Adira Chow

This weekend’s shaping up to be a good one, with a mix of art, pups and a touch of whimsy. Step into a topsy-turvy wonderland with Cirque Alice, or relive the wild energy of 1990s Singapore at The Serangoon Gardens Techno Party of 1993. Art lovers can admire contemporary works at the Singapore Masters Show, or swing by Aliwal Arts Centre for its one-day market. If you’re all about cuddling adorable doggos, don’t miss SOSD’s Adoption Drive. Here are the best things to do in Singapore this weekend. RECOMMENDED: New openings and attractions in Singapore in 2025 and The 50 best restaurants in Singapore

Singapore’s dining scene moves at breakneck speed – some 300 or so new restaurants open each month. That’s nearly 10 a day. Let that sink in for a bit. Even for a city that’s already one of the world’s best for food, that number is still on all accounts, quite staggering.  With so many new spots popping up, we’re on a mission to track down the tastiest, most innovative, and value-for-money spots in town. Whether it’s your favourite chef making waves with a fresh concept, or a new but undiscovered restaurant that deserves some time in the spotlight, our nifty list has got it all. Without further ado, here are the best new restaurants in Singapore to visit this year – all tried, tested, and approved by the Time Out team. RECOMMENDED: The 50 best restaurants in Singapore you must try  Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

Singapore may be known as one of the most expensive cities to live in, and the recent GST hike doesn't make it much better. But we're here to prove that it's possible to dine on a dime yet enjoy a satisfying meal — if you know where to look. We're letting you in on some affordable finds in our city, apart from our trusty hawker centres that never fail to serve up delicious nosh for cheap. These places whip up solid meals for around $10 and under, whether it's a quality burger you're craving, traditional Thai fare, or a scrumptious banh mi that's sure to leave you stuffed. Here's helping you spend less on lunch so you can splurge on the things that matter. RECOMMENDED: The best hawker centres in Singapore and The best healthy bowls in Singapore under $15 Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

There’s a reason Singapore remains one of the cocktail capitals of Asia, if not the world. Yes, we have to acknowledge that the F&B industry is feeling the squeeze with rising rents, manpower shortages and inflation pushing the average cocktail north of $25. But the Singapore drinker has a refined palate, and the drinks here are absolutely world-class and well worth the pretty penny. Throw that penny in almost any direction and you’ll land at a solid bar. But since you’re here on Time Out, let us help. This is our constantly updated list of the best bars in Singapore right now – the places we’re drinking at, talking about, and recommending to our friends. You’ll find classy cocktail bars with excellent drinks (and food), trendy listening lounges, natural wine hangouts and divey beer joints. September 2025: New names to know include Hup San Social Club, a Club Street hideaway where Korean flavours meet creative cocktails and Bar Somma, which has one of Singapore’s best dirty martinis (with free tripe paninis, no less). Old favourites like Jigger & Pony and Native continue to prove their staying power, while Side Door, Offtrack and Fura keep things fresh, fun and future-facing. Now go forth and drink. For more bar recommendations, check out these wine bars stocked with quality vino, speakeasies hidden behind unmarked doors, whisky dens, craft beer breweries and many more.  Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants.

Great fish and chips are surprisingly hard to come by in Singapore, even with our love for deep-fried food and snacking on fries – we mean chips, sorry. The quintessential British dish is typically enjoyed in takeaway form, wrapped in yesterday's papers. But unlike in the UK, we don't really have casual chippy shops located around the block. And though battered white fish, thick-cut chips and maybe a side of mushy peas seem simple enough to whip up at home, getting it spot-on is a whole other story. Thankfully, we've got several treasured eateries that serve the English classic, dotted all across the island. These range from specialty joints focusing on mastering the perfect beer-battered crust, to all-rounder bistros that offer British comfort food, and even the occasional Irish pub where quiz nights, sports streamings, live music and pints of Guinness abound. Here are the best places in Singapore to dig into a plate of fish and chips.  October 2025: We've added a few new entries like Carnaby and Nosh Bistro, and bumped up favourites like Lad & Co and Molly Malone's. RECOMMENDED: The best seafood restaurants in Singapore and The 50 best bars in Singapore

Grilled meats, salads, flatbreads, spices, hummus, grains and legumes. These are quintessential elements of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. And while it's often hard to distinguish where one ends and the other begins, we can all concur that you can't ever go wrong with either. If you're craving the vibrancy and textures that these cuisines have to offer, here's our guide on where to dine for outstanding Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food in Singapore. RECOMMENDED: The best Peruvian restaurants in Singapore and The best Greek restaurants in Singapore

For some, nothing quite beats ending the day with cocktails and good conversations with friends. Thankfully, Singapore is home to some of the best bars in Asia and even in the world. Some of these establishments might even be hidden in plain sight right next to your workplace. Whether it’s a classic martini or a completely customised drink you’re after, we’ve got just the spots that can shake up a quality tipple to your liking. From reliable all-time favourites, to secret cocktail dens, speakeasy and bespoke joints, these are the hottest cocktail bars you should be hitting up once the day dims. RECOMMENDED: The 50 best bars in Singapore and The best wine bars in Singapore

