Tucked away from the bustling Orchard Road is the underrated gem that is Palais Renaissance. This upscale mall has gone through quite a major shake up with some big names in the dining scene setting up shop in the mall. The mall has been spruced up and given a new lease of life in hopes that it won’t remain off the radar any longer. Feeling boujee this weekend? Head over to Palais Renaissance for some whiskey, fuision cuisine. Japanese fine dining, and more!
1. Binary
The first thing that will catch your attention is the sleek interior of the restaurant. Decked in sleek timber walls, marble-topped tables and an alfresco seating area, the restaurant draws inspiration from the binary star which is a celestial phenomenon where two stars orbit around their common centre of gravity – which would explain the midnight blue and wood textures mixed with the marble tabletops.
While the restaurant doesn’t use the word “fusion” they do offer both Asian and Western cuisines that are both stars on their own. The gastro-bar brings you the same ingredients prepared two ways in a bid to show how the two cultures can complement each other. You can pick from the two variations but if you’re there with friends, we suggest having the best of both worlds – because why not?
Some must-try dishes while you’re there include the homemade Kubaneh bread with garlic butter and kombu butter or the hand-made Wagyu & Pork balls. If you’re craving seafood, the Tiger Prawns, which can be enjoyed Spanish tapas-style with gambas al ajillo or as prawn fritters with togarashi mayonnaise, and the Octopus doused in “lao gan ma” chili crisps are notable mentions. The drinks menu boasts a wine selection of over 60 wine labels, all at wallet-friendly prices. Alternatively, you can take your pick from the rosè as you enter or choose from a selection of specialty cocktails and craft beers.
Location: 390 Orchard Road, Palais Renaissance, #01-01A, Singapore 238871
Website: Binary Official Website
2. Caviar
If you’re planning a fancy date night with your significant other, you should consider checking out Caviar, a fine-dining outfit in Palais Renaissance that is dedicated to serving its namesake delicacy. Opened by the same folks behind Uni Gallery, this restaurant places the prized ingredient for a pedestal to shine in all its glory.
Caviar features eight varieties of the world’s best caviar, including the prized Kaluga Queen, the Oscietra, Sevruga, and Beluga varieties. Since you’re already there, might as well go big and choose their eight-course dinner menu (S$328++). The restaurant pairs their finest Caviar with the best ingredients from around the world to create dishes like the wild cod from Denmark paired with kombu kelp served with leek in plum extract, as well as the Botan Ebi tartare with sliced water chestnut and Polanco Oscietra caviar.
Equally lavish in taste are the small bites like the Caviar Toast with royal Oscietra caviar, the Caviar Ball Crème Friache with Polanco Oscietra caviar, and the illustrious Caviar and Uni. End your meal with their Lacto-Fermented Cranberry, Almond and Orange Blossom dessert, Sake Lees ice cream with Polanco Siberian caviar or a selection of Petit Fours served with the finest chocolate, truffles and fruits.
Location: 390 Orchard Road, Palais Renaissance, #B1-07, Singapore 238871
Website: Caviar Official Website
3. Sushi Kimura
Fetching prices starting from $120, Sushi Kimura aims to serve you only the best. The restaurant is helmed by Master Chef Tomoo Kimura and uses only the best quality ingredients.
Chef Kimura prefers to introduce fish that is rarely found on the menus of Japanese restaurants in Singapore for his dishes. In fact, fresh seafood is flown in from Tsukiji market four times a week and he only chooses ingredients that are in season to ensure that the food he serves are always on point. The Sashimi Platter is served with a good mix of seafood including baby squid, isaki, hokkigai, botan ebi, and akagai. Chef Kimura also recommends that you pair the sashimi with the sake made from organic rice wine from Fukoka, which is light and has a sweet finish.
The next dish is the sushi, which is prepared before your very eyes. Just in case you’re not sure what’s being served, Chef Kimura give a brief explanation of the main ingredient before serving the dish. The rice used in the sushi is an organic rice, while the rice vinegar is specially imported from a small brewery in Kyoto which give the rice in the sushi its unique and distinct taste. As Chef Kimura only uses the freshest seafood available, the menu undergoes some major shake ups every three months or so, but definitely a good date night treat.
