I’ve been hearing a lot about Sabor, the new restaurant Singapore foodies are buzzing about, so I finally decided to check it out myself. I visited on a Tuesday around 7pm, hoping to beat the usual weekend dinner rush. Walking past the old white chapel, the transition from noisy city traffic to the quiet, glowing courtyard always feels a bit magical. I arrived hungry and curious to see if the food lived up to the hype.
Atmosphere and First Impressions
Stepping inside Sabor, the space immediately feels warm and welcoming. The interior features colorful patterned tiles and subtle splashes of greenery that give it a relaxed, lived-in vibe. I noticed the contrast right away between the indoor dining room and the alfresco area. The outdoor courtyard catches the lively, echoing hum of the surrounding bars.
If you get cold easily, be warned that the AC indoors was quite strong. I actually needed my jacket halfway through the meal. My biggest practical tip is to ask for a corner table inside if you want to have a normal conversation. It’s significantly quieter than sitting near the busy entrance or out on the crowded patio.
Serving The Heart of Spanish Cuisine
I ordered a few different classic tapas to start, and the Bikini Sobrasada, Honey & Cheese ($18) was the absolute standout. It arrived piping hot with beautifully toasted, crispy bread. When I took a bite, the oozing, savory cream cheese mixed perfectly with the sweet honey, hitting that perfect sweet note. It’s rich, slightly indulgent, and incredibly easy to like.
Dirty Pepe and Crema Catalana: Sabor’s Signature Dishes
The Dirty Pepe chicken wings remain a crowd favorite, while the crema catalana with cookies is the perfect nostalgic dessert to finish your meal. The custard is soft and creamy without being overly sweet, and the crumbled cookies add a delightful crunch.
Next up were the Chicken Wings “Dirty Pepe” ($16). They had a wonderful light crisp on the outside and a steaming, juicy interior. The kitchen coats them in a sticky glaze that leans comfortably between sweet and spicy. You’ll definitely need wet wipes for these, but they’re absolutely worth the mess.
Pork Belly and Sharing Dishes
For our main, we shared the Pork Belly and Scallop Paella ($42). It arrived in a massive, heavy pan, radiating a deep, savory aroma. The rice absorbed all the rich pork belly flavors, enhanced by caramelised onions and garlic, and we managed to scrape up a fantastic crispy crust at the bottom. However, I have to be honest about a downside here. My friend ordered the Grilled Wagyu A5 Beef Paella ($48), and I found it way too salty. The heavy seasoning completely masked the natural flavor of the beef.
Grilled Wagyu A5 and Romesco Sauce: A Flavorful Experience
The grilled wagyu A5 was a highlight for adventurous eaters seeking premium beef with the perfect preferred doneness. It was served alongside a vibrant romesco sauce that added a smoky, nutty dimension to the dish, complementing the richness of the meat beautifully.
Green Apple and Red Wine: The Perfect Pairing
To balance the richness of the mains, the green apple-infused cocktails and a curated selection of red wine at Sabor offered an equally impressive complement. The crispness of the apple cut through the savory flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.
The Service Experience
The service throughout the night was mostly smooth and friendly. The waiters were attentive, and our empty tapas plates were cleared quickly to make room for the larger pans. They kept our water glasses full without hovering over us, which I always appreciate.
That said, the wait for the paella was much longer than expected. It took about 40 minutes for the rice dishes to arrive after we finished our starters. I noticed the kitchen seemed to struggle a bit once the outdoor tables completely filled up around 8pm.
Where To Go After Sabor: Other New Restaurant Openings
Choosing the perfect dining spot can sometimes feel like navigating a delicious maze, especially with Singapore’s ever-growing food scene, which is why I’m here to tell you exactly where to go right after dining at Sabor.
Ma Der Kin Khao and Southeast Asia’s Flavors at City Gate
If you’re craving authentic Southeast Asia flavors, Ma Der Kin Khao at City Gate is a must-visit. This casual restaurant offers traditional Laotian salad, soop pak lao, featuring blanched greens and fermented fish sauce that deliver a refreshing yet complex taste. The menu also includes hearty dishes like kor moo yang (pork collar grilled over charcoal) and tom yum seafood soup, perfect for sharing dishes with friends.
Keum Eun Don and Casual Japanese Restaurant Offerings
If you’re in the mood for Korean barbecue, Keum Eun Don at HillV2 offers premium meats including pork jowl and pork collar, served with classic sides like miso soup and rice bowls. FJapanese ingredients, Sio Pasta at Raffles City is a casual offshoot specializing in wallet-friendly pasta dishes, includinbest mentaiko pasta topped with salted kelp and a fried egg.
If you’re looking to explore more options and want some expert Japanese food recommendations such as the where to find good Japanese curry bowl sfor your midday reset fix, Singapore Best Restaurants has you covered.
Casa Cicheti and More: The Team Behind the Scenes
The same team behind Casa Cicheti brings a vibrant menu featuring cacio e pepe and other Italian classics. Their la carte options are perfect for those seeking a relaxed dining experience with wallet friendly prices.
Velvet Cut: A New York Strip and Pork Chop Haven
For steak lovers, Velvet Cut is the place to be. Known for their dry-aged New York strip and succulent pork chop, this restaurant offers a refined atmosphere perfect for intimate dinners. Their refreshed menu includes nostalgic desserts like milo tiramisu and creamy ice cream options to round off your meal on a sweet note.
Practical Details and Final Verdict
Sabor is located right inside CHIJMES, which is a super easy walk from City Hall MRT. Expect to spend roughly $45 to $70 per person, depending on how many drinks you order. Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long waits, especially during happy hour or weekends.
Overall, Sabor is a solid new restaurant Singapore should be proud of. With a lively atmosphere, classic tapas, and signature dishes like bikini sobrasada and grilled wagyu A5, it’s a great spot for casual dinners and intimate gatherings alike. I’ll definitely return to explore more from their refreshed menu and enjoy the seafood and pasta offerings.
