Restaurant Ibid Verified listing

Restaurant Ibid, tucked away on 18 North Canal Road in Singapore’s historic Boat Quay conservation district, occupies a redesigned traditional shophouse that blends sleek minimalism with subtle Chinoiserie touches. Its façade may seem understated, but stepping inside reveals a 54-seat dining space bathed in soothing off-white, grey, and celadon tones. Design highlights include a wall of antique Chinese medicine drawers and a latticed window-frame shelf above the open kitchen counter, setting the tone for a refined yet unpretentious dining experience.

The restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Woo Wai Leong, winner of MasterChef Asia, who brings a fresh take on Nanyang-style contemporary Chinese cuisine. Guests are treated to curated tasting menus—available in four-, six-, or eight-course options—featuring inventive dishes like spring onion shao bing with yeasted butter and laksa leaves, escargot skewers with Dou Ban Jiang mayo, and lotus-leaf wrapped glutinous rice with foie gras. Main courses often include bold East-meets-West flavours such as angelica-root short rib or foie gras-stuffed rice, while desserts creatively reinterpret local favourites with ingredients like soy milk ice cream, hibiscus tang yuan, and almond foam.

The atmosphere is cosy and modern, with a lively energy fuelled by the open kitchen and counter seating that encourages interaction with the chef and staff. The space feels intimate, making it ideal for special occasions or quiet evenings out. There’s no formal dress code—guests are welcome to dress up or come casually, with the focus placed on comfort and good food. Reservations are essential and should be made a few weeks in advance via their website. Be aware of the strict cancellation policy, and note that corkage is charged unless offset by an on-site wine purchase. Children over 12 are welcome, but they must dine from the same tasting menu as adults.