The ultimate guide to new restaurants and bars in Singapore 2024

Ida’s Bar

Ida’s Bar has made camp at Gilman Barracks, making way for a round of artwork discussions after an afternoon spent viewing the galleries. The al fresco bar and restaurant is decorated in a calming botanical array, and with this running theme, its menu is no different. Small plates include a variety of vegetarian options, including picks such as homemade potato gnocchi and Holland padron peppers. Items from the grill, however, are catered to seafood lovers, especially its five-hour sous vide octopus with smoky chorizo and potato. Finally, it’s not a bar without cocktails. Our pick is the Bitter Bramble, a whisky-based, smoky sip for those who love a little kick out of their drink.

Ida’s Bar 
Address: 9 Lock Road, 02-21 Gillman Barracks, S(108937), +65 8809 2752

Le Pristine

Founded by award-winning chef Sergio Herman, Le Pristine defines itself with an unmatched passion for capturing Italian culinary traditions with a touch of the chef’s Dutch Zeeland heritage. Nestled within the Grand Hyatt Singapore, the restaurant has introduced a brewing movement dubbed ‘New Italian’.

At its core is the promise of a creative blend of Italian and Zeeland flavours, high-quality local ingredients, and a balance between creativity and innovation. The symbol of this motion is Le Pristine’s signature seafood orecchiette, featuring langoustine, shellfish, squid, sea herbs, ’nduja (spicy pork sausage from the Calabria region of Italy), and orecchiette pasta.

Le Pristine
Address: 10 Scotts Road, S(228211), +65 6732 1234

Somma

In terms of gastronomic choices, lifestyle enclave New Bahru simply keeps giving. This time, it’s Somma by Puglian chef Mirko Febbrile, a fine-dining restaurant and a modern cocktail bar. Meaning ‘sum’ in Italian, Somma sure is an ambitious move for Febbrile. But with his first venture Fico becoming an East Coast hit, you can expect no less from this new project. Somma explores a creative take on modern Italian cuisine inspired by his experiences in both Italy and around the globe. Diners can expect a six-course menu that celebrates the beauty of simplicity. Menu showstoppers include the slipper lobster with spaghettone, an umami filled red carrot sauce, and sea snails.

Somma
Address: 46 Kim Yam Rd, 04-02 New Bahru, S(239351), +65 9756 1590

In case you missed it: A food lover’s guide to the newest restaurants and bars in New Bahru

Deadfall Cantina

North Canal Road’s Deadfall has begun to spin a new story for itself. Rebranding as Deadfall Cantina, the bar now serves up all things Mexico. The 45-seater bar offers a selection of 72 agave-based spirits, including mezcal, tequila, and raicilla. Each spirit inspires a speciality cocktail, and the Oaxacan Wine is all about mezcal and tequila, accompanied by americano, chamomile, and honey. Its food menu is equally as special, fusing Singaporean and Mexican flavours. Diners are invited to build a ‘Mexiporean’ dish, where the Singapore chilli prawn and beef rendang make for an eye-catching choice for a taco, quesadilla, or burrito protein topping.

Deadfall Cantina
Address: 16 North Canal Rd, #01-01, S(048828), +65 8869 4798

Read more: Sips, not shots: How tequila is becoming popular in Asia for all the right reasons

Les Ducs

Injecting ‘fun’ into French cuisine, chef Louis Pacquelin blends French comfort food with Asian flavours. At Les Ducs, graze on the croque prata, whose name speaks for itself; a braised Wagyu beef cheek showered with Indonesian rawon daging spices; and French clams cooked in white wine and shallots coupled with a hearty Javanese soto ayam broth. This brave marriage of two otherwise disparate cuisines proves just how chef Pacquelin intends to break away from stereotypes to pack a friendlier punch into French cuisine.

Les Ducs
Address: 8 Ann Siang Hill, S(069788), +65 9853 4710

Seoul Noodle Shop

Kalguksu (or knife-cut noodles) is an elusive dish despite the wide selection of Korean restaurants in Singapore, and chef Lee Won Il has something to say about that. Korea’s famous knife-cut noodles is no longer exclusive to travellers to Gwangjang Market, home of Netflix’s knife-cut noodle lady–thanks to Seoul Noodle Shop. The restaurant’s triumph lies in its masterful creation of the chewy and elastic texture synonymous with kalguksu. Made fresh daily, noodles come in 12 different varieties, including bowls with pork bone and Busan shrimp.

Seoul Noodle Shop 
Address: Multiple locations, 99 Tanjong Pagar Road, S(078520), +65 9632 5814

Asu

In order to find Asu, look for the 10,000 square-feet black-and-white colonial bungalow that rests atop a hill on Labrador Park. Led by Singaporean chef Ace Tan, Asu is a pan-Asian adventure featuring local flavours with a modern twist. Think along the lines of Traditional Chinese Medicine, selecting seasonal ingredients for their health benefits to ensure each dish goes beyond just satisfying palates. It’s opening menu “Origins” is Asu’s nod to Singaporean cuisine, featuring innovative recreations of dumplings and ngoh hiang.

Asu 
Address: 30 Labrador Villa Road, S(119189)

Pizza Maru

This one’s for the parents who need for a little respite while their kids swing away at X-Scap8, also known as the largest integrated indoor fun ground. A Korean flavoured pizza authority in Singapore, Pizza Maru has amassed a steady chain of restaurants, while its newest location boasts opportunities for relaxation and de-stressing. Alongside this new opening, there are two pizza flavours you won’t find anywhere else: the Pepperosy Chicago Pizza, featuring Pizza Maru’s patented black rice dough topped with cheese and vegetable selections; and the Bulgogi Taco Party Pizza, baked with green tea dough and loaded with juicy bulgogi and crispy nacho chips. 

Pizza Maru 
Address: Multiple locations, 181 Orchard Road, #07-02 Orchard Central, S(238896), +65 6908 2857

Le Bon Funk

It’s six years in the scene for Le Bon Funk and they’re still grooving to their own beat. With venues in Club Street and Holland Village, New Bahru is the third addition to the Le Bon Funk family. This expansion is dubbed Chef-Owner Keirin Buck’s new chapter: dabbling in the cocktail scene. Bar Bon Funk’s cocktail programme, led by head bartender Josiah Chee, whose resume includes Jigger & Pony and 28 Hong Kong Street, the bar is inspired by Buck’s produce-driven approach, i.e., repurposing scraps to maximise the flavours of an otherwise discarded ingredient.

Made with a variety of techniques such as fermentation, distillation, fat-washing and clarification, you can bet that its drinks are unique flavour bombs that’ll leave you reminiscing about it in weeks to come. Be sure to try the Negroni, which features West Winds Cutlass Gin, Bon Funk Amaro and Bon Funk Vermouth; the latter two are ultrasonic-aged with charred American oak for a rounder and smoother finish.

Bar Bon Funk also has another trick up its sleeve, in the form of an evolving menu–you’ll never get the same thing twice. Featuring eight classics and eight signatures, the menu draws inspiration from flavours synonymous with Saturday mornings—think cereal-soaked milk with a combination of Availed Calvados and Le Gin Pira, loco-fermented strawberry honey, garnished with ‘pudding fruit loops’. 

Bar Bon Funk
Address: Block 46 Kim Yam Road, #02-01 New Bahru (Big Block), S(239351), +65 9621 6076

Wild Blaze

It’s all about beef at Wild Blaze. Serving up comfort steakhouse classics, carnivores are in for a real treat. One of the first restaurants to serve beef from prized Spanish producer Rubia Gallega, the meat is guaranteed an exceptional marble finish and delectable flavour profile with a nutty, sweet, and deep umami finish. A custom-built dry ageing room sits at the heart of the restaurant, drawing moisture from the meat to bring out the beefy flavour. Like they say, the older the wiser: and the beef certainly doesn’t disappoint. Grilled to a perfect medium rare over a mix of apple wood, cherry wood and lychee wood, pair a slice with béarnaise sauce livened up with tarragon, and twice-fried shoestring fries using Agria potatoes from France.

Chef-owner Nic Wong also recommends the signature Mac and cheese gratin as a fitting accompaniment to your mains, consisting of macaroni with gruyère, comté and cheddar in a white sauce of shallots, nutmeg, house-made chicken stock, and finished with a generous shower of parmesan.

Wild Blaze 
Address: 66 Tras Street, S(079005), +65 9371 3900

MoVida

The Singapore branch of this famous Australian tapas restaurant is just as toothsome and inviting as its predecessors. Born in Melbourne, MoVida is all about textured and flavourful tapas. A signature tapas selection is the classic croquetas that encase a creamy leek and lobster filling within a golden-fried exterior and a tartaleta filled with chicken liver parfait and sweet brûléed cap. MoVida boasts many other interesting selections, and we predict you won’t leave your seat until you’ve tried them all.

The Cecina sits as every table must-have. The award-winning dish back at the Melbourne restaurant is served exactly the same here, featuring air-cured Wagyu, truffle potato foam and poached eggs, combining three otherwise different elements into one flavour-packed dish.  And it’s not a Spanish affair without digging into a paella dish, which here comes topped with smoked prawns and barramundi chunks. As they say in Spain, buen provecho.

MoVida 
Address: 252 North Bridge Road, #03-43, S(179103), +65 8380 8509

Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu

Much of the appeal of Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu–Japan’s famous beef-cutlet chain—is its beef gyukatsu, a breaded and deep-fried beef cutlet in a koromo batter, a traditional Japanese method comprising beaten eggs; bread crumbs; flour; and cold water. Famous for its thick and lean-cut slabs of marbled beef, the quintessential Japanese beef restaurant has since amassed a legion of followers and has remained on the list of must-eats when in Japan. If you’re spoiled for choice from the many beef cut choices, the restaurant’s half-and-half option lets diners mix and match from different cuts, including sirloin, tenderloin, chuck tail flap, and tongue.

Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu
Address: 252 North Bridge Road, #B1-63/64 Raffles City Shopping Centre, S(179103)

Acqua e Farina

It’s never a dull affair at Acqua e Farina. Managed by chefs Antonio Manetto from Naples and Milanese native Roberto Galbiati, Italy’s diverse regional culinary styles are displayed in full force. Richer, heartier, lighter, and spicier, the restaurant’s gastronomic identity is poised to encompass all the hearty flavours of Italy. A must-try is the montanara, a twice-cooked pizza with a 36-hour hand-pressed dough and deep-fried till golden. The pie is then topped with mozzarella, Naples-style tomato sauce, house-made pork sausage, Italian spicy salami paste, before baking in the oven. Topped with creamy burrata, the result is a crispy, non-greasy pizza that is jam-packed with flavour. 

Acqua e Farina
Address: 35A Keong Saik Road, S(089142), +65 9105 2377

Madame

Creative cocktails, fine wines, and boutique spirits, you’d hardly remember you’re in Singapore after sipping on Madame’s Parisian-inspired drinks. Like its namesake, it’s a ladies’ affair every night, featuring a set of cocktails that pay tribute to iconic women. Step inside and you’ll be surrounded by Maison Drucker-inspired chairs and images of influential women, making it the perfect den for ladies who hold their own.

Madame 
Address: 69 Tras Street, S(079008), +65 8798 2153

27 Degrees West

India lies 27 Degrees West of Singapore, and as far as geographical reach goes, we’re definitely more than a short flight away. But what’s right here within our reach is Singapore’s newest Indian restaurant led by Mumbai celebrity chef Varun Inamdar. Rooted in both Northern and Southern Indian cuisine ranging from heartwarming classics to innovative creations, 27 Degrees West’s signature dishes include the minced tandoori chicken with minced tomatoes, cream, and knots (Indian dairy food); and a smoked lamb rack with Kolhapuri masala and Punjabi Beliram gravy. As the feast continues, choose from sea bass, Spanish octopus, black tiger prawns, or scallop, and pair them with the restaurant’s unique homemade sauces for a full gastronomic experience.

