Three to try: Gemmills, SPRMRKT Kitchen & Bar, Maguro-Donya

SPRMRKT Kitchen & Bar

Our local tastemakers have done it again. Founders Sue-Shan Quek and Joseph Yeo birthed SPRMRKT (pronounced supermarket) in 2012, and now the contemporary dining concept has three hot establishments under its belt. Our current favourite? SPRMRKT Kitchen & Bar, which sits above SPRMRKT Daily at the Singapore Tyler Print Institue (STPI). Setting itself apart from the group's other brunch-focused spots, the gorgeous restaurant is fitted with modish furniture and a brand-new menu, focusing on modern European fare. We highly recommend their dinner dishes – savour their comforting, handmade pappardelle topped with braised oxtail, or their smokey monkfish liver, if you're game enough to try it. If you're after something lighter, the chicken roulade is one that will make a repeat entrance in your life, as it affords an aromatic tenderness and is accompanied with baby asparagus tempura for that extra crunch. — JS

#02-01, 41 Robertson Quay. Tel: 9736 4170

Maguro-Donya Miura-Misaki-Kou Sushi & Dining

Continuing their trusty partnership with the All Nippon Airways Group (ANA), Maguro-Donya introduces four new unagi dishes into their menu. Previously working with ANA to ship maguro (tuna) and other fresh fishes from the Miura Misaki harbour in the Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan, the restaurant has once again employed their services to work with Yamada Suisan, an unagi wholesaler. Chefs Takuya Matsumoto and Takayoshi Shishido have placed their trust in the hands of Yamada Suisan, who doesn't typically partner with restaurants. Their efforts are paying off — the umami-packed eel is a perfect char-grilled blend of saltiness and sweetness. We like it served with Hokkaido rice, onsen tamago and dollops of white grated yam, which makes for a more creamy bite. Before the mains, make sure you try the restaurant's chutoro and otoro sashimi. — AI

#03-314 Suntec City Mall. Tel: 6684 5054

Gemmills

You know you're about to walk into a cool space when the restaurant's only entrance is through the back door. At first glance, Gemmills looks like a rustic underground watering hole typically found in the backlit streets of Italy. You'll be surprised, however, to find that Gemmills is also a breakfast place for many regulars, where they grab a cheeky pastry or cup of coffee in the mornings. What's even more enticing is Gemmills' hearty lunch and dinner menu, which mainly comprises Mediterranean delights. Their lamb lasagna truly hits home (and warms our hearts), with hand-shredded lamb braised overnight in red wine, before it is coated with a generous portion of gorgonzola and manchego cheese sauce. Otherwise, order the squid ragu — drenched in a tangy, tomato-based sauce, and served alongside freshly baked sourdough. Pop in at this hidden gem this weekend, and maybe just tell your closest friends. — JS

110 Amoy Street. Tel: 6221 5564