February unfolds rapidly in Singapore, punctuated by major cultural celebrations like Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day. Amid reunion feasts and romantic reservations, the city’s dynamic culinary landscape refuses to slow down, offering an exceptional range of newly opened venues. From experimental omakase to traditional Roman fare and bold Spanish tapas, diners have a compelling reason to schedule those long-awaited catch-ups. Here is a look at the five freshest dining spots making waves across Singapore this month.
Medusa: Roman Cuisine Meets Nightlife Glamour
Defying the rustic connotations of its “osteria” moniker, Medusa introduces high-energy Italian dining to Singapore. Located within South Beach Avenue, this concept from the respected Fortuna Group (also behind Fortuna and Fortuna Terrazza) is an immersive experience drenched in crimson Hues. The striking, 76-seat space is a tribute to Rome, the hometown of founder Egon Marzaioli’s wife.
Beyond the LED lights and mirror-clad interiors designed for the perfect photograph, Medusa focuses on classic Roman cuisine. Patrons can indulge in staples such as Supplì al Telefono (deep-fried arborio rice balls), succulent porchetta, and expertly prepared thin-crust pizzas and pastas like carbonara and cacio e pepe. Complementing the menu is a sophisticated cocktail program inspired by Greek mythology’s goddesses, available at the indoor bar or the breezy alfresco area.
Jellyfish Sushi: Bjorn Shen’s Experimental Bread Omakase
Chef Bjorn Shen, known for his boundary-pushing concepts at Artichoke and his role on MasterChef Singapore, continues his culinary evolution with Jellyfish Sushi. Situated within Artichoke, the intimate 10-seater counter shares the same experimental spirit as his chef’s table concept, Small’s.
Jellyfish Sushi challenges convention by replacing the traditional shari (vinegared rice) in sushi with various types of bread. The initial offering is a 12-course bread sushi omakase ($165 per person) focused on raw or lightly-treated seafood. Shen’s audacious experiment aims to explore whether the textures and flavor profiles of different breads can elevate the familiar sushi experience, resulting in unconventional yet surprisingly satisfying bites.
Ginza Sushi Arai: Tokyo’s Tabelog Gold Arrives
Singapore now hosts the first international outlet of Ginza Sushi Arai, a distinguished sushi-ya from Tokyo celebrated with a Tabelog Gold award—a signal of excellence trusted by local Japanese gourmands. Offering an authentic Edomae experience, the restaurant operates with a stringent focus on quality and tradition.
With just eight counter seats and a private room, Ginza Sushi Arai sources the freshest ingredients, flown in daily from Tokyo’s renowned Toyosu Market. The menu highlights seasonal variations, with delicate tuna cuts featured in spring and more robust selections served during winter. Defining the quality is the shari, which uses a signature mix of white and akazu (red vinegar) for a bolder taste profile, meticulously adjusted for temperature. While Master Chef Yuichi Arai personally handles sushi preparation during the summer months (July to September), the daily operations are expertly managed by Chef Junpeng Wang.
Patchwork Kitchen: Flavor Over Pure Tradition
Patchwork Kitchen offers an insightful bistro experience where flavor dictates the menu, rather than adherence to strict culinary categories. “I didn’t want Patchwork to be boxed into ‘Asian fusion’,” explains founder James Moon. The result is a casual setting serving East-Asian flavors peppered with Singaporean references, utilizing a global array of cooking techniques.
Key menu highlights demonstrate this cross-cultural ethos, including the comforting chicken rice arancini ($9), the delicate laksa tortelloni ($21), and the signature Patchwork chicken ($21) served with napa cabbage and gochugaru. Located at a picturesque spot overlooking the CBD, the restaurant maintains accessible price points, with most mains costing under $30.
Amor: Catalan Charm on Amoy Street
Tapas and paella aficionados have a new haunt with the opening of Amor on Amoy Street. This Spanish venue is the creation of Chef Yu Wang Leung and veteran Azad Sharma, both alumni of popular concepts like Olivia and Noa Lounge. Amor’s interiors draw inspiration from Catalan communities, featuring subtle nods to Antoni Gaudí’s architectural geometry.
The expansive menu caters to both casual tapas snacking and large group dining. Iberico pork takes center stage across the tapas selection, though the Mediterranean seafood paella ($56), generously feeding up to four, is a must-try. For lunch, an approachable $38 set menu is available, while evenings should conclude with Amor’s rich, silky signature burnt Basque cheesecake ($16).
These new openings underscore Singapore’s commitment to maintaining a world-class dining scene, ensuring there are always exciting culinary destinations, regardless of a busy calendar. For those looking to explore beyond the holiday rush, reserving a table at one of these vital spots is highly recommended.