Brian Kennett
Amateur Chef and Boozy Traveling Foodie Extraordinaire
Hopscotch (Capitol) Review: One of the very best set-lunches I have ever had. It's a must-try, folks...
Hopscotch (Capitol) Review: Is this one of Singapore’s funkiest lunch + drinks venues? I tell you it’s not far from it. We were sat right by the entrance to Capitol Theatre and it was buzzing. We did not this day, but for sure we’ll be back to get stuck into that cocktail menu – you really should have a look at that, totally unique offerings and incredible concoctions they hand-craft here.
So, like us this day, if you’ve ever wandered past the gleaming façade of The Capitol Kempinski and thought, “I need food, a cold drink, and pazazz all at once,” you’ll meet Hopscotch (Capitol). This place is part-restaurant, part-bar, and I hope that our Hopscotch (Capitol) Review will walk you through why I think it deserves your table booking – especially for the set-lunch, which is just WOW!!!
Hopscotch (Capitol) Review: Table of Contents
Why the location and vibe matters for Hopscotch (Capitol)
Set at 15 Stamford Road, Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski, Hopscotch occupies a sun-lit atrium that blends colonial echoes with modern design. The setting feels right: high ceilings, white-washed walls, polished floors, and a bustling energy that convinces you the place is totally alive. It’s great to just sit and just watch the light shift across the atrium windows, as people hustle and bustle their way through the arcade..
According to attendee reviews, Hopscotch is considered “trendy” and “vibrant”, but also “crowded”. I’ll +1 that we had some KPop Band event going on at Capitol Theatre, so it was mobbed around us as we ate, but not such a bad thing for my family – we love it. But, if you prefer quiet, reflective dining, you might be in a bit high-noise territory for you here. But if you’re in for high energy dining, it hits home hard.
Worth noting for the Hopscotch (Capitol) Review: once you step in, expect equal attention to the food and the cocktails. Reviews repeatedly call out the “creative drink menu” and quirky plates. So you’re booking for more than pasta—be ready for theatrical drinks as well, just click on the drinks menu below and go to the cocktails – there’s some absolute beauties in there, and I feel a date night coming on soon with my darling Wifey.
Photo courtesy of Hopscotch (Capitol) Website.
Is Hopscotch a restaurant or a bar?
It is literally both. Check out those cool bar vibes and casual dining area. They have put out a lot more high tables since this photo was taken, to accomodate for additional guests. It’s a kool space in Singapore. I really enjoyed it, just sitting there with a cold beer, watching the world whizz by in slo-mo: and then the food starting coming out, which is when Hopscotch (Capitol) shifted up some gears, and some.
What to eat at Hopscotch (Capitol)?
When chatting about Hopscotch’s food, what pops up most often are the set lunch deals, with standout plates that flirt with indulgence. For example: a review notes the lunch set for around S$22.90++ gives you soup, mains and drink, which is damned sharp for downtown Singapore. Our entire lunch bill was about $100 less than we’d normally incur in our home suburb, Siglap. Now, that I am liking a lot.
One favourite, that many mention: the lobster bisque and the truffle furikake linguine. The latter is described as “rich and perfectly balanced.” Ours were the Wagyu Beef Cubes, and Duck Confit-more of those later.
In dinner mode, meat lovers point to the black garlic ribeye steak, the cereal prawn burger and the sweet-and-sour sticky pork ribs as highlights. For example, one reviewer on Burpple loved the black garlic ribeye with bone marrow butter and the sweet & sour ribs that “fell off the bone effortlessly.” The dessert and drink side of things also get mentions: creative cocktails, combos that seem made for Instagram. Another review calls Hopscotch Singapore-themed cocktails “top notch”.
I might need to reach out to them about our soon coming to Singapore, collaboration with Matthew McConaughey and our amazing selection of Pantalones Organic Tequila Singaporean Cocktails.
So for our little Hopscotch (Capitol) Review, I’m marking the lunch set-menu as a massive strong point: fun, incredible value for the quality they served up, and the cocktails matter nearly as much – we just need go get some of those down our throat, and in this review.
Palate Cleanser
This beautiful little shot came as a freebie before the food started to come out. Super-citrus frozen slushy, with a little mint and peanuts. Totally bonkers good, and what a way to start. So unexpected, but so very very good.
Truffled Burrata w Aged Balsamic, Vine Tomatoes
Wild Forest Mushroom Soup
Mushroom soup is one of those restaurant levellers I use to gauge how good a restaurant is likely going to be. Same with a steak, or sisig if in the Philippines. And Hopscotch nailed it with their version. Intense flavour of mushrooms smacked through this uber-creamy offering, with hints of truffle in there too. What an absolute delight it was to eat this. WOW!!! One of the best ever.
