Despite a challenging year for the dining industry, Singapore’s restaurant scene experienced a dynamic surge in 2025, welcoming a staggering influx of 60 new establishments, cementing the city-state’s reputation as a robust global gourmet hub. While acknowledging the painful closure of beloved spots, Time Out’s editorial team sampled and scrutinized the year’s openings, curating a definitive list of the 16 best new restaurants that truly delivered on flavor, ambience, and value. This collection, covering everything from international chains to ambitious local startups, showcases the diverse and adventurous spirit of Singaporean diners, offering must-visit spots for every palate and budget.
A Global Feast Arrives in the City
The sheer volume of high-quality new venues made the task of narrowing down the best impossible. Ultimately, 16 remarkable locations earned a spot on the coveted list, reflecting the island’s unmatched ability to serve as a testbed for global cuisine. These spots impressed critics with their originality and execution, spanning a globe-trotting array of flavors that delighted Singapore’s discerning foodies.
Among the international concepts making waves were institutions elevating regional specialties. Latido, for example, stood out as Singapore’s sole Colombian restaurant, earning praise for signature dishes like their complex, braised rabbit wraps. Celebrating borderless and bold soul food, Magpie’s creative menu, featuring unexpected twists like Fijian ceviche, captivated diners. Meanwhile, Italian cuisine saw an artisan revival with Scarpetta, whose handmade pasta and decadent olive oil gelato offered a refined yet approachable experience.
The list of standouts confirms Singapore’s status as a culinary melting pot, featuring exceptional offerings across numerous traditions:
- Japanese (Udon Shin, Nikuya Tanaka, Zeniya, Sushi Zushi)
- Korean (Modu)
- Spanish, Latin American, and Sri Lankan (Latido, Station by Kotuwa)
- European and Italian (La Vache!, Casa Cicheti, Scarpetta)
Championing Homegrown and Modern Asian Flavors
While international contenders dominated many headlines, several local concepts breathed exciting new life into Singaporean and Asian-inspired cuisine. These restaurants proved that innovation and tradition can successfully coexist amid the city’s contemporary dining landscape.
Industry veteran Violet Oon introduced Bibik Violet, providing a more relaxed, accessible approach to her signature honest-to-goodness Peranakan dishes. This casual outlet quickly became a favorite for those seeking high-quality Nonya fare without the formality of Oon’s established chain.
Further demonstrating creative fusion, Revolution, a reboot of the popular natural wine bar RVLT, now features a lunch menu centered on exceptional Asian-inspired pasta. Highlights include comforting dishes like hua diao white clams linguine and a luscious salted egg carbonara, demonstrating a mastery of combining local flavors with Western techniques.
Perhaps most emblematic of Singapore’s culinary future is Belimbing, which proudly champions “new-gen” Singaporean cuisine. Its intensely fragrant nasi ulam, packed with herbs such as ulam raja and ginger flower, has been hailed as a revolutionary take on a classic dish, capturing the imagination of both critics and locals.
Planning Your Next Meal
Whether planning an intimate date night or organizing a large holiday gathering, this curated list provides an essential starting point for exploration. The 16 top selections represent a balanced mix in terms of value, ranging from stylish, budget-friendly joints offering competitive pricing on fresh pasta and handrolls, to major blowout dining experiences worthy of a celebratory splurge.
These establishments offer tangible proof that even in a highly competitive market, commitment to quality, originality, and genuine hospitality can yield exceptional results. As Singapore continues to cement its reputation on the global food stage, these 16 newcomers illuminate the way forward, promising an exciting future for the island’s dining scene.
The 16 Top New Restaurants of 2025:
- Udon Shin
- La Vache!
- Nikuya Tanaka
- Bibik Violet
- Revolution
- Zeniya
- Belimbing
- Station by Kotuwa
- Magpie
- Bon Broth
- Scarpetta
- Casa Cicheti
- Latido
- Sushi Zushi (Funan)
- Sugarra
- Modu