CHIJMES, Singapore Overview

CHIJMES (pronounced 'chimes'), located in the Downtown region of Central Singapore, is a former convent, now known for its luxuriant food and beverage scene in the heart of the cosmopolitan. Acronym for the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus Educational School, this historic complex came into existence as a Catholic convent school in 1852 and was formerly referred to as the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus. The imposing precinct has been refurbished to its original architectural glory with the former classrooms and halls metamorphosed into hip cafes, suave bars, and themed restaurants.

Within the complex is housed the Caldwell House which was constructed in 1840 and stands intact as a wedding hall today. The CHIJMES Hall, a Gothic-style Chapel, provides a backdrop for several functions, while the large courtyards and lawns turn into a throbbing arena during the private events, theatrical and music shows. The stunning architectural edifice was once a girl's school run by French Catholic nuns, which included three schools, an orphanage, a chapel and the nun's apartment. In spite of the bustling commercial sites that sit here today, CHIJMES has retained its sense of serenity and peacefulness. The building is frequented by locals and tourists alike to sample the different cuisines, shop to their heart’s content, and take in the history of the building. The unique architectural style, delicious dining options, and electric entertainment stages make CHIJMES a well-loved location in the Garden City.

20 Best Restaurants at CHIJMES

1. Ashino

This concept restaurant by Chef Taku Ashino is known for its ‘Shari-Sushi’ rice, cooked in an iron kettle with special water flown in from Mt Fuji. The painstaking cooking process is worth it – the flavour profile of the fish and rice are intricate, delicate, and seem to melt-in-the-month. Connoisseurs of fine sushi are bound to fall in love here!

Ambience: Fine dining
Cuisine: Japanese
Must-try: Lunch Omakase special
Timings: Tuesday – Sunday: noon – 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Monday: closed

2. Carnivore Brazilian Churrascaria

This Brazilian joint has a group of skilled passadors (meat-waiters) that grill and prepares barbeque cuts right at the table, so patrons can choose the cut and doneness themselves. With an array of rich sauces, vegetables, and 15 different cuts of meats, this traditional South-American restaurant aims to impress the carnivores!

Ambience: Lively casual dining
Cuisine: BBQ/ Brazilian
Must-try: Feijoada (black bean pork stew), Pão de Queijo (cheese bread)
Timings: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM everyday

3. Coriander Leaf

Helmed by Chef Samia Ahad, Coriander Leaf serves Asian comfort food elevated to a whole new level. The menu classifies items by taste profile and not geographical region, allowing a truly pan-Asian mix-and-match dining experience. Patrons can choose Fresh, Familiar, Spicy, Umami, or Sweet dishes to embark on a culinary journey!

Ambience: Family dining
Cuisine: Pan-Asian
Must-try: White rabbit ice cream sandwich, signature frontier chicken
Timings: Monday – Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM, Saturday: 6:00 PM – 10:30 PMSunday, Public holidays: Closed

4. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Restaurant

This Japanese restaurant serves heartwarming Yakiniku delicacies made with buttery, nutty Wagyu beef. The grills are served with a platter of vegetables and sauces, and patrons can choose their favoured cut. The seafood options are worth a try too.

Ambience: Family dining
Cuisine: Japanese BBQ
Must-try: Wagyu premium loin, Horenso salad
Timings: Monday – Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM, Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM

5. Ikkousha Ramen

This ramen restaurant uses pork bones in its broth, contributing to the unique flavour and rich aroma. Chef Kousuke Yosjimura’s masterful pork broth combined with the finest meats, vegetables, perfectly runny eggs, and fresh ramen noodles makes a winning dish!

Ambience: Casual dining
Cuisine: Japanese
Must-try: Tonkotsu special Shio, red ramen
Timings: Monday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM, Sunday, public holidays: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

6. IndoChine CHIJMES

This branch of the IndoChine chain of restaurants serves finger food and tapas from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. The alfresco dining space is bright and refreshing and combined with the fine wines and tapas, it’s a win in our books!

Ambience: Cozy fine dining
Cuisine: Asian
Must-try: Pomelo and Tiger prawn salad, grilled lemongrass chicken of Savannakhet
Timings: Sunday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – midnight, Friday, Saturday, eve of public holidays: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM

7. Kome Bar

This sushi bar serves creamy avocados, shrimp, crabs, scallops, and other fillings in delicious rice, paired with sake that packs a punch. The in-house sauces elevate the rolls to another level! The miso rolls and dons are popular here – the dishes are easy on the pocket too, which makes it a quick lunch spot.