Lobster Bisque
Clearly, not for me and/or Jude Jude, but Wifey was ooooing and aaaaing and the way through this lobster delicacy. Again, another knockout soup in the set-lunch menu. Wifey said it was truly delicious, and that bowl was clean when it left the table: believe me.
Pan Seared Wagyu Cubes
Oh boy oh boy, how good was this… Again, we could have eaten this three times over. Such delicious Wagyu Beef, super-tender and flavourful, I think with little rice puffs for additional texture. That was incredible, but then, the charred cabbage. My goodness gracious me, total killer dish together. Great job Hopscotch, that’s a small plate, and some. Total killer!!!
Brown Butter Asparagus and Leeks
Charred Leeks, Gribiche Egg Sauce, Crispy Tempura Bits. Thiss took me back to being a kid at school when the local fish and chip shop would give us free batter scraps. Yep, that’s the same here with tempura ‘bits’, with a rather scrummy egg salad atop charred asparagus. Sooooo good.
Chilli Lobster Malfadine Pasta
Half Boston Lobster, Homemade Signature Chilli Lobster Sauce, Chilli Hair. This was up there with the lobster bisque according to wifey. She devoured the lobster almost in one mouthful (so it seemed), and was literally coo’ing about how delicious the sauce was with the pasta. I can only give a massive thumbs up from me for the plating – visually stunning.
Duck Confit
Mandarin Salsa, Fluffy Roasted Potatoes, Red Wine and Foie Gras Sauce. Stop the Duck Tours Bus, get off and get on this one. I tell you, Jude Jude and me love duck confit, and this one was up there with the absolute best I have ever eaten. Totally sublime. I could have eaten three more of these. You simply must get this in your life one day. #BeProudHopscotch, it’s totally WOOF!!!
The duck was so very moist and fall-apart to the touch. The skin had a crunch on it that could be heard in Malaysia. The little roasty potatoes were seriously moreish. And then. Then you get to that sauce, that ever so umami sauce, with the Foie. Holy Moly. I was literally stopped in my tracks by this thing of beauty.
But then get the perfect bite: duck, skin, sauce… my head was spinning, I was certain I could hear harps being played and little ducks with wings singing. My goodness gracious me. Stuff of legend is this dish!!! I will be back for just this.
Oreo Crush
Strawberry Cordial, Passionfruit, Orange, Lime, Pink Guava, Grenadine Milk, Oreo Cookies, Frappease, Pink Himalayan Salt. Need I say any more about this, than, have a look at Jude Jude’s face. Yeah, twas goooooood!!!
Hopscotch (Capitol) Menu
What does Hopscotch (Capitol) have to say?
“The Capitol Arcade location is perhaps Hopscotch’s most iconic home so far. Located right outside the historic Capitol Theatre, Hopscotch once again finds itself close to the arts — a place with almost a century worth. After its revamp in 2015, the immediate area surrounding Capitol Theatre was transformed into the picturesque sunlit atrium where Hopscotch (Capitol) nests at today, “Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski”.
The fully air-conditioned atrium exudes old world charm reminiscent of Colonial era streets with modern expression, a fascinating amalgamation of the old and new. Being located at City Hall also offers much accessibility, a convenience that our original location once had. To us, this is the perfect space for merry men, lively crowds, and vibrant atmosphere, the perfect place to host guests.”
Hopscotch (Capitol) Review: Final Thoughts
Budget wise: lunch sets from S$18.90 to S$22.90++ are strong value. Dinner mains will run you S$30-S$40+ for premium items like ribeye steak or lobster pasta.
Location wise: at Capitol Arcade near City Hall MRT—very convenient for both locals and visitors. Hopscotch Bar Reservations wise: wise to book for dinner, especially on weekends or for large groups. Dress smart-casual.
Highlights to ask for: the cereal prawn burger, black garlic ribeye steak, and their creative cocktails. Mention that you’re after “signature cocktails” and staff may suggest something special. One note: reviews mention staff explaining drink story for guests (which adds to experience), and yes I witnessed this. They are proud of their craft, and I love that.
Final Verdict — Is Hopscotch worth your time?
After a lunch at Hopscotch (Capitol), Wifey and I walked out having had reasonable priced icy cold beers, mocktails with flare and delicious plates that had stories to tell, over and over. The space at Capitol Arcade buzzes comfortable and lively, the menu gives you dishes that punch above their price, and the location, near City Hall MRT, means taxis aren’t required afterwards.