27 Degrees West 
Address: 362 Orchard Road, S(238887), +65 9100 0949

Cygnet

There’s a lot of competition when it comes to hotel restaurants, which stretches all throughout Singapore. But newly opened Cygnet at QT Singapore is quickly making a name for itself as a buzzing Manhattan steakhouse edition right here on our island. Helmed by award-winning British-born chef Sean Connolly, Cygnet is his culinary foray into Singapore’s dining scene with a menu that is focused on integrity and origin. Offering premium steaks including the Tajima Japanese Wagyu Rump, Australian Grass Fed Ribeye, and Connolly’s signature Duck Fat Roast Potatoes, these dishes certainly pack the punch for top quality and produce, in other words, every carnivore’s dream. Desserts are hearty or light, depending on your appetite, comprising a chocolate orange tart paired with chantilly cream, pistachio soufflé, or a cheese trolley where you have your pick of up to five pieces from a collection of the world’s best cheeses.

Cygnet
Address: 35 Robinson Road, S(068876), +65 6701 6800

Carnaby

Carnaby opened in Robertson Quay boasting a strong menu of boldly British elevated comfort fare. A joint initiative by The Goodburger and former potato head executive chef Adam Penney, the diner brings the British pub buzz Singapore is missing with a menu of offerings made with the finest of local and imported ingredients. Penney hopes to challenge the stereotype of bland British food by adding his own flare to recipes from his childhood while maintaining The Goodburger’s sustainable philosophy.

Alongside the succulent burger with a pillowy soft bun, carnivores will salivate at the sound of the steak and Guinness pie that is simmered in an Irish Guinness Stout for a deep, smokey flavour. The secret to the meat’s tenderness? Penney takes inspiration from Asian cuisine and adds tendons that contribute to the melt-in-the-mouth bite. Carnaby’s fish and chips takes the British classic up a notch with its vodka-infused batter made extra crunchy by pumping carbon dioxide into the crust.

Be sure to save some space for dessert with British favourites like the sweet and smoky amaretto-based trifle that layers sweet raspberry jelly with custard made from the spent grains of beer production. Carnaby crowns its desserts with tantalisingly crunchy and fragrant candied zest made from the fruit used in its cocktails. Adding a delightful freshness to each bite, addictive is an understatement.

Carnaby
Address: 60 Robertson Quay, #01-01, S(238252), +65 8890 7843

Uoharu

There’s no shortage of izakaya places in Singapore, but what makes Uoharu stand out from the flames is its commitment to reducing food wastage. Known for turning less-than-perfect produce from one of the largest fish markets in the world, Toyosu Market, the Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy takes a palpable turn to food, proving that there is no better way to eat with good intentions than at Uoharu. As you snag a seat, the nightly Katsuo Warayaki Show (traditional straw-roasting) ignites the grill, bringing perfectly imperfect dishes of undersized fish, scratched scallops, and crabs with miscounted legs to your table.

With its roots in Tokyo, Singapore marks the izakaya’s second international outpost after Hong Kong.

Uoharu 
Address: 01-16 IOI Central Boulevard Towers, 2 Central Boulevard, S(018916), +65 6931 2733

Casa Vostra

When pining for that familiar taste at that Italian trattoria a summer ago, Casa Vostra is your answer. This Italian joint is no stranger to Singapore, first launching a delivery-only pizza stop in 2023, followed by a pop-up at Ann Siang Hill to much fanfare. Its popularity is certainly taking the brand to greater heights, finding its new home at Raffles City. Marking the brand’s first brick-and-mortar store in Singapore, diners can look forward to Casa Vostra’s trademark handcrafted 12-inch Newpolitan and Doublecrunch pizzas that first captured the heart of the nation back when it was a humble pizza stop. Aside from pizzas, pasta aficionados can look forward to a lineup of unique pasta plates that are proudly made from scratch and by hand, with high-quality, natural ingredients.

Casa Vostra 
Address: 01-49/50/51, Raffles City, 252 North Bridge Road, S(179103), +65 9780 5362

Hayop

A slang word used in the Philippines that translates to “beast” and used to describe something unbelievably amazing, Hayop is Philippines’ entry to the food scene in Singapore. Sitting proudly as the first fine-casual Filipino restaurant in Singapore over at Amoy Street, it is slated to be a gateway for locals to get a taste of Filipino cuisine.

Committed to emulating what the pantry list in a Filipino household has, the restaurant will serve up classics including crispy sisig, adobo, halo-halo, and Wagyu and watermelon sinigang. Pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan options are also available.

Hayop 
Address: 104 Amoy Street, S(069924), +65 8028 9012

Read more: 11 Classic Filipino dishes everyone needs to try: Sinigang, adobo, and more

Pete’s Place

Opening this month along with the grand return of Grand Hyatt Singapore, Pete’s Place has been an Italian favourite amongst local palates. And dare we say, it’s back and better than ever. This cosy Italian restaurant has been a haunt for many, and rightly so, with its elevated menu of favourite Neapolitan flare. It’s refreshing return also includes an elevated and personalised off-the-menu experience at the specially designed chef’s table.

Pete’s Place 
Address: 10 Scotts Rd, Grand Hyatt, S(228211), +65 6738 1234

Cendra

Let us extend a warm bienvenido to Cendra, the newest kid on the block at Gemmill Lane. The Spanish tapas restaurant features a brightly lit open concept helmed by chef-owner Xavi, who had previously worked alongside renowned Spanish chefs like Nandu Jubany. At Cendra, he looks to infuse his style of Catalan Spanish cuisine with modern techniques. Signature dishes include the squid ink and Wagyu striploin rice “a la llauna” (cooked in an oven tray), a transitional method of Catalan Spanish cooking unique to Cendra.