Brunch has earned its place as a weekend ritual we all look forward to. There’s nothing quite like clocking in a few more hours of sleep and then waking up to enjoy a leisurely meal that combines the best of breakfast and lunch. Whether you’re craving classic eggs on toast, indulgent ricotta pancakes, a gourmet sandwich, or a vibrant plant-based bowl, our diverse brunch scene has something to satisfy every craving and diet.  What makes brunch in Singapore so special? It’s the way local and international influences find themselves blended effortlessly into menus, and how there are tons of options depending on the occasion – from elegant restaurants in the city to casual neighbourhood digs. In this list, we’ve narrowed down some of our favourites, including recent haunts and places we’ve been loyal fans of for years. Expect freshly baked goods, solid coffee, and dishes that go beyond the ordinary.  RECOMMENDED: The 50 best cafés in Singapore and The best brunch buffets in Singapore Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

Mid-Autumn Festival 2025 falls on October 6, and with it comes a glowing celebration of lanterns, full moons and of course, indulgent mooncakes. Across Singapore, hotels, bakeries and restaurants are rolling out their most exquisite mooncake collections yet, blending classic flavours like lotus paste and egg yolk with interesting ones like chendol, yuzu and more. Whether you're buying a box of traditional baked mooncakes for family celebrations or sending over a luxe snowskin set to a client, this year's selection won't disappoint. We've done all the tasting and rounded up the best mooncakes in Singapore for 2025, so you can skip the guesswork and get straight to the good stuff.  RECOMMENDED: The best Chinese restaurants in Singapore and The best things to do in Singapore this month  

Orchard Road isn’t just about retail therapy and five-star hotels, it’s also home to some of Singapore’s most stylish and inventive drinking dens. Whether you’re craving a perfectly stirred martini, an avant-garde cocktail inspired by Japanese flavours, or a speakeasy experience tucked discreetly behind sliding doors, you’ll find it all along Singapore’s most famous shopping belt. Many of the city’s top hotels house destination bars that rival the best in the world, and you’ll also find indie concepts pushing boundaries with bold ideas and eccentric charm. This guide highlights the places worth dressing up for, from sleek hotel bars dripping with old-world glamour to cosy Japanese-inspired hideaways where omotenashi is at the heart of every pour. And if you’re looking for a slightly more relaxed evening, you’re just a short stroll or cab ride away from New Bahru in River Valley – a buzzing lifestyle enclave where natural wines, craft cocktails, and quirky concepts are the order of the night. Updated August 2025: Orchard’s drinking scene keeps evolving. This month, we’ve spotlighted a mix of stalwart institutions like Manhattan and Origin Bar alongside new-wave favourites at New Bahru. Whether you’re after barrel-aged classics, manga-inspired highballs, or immersive theatrical drinking, Orchard offers more than enough to keep your nights out exciting. Find out how we curate and review at Time Out

August 2025: The dining scene in Singapore is always buzzing, and at Time Out, we're dedicated to uncovering the very best of it – right here, right now. This updated list brings together fresh, exciting dining concepts that have debuted in 2025, alongside beloved F&B classics and underrated spots we swear by. Welcome to the Time Out Eat List, a compilation of the 50 finest restaurants in Singapore, carefully handpicked and curated by our expert local editors. From innovative restaurants by acclaimed chefs to humble local haunts that deserve way more love, these are the dining destinations in Singapore that you’ve got to visit at least once in your life.  RECOMMENDED: Narrowing down the 50 best restaurants in Singapore is by no means an easy feat, which is why we also have separate lists for the best Japanese, Italian, Chinese and restaurants on the island – among many others. Also check out these roundups of our favourite hawker centres and cheap eats if you’re after a wallet-friendly meal. Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants. Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

Chinese cuisine in Singapore is rooted in centuries of tradition and shaped by local tastes, regional dialects, and global techniques. Whether it’s a sumptuous Cantonese feast at a Michelin-starred restaurant or a heritage Hakka meal in a family-run eatery, there’s a depth of flavour and cultural history to be found in every bowl and bite. We’ve handpicked these spots for their consistency, creativity, and commitment to tradition, with menus that span refined creations to deeply comforting classics. Expect seafood-rich claypot stews, expertly roasted meats, impressive abalone dishes, and some of the best dim sum in town. July 2025: This latest refresh includes new seasonal menus at Summer Palace and Man Fu Yuan, a deeper spotlight on heritage at Plum Village and Spring Court, and the elegant return of Teochew cuisine at Tien Court. Whether you’re craving luxury or looking for soulful, nostalgic fare, these picks represent the very best of Chinese dining in Singapore. RECOMMENDED: The best traditional Chinese dialect restaurants in Singapore and The best modern Chinese restaurants in Singapore Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

To get to Aniba, you’ll first need to locate its inconspicuous entrance by the Singapore River and head up a private elevator. From there, follow the dimly-lit, cavernous entrance and it’ll take you to the modern Middle Eastern restaurant, fitted with a bustling chef’s kitchen, stunning riverfront views, and a cocktail bar with unique glowing orbs that come alive every now and then. The vibe From casual catch-ups to celebratory nights out, Aniba knows how to set the scene. Mood lighting, lively chatter, and a playlist that keeps the energy just right make it impossible not to linger. The food Aniba’s menu is all about versatility: small bites, hearty sharing plates, or a full-on feast. The latest seasonal menu is built around three categories: Dine, Bites, and Breads. Highlights include fresh hamachi tartare with green gazpacho ($28), fish kebab on Moroccan couscous ($54), and eggplant carpaccio with tahini and pistachios ($31). Plus house-baked breads from Kubaneh ($14) and Jerusalem bagel ($14) go perfectly with rich dips like hummus, labaneh, spicy schug, and harissa. Every dish showcases high-quality ingredients and carefully curated Middle Eastern spices. The drink Aniba's centrepiece is a glowing counter under a dramatic tree lamp, where the bartenders shake up cocktails ($25) infused with elements of storytelling and surprise. If you've got an adventurous palates, sip on the bold Coffee, the herbaceous Okra, or the subtly spiced Tea and Sesame cocktails – each one a

Calling all sake lovers: Singapore’s largest sake festival returns for its 11th edition at a brand new location: Jewel Changi Airport. Held at the Changi Experience Studio from October 31 to November 2, Sake Matsuri 2025 will feature over 150 sake breweries and more than 400 labels from across Japan and beyond – its biggest line-up to date. The cherry on top? Views of Jewel's iconic rain vortex as you sip and savour. There will be a total of nine sessions held throughout the festival weekend. During each two or three-hour window, festival-goers will get to enjoy free-flow samples of sake and receive a complimentary Sake Matsuri tasting glass to bring home. You’ll also get to purchase bottles of your favourite sake and spirits at exclusive festival prices.  The grand showcase will feature plenty of award-winning names and rare labels, including the premium Junmai Daiginjo, which is brewed with highly polished rice to give a light, complex and fragrant flavour; as well as Namazakes or unpasteurised sake. Also look out for rare sake made with traditional methods like Bodaimoto and Kimoto, one-of-a-kind Doburoku brews, as well as a range of shochu and Japanese spirits at the festival.  There are also all-day VIP passes on Friday and Saturday for enthusiasts who want more bang for their buck. With the pass, guests can participate in two unlimited tasting sessions of two hours each and one three-hour session – that's seven hours in total. You'll also have VIP access to a lounge are

There's plenty to look forward to at the IKEA Family Fest 2025, including the launch of IKEA's cutest merch yet – a limited-edition meatball plush keychain. These mini-sized plushies are being given out for free, but only to IKEA Family members who spend a minimum of $50 on home furnishing items in-store. All you have to do is flash your IKEA Family card and the receipt of your in-store purchases at the redemption booths from noon to 4pm daily. On top of that, there are plenty more family-friendly activities, discounts on home essentials and dining deals to get excited for. On September 6 and 7, pair up with your child in a race to assemble a 14-piece kitchen toy set and win a fun prize, and on September 13 and 14, let the young ones participate in a customisable keychain-making workshop. Other activities include a teddy bear mascot meet-and-greet, a terrarium workshop and more. IKEA Family members will also score 20 percent off home furnishing items, with discounts applied to different categories throughout the Family Fest, such as bedroom essentials, storage solutions and kitchenware. And even if you’re just visiting for a meal, there are attractive dining deals to look out for as well, including 40 Swedish meatballs and mashed potatoes in a bucket for $18.90 (usually priced at $27) and more.

Hidden on the second floor of a restored 1930s shophouse, Gibson has always been a little off the radar, and that’s part of its charm. To find the bar, you’ll first have to spot the seafood restaurant Humpback along Bukit Pasoh Road, enter through a door on the side, walk past another cocktail bar (Live Twice) and climb up a flight of stairs. Upon entering, you’ll first notice a gorgeous green marble table, lit by the gentle glow radiating from stained-glass windows. If you’ve been to Gibson any time in the last 10 years, you might remember the bar team’s unlikely get-up: tailored suits and bow ties paired with – you guessed it – bermudas. To mark its 10th year, the suit-and-shorts combo has been swapped for relaxed green overshirt jackets and comfy slacks. But attire aside, it’s the dusty pink 10th anniversary menu, called Timeless, that truly signals a new era for the bar.  Yes, the namesake Gibson cocktail ($28) remains – how could it not? The bar’s rendition of the classic dry martini is served at a chilling -15 degrees celsius, featuring Roku gin, house-made ginjo sake-vermouth and a pickled pearl onion garnish, accompanied by condiments of pickled pomelo, sliced pickled onion and smoked quail egg.  But that’s not what we’re here for. Instead, it’s the team’s shiny new creation, the MF Martini ($28), that comes highly recommended in this latest refresh. MF, short for “made for fries”, tells you everything you need to know about how this drink should be enjoyed. The stiff

