12 unique restaurants that you must try in Singapore

What is it? Korean restaurant in futuristic Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore (HMGICS), helmed by three-Michelin-starred chef Corey Lee.

Why we love it: If there's one restaurant worth a trip to the far west, this is it. Na Oh's interiors are gorgeous, accented with traditional Korean elements, from the use of hanji (Korean paper) as decor down to beautifully handcrafted tableware. Expect a reasonably priced four-course prix fixe menu ($88) where items are switched up according to the seasons.

Time Out tip: Make a trip out of your visit by joining the free guided Discovery Tour, which includes an experiential smart farm visit and a tasting session of freshly harvested greens. But the highlight is undoubtedly getting to ride around the world's first Skytrack circuit with a four-metre high tilt 'round one of the corners. 

Address: 2 Bulim Ave HMGICS, Level 3, 649674
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 11.30am-4pm, 6pm-10pm

What is it? An Alice in Wonderland-inspired immersive dining experience that serves up cat food and toothpaste.

Why we love it: If you've ever wondered what it's like to tumble down the Rabbit Hole, Wonderland Upside Down by ANDSOFORTH is here to make that fantasy a very trippy reality. For $168 per person, you'll be taken through an unpredictable adventure, while feasting on a five-course meal. The adventure begins at The Hatter’s Asylum, a hat shop where you are handed a welcome drink and a fun little DIY project, while pop tunes play in the background. Every room is a new surprise, from stunning set designs, including a massive animatronic black cat, to the wildly entertaining cast who aren't afraid to roast the guests.

Time Out tip: Sessions run from Thursdays through Mondays, but if you want to bring the little ones along, sign up for the family-friendly session on Sundays. 

Address: The exact location will be revealed 24 hours before your visit.
Opening hours: Check the website for the next available session.

What is it? A two-hour immersive dining show inspired by Jeju Island’s legendary haenyeo (female divers). It blends storytelling, audience interaction, visuals and Korean cuisine into a theatrical experience led by artist Kim Ha-won.

Why we love it: Our favourite part – besides the eating – is hands down, the visuals and music. As the meal unfolds through Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter chapters, we are treated with accompanying scenes of Jeju's lush canola fields, deep blue waters, mystical, atmospheric forests, quiet, snowy mountains and more, projected on the screens. As for the food, the highlight is the traditional hansangcharim or Autumn Feast, featuring a generous spread of banchan like pancakes, radish kimchi, seaweed and more. The standout: slices of dombe pork (boiled Jeju Black Pork) served on a cutting board. 

Time Out tip: Treat it like a theatre show rather than a typical dinner. Go with an open mind, and don’t expect a seafood-heavy meal.

Address: 1 Old Parliament Lane, The Arts House Annex Building, Singapore 179429
Opening hours: Wed-Fri 5pm and 7.45pm; Sat-Sun 12.30pm, 5pm and 7.45pm

What is it? It’s nostalgia overload at Mama Diam and its cafe-cocktail bar Lou Shang on the second floor. 

Why we love it: Decked out in decor meant to replicate an early 2000s tuck shop, the ambience at Mama Diam feels like a blast to the recent past. Get stuck in on old-school delights with a twist, such as the chicken curry kueh pie tee topped with coconut foam. And for something more inventive, opt for the stuffed seafood lychee featuring refreshing mouthfuls of tiger prawns, lychee, citrus mayo and tobiko. Slurp up the cold truffle mien – a sure-win given the luxurious toppings of Hokkaido scallops, ikura, caviar and truffles.

Time Out tip: When you’re done eating, head up to Lou Shang for drinks, where you’ll be greeted with a HDB corridor-themed bar. 

Address: 38 Prinsep St, #01-01, Singapore 188665
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 4pm-10.30pm; Fri-Sat 4pm-midnight for Mama Diam, and daily from 11.30am-9.30pm for Lou Shang

What is it? Absurdities by Andsoforth serves dinner on an epic scale. It’s the first of its kind in Asia to weave gastronomy into a highly interactive experience that’ll see diners climbing and crawling through rooms.

Why we love it: The menu is shrouded in secrecy. All you’ll know is that you’ll be served six courses and two drinks – novel creations unique in their presentation and flavours – meant to confuse and excite your senses. You’ll be walking through an infinity mirror tunnel, navigating hidden doors, exploring a mystical jungle, and even discovering a Moroccan tent in a desert.

Time Out tip: Wear something comfortable and expect to be on the move throughout the four-hour affair.  Tickets start at $192 per person.

Address: 311 Jln Besar, Singapore 208970
Opening hours: Thu-Sat 6pm-11pm; Mon 6pm-11pm

What is it? Having a meal in total darkness without knowing what’s going into your mouth might be a strange concept to some. But let the idea settle, and you’ll find that dinner at NOX proves to be a fun yet enlightening rollercoaster ride, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Why we love it: The establishment is also a social enterprise that hires and trains visually-impaired individuals, so you’ll be in the good hands of your visually-impaired waiter throughout the dinner. Expect a mystery set menu consisting of 12 dishes served over three courses. At the end of your meal, you’ll be tasked to guess the dishes you’ve partaken in, before the menu is finally revealed to you.

Time Out tip: Focus your naturally heightened senses of taste and smell on the food and try to paint a mental image of the dishes. 