Cendra 
Address: 5 Gemmill Lane, 01-01, S(069261), +65 9663 4084

Locanda

Locanda is the sister outlet of Michelin-starred Italian restaurant Buona Terra. Meaning “inn” in Italian, the restaurant screams rustic with its exposed red brick walls and rustic wooden furnishings. Helmed by an experienced team from Buona Terra, its food menu draws inspiration from various Italian regions, including that of Northern Italy, resulting in a richly toasted onion focaccia topped with melted Casera cheese. The restaurant’s focaccia is made from stone-ground Italian wheat flour and braised red Tropea onions, a process which takes six to seven hours to prepare and proof. Other dishes include pastas with flavourful, savoury sauces and in-house made gelato.

Locanda 
Address: 109 Rowell Road, S(208033), +65 9619 2691

Estiatorio Milos

Hailed as one of the most celebrated Greek restaurants in the world, Estiatorio Milos takes its Mediterranean fare to Marina Bay Sands, enhancing its stellar lineup of gourmet experiences. The restaurant promises an authentic and sophisticated dining experience influenced by the concept of philoxenia, the sacred art of making a stranger feel at home. True to this, expect quality ingredients prepared with simple techniques, just like you would for your guests at dinner parties.

What most wouldn’t have at home, however, is a spectacular fish market—the jewel in the crown—with around 15 varieties of wild-caught fish air-flown daily from the Mediterranean ranging from grouper, red sea bream to sea bass. Your fish of choice is then prepared in various styles: sashimi, grilled, or baked in sea salt. Complemented by a raw bar and seasonal vegetable display, your authentic culinary journey at Milos may well be paralleled to a weekend trip in Greece.

Estiatorio Milos 
Address: 2 Bayfront Avenue, B1-48 The Shoppes, S(018972), +65 6688 9977

Song Fa Signatures

Closer to home, the locally renowned Song Fa Bak Kut Teh chain introduces a new culinary concept focused on Teochew hospitality. Ubiquitous in Singapore, bak kut teh’s flavour profile might not be the same elsewhere, but tuck into a familiar peppery warm bowl and you’ll know you’re back home. Likewise, the menu at Song Fa Signatures is adapted from the owner’s mother, whose modernised recipes include stir-fried vegetables deep-fried in a thin tempura-like batter and drenched in Thai chilli sauce and an aromatic Teochew pig trotter rice. And, of course, you’ll find the signature bak kut teh derived from a mix of garlic and specially roasted Sarawak peppers, topped off with slow-cooked signature prime ribs that fall right off the bone.

Song Fa Signatures 
Address: 290 Orchard Road, B1-06 Paragon Shopping Centre, S(238859)

Oasis

Situated amongst lush tranquil surroundings, Oasis is your poolside escapade in the heart of the city. Also refreshed alongside Grand Hyatt Singapore, indulge in the restaurant’s returning classics and healthy options. In addition, BBQ Nights are not for the faint of heart, with delectable eats found across an abundant buffet spread. After dinner, unwind at the standalone bar as speciality cocktails and live music usher you deep into the night.

Oasis 
Address: 10 Scotts Road, S(228211), +65 6730 7119

Wild Honey

Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, and Wild Honey does not take this lightly, serving up imaginative, globally inspired breakfasts in Singapore. With an established location at Mandarin Gallery, its newest abode finds itself in Bugis. Each restaurant of Wild Honey mirrors a city in America: Brooklyn at Mandarin Gallery and Los Angeles at Bugis—think earthy tones, natural textures, and pops of vibrant colours that sing of the So-Cal lifestyle. Here, you’ll find dishes exclusive to the Bugis outlet, including the signature brioche French toast stuffed with fresh mango, vanilla mascarpone, hibiscus berry sauce, maple syrup and frazzled prosciutto.

Wild Honey 
Address: 200 Middle Road, 01-00, lyf Hotel, S(188980), +65 6636 1816

Club Rangoon

Come August 13, the Duxton enclave welcomes Club Rangoon, a contemporary Burmese restaurant serving up delectable Yangon classics inspired by co-founder Nelson Htoo’s family recipes. Using authentic Burmese ingredients, the menu is based on three key flavour pillars: chin (sour), ngan (salty), and sat (spicy), savoured in dishes such as the Burmese noodle soup, mohinga, and laphet thoke, the Burmese tea leaf salad. 

Club Rangoon 
Address: 76 Duxton Road, S(089535)

Tim Ho Wan Peak

The icon of traditional Hong Kong dim sum in Singapore, Tim Ho Wan, is a familiar name to many—add “Peak” to the name and you’ll get the brand’s first-ever contemporary Cantonese dining concept. What’s anticipated is a new addition to its already celebrated menu: Cantonese roasts, which includes BBQ Spanish Pork Char Siew; Cherry Valley Crispy Roast Duck; and Poached Soy Sauce Chicken. That’s not all, for if family members and friends are divided between Eastern and Western cuisine, it’s the best of both worlds here. Think Pacific Lobster noodles with black bean sauce and Szechuan spicy chicken with caramelised walnuts–the East-West partnership has never sounded tastier. 

Tim Ho Wan Peak 
Address: B2-02–04, Canal Level, The Shoppes 2 Bayfront Ave, Marina Bay Sands, S(018972)

Sospiri

Be transported into the Italian-Mediterranean landscape as you step into Sospiri. Named after its owner’s favourite childhood cream-filled pastry, Sospiri is your ultimate stop for unique takes on Italian bites, finished with fresh and vibrant meats and coastal delights focused on championing Southern Italian cuisine.

Menu highlights include the bluefin tuna tartare, grilled octopus, and fresh homemade pasta. Served against a mesmerising backdrop that pays homage to Roman holiday homes, tuck into hearty and traditional dishes. As they say in Italy, buon appetito.

Sospiri
Address: 2 Central Boulevard, 07-02 IOI Central Boulevard Towers, S(018916)

Setsuri

Established by the Ishinomaki Group known for its diverse Japanese dining concepts including Ki Teppan & Rogama and Table 33, Singapore welcomes its first Genshiyaki (an ancient grilling technique), Robatayaki (fireside grilling), and Warayaki (rice-straw roasted cooking) feature restaurant with Setsuri.