Ambience: Chic casual dining
Cuisine: Japanese
Must-try: Salmon Ikura Don
Timings: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM everyday

8. Konjiki Hototogisu

Chef Atsushi Yamamoto – who has been awarded the ‘No. 1 Ramen of Japan’ title – heads this ramen wonderland that specializes in unique flavour combinations, freshly made noodles, and local produce. This Michelin-starred ramen joint is popular among locals and tourists alike – who doesn’t enjoy a hot bowl of noodle-y goodness?

Ambience: Fine dining
Cuisine: Japanese
Must-try: Sawara Oyster Ramen
Timings: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM everyday

9. Lei Garden Restaurant

This two-time Michelin-star winning restaurant redefined the Chinese fine dining in Singapore, with its experimental cuisine that tastes divine. Nicknamed the ‘Celebrities’ Diner,’ the restaurant is frequented by movie stars and socialites – don’t be surprised to bump into Singapore’s whos-who here!

Ambience: Fine dining
Cuisine: Chinese
Must-try: Sauteed pork with lotus root, baked chicken with sea salt, sweet sesame dumpling
Timings: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM everyday

10. Lei Yard

One of the pioneering Michelin-starred restaurants in Singapore, this alfresco dining concept space serves Asian specials with an international twist – the Chinese dishes are made contemporary to provide a unique palette to patrons. Dining under the stars at this restaurant is sure to be romantic!

Ambience: Alfresco fine dining
Cuisine: Asian
Must-try: American Sea Whelk soup with yam rhizome and wolfberries, crispy roasted pork, barbequed Peking duck
Timings: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM everyday

11. New Ubin CHIJMES

This Singaporean restaurant brings the best of the Garden City’s food under one roof – from crab and lobster specials to Peranakan delicacies. New Ubin delivers the unique flavour profile of the local cuisine with a modern twist – this is the best of both worlds!

Ambience: Casual dining
Cuisine: Singaporean
Must-try: Heart attack fried rice, Hokkien Mee special
Timings: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM everyday

12. Paprika & Cumin

This sleek, sophisticated bar and restaurant serve the iconic Singapore Sling, the famous cocktail named in honour of the Lion City. The seafood options are scrumptious, while the cut and aged Australian and Japanese steaks are luxuriant and succulent.

Ambience: Fine dining
Cuisine: Western
Must-try: Singapore Sling cocktail, Chilean codfish and scallops
Timings: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM everyday

13. Privé

This cosy café has an impressive alfresco section, with a gorgeous green archway and succulents. The menu comprises mostly of comfort food that one can’t go wrong with. The Wagyu burgers and pizzas are a crowd favourite, while the bar serves concoctions and brews fit for a party.

Ambience: Casual dining
Cuisine: American/Modern
Must-try: Superfood bowl salad, Hainanese chicken rice
Timings: Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – midnight, Friday, eve of public holidays: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM, Saturday, public holidays: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM

14. Renga-Ya

Renga-Ya’s claim to fame is their authentic Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) cuisine. Experienced chefs work with the best Wagyu beef available to produce the most scrumptious steaks and tartare at this restaurant. Paired with sake and whisky, this is bound to be an unforgettable meal!

Ambience: Fine dining
Cuisine: Japanese
Must-try: Renga-Ya Wagyu platter, tenderloin steak
Timings: Monday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM

15. Señor Taco CHIJMES

This street food joint serves spicy, flavour-packed Mexican delicacies with fresh vegetables and punchy sauces. A kids’ menu and play area is available for families. We recommend celebrating birthdays and other occasions here – the piñata game is fun!

Ambience: Street food casual
Cuisine: Mexican
Must-try: Fajitas, rice bowls
Timings: Monday, Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Wednesday: 5:00 PM – midnight, Thursday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – midnight, Friday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 5:0 PM – 1:00 AM, Saturday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM, Sunday: 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM

16. TATSU

This Teppanyaki restaurant is famous for its dynamic chefs that prepare meals right in front of patrons, allowing for a uniquely interactive dining experience. The afternoon sushi specials are perfect pocket-friendly options, while the dinner specials are luxurious and flavourful.

Ambience: Casual
Cuisine: Japanese
Must-try: Flambé Wagyu, lobster in special sauce
Timings: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM everyday

17. The Modern Izakaya

With a glasshouse bar and an alfresco dining area, this contemporary Japanese bar serves an array of meats cooked over a traditional grill with bincho charcoal. The menu has a wide range of contemporary dishes with a twist – think caviar over salmon paired with lip-smacking sake served in a traditional masu cup!