If you’re looking for somebody to match your freak, this silly, goose-themed drinking hole at Stanley Road might just fit the bill. It’s duck-everything here, from the nondescript red door plastered with a goose sticker, to the duck-ified posters of pop-culture references on the walls, and adorable duck lamps that line each table.  Volume 2 of Silly Goose’s menu is a wacky departure from its debut menu, which was a tribute to hip-hop. This round, the bar shakes up 12 cocktails inspired by episodes of their favourite childhood cartoons – think iconic series like SpongeBob SquarePants and The Fairly OddParents. Each drink is named after the actual title of the episode it’s crafted based on. For starters, sip on Operation Flavor ($24), where Discarded Rum, cacao-infused stout cream and vanilla strawberry margarine shine in this sweet number inspired by Codename: Kids Next Door. The milkshake-like concoction might come with a freakish goose straw, but flavour-wise, no fowl play detected. We want so badly to love The Green Tea Ceremony ($24) – named after Iroh’s (from Avatar: The Legend of Aang) favourite drink – but the herbal notes brought out by the blend of Glenfiddich 12, lychee tea and ginger beer might just not be everyone’s cup of tea.  Cereal Killers ($24) is our pick of the night, and this Rugrats-inspired cocktail served in a wine glass also turns out to be owner Stanley’s favourite on the current menu. Stranger & Sons gin, acidified orange juice and orange liqueur fo

EG Coffee is a new café located below Alexis Condominium, which is an eight-minute walk from Queenstown MRT. The setup is simple – white and light-wood tones with four small tables indoors, and foldable camping chairs outdoors, where pets are welcome. The interiors are peppered with quirky knick-knacks, including a mini Sudoku corner where you can have a go at a puzzle while waiting. A friendly couple, Esther and Gavin (after whom the café is named), run the place. For a small neighbourhood café, EG Coffee offers a surprisingly extensive drinks menu. It’s got the usual roster of espresso-based drinks (a latte starts at $6.50, which is not the cheapest), filter coffee (from $9) and cold brews ($9). The proprietary Icons Blend is a medium-to-dark roast Guatemala and Uganda blend which is smooth and chocolatey with hints of caramel. You can also opt for Geisha and Yirgacheffe beans at a top-up, or ask the barista for the origin of the day. There are also interesting options like the dried orange latte ($6.90), mint coconut latte ($7.90), black sesame latte ($6.50), osmanthus latte ($6.90), as well as strawberry matcha ($9.50) and hojicha ($7.90). The black sesame latte ($7.50) is one of the most ordered items here, with a thick, velvety consistency, and a toasty, slightly savoury flavour. To beat the heat, EG also has refreshing soda-based coolers like the Strawberry Bliss ($6.50), Apple Tree ($7.50), Orange Sea ($7.50) and yuzu matcha ($8.90), as well as iced teas (from $5.90)

It felt like it wasn’t too long ago when we celebrated the debut of Singapore’s first contemporary Indian restaurant. Chef Manogren Thevar’s eponymous restaurant opened its doors in 2018 on Keong Saik Road, and after picking up two Michelin Stars, three Knives from The Best Chef awards and a spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants along the way, he’s now ready for something new. Enter Thevar 2.0 – a well-rebooted version of the original, now located at Mohamed Sultan Road. It’s twice as big for one, seating 28 guests in the main dining hall, two to three at a cushy chef’s table and up to 10 in the private dining room (which is fitted with its own kitchen, restroom and private entrance). The minimalistic, sanctuary-like space is a subtle callback to Chef Mano’s childhood home in Penang, with terracotta walls and Chettinad-inspired motifs embedded in its pillars and rugs.  While the design of the restaurant is muted, the menu and flavours are anything but. Yes, it’s the same signature items that greet you in the $298 tasting menu (and new sharing dishes are on the way), but if you’ve got a real penchant for South Indian cuisine like us, and even if you don’t, a meal at Thevar is not to be passed up. Expect nothing less than spot-on seasoning, complex spice blends and stellar presentation. Chef Mano brings his classical French training to the table – his creations are never so vibrant that they overwhelm, nor so restrained that they feel pared back. My meal kicks off with a flavour-

Ready to feel good, inside and out? Glow Festival is lighting up Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza for nine days from July 5 to 13 with a jam-packed lineup of all things wellness. Think sunrise yoga sessions with a stunning view, high-energy barre and HIIT classes, soothing sound baths, craft workshops and even ice baths if you’re daring enough to take the plunge.  Back for its fourth edition, this year’s Glow Festival is bigger than ever, with over 70 experiences curated by 26 wellness partners and 64 hosts, including folks like running queen Ling Er Choo, acclaimed yogi Dylan Werner and Australian sprinter Olivia May.  Run club addicts, there’s also a 60km ultra marathon if you’re up for a challenge. The Noble Ultra SG60 kicks off on July 13 in support of mental health causes, and you can grab tickets to join the 21km and 8km legs of the route. Not a self-professed fitness buff? There are plenty of other sessions to get involved in, from coffee pop-ups to yin yoga and breathwork classes, as well as workshops that teach you how to slay your motherhood journey or craft your own macramé keychains and marble coasters.  Check out the Glow Festival website and event schedule to find out about ticket prices for individual classes. Or, purchase packages which entitle you to curate your own festival experience, whether you’re keen on studio, workshop, or run sessions. 

