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SINGAPORE — The widespread diversity our island’s dining scene boasts is undeniable. What is equally amazing is how extensive a sampling of this diversity can be found along the Singapore River. From Robertson Quay to Clarke Quay to Boat Quay, each enclave seemingly panders to a distinct breed of consumer; a notable fact this weekend’s Singapore River Festival (SRF) aims to highlight.

There was a time when Robertson Quay seemed the preferred afternoon escape for young Japanese mothers. These days, there seems to be a growing mix of local and expatriate families, the young and hip, and curious tourists.

“We get a healthy mix of families, many who come to the venue in the earlier part of the evening, and young professionals, residents and tourists who typically come for the later part of the evening,” said Julian Tan, who with his brother Christian co-owns The Loco Group of Mexican eateries. He and his wife operate a number of restaurants close to the heart of the city, and its Super Loco Robertson Quay outpost was launched in late 2014.

“For our weekend brunches, we get a mix of all of these guests at the same time. We think we get a healthy level of diversity due to the location and the mix of residents in the apartments nearby, and also the proximity to so many hotels in the area,” he added, pointing out that the area is currently undergoing a transformation with fresh and interesting F&B concepts coming in, a redesign of the riverside promenade and also the Intercontinental Hotel, 
which is opening early next year.

“Collectively, this redevelopment is called The Robertson Quay Project, and once completed, we are confident that Robertson Quay will be Singapore’s pre-eminent riverside lifestyle destination.”

New restaurants banking on this heightened buzz include D.O.P Mozzarella Bar and Restaurant, which opened at The Quayside in July, serving authentic Italian cuisine from the southern Italian region of Campania with a special focus on mozzarella and burrata cheese dishes.

“When it came to selecting the location for restaurant, we felt the laid-back yet modern lifestyle of the Singapore River precinct fit our restaurant theme nicely — modern yet casual, authentic Italian dining ... We are passionate about offering local residents as well as (visitors) simple, tasty and honest food without the cliches and hefty price tag,” said owner and Campania native Luca Iannone.

Sharing this desire to offer an unpretentious experience is Quek Sue-Shan, who recently opened her latest SPRMRKT outpost — SPRMRKT Daily and SPRMRKT Kitchen & Bar — at the Singapore Tyler Print Institute, where it continues to serve up the combined joys of food, retail and art.

“Riverside restaurants and cafes can be quite tacky in some cities, but Robertson Quay is special in that it sits within a dense residential area with a beautiful community of local and expat families,” she mused. “Situated in a heritage building and attached to Singapore’s leading contemporary print institute with great programming, all added to the charm of this precinct.”

This laid-back setting is also the ideal backdrop for chilling out over freshly shucked oysters at Wharf oyster bar and grill, indulging in fine Kappo cuisine at Wagokoro by Hide Yamamoto, or simply, some inspired teppanyaki at Teppan Bar Q, which opened early this year.

TALE OF TWO QUAYS

Of course, if you are looking for a riverside watering hole to end a long day at the office or party the night away, choices are abundant at Clarke Quay and Boat Quay, two hotspots that have evolved with the times. One of the most recent openings is Red Tail, Zouk Singapore’s first bar to open at its new digs along the Clarke Quay Cannary Block (Block C). It’s all about craft cocktails and beers here, with sharing bites to pair with.

But if you are looking for a full meal at a stylish modern Chinese restaurant (which boasts over 60 delicacies with a focus on traditional Cantonese flavours) before drinks and live entertainment at the club lounge, VLV is the enclave’s latest addition.

“There’s a really good mix of quality dining options, live music and nightlife venues right now, especially with the addition of new outlets like Prive and Red Tail by Zouk,” shared Jessica Loo, the two-month-old bar’s senior manager (strategic brand and marketing communications). “Operators also tend to stay open till much later, giving customers multiple dining or entertainment activities they are able to enjoy in one night without leaving Clarke Quay.”

She added that the VLV offering of a restaurant, lounge, courtyard and riverside dining add to the vibrancy of the precinct, which she is confident will draw “a more distinguished audience”.

Some like Talay Thai’s assistant marketing manager Dannelia Kuah feels the area’s reputation is a magnet for tourists, “because it’s a famous wining and dining precinct and is iconic for its rich history”. She added that one of the reasons the owners had decided to open at Clarke Quay was its unique concept — a Thai tapas bar — which they felt would make a good fit.

In contrast, some might see Boat Quay as a place where smaller, more unique restaurants can thrive. The latest addition, and one that has taken advantage of the riverfront view, is Braci by stalwart chef-restauranteur Beppe De Vito. Perched on the top two floors of a newly-restored heritage shophouse, the bijoux little restaurant and bar features a modern, casual-luxe 18-seater open-kitchen concept serving progressive Italian cuisine and a chic 30-seater rooftop bar focused on “reinvented” classic cocktails.

“Braci is about rediscovering the new in Italian culinary traditions that are very old. It’s contemporary, yet familiar, and that’s what this location is too,” said De Vito, who also expressed his appreciation for regular events such as the SRF.

“In a city like Singapore where consumers are always looking for the new and the novel, the various events and initiatives by SRF have kept Boat Quay on the map as an interesting location that is not just for travellers but for locals as well.”