With these striking cooking methods under its belt, Setsuri is definitely not your run-of-the-mill Japanese restaurant. Tuck into the Salmon and Ikura Chirashi–seared on the outside and raw on the inside, to begin the ultimate Japanese gastronomical gala, complete with deliciously smoky undertones. That’s hot.

Setsuri
Address: 120 Beach Road, 01-03 Guoco Midtown House, S(189769)

Ingleside

Singapore’s modern European fine dining scene just got a whole lot hotter with Ingleside as the new shining beacon on Tras Street. Add the ancient art of wood-fired cooking and we’re sold on this flamed-themed restaurant. With a custom-built wood-fired grill as its centrepiece, each dry-aged meat at Ingleside undergoes careful inspection before its ignition on the grill, infusing it with a tinge of smokiness unique only to wood-firing. To top it all off, the brand’s commitment to culinary innovation creates unforgettable tastes through its in-house fermentation of misos, vinegars, and garums.

Ingleside
Address: 49 Tras Street, S(078988)

The Coconut Club

Here’s one more club to add to your membership list. In true kampung spirit, share good food in good company alongside Singaporeans and Singaporeans at heart. Unabashedly local, The Coconut Club is all about the Cs: coconut and community, sourcing ingredients from Singapore’s oldest family-owned farms for diners to enjoy in solidarity. A visit to the kampung is never complete without savouring coconut milk, for this, look out for the famous “White Sutera” coconut milk (a marriage of Kampong and Mama coconuts), best enjoyed alongside any of their signature lemak dishes. 

The Coconut Club 
Address: 01-14, New Bahru, 46 Kim Yam Road, S(239251)

Hideaway

Chef Louis Han has been a familiar name within the local dining scene the past few months as the brains behind the various concepts of his gastronomical empire–Naeum and Guum–which sees no plans of halting production anytime soon. A private oasis located right above Naeum, Hideaway (literally) in a private space, complete with exclusively crafted culinary curations.

Seasonal ingredients are sourced internationally, including Domi, a seasonal fish sashimi accompanied by garden vegetables atop a fresh vegetable consommé jelly. If that didn’t sound enticing enough, the establishment is one of the few, if not the only place to hold intimate gatherings, or, a self-described “home-away-from-home” experience, inviting guests to its cosy space for social get-togethers and celebrations with friends and family. 

Hideaway
Address: 161 Telok Ayer Street, S(068615)

Big Wine Freaks

Think intoxication but with a hint of elegance in a decadently redecorated shophouse. Big Wine Freaks is the newest haunt for oenophiles and gastronomes looking to wine and dine the evening away. This anomalous bar certainly holds true to its name, housing 2000 bottles sourced from micro-farms with sustainable farming practices. The time is now for the new generation of wine producers as the establishment’s collection includes organic wines from younger vineyards in France, Spain, Austria, and Italy.

And when there is good wine, good food often comes around. Sip on the best as you marvel at chefs in the open kitchen creating plates of colourful tapas imbued with Japanese influences.

Big Wine Freaks
Address: 44 Bukit Pasoh Road, S(089857)

Ministry of Crab

Mud crab devotees will soon descend upon Dempsey come July 3 as Sri Lanka’s mightiest crustacean export Ministry of Crab marks its sixth international outpost at Dempsey’s old Dutch hospital. A hallowed go-to for the best and freshest crustacean dishes, the coveted wild-caught Sri Lankan mud crabs, of course, remain the star of the show—best enjoyed either baked or cooked in Sri Lankan curry.

Trust that only the best catch of the day makes it to your table, as the restaurant’s “no-freezer” policy maintains the highest of standards.
 
Ministry of Crab 
Address: Block 06 Dempsey Road, S(249683)

Sushisamba

A renowned name in cities like London, Las Vegas, and Dubai, Sushisamba grooves its way into Singapore on July 18. Its branch on the 52nd storey of Capital Tower is the multi-sensory concept’s first outpost in Asia.

Founded in New York in 1999, the acclaimed dining and entertainment brand combines Japanese, Peruvian, and Brazilian style cuisine complete with cocktails and music.

Sushisamba fanatics know that each of its restaurants thrives on sophistication, and Singapore’s is no different with the 360-degree views of the cityscape. Tableside entertainment is also underway to elevate your dining experience, with Samba dancers and percussion musicians keeping spirits high as you feast on Peruvian ceviche and sashimi.

Sushisamba
Address: 168 Robinson Road, Level 52 Capital Tower, S(068912)

Jungle

Authentic Thai food has never been more accessible as Ann Siang Hill’s newest grill and bar, Jungle, shines a spotlight on regional Thai cooking. Like its lush namesake, the restaurant’s biodiversity lies in Thailand’s rich food culture which showcases dishes that are ingredient-led and quality-driven.

Get ready for an adventurous escapade as you tuck into dishes like the Northern Duck Lamb–rubbed with a blend of herbs, spices, and chillies unique to Thailand’s rural North–amidst a laid-back dining experience inspired by Bangkok’s vibrant streets after dusk.       

Jungle
Address: 10 Ann Siang Hill, S(069789)

Read more: 15 best Thai restaurants in Singapore for a spicy and flavourful meal

Odem

Korean cuisine has definitely been enjoying its moment in the spotlight, which is why artisanal makgeolli bar Odem should be a welcome addition to the Korean food scene here. The second concept by Dominic Tan, behind the popular food chain Ajumma, opens on June 4 at The Lo & Behold’s New Bahru enclave, where it will serve hard-to-find craft makgeolli alongside smashable Korean bar bites. 

