Whether you wish to celebrate a special occasion or have a cosy brunch with the family, you’ll find a suitable dining outlet at Dempsey Hill that’ll meet your requirement. It’s a little inaccessible without a car, but that’s what gives the place an exclusive vibe!

Just a stone’s throw away from Orchard Road, Dempsey Hill in the 1850s boasted a huge nutmeg plantation. Subsequently, army barracks were built in the area by the British. Much later, the buildings were taken over by Singapore’s Ministry of Defence before it moved out in 1989.

The area then turned into a quaint retail enclave. In the 1990s, stylish restaurants started opening there, transforming the verdant neighbourhood into a hip place for gourmands and the trendy. While other dining enclaves may have eclipsed the neighbourhood, it is still worth taking a drive there to sup at exciting new concepts that have sprung up in the area. Best of all for drivers, there are numerous open-air parking lots scattered throughout the enclave.

Culina Bistro at COMO Dempsey

Culina started out as a wholesale distributor of fine foods and wines. It carries forward this tradition with its destination restaurant for gourmands. The restaurant, which has been relocated to a different part of Dempsey Hill, is attached to the new Culina Market. It serves Modern European cuisine prepared with Culina’s fresh produce and quality products.

Diners can choose to sit indoors (air-conditioned) or outdoors. They can pick out fresh oysters, seafood and cuts of meat at the counter, then have them cooked and served at the bistro. Alternatively, they can order dishes from the menu, which features deliciously sounding dishes such as

·     Bouchot mussels mariniere in white wine, garlic and parsley broth
·     Castaing duck confit served with a haricot cassoulet and its jus
·     Maimoa lamb rack served with anchovy, olive & mint tapenade, broad beans and vine  tomato

Besides serving bottles of wine from prestigious estates the world over, Culina also boasts a selection of well-priced wines available by the glass.

Blk 15 Dempsey Road Singapore 249675
Tel: 6474 7338

Opening hours:
Weekdays: 11am–11pm (last seating: 9.30pm)
Weekends & PH: 11am–11pm (last seating: 9.30pm)

Website:
http://www.culina.com.sg/bistro/bistro-and-wine-bar 

Da Paolo Dempsey

Sitting on 5,000sqft of space, Da Paolo Dempsey —which has a restaurant and retail emporium —is the chain’s biggest outlet.

Whitewashed walls, an upside-down olive tree hanging from the ceiling, and faux lemon grove accents lend a Southern Italian charm to the space. An unusual twist here is the pasta making counter. Also on display are a mind-boggling array of gelato, hand-stretched Naples-style wood-fired pizzas, and quality cuts and cheeses.
The menu boasts other Italian classics and is complemented by an extensive wine and cocktail list. Weekend brunch is especially popular with families, what with yummy delights such as spicy Italian shakshuka, banana hotcake and burrata bruschetta to tantalise the taste buds.

Blk 8 Dempsey Road #01-13
Singapore 247696
Tel: 6261 3128

Opening hours:
Mon–Thu, Sun: 8am–10.30pm
Fri–Sat: 8am–11pm

Website:
https://www.dapaolo.com.sg/dempsey

Ling Ling by The Wine Company

Fans of The Wine Company will be pleased to know that it has opened a new, bigger restaurant at Block 8. Their first one in Block 14D was, in fact, one of the earliest eateries to open in Dempsey Hill. Its current space used to be occupied by two restaurants, so this establishment is capacious!

The restaurant’s primary attraction may be its range of affordable wines, but its menu nothing to sniff at. Diners can expect an eclectic yet soul-satisfying menu, with an assortment of dishes, from Teochew porridge to baked Camembert and fish ’n’ chips. There is also a corner serving cheese and charcuterie, which will go well with your favourite tipple.

Blk 8 Dempsey Road
Singapore 274696
Tel: 6261 5123

Opening hours:
Daily: 12noon until late

Website:
http://www.thewinecompanyonline.com.sg/

Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari

The well-loved chain of bakeries has set up a safari-themed cafe at Dempsey Hill. Imagine nibbling on pastries and sipping lattes in a glamping tent, surrounded by jungle greenery. Besides notable favourites such as sandwiches, pastries, breads and cakes, the cafe has power-breakfast bars for people seeking to inject energy into their day.

What’s more, there’s plenty of space outside for kids to expend their energy: this Safari contains an outdoor playground, a boules lawn, and an edible garden.

Do note that this establishment does not accept reservations.

130E Minden Road
Singapore 248819
Tel: 6877 4876

Opening hours:
Daily: 8am–6pm

Website:
https://www.tiongbahrubakery.com/