In our food paradise that is Singapore, it is not uncommon to find a myriad of fusion restaurants scattered across our island, given our diversely multicultural society. But what if I told you that tucked snugly in a quaint three-floor shophouse along Craig Road, or a “nook”, if you will, is a multi-concept space that effortlessly bridges cultures and flavours?
Enter the aptly named restaurant Nook, set to open this month with a mission to bring fresh vitality to the lively Tanjong Pagar District. Nook is not just another fusion restaurant; it’s a unique blend of European and Asian cuisines, complemented by a carefully curated wine and cocktail menu, and fascinating art installations, all in one space!
The space offers contemporary European cuisines spiced up with Asian flair, a complementary and carefully curated wine and cocktail menu, and fascinating art installations rolled into one — A multi-sensory experience to behold!
Under the creative direction of Head Chef Koh Han Jie, you’ll be in good hands as he draws inspiration from his esteemed culinary experiences and encounters to perfect Nook’s menu. To highlight his culinary prowess, he was previously the head chef of the French restaurant Ce Soir before he left to fulfil his dream of opening his own restaurant!
Now that you can rest assured that the chef behind the dishes has the qualifications, let me get into the experience and menu at Nook!
Starters
Starting strong, we have a wide range of starters from which to choose! Take a culinary trip to Japan with the Hamachi Crudo, a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth appetiser made from Japanese amberjack (yellowtail fish) with tangy tomato essence and fennel. If you’re wondering how East meets West in the dish, the answer lies in the dish’s name itself. Hamachi refers to Yellowtail, and crudo means “raw” in Italian, as it is inspired by Japanese sashimi and Italian carpaccio dishes. Another star dish you can try that blends the East and the West is the Crispy Scales Kinmedai Alfonsino, which is paired with caviar beurre blanc and creamed leeks for the ultimate umami flavour!
Not into raw dishes? You can opt for the Heirloom Tomatoes and Burrata paired with basil and tarragon sorbet. This dish is the perfect blend of the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the savouriness of creamy, rich burrata, with the herbaceous nature of the fresh basil and tarragon serving to enhance the flavour combination!
Mains
As if the starters aren’t already so exquisite, the mains are where all your senses will be on cloud nine. The Aquina ½ Organic Chicken is meticulously aged for seven days for guaranteed tenderness and bursts of flavour. Served with charred scallions for that extra smokiness, I’m sure once you’ve had a bite, your tastebuds will reach a state of pure gratification.
Another satisfyingly smokey dish is the Spanish Octopus Leg! Taste the sea’s flavourful bounty with the succulent meat of the octopus, which is bite after bite of Mediterranean magic! But if you’re more of a fan of red meat, I got you. The Australian Full Blood Wagyu Skirt and the Satsuma A4 Wagyu Flap both have picture-perfect marbling that effortlessly melts and releases buttery richness that will linger in your mind and mouth like a dream. Complement them with a glass of red wine, and it’ll create an impeccable symphony of flavours.
Desserts
To end your culinary journey blissfully, complete your meal with some sweetness! The Warm 70% Guanaja Molten is molten chocolate served with smokey ganache and sweet, melty koshihikari rice sorbet. Simply indulgence!
For something fruit-based, you can try the Rhubarb and Strawberry with yoghurt mousse dessert. It combines tartness and creaminess in one bite, delivering a well-balanced profile that pairs nicely with any occasion!
Cocktail Bar
In Nowhere, a bar on the second floor, you’ll find a grand array of cocktails crafted with precision and expertise. The space is adorned with repurposed mismatched Thailand-based furniture to set the mood, and stunning artworks hang throughout the bar to provide a classy backdrop for your Instagram-worthy photo.
The Nowhere bar on the second floor is not just a bar; it’s a versatile space that can be transformed into an event space that fits up to 100 guests, with an extension out to its outdoor seating area. Whether you’re planning a corporate event, a birthday party, or a casual get-together, the Nowhere Bar at Nook provides the ideal atmosphere for any occasion.
Finally, the third floor is the Members Lounge, a space that houses a thrilling VR golfing course, cosy couches, and so much more. No matter the occasion, the Members Lounge can accommodate whatever you desire to create.
The next time you’re looking for a restaurant and event space in one location, consider Nook. It has everything you need to make the best memories and have a high-quality gastronomic experience!
To make reservations, visit Nook’s reservation page, and for the latest updates, follow Nook on their Instagram page!
Nook
📍Location: 11 Craig Road, Singapore 089671
⏰Opening Hours:
- (Nook): 11.30am to 3pm (Lunch) and 5.30pm to 12am (Dinner)
- (Nowhere Bar): 4pm to 12am
Visuals courtesy of Nook.
