Singapore’s dining scene enters October with a powerful lineup of openings, headlined by high-profile chef returns, a home-based pasta brand’s first dine-in space, and ambitious debuts at landmark venues. From casual Japanese reinventions to floating dessert omakase, these five new restaurants are setting the month’s table.
Ao: A relaxed return for Chef Takeshi Araki
After shuttering his Michelin-starred kappo restaurant Esora last year, Chef Takeshi Araki is back with Ao, a casual modern Japanese concept in Orchard. Part of the Cloud Restaurant Group, Ao offers a more approachable, family-friendly setting than Esora, with warm wood tones and natural light.
The food is elevated but unfussy: bluefin tuna tartare over crispy toasted sushi rice ($28), deboned chicken wings stuffed with black truffle mochi rice ($22), and sea bream ramen ($28). Duck rillette ($20) and cold sudachi somen with uni ($28) round out the sharing-style menu.
Address: 1 Claymore Drive, #01-01. Open daily 11am-10pm.
Aro: Johanne Siy writes a new chapter
Another comeback story: Chef Johanne Siy, named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2023, has reopened at the former Esora address. Her Mediterranean restaurant Lolla closed earlier this year, but Aro carries its spirit forward through what Siy calls “Creator’s Cuisine”—a style that defies easy labels like “Filipino” or “French.”
The $268 dinner menu centres on ingredients close to her heart, from Cancale oysters to Filipino pili nuts, stingless bee honey, and ube. Lolla loyalists will recognise upgraded versions of old favourites, including avocado with smoked eel and jalapeño granita, plus carabinero with potato bread.
Address: 15 Mohamed Sultan Road. Thu 6-10pm; Fri-Mon noon-3pm, 6-10pm.
Saikyo Pasta: From home kitchen to 12 seats
Not every home-based business earns a brick-and-mortar spot, but Arya Masagung and Angeline Chandraatmadja pulled it off. Their 12-seat pasta bar at Tanjong Pagar’s Icon Village started as a home operation in Shenton Way, inspired by Japan’s family-run eateries.
The Napolitan ($22.90) brings comfort with Japanese ketchup’s subtle sweetness—best brightened with a dash of Tabasco. The shiso mushroom pasta ($22.90) balances savoury umami with fresh shiso shreds. Don’t overlook the cold kombu pasta with ikura ($15.90) or burrata with edamame puree ($15.90).
Address: 12 Gopeng Street, #01-86. Mon-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm, 6-8:30pm.
Tanica: A botanical refresh at The Singapore Edition
Tanica—a portmanteau of “botanical” and “tannins”—has taken over the former Fysh space. This modern Asian restaurant leans into spice-forward, herbaceous flavours built around Southeast Asian ingredients.
The signature asam pedas seafood risotto ($58) features rice slow-cooked in a tangy tamarind broth, crowned with ama ebi, crunchy sea grapes, and grilled wing beans. A three-course weekday lunch is a steal at $48, while Sunday brunch starts at $98. The airy, plant-filled dining room remains a highlight.
Address: 38 Cuscaden Road. Open daily; breakfast 6-10:30am, lunch noon-2:30pm, dinner 6-10pm.
Maison Yoshoku: Dessert omakase, elevated
Japan’s floating dessert trend—viralised by Tokyo’s Kanadaya and Ruru Shibuya—has landed at Raffles City. At Maison Yoshoku, from the Surrey Hills Group, sweets are suspended mid-air using magnetic levitation. The dessert omakase costs $25 for three, $35 for five, or $45 for seven, served daily from 3-10pm.
Prefer savoury? Lunch features hitsumabushi-style sets (from $28) with proteins like seabass, black garlic wagyu, or rosemary chicken. Dinner turns to yoshoku plates including foie gras monaka ($14) and omurice ($18).
Address: 252 North Bridge Road, #03-43. Open daily 11:30am-10pm.
The takeaway
October’s crop of openings proves Singapore’s F&B scene thrives on reinvention—from chefs reclaiming old haunts to home-grown concepts stepping into the spotlight. For more dining inspiration, check out these guides: