Can’t travel out of the country right now? Let these magical restaurants teleport you to another land for a quick sojourn. No passports necessary, just an empty stomach and a rich imagination.
Platform 1094
In these difficult times even the most cynical grown-up could use a little magic to light up their lives. Step onto Platform 1094 for an instant ride to the magical kingdom of Harry Potter as described by JK Rowling, a London that is just as bustling and exciting as the real one, with some additional magical perks.
This Potter-themed features honey-coloured brick walls, cozy wooden tables, and golden flickering candlelight. A variety of wands and witches hats are also available to complete the illusion (and also for you to make that perfect 21st-century Instagram shot). The food offerings are generic Western dishes such as pasta, pork ribs and duck breast, but dessert and drinks are where this restaurant really shines. Order an alcoholic ‘Goblet of Fire’ (which involves real fire) or a Witch’s Cup cupcake.
Address: 1094 Serangoon Road Singapore
Phone: +65 6204 6003
Central Perk SG
If you don’t remember the era of F.R.I.E.N.D.S, then you are likely too young to be called a millennial. This sitcom was one of the most iconic and globally beloved of the 20th century, depicting the adventures and trials of 6 friends navigating life as young adults in New York City. The coffee house where they sat in episode after episode has now been recreated in many major cities of the world, Singapore included, so you can pop in for a quick walk down memory lane and a brief foray into Manhattan, NYC.
Enjoy a cup of coffee surrounded by nostalgic memorabilia of the show and of American lifestyle icons of the late 1990s-early 2000s - the foosball table of the gang’s apartment, the big poofy white wedding dress that Rachel wore in the pilot episode of 1994, and a Pac-Man game machine, to name a few. The entire cafe is set up in exactly the same way you saw it on TV, and the menu is also themed. The coffee menu boasts 6 different roasts, each of which is named after a Friend for their shared characteristics - enjoy a sweet Rachel brew, or a strong Joey cuppa.
Address: 1 Magazine Rd, #01-01 Central Mall, Singapore 059567
Phone: +65 9025 2524
NOX Dine in the Dark
If you’re bored of eating dinner the regular way, perhaps it’s time you gave ‘extreme dining’ a shot. Whoever knew there were different ways of going through the mundane task of feeding yourself?
Give 1 of your essential 5 senses a break and allow yourself a moment to experience life in a totally different way - without the gift of eyesight. At NOX Restaurant you could be anywhere on the planet, because you’re completely devoid of the power to see. Enter a brand-new, velvety dark world where touch, smell, hearing and taste rule supreme. Your guides into this new land are visually-impaired waiters who are already masters of this arena, and will assist you through your brief voyage here. The menu is a mystery set, to further add to your adventure.
Address: 269 Beach Rd, Singapore 199546
Phone: +65 6298 0708
Eaglewings Loft
Luxury cruises used to be one of Singaporeans’ favourite holidays, but now that we are all grounded you may be bemoaning the loss of the feeling of the wind in your hair and the sea bobbing under your feet. There’s a land alternative, however: the nautical-themed Eaglewings Loft Cafe may be set on the ground, but it’d do its very best to convince you otherwise.
It doesn’t take an ocean of imagination to see it: the bar is boat-shaped, the furnishings are wooden, the lighting is a soft purple-blue and blue-and-white-striped buoys are hung all around so you get the clear message that you have now set sail aboard a fancy boat. On the plus side, the cuisine is better than your usual seafaring foods: the seafood dishes (especially the lobster risotto) are especially raved about.
Address: 9 King Albert Park, #01-33/34/56/57 KAP Residences Mall, Singapore 598332
Phone: +65 6264 7787
Coastes, Sentosa
Perhaps you had to cancel that weekend getaway to Bali you were hankering for, or the week on the beach in Phuket. But fret not - in the hustle and bustle of daily life we may forget occasionally that Singapore is actually a tropical island too.
Replace your beach vacay with a little magic at Sentosa island; more specifically, at the beachfront Coastes bar and restaurant. Kick up your heels and relax on a beach chair under swaying palm trees with the view of the blue ocean ahead and warm golden sun under your feet. Breakfast and brunch are particularly recommended at Coastes: expect Western fare such as french toast, bagels with salmon and rostis.
Address: 50 Siloso Beach Walk 01-06, Singapore 099000
Phone: +65 6631 8938
Overeasy
For a little American flavour, Overeasy provides. Step into the USA—this restaurant has a classic American diner theme, complete with the red and white tiled floors, cushy booths, diner bar, bar stools and overhead menu. But this diner comes with a luxurious, Singaporean twist: it’s situated next to the Merlion on the bank of Marina Bay, overlooking the water and the grandiosity of Marina Bay Sands hotel.
The food is also top notch: the burgers and fries have been reported to be beyond expectations, a sensory treat surprising for such a humble common food.
Address: 1 Fullerton Rd, #01-06, Singapore 049213
Phone: +65 6423 0701
