As Singapore fully embraces the holiday spirit—with Orchard Road aglow and seasonal melodies filling the air—the culinary scene is experiencing a parallel boom, offering discerning diners a fresh collection of international and local establishments just in time for end-of-year celebrations. This month, the city-state welcomes a concentration of high-profile restaurant debuts, ranging from globally renowned Japanese imports to a significant revival of Eurasian heritage cuisine. We distill the excitement down to five essential new dining spots set to captivate palates across the island this busy December.
International Flavors and Local Heritage Anchor Singapore’s Culinary Wave
December traditionally marks a busy period for Singapore’s food and beverage industry, but this year stands out with particularly notable arrivals. These openings provide timely options for those planning holiday feasts, New Year’s Eve dinners, and casual gatherings. The list features acclaimed concepts finally making their international debut alongside deeply personal culinary projects.
Udon Shin Brings Tokyo’s Famed Noodles to Orchard
The long-awaited arrival of Udon Shin marks a significant moment for Japanese food aficionados. Directly transplanted from Tokyo’s Shibuya district, where it regularly commands queues sometimes exceeding three hours, this is the brand’s first venture outside Japan. Known for their meticulous preparation—noodles are freshly kneaded, cut, and boiled daily—Udon Shin offers a uniquely chewy and slippery texture. While traditional hot and chilled preparations are available, the signature dish is the Carbonara Udon ($24). This ingenious creation features kamaage udon in dashi, lavishly topped with Parmesan, butter, pepper, spring onions, a raw egg, and tempura bacon. Patrons often describe the dish as surprisingly light, despite its richness. Located in Takashimaya S.C. on Orchard Road, expect significant waiting times at the 60-seat venue.
A Tribute to Eurasian Cuisine at the National Gallery
Stepping into a vital role in preserving Singapore’s culinary identity is Gilmore & Damian D’Silva, located within the National Gallery Singapore. Headed by celebrated chef and former MasterChef Singapore judge Damian D’Silva, the 68-seater establishment is an emotional tribute to his grandfather, Gilmore D’Silva, who served as the Supreme Court’s custodian for over two decades. In a city where dedicated Eurasian restaurants are increasingly rare, this opening is a cultural lifeline. The menu showcases traditional Eurasian staples alongside Chinese influences inspired by his grandfather’s home cooking. The must-try seasonal specialty is the Christmas Debal, a flavorful gravy dish made with proprietary rempah and traditionally incorporating festive roast leftovers.
Korean Barbecue Expands in Telok Ayer
The brand behind the popular Busan-style Korean eatery Um Yong Baek introduces its newest concept, Joong San, just across from its original location in Telok Ayer. Joong San specializes in premium Korean barbecue, offering a focused selection of beef cuts for dinner, including teuk-sang useol (beef tongue) and kkakduk deungshim (cubed ribeye). Lunch features signature Korean dishes such as sundubu jjigae (soft tofu stew) and the unique nutty, savory soon memilguksu (perilla buckwheat noodles). A highlight for many diners is the garlicky marinated Andong-style galbi.
Coastal Elegance at L’Amo Bistrò del Mare
The newly rebranded Mett Singapore hotel in Fort Canning now hosts L’Amo Bistrò del Mare, an upscale Italian restaurant focusing on authentic coastal Italian flavors. This is the brand’s second outlet globally, with the other located in Dubai. Naturally, the menu is seafood-forward, featuring refined dishes such as risotto limone and gamberi (lemon risotto with Sicilian prawn carpaccio and caviar, $68) and a fresh selection from the seafood-on-ice counter. Non-seafood choices include a grilled Wagyu striploin. The restaurant also offers excellent value with a weekday two-course set lunch priced at $48.
Sushidan: Affordable Edomae Sushi Arrives
Highly anticipated, the casual Japanese concept Sushidan, from Michelin-starred Chef Hiroyuki Sato, is set to open in Raffles City Shopping Centre. Focusing on Edomae-style sushi—a traditional preparation method that uses techniques like salting and marinating with red vinegar to enhance natural seafood flavors—Sushidan promises high quality at accessible prices. Run by sushi master Chef Yusuke Kawana, the restaurant imports fresh fish daily from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market. Diners can expect a la carte sushi starting from $1.99 and, perhaps most enticingly, Omakase sets commencing at just $19.90. This opening offers a genuine taste of specialized Japanese sushi without the prohibitive price tag.
These five establishments provide compelling reasons to explore Singapore’s dynamic culinary landscape this holiday season, ensuring every major celebration—or casual craving—is met with fresh, exciting options.