A Guide To Exploring Joo Chiat Like A True Insider
You already know the mantra: East side, best side. Now, here's the lowdown on dining spots, wine places, cafes, and retail havens that make Joo Chiat one of Singapore's most happening enclaves.
By Cherry Tan, Rebecca Rachel Wong and Tricia Teong,
We already recognise Joo Chiat as one hip neighbourhood. However, this eastern enclave seems to be becoming an even more popular spot now, thanks to a revival that has witnessed the emergence of numerous trendy eateries and lifestyle spots of late. In just three months, we've seen the fashion label Rye move into the area, and the extremely chic paint shop-meets-lifestyle space Basa Goods set up shop in the vicinity. They join the already hot favourite joints in the area, such as the pasta haven Forma and watering holes like Common Man Coffee Roasters and Wine Mouth. Ahead, we curate a list of cool places to swing by the next time you're in the hood.
GRIGLIA OPEN FIRE ITALIAN KITCHEN
What: Griglia Open Fire Italian Kitchen opened its second outlet in Joo Chiat this April. It offers Italian hospitality in an intimate 34-seater dining concept, with a menu that showcases Italy's culinary heritage. Executive Chef Andrea De Paolo serves a new menu along with favourites from the Craig Road restaurant, such as Cantabrian Anchovies and Fusilli Monograno Felicetti. One new highlight is the saporous Ravioli Caciocavallo, spotlighting cave-smoked caciocavallo, which is then wrapped into a ravioli. Exclusive to the Katong outpost, indulge in the Weekend Grigliata - a convivial lunchtime feast with appetizers, free-flow pasta, mains, and dessert for $68++ per person.
Why we love it: Visitors will adore this cosy Joo Chiat gem for its soulful Italian flavours, intimate vibes, and the indulgent weekend feast exclusive to the Katong outpost.
Address: 139 East Coast Road
Contact: 8949-1101/info@griglia.sg
808 EATING HOUSE
What: The brainchild of Chef Eugene Chee, 808 Eating House is known for its delicious fusion of Asian flavours. The casual eatery offers a diverse menu that showcases a wide range of culinary influences, including Chinese, Malay, and Indian cuisine. Diners can savour dishes like buah keluak pork belly, Sichuan chili oysters, freshly caught baby squid, and duck fat financiers. The menu features family-style small and large sharing plates, along with local craft beers.
Why we love it: The bold fusion of Asian flavours, shareable plates, and laid-back charm are perfect for gathering over inventive bites and local craft beers.
Address: 153 Joo Chiat Road
Contact: 8946-8089
THE SOCIAL OUTCAST
What: Having relocated from the Grandstand, this restaurant now boasts a completely new dining concept. With only 12 seats, it’s transformed into a woodfire experiential dining venue, where food is served omakase-style. As a 100 per cent Muslim-owned establishment, dishes are influenced by cuisines from Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. A must-try is their Wagyu Experiential Dining menu available on weekends, which includes cuts like brisket, tongue, top round, rump, and chunk roll.
Why we love it: An immersive omakase that takes your palate on a halal-certified journey across continents. A rarity in Singapore.
Address: 89 East Coast Road, #01-01
Contact: 8923-8924
PROVINCE
What: Province is an intimate 10-seater restaurant where chef-owner Law Jia-Jun explores the diversity of Southeast Asian ingredients, flavours, and hospitality. The menu at Province changes every three months with the seasons, spotlighting ingredients grown and sourced from within the Southeast Asian region. These include everyday produce like carrots and sweet potatoes, local ingredients like buah keluak, coconut, and soursop, as well as rare spices like mahlesa, a wild spice found in the mountainous regions of Northern Thailand.
Why we love it: Visitors will love Province for its thoughtful celebration of Southeast Asian ingredients, rare regional finds, and the deeply personal dining experience led by chef-owner Law Jia-Jun.
Address: 153 Joo Chiat Road
Contact: 8075-1896/contact@province.com.sg
FORMA
What: Pasta artisan Lee Yum Hwa, better known as Ben Fatto, has teamed up with The Cicheti Group to introduce Forma in May 2022, a trattoria inspired by rural Italy and marking the culinary group's first venture into the east. Notably, Forma's pasta program is believed to be the first run by an all-local culinary team. If you're a passionate foodie, you'll relish the opportunity to observe Forma's team diligently crafting pasta from scratch, thanks to the transparent kitchen windows. While the pasta takes the spotlight here, make sure not to overlook the mains and desserts during your visit.
Why we love it: Its authentic trattoria vibes, front-row views of pasta artistry, and a menu where even the mains and desserts hold their own
Address: 128 Tembeling Road
Contact: 6513-2286/8223-8665
LA BOTTEGA ENOTECA
What: This rustic Italian restaurant was established by Antonio Miscellaneo, who formerly operated the immensely popular private dining establishment Casa Nostra. Securing a seat here is no easy feat − bookings periodically open up on their website (subscribe to their mailing list for updates), and seats are quickly snatched up. If you do manage to secure a table, anticipate a delectable six-course tasting menu featuring the signature DoubleCrunch pizza, Newpolitan pizza, and a pasta of the day, such as the pictured Spaghettone Alle Sarde.
Why we love it: Adore the thrill of securing a rare seat here and indulging in expertly crafted pizzas and seasonal pasta that showcase true Italian craftsmanship.
Address: 346 Joo Chiat Road
Contact: ciao@labottega.sg
WINE MOUTH
What: Wine Mouth stands out for being more than just a retail store selling natural wines; it's a space where wine lovers can come together to share their appreciation for all things vino. Drop in during their weekly Friday tastings and experience a curated selection of wines, like their Chenin Blancs. They even host 'Meet the Winemaker' sessions, allowing customers to savor some fine wine wisdom. And, of course, the natural wines themselves are a reason to visit, whether you're into classic Burgundy-style pinots or Californian wines from the natural winery Broc Cellars. Good news for fans – Wine Mouth has expanded, with the top floor now serving as the tasting room and event space, and the retail space downstairs.
Why we love it: More than a shop – Wine Mouth is a vibrant hub for natural wine lovers to taste, learn, and connect.
Address: 432 Joo Chiat Road
Contact: 6974-7236
BOUNDBYWINE
What: BoundbyWine was founded in 2019 by Elliot Braet and Germaine Wong as an online subscription wine company, where customers can get customized wine recommendations upon completing a quiz. Imagine getting a unique wine recommendation that’s inspired by your Kopi-C addiction. In early 2022, after online success, the pair opened their first physical storefront in Joo Chiat. Apart from selling a wide range of interesting wines – ancient grape varieties from far-flung country towns, sustainable and natural wines with no additives – BoundbyWine also organizes intimate wine tastings and themed events.
Why we love it: The quirky custom recommendations, unique global finds, and intimate tastings that bring wine stories to life will be a hit.
Address: 120 Tembeling Road
Contact: 8891-2321
PELLE AND PEPE
What: Tucked away in a corner next to the 'Bespokes' bicycle shop, this bakery features a white logo of two stickmen. The bakery takes a wholegrain-forward approach, emphasizing natural ingredients and avoiding the use of yeast. Its process includes combining stone-ground whole and wheat flour, using Elle & Vire butter, and ensuring a slow proof over a long night. The rotating selection of bakes includes sourdough bread and viennoiseries.
Why we love it: A hidden gem bakery that crafts slow-proofed, wholegrain breads and viennoiseries without yeast – pure, natural goodness in every bite.
Address: 83 Joo Chiat Place, #01-01
Contact: www.instagram.com/pelle.and.pepe
PAPI'S TACOS
What: Papi's Tacos in Katong is a taqueria and bar that serves authentic Mexican tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. The Katong outlet is the brand’s third outpost, with two other branches at Tanjong Pagar and Seah Street. The kitchen is helmed by head chef and partner, Mauricio Espinoza, who hails from the small town of Papalotla, Mexico, and brings his heritage to an array of tacos and native dishes. There is also a menu of bebidas and margaritas from the gurus behind cocktail bar Employees Only.
Why we love it: Papi’s Tacos brings authentic Mexican street eats and vibrant cocktails straight from the heart of Katong.
Address: 450 Joo Chiat Road
Contact: 9724-5842
BEASTLY GIRLS SANDWICH BAR
What: A cafe in Katong with casual vibes, offering sandwiches and smooth coffee. Food is cooked from scratch, including a 30-hour process to prepare tender beef tongue for the signature The Beastly Girl sandwich, housemade tangy Peruvian herb sauce for the Hot Bird fried chicken burger, and a housemade dairy-free truffle cashew cream for their Magic Mushrooms burger. They also collaborate with local producers to source ingredients like cage-free eggs, nitrite-free hams and sausages, sustainably-farmed local seabass, and a rotating selection of local craft beer.
