Relax, Just Do It

When you want to kick back and kick start the new year, here are the best places to do so.

- Hannah Choo

Fico

East Coast Park lacked a good restaurant for many years, until Fico showed up. The space, run by exBraci chef Mirko Febbrile, is the place to go if you’re craving exceptionally good pasta, focaccina, seafood and dessert.

Be warned that it’s going to be hard to grab a seat at the best of times, but trust us when we say it’s worth the wait. Ask to sit al fresco at a corner table (the acoustics indoors are poor) and start 2024 right with bottomless cocktails, wine and beer (S$78 for 1.5 hours) and a bit of everything.

The Cacio e Pepe and Denti Del Drago are incredible, and so is dessert, such as the freshly fried Cannoli, a masterpiece you will be back for in no time at all.

Tinto

Think of Tinto as Singapore’s own Spain, with a name taken from vino tinto (Spanish for red wine) and lovely food prepared with unpretentious enthusiasm and pride. Basically tapas, paellas and more from a variety of regions, and a stylish atmosphere to match.

Its home within Dempsey makes parking a breeze, but book early if you want a seat in the hidden veranda, where greenery and sunshine await. It’s the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy some really good Spanish wine while feasting on paella, fideua and crispy suckling pig.

Humpback