent meal
LOCA NIRU
One of the most exciting openings in one of the most exciting locations in Singapore is Loca Niru, set on the second level of the incredible 140-year-old House of Tan Yeok Nee – the last of the “Four Grand Mansions” of 19th century Teochew architecture in Singapore. Loca Niru is the inaugural fine dining concept to welcome guests in the conservation structure; not long after the House – a National Monument – opened to the public for the first time in 140 years.
Loca Niru's Private Dining Room
Helmed by Chef Shusuke Kubota, Loca Niru is rooted in the Japanese concept of Kotan which honours quiet simplicity, contemplative peace and refined subtlety: this is reflected in both its interiors and its cuisine.
Consider the lovingly restored architectural features such as aged timber rafters and carved staircases that were interwoven with thoughtfully selected modern touches – a pale palette, fine-grained natural finishes, specially commissioned artwork and built-in lighting.
The cuisine has the same quiet refinement and thoughtful balance. Respect for produce, product, and the hands behind them, as well as seasonality and responsible sourcing, are the restaurant’s other pillars; and graceful restraint allows ingredients, including those from Southeast Asia, to reveal their natural flavours in harmoniously layered creations.
Loca Niru's Oyasai
For diners with profound gourmet leanings, this is the perfect spot for a dinner that seamlessly unites diverse culinary influences from the chef’s background and training in Japanese, French and Southeast Asian kitchens into a polished ode to heritage and produce.
RESTAURANT BORN
Housed in a conservation building circa 1903 – the iconic Jinrikisha Station, Born serves a highly personal cuisine via an elegant tasting menu by Chef-Owner Zor Tan in a sophisticated, light-filled space.
Restaurant Born's Private Lounge
Marrying the refined subtlety of French gastronomy with the deep resonant flavours of Chinese flavours, every dish draws from his personal journey; each plate and each bite, bold yet familiar – a masterful piece of culinary storytelling by Chef Zor. Little wonder that Born was recognised with one Michelin star in its first year of operations, and debuted at #36 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2023.
Born currently serves the third iteration of his menu, or perhaps the third chapter of his culinary story; the crystallisation of memories reimagined and transformed into tangible moments through every course.
Restaurant Born's Cuttlefish/Pickled Kohlrabi/Rice
Take, for instance, the sixth course – Cuttlefish / Pickled Kohlrabi / Rice: inspired by Chef Zor’s childhood joy in cheong fun (steamed rice rolls), this dish is a creative re-imagination with thick-cut cuttlefish poached in prawn oil. Sprinkled with prawn roe, every bite carries the fragrant briny depth of the sea. An overlay of pickled kohrabi adds a bright balance to the richness; a garnish of caviar adds a delicate touch of salinity. The dish is finished tableside with a light, aromatic cloud of toasted rice foam.
Connoisseurs interested in exploring the depth of Chinese ingredients and flavours will find a meal at Born both delicious and thought-provoking; a perfect meal of love.
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Whether it’s with a new acquaintance you want to know better or with a lover, these places are worth every bit of the money and time you’ll spend!
ADDRESSES
- AMI Patisserie: 27 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228222
- BORN: 1 Neil Rd, #01-01, Singapore 088804
- Gilmore & Damian D’Silva: National Gallery Singapore, #01-02/03, Singapore 178957
- Loca Niru: House of Tan Yeok Nee, #02-01, Singapore 238466