Why we love it: The thoughtful housemade flavours, from tender slow-cooked beef tongue to dairy-free truffle cream, all paired with local craft beers and laid-back vibes are truly a vibe.
Address: #01-18 The Odeon Katong
COMMON MAN COFFEE ROASTER JOO CHIAT
What: You're probably familiar with this cafe's Martin Road and CBD counterparts, which attract quite a crowd of coffee lovers. Its Joo Chiat branch occupies two ground-floor shophouse units and boasts a spacious, industrial design. This outlet also features a dedicated filter coffee bar with a rotating selection of regional, single-origin filter coffees. A retail area stocks coffee beans and exclusive ceramic ware as well. As for food, opt for the Sourdough Pancakes, which are exclusively available in this outlet.
Why we love it: Coffee lovers will flock here for its spacious vibe, rotating single-origin brews, and Joo Chiat-only sourdough pancakes – plus beans and ceramics to take home.
Address: 185 Joo Chiat Road
Contact: 6877-4863
KINGS CART COFFEE FACTORY / JOO CHIAT OYSTER HOUSE
What: King's Cart made its debut in September 2017 as a mobile pop-up kiosk, but it firmly established its presence in the Joo Chiat area with a brick-and-mortar store in 2020. This coffee haven not only boasts a cosy atmosphere but also operates its own roasting facility right on the premises. The coffee bar isn't just serving your typical brews; there's also a rotating selection of fresh bakes to complement your coffee, along with a coffee bar crafting unique coffee-infused cocktails like the Espresso Mojito. As night falls, the space transforms into the Joo Chiat Oyster House, a novel concept bar specializing in – you guessed it – oysters. Brace yourself for an array of bivalves, skillfully paired with a diverse array of fusion dishes and cocktails.
Why we love it: Go for the best of both worlds – King’s Cart serves up freshly roasted coffee and baked treats by day, then transforms into a buzzing oyster and cocktail bar by night, all in one effortlessly cool Joo Chiat hangout.
Address: 328 Joo Chiat Road, #01-05
Contact: 8814-8445
CHOICE CUTS PIZZA & RECORDS
What: This record store-slash-cafe has undergone a rebranding, redirecting its focus from brunch favourites to exclusively offering pizzas and bagels. It initially relocated from its original premises on Serangoon Road, which opened in 2017, to Joo Chiat's Katong Point before finally settling into its current location across the road in a shophouse in September 2020. It continues to serve as a haven for indie music lovers, with its shelves showcasing vinyl records spanning hip-hop, neo-soul, funk, and electronic genres. And let's not overlook the mouthwatering selection of pizzas, including its Classic Cheese and Pepperoni Homie – now conveniently available for islandwide delivery.
Why we love it: Part record store, part pizza joint, this Joo Chiat hangout hits all the right notes, serving up vinyl vibes and crave-worthy bagels and pies in one effortlessly cool space.
Address: 446 Joo Chiat Road
Contact: 8112-9004
THE BREWING GROUND
What: Situated at The Yards at Joo Chiat (the site of the old Telok Kurau Primary School), The Brewing Ground prides itself on using fresh ingredients and local produce for its European-inspired menu. We appreciate the 'Build your own breakfast' option, allowing you to add ingredients like avocado, sausage, maple bacon, or smoked salmon to your eggs and toast. The interior is delightful for spending the morning, featuring a glasshouse-like setup filled with hanging plants and pottery, as well as an alfresco seating area where pets are permitted.
Why we love it: The Brewing Ground dishes up fresh, customisable breakfasts with a side of sun-drenched calm – plus, it’s pet-friendly, so your furry friend’s invited too.
Address: 406 Joo Chiat Place, #01-24
Opening hours: 7:30am to 5pm daily
Contact: 8313-6092
BUTCHER BOX
What: This butcher stocks various cuts of fresh meat and seafood from Australia. On offer are products like dry-aged beef, New Zealand Akaroa salmon, lamb, pork, chicken, as well as handmade sausages. Butcher Box also carries pies from the popular Australian bakery Vili’s Family, famed for its generous beef stuffing and golden flaky pastry. You can purchase seasonings and spices imported from Australia and the UK too.
Why we love it: Butcher Box is your one-stop shop for a hearty taste of down under – no plane ticket required.