If the brief is ‘client meeting in the CBD’, The Spot is where many flock to for a fail-proof option. This all-day dining restaurant and bar is wedged in the heart of Marina One, and despite its semi-casual appearance, don’t expect the standard bistro fare here. The menu is pegged as contemporary European, but there’s a distinct Asian feel in the use of ingredients. Expect plenty of finesse and creativity, without anything being too far-reaching for a casual lunch appointment.  A must-order to start? The salmon nachos – a snackable, shareable tower of crispy gyoza skin with tartare, bonito mayo and wasabi guac. Another safe choice is the pork belly ‘char siu’, which is thoughtfully topped with pickled cucumbers, mustard and apple purée to cut through those fatty, melty layers.  Other table favourites include stuffed chicken wings packed with truffle chicken mousse and a hint of Sichuan peppercorn; hay-smoked hamachi with a trio of condiments – yuzu kosho, pickles and wasabi ponzu; and one of Chef’s signatures – the chilli crab pancake. The crispy dashi-infused egg layer comes with chunks of blue crab and is crowned with a heaping load of coriander – diabolical, but perfect if coriander is your thing.  Fill up on mains like a tamarind-glazed toothfish donabe, which is cleverly mixed with rice pops for extra texture, or gnaw on a heaving rack of Iberico pork ribs, grilled over binchotan and finished with a kicap manis glaze. Round off with desserts like the Chocolate Tart 2.0,

Helmed by industry veteran June Baek, this tiny 12-seater bar is one of 2025’s most exciting openings. After winning competitions and honing her craft across South Korea and Vietnam, Baek brings her playful yet refined cocktails back to Singapore, where she previously bartended at Madame Fan and MO Bar. Now, in her very own space, she experiments with flavours from her Korean heritage, local Singaporean flavours, and other delightfully nostalgic concoctions.  HSSC’s debut menu Do What Brings You Joy is a two-pager spread of 14 cocktails, with interesting savoury concoctions like Cold Soup ($26), Achar ($25), and The French Fries 2.0 ($26). The Cold Soup is a take on a Ulsan summer quick-fix dish: oi naengguk or cold cucumber soup. The incredibly zingy yet potent blend consists of Tokki Soju with kelp dashi, sesame, cucumber, and apple vinegar.  Baek recommends the Camellia ($25) for those who love sour flavour profiles. The rum, galangal, and rose blend is one that’s close to her heart, having first debuted as a competition cocktail. Meanwhile, The French Fries 2.0 is as irreverent as it gets, featuring Monkey Shoulder whisky infused with fries, Heinz ketchup, tomato, chilli, and salt.  The vibeA pocket-sized, dark, underground den that's perpetually packed. It's quite the squeeze, but just right for intimate date nights. The food Before descending into Hup San Social Club, line your stomach with Club Street Laundry's menu of modern Australian plates — our favourite's got to

The new Club Street Laundry is anything but a laundromat, but the restaurant does pay homage to its past life as Hup San Laundry, frequented by second-generation immigrants nearly a century ago. The “Hup San” name also lives on in Hup San Social Club, the cocktail bar in the basement, inspired by the many Chinese social clubs that once lined the street in the early 1900s. If you’re looking for a place to people-watch, Club Street Laundry fits the bill perfectly. The breezy, open-concept bistro has high tables perched along walkways, staring out at the charming shophouses around the neighbourhood. You’ll quickly spot the happy hour board splashed out with $15 house wines, tap cocktails, and full-pint Peronis from 4pm to 7pm on weekdays. The menu is positioned as modern-Australian, but really, Chef Justin Hammond (previously from Neon Pigeon and Underdog Inn) works his way around any and every flavour profile just fine, with dishes based off his travels around the world. We have no qualms devouring the flame-grilled beef cheeks which sit atop a bed of buttery mash ($33). Cooked overnight in a master-stock of dashi, orange peel, star anise and other spices, the beef comes out fork-tender without even a need for chewing, and the ahi verde (a type of South American pesto) adds pleasant acidity to each bite.   Despite our biases against the usual beurre blanc, fennel, dill and fish combination, the charcoal-grilled sea bream ($31) turns out excellently executed. Pickled fennel grac

Some might scoff at the idea of a meatless omakase, but the opening of Ki Su is a big win for vegetarians and veggie lovers alike who now have the opportunity to savour the art and experience of omakase without any restrictions.  Inspired by shojin ryori, which is a traditional style of cooking practised by Buddhist monks in Japan, Ki Su’s plant-based menus feature both refreshing and rich flavours as well as diverse textures to keep things interesting. Look out for the Air Flown Tonburi Caviar which is spotlighted in the appetiser if it's available – it's a vegan delicacy consumed in Japan’s Akita Prefecture which is reminiscent of fish caviar. The lunch ($98) and dinner ($168) sets come with eight and ten courses respectively, all with a strong focus on dishes that are healthy and nourishing.

It’s a crossover between Japanese and Italian desserts this month. Hokkaido-based café, Baristart Coffee Singapore, will be teaming up with Aussie gelato stand Messina for a special collaboration, serving sweet treats like gelato puffs and affogato.    Starting October 23 and for a limited time, all Baristart Coffee and Messina outlets will be offering three gelato puffs ($11.80 each) stuffed with Messina’s gelato. Flavours include all-time favourites like Messina’s Pistachio Praline, a rich and nutty fior di latte base with a homemade pistachio paste swirl; Boysenberry, a yoghurt-based gelato with poached boysenberry coulis; and the classic Cookies & Cream, with rich cocoa gelato studded with cookie chunks.  On top of the gelato puffs, you’ll also be able to order the affogato dessert ($11.80), featuring a scoop of Messina’s Macadamia Crunch gelato with a shot of Baristart’s house-blend espresso. This will only be available at Baristart Coffee outlets.  Baristart Coffee was founded in Hokkaido, Japan, in 2015, using exclusively Biei Jersey milk from Brown Jersey Cows in all its dairy products. The café has several outlets across Singapore, with its most popular offering being its Hokkaido cream puff, filled with homemade choux cream.  Meanwhile, Messina started in Sydney back in 2002, and is known for its 40-flavour gelato cabinet and dedication to using high-quality toppings, which are all made in-house. The brand’s launch of its first Singapore outlet at Club Street this