Bottom line: Hopscotch (Capitol) earns a genuine and resounding “let’s come back soon” rating from me—I need that duck confit and Wagyu beef cubes in my life again, and I seriously feel the need for a deep-dive into those signature cocktails. Hope to see you there, folks, ENJOY!!!
Hopscotch (Capitol) Opening Hours
Opening Hours:
Sat – Thu: 12pm – 230pm || 5pm – 1030pm
Fri: 12pm – 230pm || 5pm – 12am
Hopscotch (Capitol) Address @ The Capitol Kempinski
Is Hopscotch (Capitol) Halal?
Despite the fact of having quite a good selection of ‘zero’ alcohol/mocktail offerings, and distinct lack of pork, it is categorically not halal: just check the cocktail list, and you’ll see what I mean.
What is the Hopscotch (Capitol) Dress Code?
Smart casual I’d say, hey it’s within a shopping mall/precinct. We had lunch and I rocked up in a nice shirt, shorts and flip flops. It seemed OK, all around were dressed the same.
Hopscotch (Capitol) Reservation
What are Hopscotch Capitol Contact Details
- Reservations: +65 6513 0035
- General Enquiries: +65 9004 4543
- eMail: enquiries@hopscotch.sg
What is Capitol Theatre?
If you’ve ever strolled past City Hall and wondered “What is Capitol Theatre?”, it’s a 1930 Art Deco/Neoclassical landmark at 17 Stamford Road that began life as one of the Far East’s grandest movie palaces—think sliding roof panels for ventilation, a huge auditorium, and visits from early Hollywood royalty.
It closed in 1998, slept for years, and then returned in May 2015 after an extensive restoration that kept the heritage bones while modernising the tech, including a configurable seating system for films, concerts and events. Today it anchors the Capitol Singapore cluster beside The Capitol Kempinski and the conserved Capitol Building (15 Stamford Road), right in the civic district. In short: historic shell, refreshed venue, primed for premieres, performances and big-room gatherings.
How do you visit, and what happens inside now?
You’ll find it a short walk from City Hall MRT via the underground link to Capitol Singapore; buses along Stamford and North Bridge roads also stop within a minute or two. The theatre is operated as a hireable venue for screenings, shows, conferences and weddings; Kempinski lists capacity notes of roughly 865 seats (reception up to ~400), while the official venue site positions it as a flexible, “stage what you want” space. Expect the restored plasterwork, Pegasus reliefs, and contemporary production kit—plus the surrounding dining and hotel options in the same complex. Check the Capitol Theatre or Capitol Singapore pages for event listings and booking.
What is the Kempinski Hotel?
If you’ve ever checked into the heritage-rich precinct of Capitol Singapore and found yourself thinking, “What is Kempinski Hotel exactly?”, here’s a straight-forward explanation. The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, occupies two conserved heritage buildings—Stamford House (1904) and Capitol Building (1930)—which were refurbished and last opened as the Kempinski in October 2018.
Now, if you’re wondering why mention Kempinski in a food-centric blog like Is Life a Recipe, it’s because the hotel combines historic architecture, polished service and an integrated location where fine dining, hotel stays and heritage meet. The phrase Kempinski Hotel here serves as shorthand for a premium heritage-hotel stay in downtown Singapore—a place where your room view might include neoclassical facades, café atriums and more. Guests rate its location, service and design highly, though some note that amenities like the gym or pool are moderate in scale compared to larger city resorts.
How does it feel to stay at Kempinski Hotel Singapore?
Staying at the Kempinski Hotel means you’re lodged in the heart of Singapore’s civic and cultural district. City Hall MRT is a very short walk away (via Capitol Singapore link-way) and the property is seamlessly connected to the Arcade @ The Capitol and the lifestyle precinct within Capitol Piazza. The décor is a mix of preserved heritage elements (arched windows, wood floors, high ceilings) with contemporary furnishings: Italian marble, refined colour palettes and attention to detail.
From a practical standpoint, the service frequently receives high marks: check-in is efficient, staff are described as attentive and the “Lady in Red” hosts are referenced in guest comments. On the flip side, those looking for expansive resort-style amenities may feel some limitations (pool or gym sizes more modest than mega-resorts). In short: if your plan is premium city-stay with heritage charm, the Kempinski Hotel Singapore fits. If you’re after sprawling resort-scale leisure, adjust expectations accordingly.