Address: 83 Club St, Singapore 069451
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 6pm-10.30pm

What is it? Fancy a trip out to sea, complete with a meal at Singapore’s only floating restaurant? A 15-minute boat ride will take you to Smith Marine Floating Restaurant – a modern kelong between Pulau Ubin and Changi Point Ferry terminal, serving the freshest catch of the day and quintessential zichar fare. 

Why we love it: The interiors are simple and functional, leaving the spotlight on the novelty of the experience and the food. A seven-course set menu for five people starts at $580, and while that may seem hefty, it includes the two-way ferry ride and a wide spread of seafood. Expect to see lobster deep-fried with shredded potatoes, a Hong Kong-style steamed fish, chilli crab, scallops, sambal mussels, and stir-fried lala beehoon.

Time Out tip: Soak in the sea breeze at the restaurant’s patio when you’re done with your meal, and enjoy the sound of waves for a moment or two.

Address: Pulau Ubin Coastal Area FC97E, Singapore
Opening hours: Daily 10am-7pm

What is it? In the heart of Chinatown along Trengganu Street lies a wizard-inspired dessert bar that takes a page from the beloved Harry Potter series.

Why we love it: You’ll be greeted with imaginative desserts, from combustible effects to colour-changing liquids and smoking cauldrons that will delight the cameras. The Baby Root comes straight out of Professor Sprout’s Herbology class in the Harry Potter film. Presented as a sharing dessert nested in an egg-shaped pot, a creature made out of chocolate ganache sits on top of a delectable strawberry shortcake that’s dusted with Oreo crumbs. The dessert bar also shakes up a whimsical range of cocktails that are a feast for the eyes. Expect fire shows with the rum-based Phoenix Fire, or opt for the signature grapefruit-forward Wizard’s Brew. 

Time Out tip: There are even interactive experiences, from ‘potion-making’ classes to spellcasting demonstrations, making The Wizard’s Brew a worthy spot for families, couples, and most definitely Potterheads.

Address: 10B Trengganu St, Level 3, Singapore 058464
Opening hours: Tue-Wed 3pm-11pm; Thu-Sat 3pm-midnight, Sun 3pm-11pm

What is it? Here's an unconventional one. Ocean Restaurant is Singapore’s only underwater restaurant and a no-brainer to book, especially if you have a major thalassophile in your midst.

Why we love it: Marvel at 40,000 majestic marine animals gracefully gliding around in the world’s largest oceanarium. On the menu: modern-European plates with sustainably-sourced seafood as the focus. Chef Oliver Bellin ran the two Michelin-starred L’Auberge des Glazicks in his hometown of Brittany, France, and now brings the same zero-waste philosophy and finesse to Singapore.

Time Out tip: If you can't get enough of the sea life, explore the new Oceanarium in Sentosa and end the evening with a stroll along the boardwalk towards Vivocity.

Address: 16 Sentosa Gateway, Resorts World Sentosa, Equarius Hotel, B1M, Singapore 098133
Opening hours: Daily 11.30am-3pm, 6pm-10.30pm

What is it? Step into Café Monochrome – Singapore’s first 2D café inspired by the ones in South Korea – and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a world in a colouring book.

Why we love it: Detailed hand-drawn designs are plastered all over the space, creating a life-sized optical illusion. Food-wise, the café offers a selection of comfort meals, coffee and ice cream desserts that ground you in reality as you grapple with the mind-boggling experience. Tuck into hearty donburis, pasta, or waffles topped with ice cream, with highlights being the laksa pasta and iced coffees.

Time Out tip: Expect to spend between $20 to $30 per person. As space is tight, we recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment.

Address: Along Smith Street Side, 25 Trengganu St, #01-12, Singapore 058476
Opening hours: Daily 10am-8.30pm

What is it? No, it’s not a budget airline. Instead, this tenant at Kampong Glam is a 30-seater Japanese restaurant and sushi bar modelled after a Douglas DC-3 propeller plane.

Why we love it: The ‘in-air’ dining experience is a novel one to add to the books, with metal stairs resembling a boarding staircase, a retro chrome-plated interior, actual aeroplane meal carts, overhead compartments, and waitresses dressed as flight attendants. But it’s not just about appearances here. With fresh seafood being flown in at least four times a week from Japan, you can expect quality produce across their menu. Put this to the test with their Sashimi Moriawase platter, or go all out with their eight-to ten-course omakase menus. 

Time Out tip: Do note that the omakase requires an advanced notice of one day.

Address: 20a Baghdad Street, Singapore 199659
Opening hours: Daily noon-10pm

What is it? Here’s another one for fans of wizardry and all things magical. Platform 1094 might not be an official Harry Potter franchise, but Potterheads will know the allusions when they see it. 

Why we love it: Cheeky dishes await, like the Flying Charm, which sees cold angel hair pasta with masago caviar and truffle oil held up by a magic wand, or the unassuming carrot and beetroot soup presented in a cauldron. Expect theatrical concoctions straight out of JK Rowling’s fantasy world as well, such as Mr Lich’s Flaming Brew, a bright blue mystery concoction complete with a tall, eye-catching flame – the café's signature.

Time Out tip: Staying for longer? The Enchanted Afternoon Tea set features a selection of savouries and sweets full of Harry Potter references like Hedwig, Harry’s owl, and the iconic golden snitch. As for the rest, we shan’t spoil the surprise for you.

Address: 1094 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 328192
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am-10pm