A new Italian deli is setting up shop along Amoy Street, and it’s all about focaccia by day and champagne by night. Mamma Mia Focaccia officially opens its doors on October 21 with a four-day launch promotion till October 24, where the first 50 sandwiches daily (from 11am to noon) are completely free. After that, they’re yours at $10 each, which is still quite the steal.  The grab-and-go joint is run by the same folks behind popular F&B concepts like Asador and Next Door Spanish Cafe, and is open on weekdays only. We see it quickly becoming a go-to lunch spot for those working around the CBD or along Amoy Street, especially if you’re not feeling the heat and queues at Amoy Street Food Centre that day. There are no seats here, just standing counters.  Photograph: Time Out Singapore Mamma Mia Focaccia’s house-made focaccia is long-fermented and baked fresh daily, then toasted again before serving so it reaches you warm and with a crunchy exterior. The golden, pillowy slices come plain instead of seasoned with herbs, tomatoes or olives like you might expect, to let the spotlight shine on the fresh deli fillings. Pick from 10 sandwiches on the menu, stuffed with anything from San Daniele ham ($24) and 'nduja ($22), to stacks layered with spicy salami ($18) and coppa ($24).  Photograph: Mamma Mia Focaccia Prices start from $14 for the vegetarian option with grilled vegetables, red pesto, pickled onions and mascarpone – a surprising banger with the grilled artichokes standing o

The next time you're at the airport looking to pick up treats for friends overseas, skip the tried-and-tested Bacha Coffee or TWG Tea and head straight for the Dona Manis booth at Jewel Changi. From October 13 this year to February 28 next year, you can grab slices of the heritage bakery's signature banana pies at this limited-time pop-up.  For those unfamiliar with the brand, Dona Manis is a popular homegrown bakery in Katong Shopping Centre, which has been selling homemade banana pies and other local confectionery since the 1990s. In recent years, it has picked up traction on the internet and gone on to set up occasional pop-ups to introduce its famous pies to the masses – you might remember its Takashimaya stall last year or its collaboration with Creamier East Coast back in May.  So what's so special about these pies? The bakery serves Nanyang-style banana pies, which differ greatly from the cream-heavy version of Western-style pies. At the heart of each slice is pisang berangan (ang bak jio), a regional banana variety, and grated local coconut. It's known to be moist, warm and sweet on the inside, while golden-brown and flaky on the outside, topped with a final coating of toasted almonds for added crunch. Throughout the four-month duration of this pop-up at Jewel Changi Airport, you'll be able to purchase these signature pies and banana pudding, as well as old-school breads and pastries by Sembawang Confectionery, with which the brand is collaborating. Familiar nostalgic

Last night’s award ceremony for the World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 will be forever etched in history. For the first time ever, the crowning title of the World’s Best Bar goes to a bar in Asia, and Hong Kong’s Bar Leone is the one to receive that honour. This is its second time making history – in 2024, it debuted at No. 1 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars.  Back in Singapore, we celebrate three wins for the bar industry. First up, Jigger & Pony officially remains the best bar in Singapore, and secures its spot within the top 10, at No. 9. A tiny slip from its cushy No. 5 position last year, but deserving of celebration nonetheless.  Its creative director and partner, Uno Jang, also sweeps up the prestigious Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award. The winner of this category gains serious street cred, as it’s the only peer-voted segment with nominees submitted by fellow reputable bartenders. Photograph: World's 50 Best Bars Another cocktail institution in Singapore, Nutmeg & Clove, also picks up the No. 50 spot in the ranking – a slight dip from its position at No. 28 last year. This is its second year in a row featuring in the World’s 50 Best Bars, and it continues to put Singaporean flavours on the global map with its hyperlocal cocktail programme at Purvis Street.  In total, Singapore has three bars on the World’s 50 Best Bars list this year, including one – Native at Amoy Street – featured in the extended 51 to 100 ranking that was revealed last month. In 2024, we saw seven bars named among