Ambience: Casual dining
Cuisine: Asian/Japanese
Must-try: Sake, Shonchu
Timings: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM everyday

18. TONKATSU by Ma Maison

This restaurant specializes in Rosu Katsu (loin) and Hire (fillet) cutlets. The signature ageing process with a luxuriant marinade produces rich, complex textures and juicy meat. Served with a crunchy, golden-brown fry, the cutlets are perfectly seasoned and succulent. This Japanese-fusion restaurant’s lunch specials are a must-try – they’re easy on the pocket too.

Ambience: Antique fine dining
Cuisine: Japanese
Must-try: Unagi special set (Kamado unagi-rice, pickles, pork loin, fillet cutlets, Nyumen), Korubuta Rosu KATSU (deep-fried black pork loin)
Timings: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM everyday

19. Whitegrass

This lavish restaurant helmed by Chef Takuya Yamashita fuses classic French and Japanese flavours together to produce uniquely tasty dishes made with fresh, locally sourced produce. With a seasonal dinner menu that caters to eclectic palettes, each course is paired with rich wines and other beverages to elevate the dining experience.

Ambience: Luxurious
Cuisine: Modern
Must-try: Eight-course dinner special
Timings: Tuesday – Saturday: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Sunday, Monday: Closed

20. Hvala

This modern teahouse prides itself on sourcing the best tea directly from farmers. The matcha concoctions and dishes from HVALA are famous for being delicious and sustainable. The minimalist setup adds to its charm, and the brews speak for themselves!

Ambience: Minimalist chic
Cuisine: Japanese
Must-try: Matcha latte
Timings: 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM every day

Bars and Clubs

1. Almost Famous Craft Beer Bar
This concept bar at CHIJMES was designed with great attention to simplicity and minimalism – the décor is unassuming and simple. A selection of 16 tap beers and a wide variety of umami snacks take over the palette at this bar, where taste and flavours reign supreme.

Ambience: Minimalist
Cuisine: Modern, Western
Must-try: Tap beers with cheese platter
Timings: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM every day

2. The Winery Tapas I Bar
This Spanish pub boasts of an impressive collection of organic, sustainable wine labels in fruity flavours. The menu is inspired by the four seasons – the freshly sourced ingredients are combined in delightful ways. The hot and cold tapas are served with a variety of accompaniments, while the seafood options with scallops and octopi are creamy and delicious.

Ambience: Cozy
Cuisine: Spanish
Must-try: Paella, oyster tapas, ham croquetas
Timings: Sunday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Friday, Saturday: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM

3. The Single Cask
This intimate whisky bar is nestled in a corner of Caldwell House. This Whisky Ambassador-accredited member of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society presents a fine selection of spirits, bottled and served by a well-experienced barman. The warm, plush interiors are perfect to enjoy great conversation and some fine whisky while at CHIJMES.

Ambience: Luxuriant cozy
Cuisine: Western
Must-try: Whisky cocktail
Timings: Monday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Sunday: closed

4. The Berlin Bar & Restaurant
The Berlin promises something special for every patron, be it thumping music for disco-lovers or delectable snacks for foodies. The Berlin Bar is a space for freedom, hope, and uniqueness – its food options and cocktails echo this belief. The live music performances are an added bonus!

Ambience: Dance bar/fast casual
Cuisine: European
Must-try: Four cheese pizza, Berlin’s platter
Timings: Sunday – Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Wednesday, Thursday: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Friday, Saturday: 5:00 PM – 4:00 AM

5. Moa Tiki Bar & Grill
This New Zealand-themed bar at CHIJMES boasts of craft beer, wines, and spirits from the land of the Kiwis. The traditionally brewed beers are fresh and bubbly, while the lunch and dinner options are equally lip-smacking. The hand-rolled pizzas, honey ribs, barbequed meats, and burgers are perfect for an evening with loved ones!

Ambience: Casual
Cuisine: Western
Must-try: BBQ pork ribs, tapas
Timings: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM every day

6. Harry’s
This cosy bar is ideal for a comfortable night out to watch a game or catch up with friends. The light pale ales are floral and refreshing, while the lagers are rich and luxuriant. The dining options offer comfort foods and decadent treats from the wild West!

Ambience: Sports bar
Cuisine: Western
Must-try: Signature wings, Margherita flatbread, sticky date toffee pudding
Timings: Sunday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM, Friday, Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM

7. El Mero Mero
This modern Mexican restaurant imports ingredients fresh from the motherland, ensuring that authentic flavours are not lost. An impressively vast menu serves traditional Mexican favourites with a Singaporean twist. The fresh house-made salsas and sauces are an added bonus. The bar boasts of a great selection of tequilas, Hispanic wines, and mezcals – what’s not to like?