Address: 414 Joo Chiat Road
Contact:: 8834-4983
BAGGIE’S BUTCHER AND DELI
What: Baggie’s Butcher and Deli started in Fortune Centre, where it gained a steady clientele who flocked for biltong (a South African dried, cured meat) and other fresh and cured meats. The store has since relocated to Joo Chiat Road with an expanded offering of South African wines, a range of South African small-batch gins, lots more meats, and a selection of both deli and pantry items.
Why we love it: Baggie’s brings a slice of South Africa to Joo Chiat with its addictive biltong, small-batch gins, curated deli goods, and hearty meats – perfect for homesick expats and curious foodies alike.
Address: 236 Joo Chiat Road
LITTLE FARMS KATONG POINT
What: Katong Point now houses this artisanal grocer's largest outlet, spanning 6,000 square feet and encompassing a supermarket, butcher, barista bar, and bistro. The coffee bar's selection includes AllPress Coffee from Australia, Hampstead Tea from the United Kingdom, as well as fresh juices and smoothies. The Mount Barker brand, carrying free-range chicken and pork from Australia, is exclusive to this outlet too. As for Little Farms Bistro, expect tasty pastas, grilled meats and fish, plant-based dishes, and hearty sandwiches.
Why we love it: This is a one-stop haven for conscious shoppers in the East – stocking premium groceries, Aussie-exclusive meats, fresh brews, and wholesome bistro bites all under one stylish roof.
Address: #01-04 Katong Point
Contact: 6797-8771
JOO CHIAT ATELIER
What: Joo Chiat’s shaping up to become the next vintage hotspot in Singapore, and the recently opened Joo Chiat Atelier is no exception. Part-boutique and part-vinyl haven, the atelier is the latest collaboration between vintage aficionados Echo Wang, owner of the enclave's trendiest jewellery spot Echo Vintage, and Gary Tan, the brains behind the iconic Katong Square Lifestyle & Vintage Market and Katong Square Antique Center. While the flea market and antique center offer the joy of treasure hunting, the atelier focuses on curating a refined, gallery-like atmosphere. Here, luxury lovers and vinyl buffs can enjoy the best of both worlds. Whether you have an eye for preloved luxury watches, jewellery and handbags to adorn your outfits or all ears for nostalgic records that tug at the heart-strings, this shop has you covered. The atelier’s time capsule of storied objects also include antique home decor and collectibles, like retro glassware and tableware, as well as limited edition artist collaborations and curated art objects.
Why we love it: More than a collection of objects, the atelier is a love letter to the past, where heritage and legacy is brought to life through the in-store vinyl listening lounge. For $30 an hour, you get access to the atelier’s expansive library with records from the 1930s to the 1980s numbering in the thousands. “We’re curating our music to sound like the old Nanyang Radio, celebrating local music that was big in the 1960s and 1970s. Where else can you find old-school underrated bands like The Quests, The Travellers and more?” Tan shares. For the ultimate immersive experience, spin the records on vintage hi-fi gear outfitted with 1970s silverface amplifiers and complete with manual VU meters that dance to the music for a true blast from the past.
Address: 281 Joo Chiat Road
RYE
What: Local designer Bessie Ye's wearable and chic designs have found a home in the east. The homegrown label has set up shop in Joo Chiat, drawing inspiration from "quiet architecture." Ye's three-week sabbatical to Sri Lanka left her in awe of the works by the legendary architect Geoffrey Bawa, whose style and taste are reflected in the flooring and motifs in Rye's retail space. All of this creates an inviting space that encourages you to relax and unwind, embracing slow fashion away from the pressures of the city.
Why we love it: It's the perfect retreat for lovers of mindful, slow fashion and design-slash-interior design buffs.
Address: 201 Joo Chiat Road, #01-03
Contact: 8660-4416
THE MONOCOT SHOP
What: Monocot Shop is the curated vintage kitchenware and lifestyle spin-off from interior design firm Monocot, founded by Mikael Teh, an experienced architect and designer. Born from Teh’s extensive travels across Japan, Australia, and Denmark, and a collaboration with local furniture brand Grafunkt, this cosy Joo Chiat corner spot offers handpicked items with authentic design integrity – everything Teh would use in his own home or recommend to clients. From quirky lemon squeezers to aromatic room mists and canvas bags, it’s a treasure trove for design-conscious living and makes every visit feel like stepping into a candy store for stylish lifestyle essentials.
