Dining restrictions may be here to stay for the near future, but there are many perks to having a scaled-down festive celebration. For one, you can avoid the logistical headache of organising large gatherings, and instead spend quality time with loved ones and close friends over an intimate meal.
From Instagrammable decor to feasts with a twist, here are 6 cushy cafes to host your Christmas get-together – and some of them even have perks for SAFRA members.
Nassim Hill Bakery
SAFRA members enjoy 10% off their total bill daily, while 11B holders enjoy 10% off their total bill on weekdays (Mon-Fri). For more info, go to www.safra.sg/promotions/NassimHillBakery
Flagship outlet at 56 Tanglin Road, #01-03, Tanglin Post Office Building
More info at www.nassimhill.com.sg
Wheeler’s Estate
Housed in a colonial black and white bungalow, Wheeler’s Estate offers a quiet respite where you can kick back and relax in the alfresco dining area while soaking in the Instagram-worthy greenery. The menu of rustic Australian grub features hearty pizzas and smoky barbecue fare that is reminiscent of laid-back backyard cookouts.
You can also tuck into the delicious chargrilled meats in the comfort and safety of your home with the Santa’s Big Belly Feast delivery menu. Impress your dinner guests with the signature 1.2kg Tomahawk Steak platter that includes an antipasto spread, truffle mac & cheese with turkey bacon, lamb and chicken sausages, roasted veggies, and a bottle of Tenuta Sant’anna Prosecco.
SAFRA members and 11B holders enjoy 10% off their total bill. For more info, go to www.safra.sg/promotions/WheelersEstate
2 Park Lane, Seletar Aerospace Park
More info at www.wheelersestate.com/santasbigbellyfeast2021
Le Jardin
A new concept by florist Café de Nicole’s Flower, it’s no coincidence this space is named after the French phrase for “the garden”. Decked from head to toe in lush floral decorations and Victorian-inspired trimmings, Le Jardin is modelled after chic Parisian cafes, albeit set in an enchanted forest. There’s also a pet-friendly outdoor seating area, so everyone in the family gets to join in the revelry.
The menu is lined with brunch favourites, such as Croissant Waffle and Potato Rosti, and heartier plates, such as Ora King salmon and forest mushroom tagliatelle. For an indulgent feast, go with the 5-course Christmas menu ($158++ per pax) with a wine pairing option ($78++ per pax) to enjoy a spread that includes Gillardeau oysters, truffle pasta with sea urchin, and lamb rack.
5 Cox Terrace, Level 2, Fort Canning Arts Centre
More info at www.facebook.com/lejardinsingapore
La Fez
Be transported to a trendy Marrakech neighbourhood coffeeshop when you step into this new Muslim-owned, Moroccan-style cafe. The modern pastel pink interior offers a soothing backdrop to the opulent gilded drinkware and rustic ceramic tableware. The all-day brunch menu includes regional favourites, like spiced shakshuka, flavourful tagines, and refreshing Moroccan mint tea.
Specially designed for the festive season, the La Fez Holiday Centrepiece set ($59 for 2 pax, $89 for 3-4 pax) features a roast chicken in their signature rub served in an earthenware packed with gently charred vegetables, accompanied by sides of stuffing, sauerkraut and green mash. To top off the celebrations, the set also includes alcohol-free glühwein (mulled wine) to toast to the holidays.
907 East Coast Road, #01-03A
More info at wearelafez.com
The Great Mischief
Halal eatery The Great Mischief has found new life at the National Gallery after moving from Little India. The soft pastel hues and terrazzo tabletops lend the cafe a sophisticated yet funky vibe, which echoes the Catalan-inspired tapas-style menu speckled with tongue-in-cheek dish names. On the day menu, you’ll find gems like Chaffles (fried chicken and waffles) as well as gourmet sandwiches, such as the truffle-laced Bikini Party. The dinner set menu offers Spanish classics, like paella and bacalao (salted codfish), and small plates, like Potato Tostones and Scallops Ceviche.
For Christmas, the dining space will be given a festive makeover. If you’re heading down, make sure to ask for one of the coveted window-side booth seats that overlook the Padang, and is perfect for a cosy gathering.
1 St Andrew’s Road, #01-17, National Gallery Singapore
More info at www.thegreatmischief.sg
Carrotsticks & Cravings
This popular brunch spot has just expanded to Telok Ayer with a new branch along Stanley Street. The airy cafe is adorned with a simple, botanical-inspired design, lending it a crisp look that mirrors its healthy menu. The new outlet also boasts an exclusive sharing platter aptly named the Stanley Breakfast for Two ($46), which is a hearty mix of Israeli salad, homemade hummus, roasted eggplant, falafel, and cream cheese-stuffed puff pastries, served with sides of eggs, sourdough bread, and a choice of smoked salmon or ham.
If you’re planning a Christmas brunch gathering, the healthier yet indulgent offerings at Carrotsticks & Cravings are sure to hit the spot. A bonus: the long list of fresh juices and smoothies to help to kickstart your post-holiday detox.
New outlet at 5 Stanley St #01-01 068724; other outlets at Dempsey and Robertson Quay
More info at carrotsticksandcravings.com
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