Ambience: Contemporary
Cuisine: Mexican
Must-try: Baja fish tacos, Hamachi and coconut ceviche
Timings: Sunday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Friday, Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM

8. Bobby’s Restaurant & Bar
This all-American bar is modelled after western bars, complete with a red-bricked façade and wooden panels. The specially curated furniture and décor add to the theme and transports patrons to the past, complete with electric cocktails and appetizing meats. The alfresco outdoor dining area holds sports screenings too!

Ambience: Wild-West-themed
Cuisine: American
Must-try: Buffalo wings, Baby back BBQ ribs
Timings: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM every day

9. Anglo Indian Café and Bar
This Indian restaurant brings the best of the country to Singapore at CHIJMES, with a uniquely British twist to it. This venue specializes in Punjabi dishes cooked on a special Tandoor (stove grill). Seasoned with the most fragrant Indian and British spices, these dishes are hard to resist. The outdoor seating venue is a comfortable location to people-watch while sipping on beer or wine.

Ambience: Fine dining
Cuisine: Asian
Must-try: Chicken Tikka masala wrap, Tandoori fish
Timings: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM every day

10. Giardino Pizza Bar & Grill
This Italian restaurant promises to bring rustic, authentic food to patrons, with artisan doughs and fresh ingredients. The wood-fired pizzas are delightfully savoury and decadent, while the Italian wines are heady and fruity. We recommend the in-house wines paired with antipasti and pizza!

Ambience: Casual
Cuisine: Italian
Must-try: Pork snail sausage, Misto Carne pizza
Timings: Monday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Friday: 5:00 PM – midnight, Saturday: 12:00 PM – midnight, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Cafes

Hvala
A modern teahouse best known for brewing Japanese teas.

Timings: 9:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Glasshouse
A speciality coffee and toast bar, the Glasshouse is known for its epicurean sandwiches and artisanal kopi (coffee)

Timings: Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturday - Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Services

Bold Fitness
From weight loss programs to pre and postnatal training, from martial arts to bodybuilding, from post-rehab training to sports-specific programs, Bold Fitness Club provides personal training with extraordinary skill and efficiency.

Natureland Massage Therapy
Unwind and relax at the top-notch spa treatments offered at the Natureland Massage Therapy and let yourself be rejuvenated at the hands of skilled professionals.

Shun Sakurai Hair and Beauty Salon
Step into the salon that incorporates new technology and brilliant ideas to enrich your body and heart through professional treatment and allow yourself to be pampered.

Architecture of the CHIJMES

A peaceful oasis in the busy city-state, the CHIJMES complex is reputed for its magnificent group of buildings, each belonging to a different period in order to maintain aesthetic diversity. From the early Anglo-French Gothic Revival style of the CHIJMES Hall to the Neoclassical style of the Caldwell Hall, the complex houses some of the most beautiful architectural styles.

The former, designed by George Coleman, is characterised by its flying buttresses that fringe the five-storey spire at the entrance and the intricate wall frescoes, plasterwork and colossal panels of stained glass. The latter, on the other hand, features a bay on the upper floor, with marble waterfalls, gildings, detailed engravings and inscriptions.

Caldwell House
The first building in CHIJMES, Caldwell House is a nineteenth-century neoclassical monument that originally housed the Senior Magistrate’s clerk. It was then used as the venue For the Sisters of the Holy Infant Jesus School for almost a century. In 1990, the building was named a national monument and renovated as the ‘Alcove at Caldwell House,’ a popular wedding venue. The elegant Doric columns, wooden ceilings, and private bridal suite make Caldwell House an iconic venue for all special occasions.

CHIJMES Hall
CHIJMES Hall is an exquisite function hall located within the CHIJMES complex. Once the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus Chapel, this hall was built in 1904. The stunning columns, buttresses, and spires in the building are breathtaking to gaze at – the gothic capitals on the columns depict tropical flowers and birds. The stained glass windows lining the high ceilings give the hall an ethereal look when multi-coloured sunlight light streams in. Gazetted as a national monument in 1990, this hall is now used for weddings and corporate events. The wedding scene of the 2018 blockbuster film Crazy Rich Asians was shot here!

How to Reach CHIJMES

MRT: Disembark at the City Hall MRT Station and walk through the Raffles City Mall to reach CHIJMES located just across the street from the exit of the shopping mall.

Bus: Get on bus numbers 130, 133, 145, 190, 851 or 960 and alight at the bus stop on Victoria Street Cathedral. It hardly takes one minute to reach CHIJMES from there.