There are a few core elements that make up the role-playing game (RPG) experience, including questing, exploration, and character interaction, but taverns don’t always come to mind. Serving as multifunctional hubs, they offer a space where weary minds can rest and hungry mouths can feast, all in the presence of (mostly) good company.
Bondfire Tavern, the latest medieval fantasy-themed restaurant in Singapore, is about as close as a real-world counterpart gets. Tucked away in Kampong Bahru, the 80-seat eatery invites visitors to, as its name suggests, bond over tabletop games and themed dishes, as well as regular Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) sessions and the occasional community initiative. Since doors opened in May, the team has steadily gained presence in the local scene, setting up camp at events such as TableCon Quest 2026 and Lion City Faire.
In contrast to its unassuming exterior, a majestic statue of Cthulhu – and a part of the Cthulhu: Death May Die board game – immediately gets the ball rolling inside. Map illustrations adorn the walls, while various knick-knacks are strewn across the premises, including weapon props, an adorable dragon plush (affectionately named Lunch, after the tavern’s mascot, Breakfast), and a display of special-edition Pokémon TCG cards.
Adding to the cosy comfort are the warm lighting and a selection of over 130 offerings, from Singapore-specific picks and household names like Jenga and Monopoly to adaptations of the video games Devil May Cry, Deep Rock Galactic, and Bloodborne. Elsewhere, D&D gets its own dedicated corner with rulebooks, miniatures, custom LEGO creations, and more.
To keep things fresh, Bondfire Tavern features a different theme each month, with dragons taking the spotlight for September. Rentals for tabletop games start at S$5 per person per hour, and those who spend at least S$40 can enjoy free access. Alternatively, a Day Pass is also available for S$15.
Committed to the role-playing act, co-owner Ernest Ng often dons the getup of Liandros Selvre, which he created as the owner and barkeep of Bondfire Tavern. While genre fans will appreciate the fantasy stylings of its menu, crafted in collaboration with a chef over one month, the general crowd can look forward to a healthy smorgasbord of drinks, small bites, and main courses – some with an Asian twist to the Western recipe, such as the sakura ebi spaghetti, called The Tidelord’s Temptation (S$26), and mentaiko prawn pizza (The Ryūjin, S$28).
The egg confit (The Merchant’s Morning, S$12) and prawn karaage (The Deckhand’s Basket, S$16) emerged as standouts in a five-dish order, with the silken onsen eggs cooked at the right consistency and complementing the creamy truffle-topped mashed potatoes. As for the latter, the battered-coated prawns were served with a light golden-brown sheen and crunchy shells that went down the throat smoothly. The beef quesadilla (The Warrior’s Fold, S$20), honey bourbon chicken pizza (The Vulcan, S$24), and halibut fish and chips (The Dockyard Daily, S$24) were more standard fare, but the generous portions and above-average quality – compared to most board game cafés and their ilk, at least – earn points for value. A special shoutout to the perfectly crispy fries, too.
Similarly, the beverages are named after magic potions and have their own lore. The Eldritch Invocation (S$12), for instance, is a concoction of herbal syrup, citrus and berry that was “revealed to a warlock as a boon of his pact,” while the blend of cranberry, pomegranate, and lime in Helixer (S$12) features a sweet, tangy profile. Stirring the layers reveals a nod to the rejuvenation potions in the Diablo video game series, coalescing into a sea of green. For those seeking an alcohol option, the Gelatinous Cube cocktail (S$25) marries melon with citrus for a crisp, tart finish.
The lack of coffee and dessert, with only three ice cream flavours available, is a bit of a shame, but otherwise, Bondfire Tavern keeps its guests well fed in the heart of the city. Alongside weekday set lunches at S$15, discounts are in place for creatives, healthcare workers, and students. More than just a dining and play space, it also doubles as a community gathering ground for weekly gaming sessions, board game nights, and D&D experiences, keeping its welcoming doors open till 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Location details for Bondfire Tavern are as follows:
- Address: 79 Kampong Bahru Road, #01-01, Singapore 169377
- Opening hours: 11am to 11pm (Sunday to Thursday); 11am to 2am (Friday and Saturday)
Event images were shot using a Sony α7 IV Full-Frame Hybrid Camera equipped with the following lenses: Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS, and 28-70mm F2 GM.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Kevin Low