“Wagyu is in my DNA,” says Chef Satoru Tanaka, the third-generation meat maestro and face behind Nikuya Tanaka, Japan’s revered Kobe beef institution. Tanaka hails from an 80-year lineage of wagyu masters – his grandfather was a wagyu broker and his father a wagyu butcher. The 58-year-old from Gifu Prefecture picked up a knife as early as the age of three and has never looked back. He now runs some 20 restaurants all over Japan, including the Michelin-Selected Nikuya Setsugekka in Nagoya.  When Nikuya Tanaka unveiled its Ginza flagship in 2019, it quickly shot to fame. By 2021, it received the Silver Award from Tabelog, a Japanese restaurant review site widely recognised by and trusted by locals. On the international stage, it made its mark by clinching the title of the 27th best steakhouse in the world, the best in Asia, and in Japan. Photograph: Nikuya Tanaka The kappo-style 9-seater in Tokyo specialises in pure-bred Tajima wagyu from Hyogo Prefecture – a rare breed that accounts for less than 0.1 percent of all Japanese beef. More specifically, it is pure-bred Tajima wagyu from Hyogo’s capital of Kobe that is served here. Yes, the prized Kobe beef. Not just that, Chef Tanaka personally selects only whole female cattle raised for over 35 months, as they have a distinctly silkier texture. That should give you a sense of what to expect at its first international outlet in Singapore.  Stepping in, you’ll notice that the charcoal-grey ceilings, dark wooden walls and dim-light

Most of us would be familiar with the Michelin Guide, which maps out outstanding restaurants and eateries in the country. A lesser-known ranking system in the culinary world is The Best Chef Awards, which assesses individual chefs based on their technical skills.  Instead of stars, chefs from across the world vie for coveted ‘Knives’. According to The Best Chef Awards' website, One Knife (Excellent) denotes a high standard of culinary skill, Two Knives (World Class) indicates internationally-recognised excellence, and the prestigious Three Knives (The Best) reflects top-tier culinary mastery.  As we know, Singapore has no shortage of talented chefs. So it’s no surprise that in the guide’s most recent ceremony held on October 1 in Milan, Italy, 19 Singapore-based chefs walked away with new awards to add to their growing repertoires.  Picking up the highest achievements of the evening were chefs Julien Royer from French fine-dining restaurant Odette, and Mano Thevar, who runs his eponymous South Indian restaurant in River Valley. Both were awarded Three Knives. Royer was also the winner of The Best Food Art Award in 2024, a nod to the exceptional visual presentation and artistic plating that he champions at Odette.  Photograph: Thevar A total of 10 chefs representing Singapore were bestowed Two Knives that night, including Kevin Wong from Seroja, Kirk Westaway from Jaan, LG Han from Labyrinth, Martin Öfner from Zén, Sebastien Lepinoy from Les Amis, Dave Pynt from Burnt Ends,

October is a great time to rediscover Singapore’s thriving bar scene, and these five venues are giving us fresh reasons to head out. Whether you're in search of a discreet lounge for a late-night tipple or a hush-hush speakeasy tucked behind a tapas bar, there’s something new to explore this month. Those who prefer a more extravagant night out can revel in lavish hotel bars focusing on cocktails or wines. And for the day drinkers, there’s even a no-frills cocktail stand in Joo Chiat that shakes up a single signature drink each month on weekend afternoons. RECOMMENDED: The 50 best bars in Singapore and Time Out Singapore’s 2025 Bar Guide 1. Last Stop Photograph: Last Stop Seasoned barflies will know of East47, the Andy Warhol-inspired bar tucked within the glamorous Manhattan Bar at Conrad Singapore Orchard. Last Stop follows a similar bar-within-a-bar concept, hidden inside the award-winning cocktail bar Last Word along Purvis Street. While Last Word impresses with its minimalist aesthetic, its namesake Last Word cocktail ($30) and wasabi-tinged Bloody Mary ($28), Last Stop is a cosy, living room-inspired space where the cocktails take a lighter turn.  This 12-seater retreat is designed to be your ideal final stop after a night of imbibing. The six creations ($26 each) on its menu are true-blue nightcaps. Think classic cocktails given floral and tea-infused spins. Highlights include a chamomile vodka highball, a genmaicha martini, a peach and earl grey rum cocktail, and a d

This month’s list of restaurant openings reads like a roll-call of big names, and all eyes are on whether they can live up to their hype. Two steakhouses from abroad have chosen Singapore for their very first international outposts – Parisian-style La Vache! from Hong Kong and Japan’s number one beef restaurant, Nikuya Tanaka.  Closer to home, we see some familiar faces like Chef Vincent Pang of private dining outfit Pun Im opening a standalone Thai restaurant, while Chef Drew Nocente of Cenzo debuts Il Toro, an Italian woodfire grill with Australian soul. Meanwhile, the team behind Meadesmoore and Fat Belly introduce modern Asian bistro Yara in a quiet, breezy location near the Botanic Gardens. There’s clearly no shortage of culinary talent this month, but whether these new joints manage to prove their chops, only time will tell. Here are five restaurants worth checking out this month. Explore Singapore’s 2025 restaurant openings by month: New restaurants in September New restaurants in August New restaurants in July New restaurants in June New restaurants in May New restaurants in April New restaurants in March New restaurants in February New restaurants in January Discover the best new restaurants in Singapore this year. 1. La Vache! Photograph: La Vache! You know a restaurant is confident about what it serves when there’s only one thing on the menu. At Parisian-style steakhouse La Vache!, trimmed entrecôte steak is the sole star dish – your only choice in the matter i

