One Holland Village: A guide to pet-friendly eateries and new dining concepts

So this isn’t the first “pet-friendly” place you’ve heard of. It means that your pet can hang out there as long as they never go indoors, right?

The reception to One Holland Village, Singapore’s newest pet-friendly shopping destination, suggests that its predecessors have fallen short of expectations. Many have been deemed little more than open-air spaces with the token “pet-friendly” label, leaving owners wanting and their pets consumed with separation anxiety. 

But this is where the new mall, located five minutes from Holland Village MRT station, distinguishes itself. We’re not just talking about the courtyards, water fountains, and elevators dedicated to pets. Or the poop bag dispensers and “pet parking’ stations with leash hooks. We’re talking about over 20 eateries and stores pets can actually enter.

Pet-friendly stores are denoted by pet-friendly labels at their entrances, of which there are three types: Pets Welcome, Pets Welcome (Outdoor Seating) and Pets Welcome (Carrier Only).

We’re expecting more shops in the first quarter of 2024, though it was already bustling when CNA Lifestyle visited on a regular Tuesday. Until then, we thought we would give pawrents a glimpse of the best spots where their furkids are not merely tolerated but celebrated.

PET-FRIENDLY EATERIES

1. Plain Meredith

If your dog could talk, they’d probably be begging you for an air-conditioned escape. Fortunately, Plain Meredith, brought to you by Baker’s Brew (coming soon to One Holland Village), welcomes them with open arms, whether you fancy dining al fresco on a cool day or snuggling up inside for a hearty brunch on a hot afternoon.

Just in case they flash those puppy eyes while you’re digging into your steak and eggs, the cafe offers dog treats for sale on a scoop-and-weigh basis to keep Your Royal Gluttonous appeased. It’s also an ideal venue for birthdays, even for four-legged celebrants, with party packages, themed decor, and personalised goodie bags to keep those tails wagging.

Pets are allowed both indoors and outdoors, #02-23/24.

2. Surrey Hills Grocer

Inspired by the scenic beauty of Surrey Hills, Melbourne, and the baked treats from Surry Hills, Sydney, this cafe and grocer prides itself on Australian hospitality and the continent’s finest produce. Having already captured the hearts of shoppers in town and, more recently, the pet-loving community in Woodleigh, their fourth outlet is bound for One Holland Village.

Apart from the classic brunch favourites, the pet-friendly flagship will also house a pet grocer aptly named Furry Hills, where your companions can strut the aisles of premium treats and toys curated with the same care given to the human patrons.

Pets are allowed indoors, #03-29 to 33 (coming soon).

3. Extra Virgin Pizza

Sure, you might have glimpsed Extra Virgin Pizza at Asia Square, but we can think of a better place than the CBD to conclude an arduous work week. Try their new outlet in One Holland Village, where you can dig into comfort food in the company of your – quote unquote – emotional support animal.

Their artisanal Neapolitan pizza – a classic elevated with caputo nuvola flour, succulent tomatoes and gooey cheese – is the star of the show here. For an extra kick, add a drizzle of their house-made chilli to turn up the heat.

Now, your pets might not get VIP access indoors, but you’ve got a front row seat near the event space, because a pizza party isn’t complete without a side of live music.

Pets are allowed in the outdoor seating area, #01-03/04/05.

4. Ginkyo by Kinki

Fans of Kinki Restaurant + Bar at Customs House would be familiar with the establishment’s bold take on Japanese culinary traditions. In conceiving Ginkyo by Kinki at One Holland Village, the team has stayed faithful to this philosophy.

Ginkyo, named after a festival celebrated by local and international tourists alike, showcases a suitably cosmopolitan menu. Classics like Unagi Don and Okonimya take on new life in traditional clay pots and Swiss rostis, while fresh fish sourced directly from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market is expertly crafted Carpaccio-style. Keep a watchful eye on the nekos, though, as they might be tempted to sneak a bite.

Pets are allowed in the outdoor seating area, #03-01 to 04.

5. Fireplace by Bedrock

It seems the big boys are staking their claim at One Holland Village, with the award-winning steakhouse Bedrock introducing Fireplace – a brand new concept that remains committed to the brand’s trifecta of earth, food, and fire.

