New York Bistro Vibes in the Heart of Singapore’s CBD

#summervacay Tucked inside Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Market Bistro might be one of those spots you’d walk past during a weekday lunch rush—business types grabbing grain bowls and iced lattes. But come evening, the space slows down and transforms into something a little more intimate. With its sleek black-and-white palette, subway tiles, and soft lighting, it’s got a low-key New York bistro vibe that feels both polished and cozy. We went for a casual dinner date here, and the food really surprised us—in a good way. We started with the kale chicken Caesar salad, which was way better than expected. The kale was fresh and crisp, not overly bitter, and the grilled chicken was juicy with just the right amount of char. There was a good crunch from the croutons, and the Caesar dressing wasn’t too heavy. Clean, well-balanced, and a solid opener. Next came the crispy squid fritters—light, golden, and not oily at all. Each bite had that addictive crunch, with tender squid inside and a side of house-made aioli that we shamelessly dipped everything in. The octopus arrabbiata stood out the most—it was rich, spicy, and comforting. Tender grilled octopus pieces over pasta coated in a smoky, slightly fiery tomato-based arrabbiata sauce. This dish alone made us pause our convo just to savour every bite. For mains, we tried the Irish duck leg confit, which was fall-off-the-bone tender. The skin was crisped perfectly, and it came with a side that balanced the richness—maybe earthy mash or roasted veg (can’t remember exactly, we were too busy eating). And of course, we had to end on a sweet note with their New York cheesecake. Dense, creamy, and indulgent but not overly sweet. It had that proper buttery graham base that gives you that nostalgic NYC-style finish. To drink, we had an iced mocha and an iced matcha latte—nothing fancy but both solid. The mocha was chocolatey without being too sweet, and the matcha had that nice, earthy hit without being overly milky. Would we come back? Definitely. Market Bistro nails that balance of unfussy yet well-executed food. It’s not loud or trendy—it just feels like a reliable spot for good conversation, well-cooked plates, and an easygoing dinner tucked away in the heart of the city. Great for a weekday date night or even a quiet solo dinner if you're nearby.