Odem
Address: 46 Kim Yam Road, 01-17 New Bahru, S(239351)

Dragonfly

It’s all about classics at this new bar at the Vibe Hotel—only with a modern twist. Inside jaw-dropping interiors inspired by the stained glass works of Louis Comfort Tiffany, you’ll want to try cocktails from the Golden Age and Dark Age of mixology updated with novel ingredients and techniques. A rosé martini is a beautiful expression, with its blend of gin, sakura vermouth, St Germain, Liquore Strega, rosé and saline, while the sweet corn and oil tipple goes bold by mixing dark rum with sweet corn and cream honey, finished with some mala oil. 

Dragonfly
Address: 24 Mount Elizabeth, Vibe Hotel Singapore 01-05, S(228518)

Fortuna Singapore

Take a sojourn to the south of Italy in Fortuna Singapore, the island’s first Sicilian-Neapolitan restaurant. Hailing from Sydney, this concept is the brainchild of Giorgo Sorce, the No. 87 pizzaiolo in the world; chef Omar Tutino; and F&B operator Egon Marzaioli. Of course, the pasta is a must—the maltagliati shines with its sauce of burnt butter, wild mushroom and sage, while the “1000 layer” lasagna pleases with its touches of pistachio pesto and mortadella. Don’t miss out on pizza crafted by a master pizzaiolo, which has been fermented for at least 50 hours. For something with a little more crunch, go for the fried and baked pizzas, which are gently fried, then baked to dry off the extra oil. The result offers extra crisp and flavour to the pizza dough.

Fortuna Singapore
Address: 7 Craig Road, S(089667)

Idle Hands

Having made his mark on the bar scene as the chief executive officer of Sago House Group, cocktail maverick Jay Gray has launched Idle Hands, a new bar that has taken over the second floor of 98 Club Street. Playfulness and simplicity run the new bar—some of Gray’s golden rules include instructions to “keep it simple stupid”, where no drink is made with more than four steps or ingredients, and “ain’t no one got time for that”, where each drink can be explained succinctly in one sentence. The result is a cocktail menu that caters to all kinds of cocktail profiles, from “sours and highballs”, to “strong and stirred” drinks and non- and low-alcoholic tipples. Look out for the “Thiccboi”, where coconut oil-washed gin is mixed with sage vermouth in a herbaceous twist on a martini, or the “Chocolate Orange” with cold-drip vermouth, Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry, and orange vodka.

Idle Hands
Address: 3 Ann Siang Hill, S(069785)

Na Oh

This June, Singapore is welcoming yet another culinary star—this time at the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore. Chef Corey Lee, who helms three-Michelin-starred Benu in San Francisco, is behind Na Oh, his first fine casual concept in Southeast Asia that will be supplied by produce from Hyundai’s vertical smart farm. Here, expect to see contemporary visions of hansik cuisine, brought to life with collaborations by Korean artisans. 

Na Oh
Address: 2 Bulim Avenue, S(649674)

Read more: Acclaimed chef Corey Lee of three-Michelin-starred restaurant Benu to open a modern Korean restaurant in Singapore

Syzygy

Singapore’s first artisanal armagnac bar has opened, and for anyone who loves their brandy, this is not one to miss. Borrowing its name from astronomy, which describes the alignment of at least three celestial bodies, Syzygy offers a selection of cocktails, bites and flights that showcases a harmonious presentation of armagnac (and cognac). There are some truly exclusive bottles here, including vintages from Chateau de Leberon, which dates back to the 13th century, and from Domaine Boingnères, one of the most celebrated armagnac houses. Don’t know what to choose? Opt for a flight instead—the “Syzygy Best Bottles” flight offer premium vintages dating back to 1962.

Syzygy
Address: 247 Beach Road, 2/F, S(189756)

Wo Wo Dian

Queues have been snaking outside of Wo Wo Dian at Raffles City Shopping Centre since it opened earlier in May, and for good reason. This restaurant can trace its history back to 1889 in Mianyang, Sichuan, and offers an array of moreish noodles, buns and dishes—and, of course, a generous helping of mala. There are beef broth noodles coloured a vivid red and assertive with spice, and poached pork belly in a spicy sauce drizzled with hot oil. Don’t miss out on the traditional pork bun, made from a century-old recipe with a fluffy bun and a juicy pork filling. 

Wo Wo Dian
Address: 252 North Bridge Road, B1-13–15 Raffles City Shopping Centre, S(179103)

Naema

Mediterranean and Moroccan flavours are shaking up the Keong Saik neighbourhood at Naema, a rustic restaurant inspired by homely family traditions. Combining Andalusian, Arab and Berber influences, you will find glistening lamb shoulder studded with couscous and vegetables underneath its tajines, or charcoal-grilled octopus, tiger prawns, or lamb riblets. Make sure to complement your meal with plenty of hummus, zaalouk (eggplant dip), and Moroccan cigars, which sees phyllo pastry wrapped around ground lamb, nuts and spices. 

Naema
Address: 55 Keong Saik Road, 01-04, S(089158)

Toku Nori

A new handroll bar has dropped at Telok Ayer, set to be the next izakaya hotspot for quick lunches or after-work drinks. You can find all manner of handroll toppings here, including salmon, maguro and hotate, but what you really want to look out for is its selection of premium handrolls. The uni stack handroll, topped with 30 grams of Hokkaido uni, caviar and gold leaf, is pure indulgence; there is also the foie gras handroll, which comes with a garlic soy glaze. Otherwise, fill up on other izakaya bites, and if you want something filling, opt for rice bowls such as the Toku Wagyu don. Wash it down with plenty of sake, of course.

Toku Nori
Address: 200A Telok Ayer Street, S(068638), +65 8082 6536

Camille

French food meets the clean palate of Japanese cuisine at Camille, located within the new 1-Flowerhill in Sentosa. The product of a collaboration between chefs Lamley Chua and Loh Wai Lun, iconic French dishes such as pan-seared foie gras are presented with Japanese flair, such as a passionfruit gel topping and a kombu-infused genmaicha. Miso-glazed black cod is also not to be missed, here enjoyed with a sakura ebi emulsion and ikura, or the deconstructed “black forest” cake. Starring a Valrhona 70 per cent Guanaja chocolate mousse adorned by chocolate clouds made tableside with dry ice and cherry sorbet, this is a romantic dessert best suited for sharing.

