Quick answer: From Katong’s European bistros to Joo Chiat’s Spanish tapas and East Coast’s healthy bowls, East Singapore packs serious variety. Picotin serves craft beer and comfort food, Carlitos does Barcelona-style tapas, East Treasure specialises in rich prawn noodles, Masalaa Bar brings modern Indian, Forma is handmade-pasta heaven, Harvest keeps it fresh, and Old Bibik’s dishes out halal Peranakan classics. Whether it’s a date night, family dinner, or quick solo meal, there’s a spot here.
This is one of 36 guides in Best Food in the East & North-East of Singapore — start there if you would rather compare before you commit.
Picotin
Picotin is a European bistro that has been a fixture on Joo Chiat Road since 2007, the kind of place you pop into for a casual Friday dinner and end up staying until the craft beer kicks in. Their menu leans into hearty comfort dishes: the Braised Beef Short Rib ($42) falls apart with a fork, and the Prosciutto Croquetas ($16) are crisp little bites that vanish fast. Hand-stretched pizzas come out of the kitchen all evening, and the in-house Brewhaus pours beers that are smooth and easy to drink. The weekend brunch crowd fills the place from 10am, but the real magic is the weekday late-afternoon lull when the light hits the windows just right.
Find them at 382 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427622. Open Monday to Friday 3pm–1am, Saturday 10am–1am, Sunday 10am–11pm. Call +65 6342 0382 or visit picotin.sg. If you’re after a spot where you can bring a date without being too atas, or gather a group of friends for a few rounds and hearty food, Picotin fits.
Carlitos
Carlitos opened late 2024 in Joo Chiat, and if you haven’t been, your foodie circle has definitely mentioned it. Chefs Carlos Montobbio (of Esquina) and Antonio Miscellaneo (La Bottega) run a tight, no-frills tapas bar that feels like a corner joint in Barcelona. The menu is built for grazing: order the Patatas Bravas ($10) for that crispy-spicy kick, the Spanish Octopus ($20) for smoky paprika goodness, and a plate of 36-month Jamón Ibérico ($28) that’s worth every cent. Their Paella of the Day ($26) changes but always hits the spot, and the sangria ($18) is the kind you want on a lazy Sunday afternoon. It’s small, so reservations are essential – they book up fast.
Located at 350 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427598. Open Monday to Thursday 5:30pm–11pm, Friday to Sunday 11:30am–3:30pm (lunch) and 5:30pm–11pm. WhatsApp +65 9776 5348 or check carlitos.sg for availability.
Nothing on this page is a paid placement. If you know a place that should be here, let us know before the next update.
If you’re exploring beyond the East, check out our guide to Restaurants in Little India, Singapore for a completely different flavour trip.
East Treasure Speciality Prawn Noodles
When the prawn noodle craving hits, East Treasure Speciality Prawn Noodles is the answer. Tucked at 328 Joo Chiat Road, this no-fuss spot (run by the Astons group) focuses on one thing: bowls of rich, umami-packed broth that taste like someone’s grandmother spent all morning simmering prawn heads. The Supreme Big Prawn Noodle ($13.80) comes loaded with jumbo prawns, pork belly, ribs, and tail – it’s a full meal. If you want a quick, satisfying lunch, the Classic Prawn Noodle ($6.80) with yellow noodles or bee hoon does the job without hurting the wallet. The broth is the real star; it’s the kind of shiok that makes you close your eyes on the first sip.
Open daily 9am–10pm. Call +65 6247 7545 or visit easttreasureprawnnoodle.com.sg. Perfect for a solo comfort meal or when you need to warm up after a rainy day.
Masalaa Bar
Masalaa Bar on East Coast Road brings a playful, modern spin to Indian street food, helmed by celebrity chef Milind Sovani. The vibe is loud and fun, with Bollywood beats and colourful decor. Start with the Monstrous MB Papad ($8) – it’s a giant crispy disc that cracks dramatically – and the Pani Puri Shots ($7.50) for that tangy, cold explosion. The menu is packed with familiar favourites like Chicken Tikka and rich curries, but the Indian-inspired cocktails, like the Hawa Hawaii, keep things interesting. It’s a solid choice when you want to share a bunch of plates and try a bit of everything.
Find them at 723 East Coast Rd, Singapore 459071. Open daily 12pm–10:30pm. Call +65 6282 4648 or email [email protected]. More at masalaabar.com.
Forma
Forma is where serious pasta lovers go to worship. Hidden in a shophouse on Tembeling Road, this collaboration with The Cicheti Group and pasta master Lee Yum Hwa of Ben Fatto 95 turns flour and egg into something almost sacred. The Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe ($28) is deceptively simple but perfectly balanced, and the Tortelli di Zucca – butterfly-shaped parcels filled with pumpkin – shows off the kitchen’s finesse. The wine list is Italian and well-chosen, and the dining room feels intimate without being stuffy. Reservations open a month in advance and disappear quickly, so plan ahead if you want a table.
Located at 128 Tembeling Road, Singapore 423638. Open Tuesday to Sunday: lunch 12pm–2:30pm (last seating 2pm), dinner 6pm–10:30pm (last seating 9:30pm). Call +65 6513 2286 or visit formasg.com.
