Where to go for lunch in Dempsey

Dempsey Hill is a former British army barracks that is now best known for housing a great selection of upscale restaurants and bars, including those found in the tranquil enclave of COMO Dempsey. Whether it’s for a business meeting or brunch with the girls, check out these tried-and-tested, EL-approved dining spots, all which offer fab lunch deals!

#1 COMO Cuisine

Dressed in white walls and wooden floors, with draping lanterns and plants hanging from the ceiling, this gorgeous resto offers a sleek and contemporary all-day dining menu to boot. Diners can expect dishes that are big on flavour, and with the same quality as those available in COMO properties from around the world. Snacks include the mezze platter for two ($28) – a selection of dips, vine leaves, falafel and flatbread – and the signature spiced lamb samosa ($8) with mint raita and mango chutney. There’s also a range of simple yet satisfying sandwiches like the lobster roll ($34) and burrata tartine ($20) with heirloom tomato, basil and balsamic. But it’s the mains that they’re known for; try the popular snapper curry ($32) or grilled lamb cutlet ($42) with spiced eggplant, cashew hummus and parsley sauce.

Psst… Don’t miss high tea ($70 for two), which happens every Tuesday and Friday from 3pm to 5pm. Included are a mix of sweet and savoury bite-sized treats like crab bun, warm spiced scones and pandan profiterole. Reserve a seat now!

18A Dempsey Road
1800 304 6688 

#2 Ippoh Tempura Bar by Ginza Ippoh

For a more intimate meal, head to this Japanese spot, opened by Osaka’s oldest premium tempura restaurant, Ippoh. Known for its light and crisp Osaka-style tempura made using fresh, premium and seasonal ingredients, each item is dipped into the fresh batter – which is made on the spot – right before it goes into a huge golden wok filled with prime safflower oil all the way from Japan. We recommend making a reservation in advance to secure a seat at the counter and watch the chef in action. The restaurant has a small seating capacity (18 people), but the relaxed atmosphere makes it great for casual dates or one-on-one business lunches. There are four lunch sets available: Tendon ($40), Tsubaki ($70), Momoji ($85) and Ume ($100). All sets come with a combination of tempura, rice and miso soup, as well as a scoop of ice cream. The only difference lies with how many pieces of tempura you’ll get; the cheapest option entitles you to six, followed by eight, 10 and 11 respectively. Alternatively, if you prefer ordering off the à la carte menu, you can do so with a minimum order of $70 per person.

Block 17C Dempsey Road
1800 304 3388 

#3 The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar

Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, everything about this dining spot makes it the perfect backdrop for a romantic lunch date. The colonial-chic space is furnished with high-backed, white wicker chairs, sleek marble tables, black and white tile floors, leafy plants and high ceilings adorned with geometric lanterns. Food-wise, there’s an impressive list of appetisers from spiced chicken samosas ($20) to caramelised foie gras ($28), as well as a salad and pasta dishes, alongside a couple of vegetarian options. The set lunch, available as two or three courses ($40 and $48 respectively), includes elegant plates like the frisée and goat cheese salad, roasted duck breast with hibiscus glazed pumpkin and red berry pavlova with strawberry sorbet. Reserve now!

Block 17D Dempsey Road
1800 304 5588  

#4 Candlenut

Headed by chef-owner Malcolm Lee, this Michelin-starred restaurant in COMO Dempsey boasts a modern décor beautifully contrasted by rattan chairs and Peranakan tiles. Available daily is the “Ah-ma-kase” lunch menu ($88 per person), which features authentic Straits-Chinese specialities with a refined twist. You’ll be treated to mouthwatering starters like charcoal-grilled Maori Lakes lamb shoulder satay with sweet soy sauce, and homemade kueh pie tee with braised local turnip, pork belly and prawns. The mains – five dishes in total – are served communal style with rice, and it’s a treat to see all of them displayed at once. There’s also an à la carte menu that you can order from if you wish to try something out of the set lunch menu.

Psst… Visiting for dinner? Get the “Ah-ma-kase” dinner menu ($118 per person), where you’ll get to sample seven main dishes instead of five. Don’t forget to make a reservation, as this is a popular spot!

17A Dempsey Road
1800 304 2288 

Written in collaboration with:

COMO Dempsey
comodempsey.sg

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Anthia Chng

Born and bred on this little red dot, Anthia is obsessed with all things beauty and food. When she's not trawling the web for the latest makeup launches and best hair salons, she's busy sussing out the hottest restaurants and bars to visit. Occasionally, she writes about her Muay Thai and baking adventures, too.