Camille
Address: 6 Imbiah Road, S(099696), +65 9630 1008

Sushi Ryujiro

This one-Michelin-starred Tokyo restaurant officially opened on April 29 under the Les Amis Group, presenting Singaporean diners with its refined sushi. Owned by chef Ryujiro Nakamura and helmed by head chef Naruki Ikeda, Sushi Ryujiro prides itself on the quality of its seafood, most of all its tuna, which is sourced from one of the top tuna dealers in Tokyo’s Toyosu market, Yamayuki. Though you can expect some signatures from the Tokyo flagship such as the kappa maki, be prepared for an exploration into new yet time-honoured territory.

Sushi Ryujiro
Address: 1 Scotts Road, 01-19 Shaw Centre, S(228208), +65 8028 1940

Ume Maru

If your idea of heaven is paging through manga with a cocktail in hand, look no further than Ume Maru. It’s the newest venture of the team behind Ume San 100 opening on May 1, and just like that umeshu bar, this whisky and bespoke cocktail bar also has a hidden entrance made of bookshelves and newsstands. Push past it and you’ll find an elegant bar serving up drinks inspired by manga and anime. The “Light of Nara”, for one, is inspired by the Studio Ghibli classic Princess Mononoke, blending muscat and nashi pear umeshu with rose vermouth and persimmon sugar. 

If cocktails aren’t your thing, go for the whisky flights instead, which come in Japanese and Scotch variants, including a premium craft whisky set that presents top-shelf pours such as Royal Blue Royale and Wolfburn Small Batch 177. Make sure to fill up on bites including the truffle hotplate maki and the yuzu soba.

Ume Maru
Address: 14 Scotts Road, 05-26 Far East Plaza, S(228213), +65 8069 8055

Nook

Officially launching on May 1 is Nook, a new restaurant on Craig Road that spans three floors. On the first floor, indulge in head chef Koh Han Jie’s European food with Asian accents, including dishes including the kinmedai Alfonso, a textural wonder with its crispy scales and caviar beurre blanc sauce, before going onto mains such as the Aquina organic chicken and the Spanish octopus leg. 

Go up to the second floor for the second part of your evening at the bar called Nowhere, where you can lounge on unique mismatched furniture with a cocktail in hand. For some fun, the Members Lounge on the third floor is an intimate space that boasts stylish decor and a virtual reality golf course.

Nook
Address: 11 Craig Road, S(089671), +65 8300 7274

Il Clay

Pizza lovers have yet another opening to look forward to. Il Clay just opened its doors on April 30 with chef Ciro Sorrentino at its helm; his pizzeria Magherí in Cesenatico, Italy ranks among the 50 Top Pizza Italy list in 2024, and is the No. 12 pizzeria in the Emilia-Romagna region. Make sure to stick around when night falls, when the pizzeria transforms into a supper club.

Il Clay
Address: 3D River Valley Road, 01-04 Clarke Quay, S(179023)

Tapasu Oyster Gastro Bar

This new gastro-bar is all about oysters—Japanese oysters, to be precise, sourced from some regions such as Akasaki and Kuju-ku Shima Bay for the highest quality. They can be eaten raw or fried with tempura batter for a delightful crunch, alongside an array of other modern Japanese tapas dishes such as the clam and smoked oyster soup and the A5 Hiroshima Samurai Wagyu ribeye sukiyaki. These are treats best enjoyed with cocktails, including its signature, the “Tapasutini”, which is crafted with gin, cucumber juice, and a dash of sweet and sour mix.

Tapasu Oyster Gastro Bar
Address: 29 Stanley Street, 01-01, S(068738), +65 8299 2101

Toma by the River

Whether you’re at a bistro by the Seine or a trattoria by the Tiber, the romance of European riverside dining will never die. At Toma by the River, you’ll get a slice of that magic right next to the Singapore River on Robertson Quay with its European fare and seasonal cooking. Expect influences across the Mediterranean and the European continent, bringing out the natural flavours of the ingredients.

Toma by the River
Address: 80 Mohamed Sultan Road, 01-12 The Pier@Robertson, S(239013), +65 6031 1176

Fi Woodfire Thai

A newcomer on Robertson Walk, Fi Woodfire Thai opened in April with its dishes cooked in a double-insulated wood-fire oven, making for food that bursts with flavour and aroma. You’ll find elegantly-presented renditions of street food classics here, including the moo ping marinated smoked pork ribs, or the iconic tom yum soup. There is, of course, pad thai which comes with your choice of protein; wash it all down with some Thai milk tea or refreshing lemongrass jelly.

Fi Woodfire Thai
Address: 11 Unity Street, 01-07, S(237995), +65 8776 1569

La Table d’Emma

Be transported to the picturesque region of Alsace at La Table d’Emma, the new Alsatian restaurant at the Mercure Icon Singapore City Centre. It is named after chef Michael Muller’s wife, and his Alsatian classics are an homage to love. Take the bouchée à la reine, a small pastry originally crafted by Queen Marie Lesczynsky as an aphrodisiac for Louis XV; here, veal, chicken, and a mushroom velouté accompany flaky puff pastry. Don’t miss out on signatures such as the tarte flambée either, which comes in four flavours such as the traditional onion and lardons; mushroom; and smoked salmon. 

La Table d’Emma
Address: 8 Club Street, 01-04 Mercure Icon Singapore City Centre, S(069472), +65 8101 8691

Bites & Brews

One of Shanghai’s most popular food chains is making our way onto these shores. The first overseas outpost of the casual restaurant Bites & Brews is located in Joo Chiat, making it the next best spot for brunch in the neighbourhood—especially with international delights such as the Philly cheesesteak and the mapo tofu lasagna. 

