5 best Duxton Hill restaurants

By Min Yan

There's simply no denying the appeal of Duxton Hill these days. What was once a hotbed for rowdy bars and dubious establishments, Duxton Hill has since shrugged off its colourful past, revealing a charming side that keeps its distance from the area's former sleaze.

With all of its shophouses, cobbled-stone streets and quirky shops, Duxton Hill is set to be the latest "It" place for people seeking a popular spot for an evening out without having to deal with Singapore's crowds.

We check out five of the best eateries for every palate.

Bonheur Patisserie

Have a taste of "bonheur", or happiness in French, as you indulge in one of the many pastry creations at Bonheur Patisserie, a cheerful little cake shop and cafe that specialises in French pastries with Asian elements.

Bonheur's charm lies in its fuss-free interior and simple menu: the patisserie serves only cakes and tarts, with plans for macarons, souffles and other desserts in the works. For now, its well-designed desserts such as strawberry balsamic mousse, light peach mousse and chocolate hazelnut tart make for a sugar-filled afternoon tea break.

Buyan Russian Haute Cuisine & Caviar Bar

For customers with discerning palates and a taste for exotic cuisine, Buyan Russian Haute Cuisine & Caviar Bar brings Singapore's diners authentic of Russian cuisine — along with its unpronounceable dishes.

Fun names like kotlety po-kievski (chicken kiev with a creamy mushroom sauce) and solyonay selyodka s kartofelem i repchatym luko (cured herring with potatoes and white onions) on the menu make for a tongue twisting yet gastronomic dining experience at Buyan. Brownie points are awarded for Buyan's stance on using only farm-produced meats and humane methods of extracting caviar.

Buyan is also home to a stunning wine cellar worth approximately S$3.5million, which includes a rare collection of French, Russian and Georgian wines dating back to 1877.

Sabio Tapas Bar and Restaurant

A Spanish tapas bar run by a Frenchman may sound like a rather mismatched combination, but it's actually an accurate reflection of Sabio's own multicultural customer base that continually returns for Sabio's generous fare.

Barely three months old, Sabio has already established itself as one of Duxton Hill's most popular hangouts, with patrons often spilling out onto the streets on busy nights. And it's easy to understand its popularity.

With its well-presented range of delectable tapas, friendly service and charmingly boisterous ambience, Sabio feels like a party with friends rather than a typical meal at a restaurant.

Check out the full list and details of the 5 best Duxton Hill restaurants at LifestyleAsia.com.

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Widen your dining options with these fairly new and exciting Singapore restaurants, or try going for a four-course Mexican lunch at Muchos Bar and Restaurant for just S$15 nett. Looking for an absolutely tranquil dining experience? Indulge in modern Asian cuisine at The Glass House at Hotel Fort Canning.