Visiting New Bahru isn’t a one-and-done experience — not for us at least, especially with so many restaurants, cafes, and bars to try.
The lifestyle complex first opened its School Block in 2024, and along with it came a vibrant mix of tenants from retail to restaurants. But New Bahru isn’t stopping there, as it has since teased the upcoming launch of its Factory Block, with 15 new restaurants and retail tenants set to move in over the coming months.
According to New Bahru’s latest Facebook post, the Factory Block will see a mix of all-day casual eats that are “comforting, easy, and made for everyday cravings”. On the first floor, find spots like Dumpling Darlings’ latest outlet and Parlour Gelato. Upstairs, the new Dining Hall will see classic favourites, ranging from nasi padang at Kios Minang to wood-fired roast platters at Laifaba. Singapore’s favourite conveyor belt sushi spot, Sushiro, will also open its latest outlet here.
Pop-ups are to be anticipated too, with the first being Italian restaurant Fico. To open at the Dining Hall from April 28, the three-month-long pop-up will put the spotlight on handmade pastas — think pesto linguine, beef ragu, and more.
Beyond dining concepts, the new Factory Block will also house retail stores, including Stacked Store, Veja, and Japanese lifestyle label Beams.
Official opening dates have not been revealed (though we suspect it will be sometime in May). For now, there is still plenty to explore in the main School Block. Find various local-grown and local-designed retail brands (think Curious Creatures, Good Addition, and Rye) housed alongside wellness spaces like Off Duty Pilates, and massage and bathhouse concept Hideaway New Bahru. When you get peckish, have a bite at one of its many restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Dining concepts range from casual spots like One Fattened Calf Burgers to fine dining concepts like Somma. If you’re looking to eat your way through New Bahru, here are some of the best restaurants, cafes, and bars to get you started.
(Hero image credit: Kotuwa)
The best restaurants, cafes, and bars in New Bahru
(Coming soon) Dumpling Darlings
Dumpling Darlings’ third outlet is set to be its biggest yet. To open in May (according to their Instagram page), the flagship will continue to celebrate its love for dumplings and noodles. Here, the menu expands to include izakaya-inspired dishes dreamed up in collaboration with Singaporean-Japanese restaurant Mustard Seed.
(Coming soon) Fico Pop-up
Italian restaurant Fico is stepping beyond its East Coast Park home with a three-month pop-up at New Bahru’s Factory Block. Happening from April 28 to July 28, the pop-up kiosk will put the spotlight on handmade pasta, with a focused menu of dishes including linguini with pesto alla Genovese and prawns, beef ragu tagliatelle, and cavatelli with San Marzano tomato and ricotta.
(Coming Soon) Orh Gao Peh Gao
This day-to-night concept is set to open its second outlet at New Bahru’s Factory Block. Visit during the day and find Peh Gao Coffeeshop, serving up modern takes on coffeeshop favourites. At dusk, Orh Gao Taproom takes over, offering its selection of craft beers and hearty Asian-inspired plates.
Artichoke Pizza Parlour
Chef Bjorn Shen’s pizza concept puts a cheeky spin on traditional pies. Here, find bold slices like the Bacon Apple Pie that’s topped with pancetta, brie, roasted apples, and hazelnuts; and Crab-onara that’s complete with crab meat, pecorino, and egg yolk sauce.
Website here.
Atipico Room 15
This all-day Italian bakery and restaurant serves up hearty sweets and savouries. Visit for lunch and dig into dishes like pan seared spanish octopus, black pepper crab choux, and ricotta tartine. You’ll want to save room for desserts and indulge in sweet treats like the mango and oolong cruffin, pain au chocolat, and more.
Website here.
Bar Bon Funk
This cocktail bar puts the spotlight on tantalising concoctions. Look forward to expressions like the Coop & Spud, a savoury cocktail with a mashed potato foam. Pair the cocktails with a bite or two, with dishes like the fried chicken, tuna tarts, and fried ham sandwich.
Website here.
Bar Somma
Visit Bar Somma for its lineup of cocktails that reimagines Italian classics. Anticipate savoury concoctions like the EVOOtini that’s enriched with EVOO-infused gin and kombu Campari. Or try a renewed classic, like the rich and creamy Torino Velvet. These cocktails are best paired with hearty plates, which range from the rigatoni carbonara to Angus steak tartare.
Website here.
Dearborn
At the New Bahru outpost, find a selection of dishes that go beyond the usual granola offerings. You have options like the Smoked Cheddar and Chilli Sourdough Toast, Peanut Butter and Jelly, and Steel Cut Oat Congee. For something heartier, go for the Steak and Eggs that features a Black Angus hanger finished on a bincho grill. It’s paired with an egg salad, pickled garlic scape, and a champagne and vermouth sauce.
Website here.
Huevos River Valley
This Mexican restaurant is loved for its generous portions of tacos, loaded nachos and frozen margaritas. Find traditional flavours like the Birria Beef Taco filled with shredded short rib and brisket, and loaded nachos. The latter comes brimming with chicken, guacamole, chipotle aioli, sour cream, and more.
Website here.
Kotuwa
Chef Rishi Naleendra brings Sri Lanka’s vibrant dining culture to Singapore at Kotuwa. A tribute to his Sri Lankan roots and heritage, the restaurant serves up traditional flavours — think pork ribs tossed with spiced kithul caramel and guindilla peppers, mango curry (Amba curry), and lamb shank braised in Sri Lankan red curry.
Website here.
One Fattened Calf Burgers
Satisfy your burger cravings at One Fattened Calf. Here, 150g grass-fed beef patties are topped with cheese, onions, and sauce before being sandwiched between a fluffy potato bun. You’ll want to go for the OFC Cheeseburger and pair it with its regular fries and a OFC Golden Lime Slushie.
Website here.
Somma Restaurant
Chef Mirko Febbrile’s fine dining restaurant puts the spotlight on Puglian cuisine and landscapes. Its latest seasonal menu, Folklore, is inspired from Puglia’s communal spirit, festivals, and winter gatherings. Expect a six-course menu that’s familiar and comforting. Elevate the experience with a wine or juice pairing, available at an additional cost.
Website here.
The Coconut Club River Valley
The Coconut Club’s New Bahru restaurant offers familiar favourites, including the signature ayam goreng berempah (spiced and fried organic chicken), chicken satay, and kueh pie ti. Here, you’ll also find outlet exclusives, like the Quail Goreng Berempah that swaps chicken with quail. It’s deep-fried and recommended to be enjoyed whole.
Website here.
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.