Bites & Brews
Address: 15 Crane Road, S(429360), +65 8815 9615

Higher Ground

From the team behind Thug Shop comes Higher Ground, a rooftop bar and restaurant with stunning views of the Marina Bay skyline and the creative dishes to match its seductive interiors. Take the grilled hispi cabbage that comes with a flavour-packed brown butter anchovy, citrus pistachio pesto and generously topped with grana padano, or its salmon rillette brioche sandwiches topped with citrus gel. A place like this, of course, demands eclectic wines and cocktails; you might sip on a libation such as “The Masala Express” with its combination of chai tea and yoghurt liqueur with rum, or a wine from its curated wine list. 

Higher Ground
Address: 64C Boat Quay, S(049852), +65 9667 9424

Gu:um

What’s next for famed chef Louis Han? The chef-owner of one-Michelin-starred Nae:um is continuing his pursuit of modern Seoul cuisine with Gu:um opening on April 6 at Keong Saik Road, set to make its mark among this month’s new restaurants and bars. Gourmands in the know will recognise the chef’s fifth Nae:um menu, “Front Yard Barbecue”, from last year in the food here—take its range of grilled steaks like the Wagyu stiploin MBS 7 or the Ibérico pluma with an optional marination of galbi, gochujang, or fermented fish sauce. Don’t forget iconic Korean dishes like the sotbap, the bibim dongmyeon and the yukhwae jeon, a potato pancake topped with beef tartare. 

Gu:um
Address: 29 Keong Saik Road, S(089136), +65 8831 6308

Mashi No Mashi

In search of Singapore’s next best ramen? Look no further than Mashi No Mashi, the beloved Japanese ramen chain by Wagyumafia founder Hisato Hamada, which is opening its Singapore flagship on April 5. These ramen bowls only feature 100 per cent Wagyu, such as the signature Wagyujiro, which is made with a 24-hour stewed Ozaki beef bone stock. While you can fill up on the ramen you miss the most at its Tokyo, Hong Kong and Jeddah branches such as the Wagyu tsukemen and the spicy “Wagyu Tsukemen Death”, make sure to taste Singapore exclusives such as the bak kut teh ramen.

Mashi No Mashi
Address: 124 Beach Road, 01-04 Guoco Midtown, S(189771)

Maison Boulud

Yes, the beloved Db Oyster and Bistro Bar has closed, but in its place is Maison Boulud, celebrity chef Daniel Boulud’s supplanting two-story restaurant in Marina Bay Sands. Refinery is the word of the day, with delicate French dishes for an elegant palate. The seafood salad, for one, enjoys a pesto and anchovy-garlic dressing over red hamachi cured in gin and beetroot. When it comes to the mains, free-range rotisserie chicken is taken to the next level with curry spice, alongside sweet carrot confit and vadouvan jus. 

Maison Boulud
Address: 2 Bayfront Avenue, B1-15 & L1-83 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, S(018972), +65 6688 6088

Tamba

The cuisine of West Africa has arrived in Singapore within the trendy Duxton enclave. You may have heard of the staple jollof rice, which is prepared here with Sakura chicken and smoked pork belly. But make sure to expand your horizons with dishes like suya, an Angus tenderloin skewer dish that’s served with kachumbari, a tomato and onion salad, and smoked kuli kuli (groundnut chips). Enjoy it all under a thatched roof, surrounded with rustic clay vessels.  

Tamba
Address: 101 Duxton Road, S(089964)

Ammakase

Omakase, but make it Indian. At Ammakase, executive chef Abhijit Saha injects European and Asian culinary technique into traditional Indian recipes for a dash of innovative spice. Think Goan coconut kokum, which is here served with cured hamachi and mango chilli sorbet for a layered seduction of the palate. Or look at the picture-perfect caramelised rasgulla and mishti doi brûlée, a delicate creation that’s crowned with spun sugar and berries for a rich yet fresh flavour profile.

Ammakase
Address: One Raffles Place, 04-48, S(048616), +65 8898 5275

Lobby Bar

Joining the ranks of elegant hotel bars here is Lobby Bar at Amara Singapore. Set within a stylish space set in wood and accented with leather and marble, the project is a collaboration with wine merchant Grand Vin, which is why the bar is home to an oenophile’s paradise of bottles—indeed, besides top selections including Baron de Rothschild and Domaine Faiveley, Lobby Bar boasts the island’s largest collection of Louis Roederer champagne. Come in the morning for grab-and-go coffee and pastries before indulging in a glass (or two) at sundown.

Lobby Bar
Address: 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, S(088539), +65 6879 2626

Dirty Supper

In search of a cool neighbourhood spot to indulge in good food and good drinks? Head down to Dirty Supper in Tiong Bahru, which shares a space with the iconic Hua Bee Restaurant. It’s helmed by chef Pete Smit, previously of Underdog Inn, who is bringing his talent for whole-animal cooking to the open-kitchen concept. Mashable, unpretentious nosh packed with flavour is the focus here—take the smoked mackerel, which comes on top of a fried chicken skin terrine that’s insatiably crunchy and bursting with juice. Or the barbecue squid that’s impossibly tender, enriched with a pork fat relish and cut with pickled tomato. The cocktails here are equally as important, so make sure to indulge in a Wagyu boulevardier or a pickled lemon martini.

Dirty Supper
Address: 78 Moh Guan Terrace, 01-19, S(162078), +65 6438 4567

Little Island Brewing Company at Gillman Barracks

Oldies really are goodies. At Little Island Brewing Co, Singapore’s first vintage vinyl bar, audiophiles will be pleased to note that you get to listen to retro music with Technics MK5G turntables and Altec Lansing A5-X speakers from the 1950s. The food, too, is on theme—take the vinyl charcoal pizza, featuring woodfire pizzas stained black with activated charcoal, mimicking the look of a vintage vinyl record. Elsewhere, munch on regional delights like nasi kerabu with rendang daging or its signature Little Island chicken wings, which are inseparable from Little Island’s own beer brewed at its Changi Village microbrewery.

Little Island Brewing Company at Gillman Barracks
Address: 43 Malan Road, S(109443), +65 6513 5088

House of Swiss Butchery