Why we love it: It’s a carefully curated treasure trove of unique vintage kitchenware and lifestyle finds handpicked by a design expert,
Address: Grafunkt, 292 Joo Chiat Road
BASA GOODS
What: Opened in September 2023, Basa Goods is the brainchild of the dynamic trio: Amy Lim, the interior designer and founder of Pupil Office; Tan Cher Ming, founder of Ming Architects; and Nicholas Beh, founder of Reptileworks. Picture this: a serene store draped in luxurious travertine and adorned with wood finishing. The store proudly serves as the official stockist of Aussie paint specialist Bauwerk Colour, offering eco-friendly limestone paints crafted from a concoction of natural clay, minerals, and pigment. The raw textures and calming vibes here might just make you forget you're browsing a paint shop – it's the ultimate therapy session for your walls. Even if you're not seeking a paint job, there's a curation of objects like stone vessels, mirrors, and incense burners that will appeal to any aesthete.
Why we love it: Basa Goods transforms paint shopping into an artful escape, with eco-friendly Bauwerk Colour paints and a curated collection of stunning stone vessels and decor—all wrapped in serene, luxe design that soothes the senses.
Address: 171 Joo Chiat Road
Contact: E-mail shop@basagoods.com or DM @basagoods on Instagram
CRANE LIVING & CRANE
What: It's hard to miss this historic cream-colored corner block that Crane and its lifestyle retail arm, Crane Living, occupy. They're already a well-known name in the makers and creative scene, as Crane plays host to a slew of creative workshops and makers' markets regularly—they're especially popular during the holiday season, featuring Festive Kids and Pet Fairs, as well as Bottomless Brunches. While you're there, don't miss out on Crane Living, offering affordable and unique luxury homeware crafted by dedicated artisans.
Why we love it: This is a vibrant hub for makers, families, and style seekers alike.
Address: Crane Living is located at 280 Joo Chiat Road; Crane is located at 432 Joo Chiat Road
SOJAO HOME GOODS STORE
What: Super soft and stylish sheets that are also made from ethically sourced cotton? Sign us up! Sojao, which means "go to sleep" in Hindi, pays tribute to the Indian cotton farmers behind the brand's comfy sheets. By closing the global equity gap and promoting sustainability at its heart, the team here crafts its sheets from certified organic cotton, working only with factories that have demonstrably safe and ethical working conditions. The brand also offers cosy cotton tees and loungewear so you can truly get a good night's sleep.
Why we love it: Sojao delivers ultra-soft, stylish sheets and loungewear made from ethically sourced organic cotton – comfort that feels good, both on you and for the hardworking Indian farmers behind it.
Address: 251 Joo Chiat Road
Contact: 8894-3341
TIGER & LOTUS
What: This artisanal lifestyle store was set up by founder Andrea De Rosetto. Items are inspired by her travels, with De Rosetto hoping to promote lesser-known artisans, tribal communities, and independent artists around the world. You'll find many eclectic and quirky items with a distinctly bohemian vibe. These include ceramic tableware, sustainably sourced clothing from brands like the U.K's M.A.B.E. Apparel, mouth-blown jugs, and palm-shaped table lamps from Paris.
Why we love it: This charming store brings global wanderlust to life with quirky, bohemian treasures.
Address: 317 Joo Chiat Road
Contact: 9062-9927
RETROCRATES
What: Vinyl records have been making a comeback for a while. There's no better proof of that than the enduring success of Retrocrates, which believes that the return of the turntables (no pun intended) is here to stay. Retrocrates stocks new and pre-loved records spanning pop, rock, jazz, and more, with hundreds of titles added to their inventory each week! The team has recently launched its merchandise arm, GoodVibes by Retrocrates, that offers official band tees, candles, mugs, and other one-of-a-kind cool merch.
Why we love it: This joint is perfect for music lovers who crave that nostalgic spin with a fresh vibe.
Address: 450A Joo Chiat Road
Contact: 8718-7370
CREO CUSTOMS
What: Forget about grumpy mechanics and humid workshops; the team at Creo Customs is ready with good vibes, banging tunes, and an arsenal of drinks that'll make you forget you're in a motorcycle shop. The team has been churning out sick custom projects, such as The Dark Knight CB350 and Terminator Super 4. On top of that, they also sell extremely rare classic bikes, such as the 1976 Kawasaki Z900 and 1983 Honda XR50, a throwback to the good ol’ days.
Why we love it: Creo Customs flips the script on typical motorcycle shops by pairing epic custom builds and rare vintage bikes with good vibes, great tunes, and drinks – making it the coolest hangout for bike lovers who want more than just grease and gears.
Address: 436 Joo Chiat Road
Contact: 8793-9734