Looking like something straight out of a contemporary art gallery is Nook: the latest addition to Tanjong Pagar’s vibrant dining scene. Spanning over 7,000 sq ft of space, Nook is a 3-storey multi-concept dining and lifestyle destination, housing a restaurant, bar and event space all in one.
Nook is unlike any other dining destination we’ve seen in Singapore, with a strong focus on art and aesthetics. The space is decorated almost like an art gallery, with actual art installations, custom paintings and artworks, and even antique or vintage decor pieces all around—some of which are over 100 years old!
The space reminds us of some of the contemporary retail stores you might see in South Korea, with a glass “enclosure” within the main restaurant featuring retro analog TVs literally spiked onto concrete pillars and lit by colourful fluorescent lighting for an eclectic vibe. The space also feels like we’re dining in an ancient mansion of sorts, especially with the moody, almost eerie vintage lamps lighting the room.
The first level houses the main restaurant, with a more brutalistic, almost goth-like industrial aesthetic with raw and exposed textures, concrete walls and dim lighting. After your meal, head to the second level for drinks at Nowhere, a cocktail bar featuring a more fun and playful vibe. We especially loved the neon yellow-orange tinted glass windows and quirky mismatched furniture.
The top level houses a private Member’s Lounge that you can book for parties or events (minimum spending of $1500 required). Here you’ll find unique artworks like a reimagined painting of the iconic Mona Lisa and even a statue of Mao Zedong. There’s even VR facilities available for you to play some indoor golf!
Fresh Seasonal Oysters, $8 per piece
Heirloom Tomatoes & Burrata, $24
Menu wise, Nook serves modern European-influenced dishes with an Asian flair. Nook does away with fanciful plating in their dishes, with most of the dishes being presented simply; but what they lack in pizazz, they make up in terms of flavour. The dishes here are designed for communal dining, with sharing plates starting from $12.
Mikan Seabream, $34
Aqina 1/2 Organic Chicken, $42
Our favourites from the menu included the Mikan Seabream ($34) that was perfectly pan-fried with a crispy skin, yet with an ultra fork-tender flesh. The Aqina 1/2 Organic Chicken ($42) is also a great sharing dish, and we especially love the glistening golden crispy skin that’s reminiscent of the crunchiness of Peking duck. The dry-ageing process also lent the chicken a super juicy texture and interior that wasn’t dry in the slightest.
Maitake Mushroom, $18
Koshihikari Rice, $18
Warm 70% Guanaja Molten, $22
Rhubarb & Strawberry, $18
Mushroom lovers will enjoy the Maitake Mushroom ($18), that boasted a super fragrant, truffle-esque aroma. One unique dish is probably the Koshihikari Rice ($18), which tastes like an elevated version of Singapore’s classic chicken rice dish. What’s unconventional about this dish is the addition of cockscomb (that’s the actual “crown” from the chicken’s head!), which you hardly see served in Singapore. Texture wise, the cockscomb is pretty gelatinous, and is similar to chicken feet!
Dining at Nook feels kind of like we’re overseas, and if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind dining spot with a vibe that’s different from the usual establishments in Singapore, you should definitely add this to your list. Whether it’s a weekend date spot, birthday party venue, or a place to host events, Nook checks all the boxes.
Price: $$
Taste: 8/10
Favourite dish(s): Mikan Seabream, Aqina 1/2 Organic Chicken
Nook
Address: 11 Craig Rd, Singapore 089671
Opening Hours: 11.30am-12am daily
