Call it the Taylor effect if you will, but modern Japanese restaurant Koma has just made it to a list of the world’s 20 most photo-worthy restaurants, at 18th place. The fancy eatery at Marina Bay Sands seems to be a new favourite of songstress Taylor Swift, who dined there not just once, but twice, during her time in Singapore for The Eras Tour earlier in 2024. And despite the presence of a private room, she chose to remain in the main dining area – presumably to soak in the restaurant’s grand decor that instantly whisks patrons right off to Kyoto.
Even walking to your seat is an experience in itself here; Leading from Koma’s entrance to the dining hall is a long passageway lined with life-sized torii gates, much like the ones at the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha. Inside the high-ceilinged space are more Japanese elements, such as a red bridge resembling what you’d see in Japan’s gardens, and a 2.5-metre bell perched overhead. 3D fixtures that resemble wagasa (Japanese umbrellas) are spread across the ceiling, while giant paper lanterns bring additional colour to the dimly-lit premises.
According to UK-based company Solopress, the rankings were made in accordance with the total number of TikTok and Instagram post featuring the given eateries. Indeed, Koma is clearly one of the most unique restaurants in Singapore where you won’t be able to resist whipping your phone out for plenty a snap – regardless of Taylor Swift hype or otherwise.
Though placed at number 18 worldwide, Singapore’s Koma comes third in Asia for its social media points, behind The Grotto in Krabi, Thailand (#2) and Man Wah in Hong Kong (#6). Snagging first place is Sketch in London, which has been a social media darling for years thanks to its five highly thematic dining spaces within a single establishment.
Here’s the full list of the top 20 most photo-worthy restaurants in the world:
#1: Sketch from London, UK
#2: The Grotto from Krabi, Thailand
#3: Le Meurice from Paris, France
#4: Pink Mamma from Paris, France
#5: Bar Luce from Milan, Italy
#6: Man Wah from Hong Kong
#7: Le Train Bleu from Paris, France
#8: White Rabbit from Moscow, Russia
#9: Le Coucou from New York, USA
#10: Porfirio’s from Cancún, Mexico
#11: Le Bilboquet from Sag Harbor, USA
#12: The Little Door from Los Angeles, USA
#13: Arva Aman Venice from Venice, Italy
#14: Sunset Monalisa from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
#15: Le Colonial from Atlanta, USA
#16: Beauty & Essex from New York, USA
#17: Dinner in the Sky from Dubai, UAE
#18: Koma from Singapore
#19: Koral Restaurant from Nusa Dua, Indonesia
#20: Al Pescatore from Sardinia, Italy
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