The restaurant’s piece de resistance is an open wood fire, imparting a smoky essence to the tantalising meats, fish, and fresh seasonal produce. Frankly, it feels a tad unfair to parade a half suckling pig before your little carnivore in tow. Brace yourself for a guilt trip while you pig out!

Pets are allowed in the outdoor seating area, #03-27/28.

On top of this handful, two other pet-friendly options cater more to on-the-go experiences than leisurely dining. Paris Baguette provides a pet-friendly bench outdoors, though without a table. Meanwhile, Caffeine Xpress, previously located beside the iconic Thambi Magazine Store on Holland Avenue, has got a brand new look as a takeaway kiosk.

Meanwhile, Sourbombe Bakery offers pet treats at their takeaway kiosk. Exclusive to the One Holland Village outlet, these include the Bombeccino, a dairy-only treat made for your pet’s licking pleasure, and the Doobeedonut, a donut-shaped pastry made with peanut butter and banana.

PET-FRIENDLY RETAIL AND SERVICES

If you’ve always wanted to get a manicure done with your Chihuahua on your lap, a la every chick flick from the Nineties, Nail Treatz will help you check that off your “cheap thrills” list. The salon prides itself on using non-toxic clean beauty products, so you know you’re getting a guilt-free glow-up.

In the name of self-care, you might even visit Artworks Gallery together, or take a cue from Miley Cyrus’ new hit and buy yourself flowers at Knots Flower Bar. 

Taking that well-deserved mental health day off? Sphere, an alternative wellness centre known for its infrared sauna and cold plunge treatments, is set to launch in early 2024 and will apparently welcome pets.

Now, we hardly think pet owners will take it personally if they can’t be accompanied by their furry friends when running errands, but you’d be surprised by the establishments that are down to host them.

Sony welcomes your furkid with open arms, just in case you need a model for testing out their cameras and lenses, and SnackFirst offers raw seeds and chew toys to keep them busy while you stock up on the pantry.

We can’t even imagine why you’d need your pets around when having prescription glasses made, but if you're clingy like that, Capitol Optical and Spectacle Hut are here for you. Note that the latter, along with the stores with an asterisk here, allow pets indoors only if they’re in a carrier or stroller.

HUMANS ONLY

A quick glance at the mall directory reveals no lack of Asian dining options.

If you’re a fan of Japanese food, chain restaurants such as Ippudo, Maze Soba Hototogisu and Sushi Tei are right at your fingertips. Matsukiya, a fresh concept by Sushi Tei, has also landed here, spotlighting traditional kushiyaki grilled over bincho tan.

In addition to the familiar names like Din Tai Fung, Paradise Classic, and Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen, One Holland Village is gearing up for Chinese restaurants including:

Lau Wang Legacy Claypot

Famed for dishing out budget-friendly zi char delights in a cosy air-conditioned setting, Lau Wang Legacy Claypot, typically nestled in the heartlands, has now extended its reach to One Holland Village. Now, everyone can savour their renowned Sesame Chicken, offered in Mala variations, and Homemade Ngoh Hiang.

Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine

The restaurant is known for its Hunan-style fried pork, but they also hold a special pride in something seemingly simple: Rice. Using premium Wuchang rice, meticulously measured and steamed with pure drinking water in a miniature pot, the process unfolds for all patrons to witness. And while waiting in line for your turn, you can treat yourself to unlimited snacks and ice cream.

Hippot

Originating from Liang Seah Street, this hotpot restaurant is renowned for its assortment of top-notch meats, ranging from black pork to snowflake beef, in case the usual pork belly doesn’t quite tickle your taste buds. Like Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine, Hippot has also taken notes from Hai Di Lao, offering complimentary desserts for all and free meals for children.

DESSERTS

No matter where your gastronomical adventure kicks off, make sure to leave a little room for dessert as anyone with a sweet tooth will be spoiled for choice here. Cakebar, purveyor of artisanal sweets so stunning they could pass for art, has secured its spot. Meanwhile, Chateraise Premium Yatsudoki, a sophisticated spinoff of the popular patisserie, has found its home on the ground floor.

In the upcoming months, the matcha maestros at Tsujiri Premium and the OG of mille crepes, Lady M New York, will be joining the scene. Adding to the mix is Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, which hails from the Big Apple but churns a mean French-style ice cream. Its first international outpost had just opened in Orchard Central this August, but it seems Singaporeans prefer their ice cream just like their mooncakes – with double the amount of egg yolks.