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The bar counter in restaurants is designed to be the best spot to watch chefs in action. They are also where you can interact and banter with the team while tucking into your meal. Besides watching kitchen theatrics, bar counters are also perfect for a party of one — to simply enjoy their own space and quiet moments while dining. Friendly professional staff are prepped to ensure that you feel duly welcome and comfortable. Here are some top restaurants in Singapore where you can perch on the high seats of the bar counter and enjoy your own company.
1. Wakuda
Credit: Jeryl Tan
The best part about dining solo at Wakuda’s bar counter is that you get to order from the same a la carte menu available at the main dining room, while enjoying the vibrant vibe and drinks. Wakuda’s top-notch team will ensure that you’re comfortable and satiated.
Begin with a Japanese inspired cocktail or a sake as you peruse the menu. For something light, order the yuba — creamy artisanal fresh beancurd skin from Kyoto, elevated with Hokkaido sea urchin, tonburi, and dashi gelee. Or try the cold soba tossed with naturally sweet botan shrimp in truffle sauce and topped with Oscietra caviar. If you prefer something more substantial, go for the boldly-flavoured roasted carabineros served with miso tarragon risotto.
Find out more: Wakuda
2. Osteria Mozza
Credit: Osteria Mozza
Score a seat at Osteria Mozza’s sleek 14-seater Mozzarella Bar counter — an area for guests to enjoy a selection of antipasti like grilled calamari with spicy romesco as well as mozzarella creations. Think smoked burrata and peas with speck, pecorino romano and mint, or the burratina, luxed up with ossetra caviar and complemented with red onion, egg and chives. Beyond those dishes, guests can order from the restaurant’s main menu which includes a range of Italian specialties, grilled meats and pastas. The Nancy Silverton restaurant at Hilton Orchard features a selection of Italian sips, including organic and sustainable wines, as well as classic Italian cocktails.
Find out more: Osteria Mozza
3. Esquina
Credit: Esquina
After Esquina’s renovation, the counter seats are now clad in leather cushions — which are far more comfortable than before. What most exciting is that you get to see the chefs up close prepping your dishes. Head chef Carlos Montobbio and his team will present their creations to each guest and explain what they are. Despite the narrow space, the experienced staff flits from one diner to the next to pour wines or cava.
Tuck into dishes like milk-fed Axuria lamb, brined, sous vide for 18 hours with lamb oil, and finished on under the salamander. The tender meat is served with pickled shimeji cous-cous, and mojo rojo sauce made with Ñora (Spanish dried pepper), vinegar, olive oil and cumin. Diners can look out for new items including fried brioche with Sobrassada sausage and honey as well as smoked sardine with eggplant caviar and roasted bell pepper. Montobbio will also serve three dishes topped with Manjimup black truffle: cauliflower with truffle, cannelloni with truffle and sea urchin toast with truffle.
Find out more: Esquina
4. Claudine
Credit: Claudine
Claudine at 39C Harding Road is an ideal place for those who want to enjoy a meal away from the city crowds. Those who choose to sit at the bar/lounge area will appreciate this intimate space at the far end of the dining room. They have the flexibility of just ordering drinks, snacks or a full meal for both lunch and dinner. And of course, it is a tad closer to the ‘supply’ of drinks. Service staff is undoubtedly excellent here, and you can chat with the sommelier for the best wine pairing. Come early if you want a better luck at scoring bar seats (though it is subject to availability).
The restaurant recently launched its new lunch experience, available Tuesdays to Fridays. Guests can select two or three plates from a monthly rotation of Claudine‘s favourite dishes. Lunch exclusive items include Claudine’s version of Niçoise Salad, composed of Cantabria bonito and anchovies, confit cherry tomatoes, Japanese organic eggs, alongside greens and olives, brightened with lemon dressing. Round off with Claudine’s cherry clafoutis — cherries encased in almond frangipane and married with almond ice cream laced Amaretto.
Find out more: Claudine
5. Willow
Credit: Willow
Opened earlier this year at 39 Hong Kong Street, Willow has been drawing crowds with its impressive contemporary menu. The counter seats (or any seat for that matter) may be hard to come by at this small restaurant. But the 10-seater counter with an elegant wooden top offers the best vantage point.
Here you can watch the chefs in action as they grill seasonal ingredients over binchotan and meticulously plate their modern creations. The ever-changing menu featuring high quality Japanese produce is best matched with fine sakes or wines.
Find out more: Willow
6. Kinki Restaurant + Bar
Credit: Kinki
For a business lunch or post-work dinner at the CBD, head to Custom House’s Kinki Restaurant + Bar. At this renovated 10-year-old establishment, you can enjoy a meal with a view, paired with unique cocktails fused with Asian influences. Grab a spot at the bar counter and order small plates, a range of sushi, sashimi or the creative ‘Rock & Roll’ maki selection.
Try the Cowabunga, filled with tender seared A4 Wagyu beef slices, cream cheese, cucumber, and homemade spicy mayo. For something more robust, dive into the Lobster Pao Fan served ochazuke style with Kinki’s secret broth, or the luxurious High Roller Wagyu Don.
Find out more: Kinki
Related: The Best Japanese Omakase Restaurants in Town