Harvest
Harvest keeps it clean and customisable on East Coast Road. You build your own bowl from $12: pick a base, a protein, three sides, a topping, and a dressing. It’s fresh, fast, and you leave feeling good – no post-lunch food coma. They also have cold-pressed juices and smoothies for a full reset. Ideal for a quick, healthy meal when you’re between errands or just want something light before a heavy dinner later.
Address: 81 East Coast Rd, #01-01, Singapore 428785. Open daily 11am–8:30pm. Call +65 8842 4966 or email [email protected]. Website: harvestsg.com.
Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen
Right next door to East Treasure in the same building, Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen has been a Joo Chiat staple since 2009. It’s halal-certified, so everyone can dig into their Nyonya classics. The Signature Beef Rendang ($18) is tender and deeply spiced, the Ikan Assam Pedas ($30) packs a tangy punch, and the Ayam Buah Keluak is a must-try for anyone wanting to taste real Peranakan heritage. Over 40 dishes on the menu, all cooked without MSG, using fresh herbs and spices – the kind of food that makes you want to order extra rice just to soak up the sauces.
Location: 328 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-02, Singapore 427585. Open daily 11:30am–9:30pm. Call +65 8450 7996 or visit oldbibik.com.
How to choose
East Singapore’s restaurant strip along Joo Chiat and East Coast Road offers so much variety that a little sorting goes a long way. If you’re dining with a group that includes halal requirements, Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen is the clear pick. For a romantic evening or a celebration, Forma’s handmade pasta and Italian wines set the mood, while Picotin blends bistro charm with craft beer. When cost matters, East Treasure’s prawn noodles (from $6.80) and Harvest’s build-your-own bowls ($12) keep things wallet-friendly. Craving bold, shareable plates? Carlitos and Masalaa Bar both encourage ordering a little of everything, but Carlitos feels more intimate, Masalaa Bar louder and more playful. Think about the vibe you’re after, and check reservation policies – Forma and Carlitos book out early.
| Restaurant | Best For | Price Signal (Main Dish) | Cuisine | Halal? | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picotin | European comfort food & craft beer | $16–$42 | European | No | 382 Joo Chiat Rd |
| Carlitos | Spanish tapas in a lively bar | $10–$28 | Spanish | No | 350 Joo Chiat Rd |
| East Treasure Speciality Prawn Noodles | Hearty prawn noodles | $6.80–$13.80 | Chinese (Prawn Noodle) | No | 328 Joo Chiat Rd #01-01 |
| Masalaa Bar | Modern Indian street food | From $7.50 | Indian | No | 723 East Coast Rd |
| Forma | Handmade pasta & Italian wines | $28–$88 | Italian | No | 128 Tembeling Road |
| Harvest | Customisable healthy bowls | $12 | Salads & Protein Bowls | No | 81 East Coast Rd #01-01 |
| Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen | Authentic Peranakan Nyonya | $18–$30 | Peranakan | Yes | 328 Joo Chiat Rd #01-02 |
If you’re keen to explore other parts of the island, our guides to Indian Restaurants in Singapore and Restaurants in Singapore have plenty more to discover.
Nothing on this page is a paid placement. If you know a place that should be here, let us know before the next update.
Summary
East Singapore’s dining scene brings together European bistros, Spanish tapas, local prawn noodles, modern Indian, handmade pasta, healthy bowls, and halal Peranakan cooking – all within a few streets of Katong, Joo Chiat, and East Coast. Whether you’re after a leisurely dinner with friends or a quick, satisfying bite, these seven restaurants cover every craving and occasion.
Disclaimer
All information provided here has been compiled from publicly available sources. While we have made every effort to ensure accuracy, we do not guarantee that the information is complete or error-free. We disclaim any liability for inaccuracies or omissions. If you find any errors or have concerns about the content, please let us know so we can address them promptly.
Frequently asked questions
What types of cuisine can I find among these top East Singapore restaurants?
The list includes European bistro (Picotin), Spanish tapas (Carlitos), Chinese prawn noodles (East Treasure), modern Indian (Masalaa Bar), handmade Italian pasta (Forma), healthy salad bowls (Harvest), and Peranakan Nyonya (Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen).
Are there any halal-certified restaurants in this selection?
Yes, Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen is halal-certified and serves over 40 Nyonya dishes prepared without MSG.
Which restaurant is most affordable for a casual meal?
East Treasure’s Classic Prawn Noodle starts at $6.80, and Harvest offers build-your-own bowls from $12, both great value.
Do I need to make a reservation at Forma?
Definitely. Reservations open one month in advance and fill up fast, so plan early if you want to secure a seat.
Which spot is best for a group gathering with drinks?
Picotin offers craft beer and European comfort food with a relaxed vibe, and Carlitos has shareable tapas and sangria – both work well for groups.
Is there a restaurant that specialises in handmade pasta?
Forma makes fresh pasta daily in collaboration with pasta artisan Lee Yum Hwa, offering dishes like Cacio e Pepe and Tortelli di Zucca.