Location: 390 Orchard Road, Palais Renaissance, #01-07, Singapore 238871
Website: Sushi Kimura
4. The Writing Club
The Writing Club guarantees that you’ll leave Palais in high spirits. No, this isn’t a name for a bookstore. It is actually a whiskey bar opened by husband-and-wife whiskey lovers. Unlike many other bars out there, this watering hole will fill your body and your soul.
Stacked with over 500 whiskey labels, this cosy 35-seater brings you an extensive library of whiskies carefully curated from distilleries from all over the world. The husband-and-wife duo has gone to great lengths b going straight to the source to hunt down the best whiskies from obscure distilleries. Some notable mentions include the Scottish Caperdonich and Littlemill, as well as some familiar names like Glenfarclas, Macallan, Laphroaig, Glenmorangie and Springbank.
But that’s not all that The Writing Club has to offer. They also have a good selection of exotic gins that includes hidden gems like the Alkkemist Gin from Spain, which is made from samphire and Muscate grape, or the purple butterfly pea-infused Ink Gin from Australia. The selection extends to wine, cognac, rum, craft beer and bespoke cocktails Want a chill place to unwind after a long week? The Writing Club is the place for you.
Location: 390 Orchard Road, Palais Renaissance, #02-10, Singapore 238871
Website: The Writing Club
5. Siam Smith
Siam Smith offers indulgent traditional Thai dishes but with a modern twist. Brought to you by the same folks behind ThaiExpress, Sanook Kitchen and Poulet, this new noodle bar hopes to serve you authentic Thai food that replicates those served by the street vendors of Southern Thailand.
Some specialties include the beef noodles in a full-bodied broth that has been simmered for hours with a blend of spices and herbs to give it its robust flavour. On a rainy weather, the best comfort food is the creamy Tom Yum noodles or the Thai Hainanese chicken noodle soup – which is an interesting take on a local favourite.
Add on some small bites like the must-have Thai prawn cakes or the tangy mango salad to complement your meal. But between you and me, the Smith Wings are to-die-for. The wings are deep friend and laced with aromatic kaffir lime leaves. But of course, no Thai meal is complete without having some Thai desserts like red ruby and mango sticky rice.
Location: 390 Orchard Road, Palais Renaissance, #01-01, Singapore 238871
Website: Siam Smith
6. Merci Marcel
Merci Marcel is a fabulous weekend brunch spot in Palais Renaissance. The interior gives you major tropical vibes with lots of greenery and windows letting in natural sunlight to brighten up the space. It is the perfect place to chill on the weekends, or to come and cosy up for afternoon tea. The highlight of this space apart from its tropical-meets-bohemian chic décor is the boutique bar with rows of French Rosè.
The all-day dining spot has some notable mentions on its menu such as the Ravioles de Royans – which is a French dumpling pasta filled with cheese and spinach, foie gras emulsion, Atlantic wild cod, Barramundi Tartare, Smoked Haddock Salad, and of course the Impossible Marcel Burger. But of course, if you’re coming for brunch, they also have dishes like the organic Bayonne ham with fried egg and French Morbier cheese.
Merci Marcel at Orchard is the perfect place for a nice quiet and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of town. It is THE place to head to if you want some relaxed social dining, or just a chill place to enjoy some peace and tranquillity or even to remain zen after a nice hair treatment. While you’re there, make sure to pick up a nice cup of coffee and the Croissant which is crispy and buttery! Bon appetite!
Location: 390 Orchard Road, Palais Renaissance, #01-03-04, Singapore 238871
Website: Merci Marcel
Palais Renaissance’s is the perfect place to come for a relaxing facial treatment or just a quiet night with your significant other. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Orchard Road, it gives you peace and tranquility fully enjoy your meal. The mall also features some big players in the F&B scene which awaits your arrival! If you’re looking to pamper yourself or planning a special date night with your significant other, or just want a cosy place to unwind after a long work week, then Palais Renaissance is the perfect place for you.