It’s 2pm on a Tuesday, and the line to order has gone past the door – just what typically happens when a new spot in Singapore goes viral on the internet. It’s been less than three weeks since opening, but it’s easy to see why crowds are pooling at Pout Cafe on a sleepy weekday afternoon.  This rooftop hideout looks like it’s plucked straight out of the trendy Haebangchon neighbourhood in Seoul. The interiors are well-curated and dripping with prime photo spots, and there’s even a cosy booth on a raised platform by the back – a design feature you won’t find in most cafés.  Photograph: Time Out Singapore But the main attraction here has to be the view: an unobstructed panorama of the Marina Bay skyline which you can admire through the large windows, or at the outdoor area when the weather is more forgiving. To access this ‘hidden’ spot, you’ll first have to locate CMO Building on South Bridge Road, then take the elevator next to Meh’r by Inderpal up to the sixth floor.  With places like these, food usually plays second fiddle to the ambience. Pout’s menu is lean and concise. This is not the place for a full meal, but you can grab coffee, pastries and dessert over a catch-up with friends, solo reading date or even a light midday work sesh. There’s free wifi and a couple of power sockets around, though note that the space can get noisy in the afternoon.  Photograph: Time Out Singapore  Two kinds of coffee blends are offered here. The Apache is a darker, chocolatey Brazil and

The café craze on this island never dies. Recently, we zoomed in on humble neighbourhood spots that serve up brews and bakes to the local community. This month, the spotlight is back on cafés closer to Singapore’s bustling city centre, offering a tiny bit of respite from the hustle. The following new places we’ve shortlisted come with their own specialties, whether it’s stunning rooftop views, the perfect cheesecake and coffee pairing, slow-drip and zines, scrumptious Italian brunch fare, or loaded matcha lattes. Here are five new cafés in Singapore worth checking out right now. RECOMMENDED: The 50 best cafés in Singapore and 5 new neighbourhood cafés in Singapore 1. Pout Rooftop Cafe Photograph: Pout Cafe It’s easy to see why crowds are pooling at Pout Cafe on a sleepy weekday afternoon – this rooftop spot looks like it’s plucked straight out of the indie Haebangchon neighbourhood in Seoul. Well-curated interiors, a cosy tiered seating area, and not to mention, that million-dollar view overlooking the Marina Bay skyline. To access this ‘hidden’ café, take the elevator next to Meh’r by Inderpal up to the sixth floor and turn right. Pout’s menu is lean and concise. This is not the place for a full meal, but you can grab coffee (from $4.90 for a black) and pastries (from $7) over a catch-up with friends or a light midday work sesh. Two kinds of coffee blends are offered – Apache, which is a darker, chocolatey Brazil and Colombian blend, and Sunbird, an Ethiopian blend that’s

One more eatery in Singapore bites the dust this year. Next week, local F&B brand The Cicheti Group will say goodbye to its pioneering wine and pasta bar, Bar Cicheti. This follows closely on the heels of Michelin-starred Esora, which announced its year-end closure just last week. Bar Cicheti opened its doors in 2018 and has been serving fresh, handmade pasta and wines to the Keong Saik neighbourhood since. It completed a one-month makeover in June last year, sprucing up the space with vibrant maroon walls, vintage posters, warm hanging lights, and a refreshed menu, including a new wine list inspired by classic movies throughout history. The news of the closure came two weeks ago in a post on the bar’s Instagram page, and while no apparent reasons were given, diners were invited to drop by for Bar Cicheti’s final service at Jiak Chuan Road on October 8. Photograph: Bar Cicheti While this is sad news for regular patrons, not all is lost. You can still get your Italian food fix at one of The Cicheti Group’s many other concepts, including Cicheti at Bugis, Forma at Joo Chiat, Wild Child Pizzette at Boat Quay, as well as the newly opened Casa Cicheti in Tiong Bahru. And don’t forget, there’s still exactly one more week to drop by before Bar Cicheti’s last day. While you’re there, make sure to order the house-made focaccia ($8), burratina ($24), smoked rigatoni cacio e pepe ($26) and the Sicilian pistachio cream crostata ($20). And of course, a glass of wine for a final toast.

If Violet Oon is where you go for Chinese New Year or a celebratory meal, then Bibik Violet is where you take your loved ones to for Sunday brunch. The new café-bakery is the first casual concept in the Violet Oon Group, with a full-fledged kueh and cake counter and a selection of take-home goodies. Unlike its fancier counterpart, no reservations are needed at Bibik Violet, which is a walk-in only, scan-to-order sort of establishment. It officially opens on September 29 in the refreshed Temasek Shophouse, a social impact hub at Dhoby Ghaut. Most of us in Singapore are familiar with Violet Oon, widely regarded as the matriarch of Peranakan cuisine. But before becoming the group’s culinary curator, the 76-year-old polymath lived many lives. She was formerly a chef, acclaimed food journalist, TV show host, and even a music critic and opera singer at one point. With Bibik Violet, she swaps out the glossy black-and-gold glamour of her other restaurants for something more vibrant, rustic and everyday. You know, the kind of feeling you get when eating at a Bibik’s – or a Peranakan aunty’s – home.  Photograph: Bibik Violet That explains the warm woody tones enveloping the 54-seater, the rattan furniture, tasselled lamps, batik prints and vintage Peranakan tiles from the 1900s. Even some of Violet’s own cookbooks and knick-knacks from her home make an appearance. Old records by Chinese and Malay artists play softly in the background, adding a tinge of nostalgia. The menu at Bibik Vi