HomeBest Restaurants Singapore30 Restaurants with Awesome Vibes

30 Restaurants with Awesome Vibes

by URBAN JOURNEY

Searching for Singapore restaurants with good ambiance? Then you’ve found the perfect list!

When it comes to dining out in Singapore, there are three things we look for in a restaurant before giving it the Urban Journey seal of approval. Firstly, top notch food. Secondly, exceptional service. And finally, a buzzy atmosphere and ambiance that makes us want to stay all night! So for the past few months we’ve been seeking out spots that are awesome places to eat with friends and that are even suitable when you’reflying solo and want a good crowd to chill with. Here’re are our top picks for buzzy restaurants with great vibes.(These restaurants are not ranked in any particular order).

1. Off Track

singapore restaurants with good ambiance - Off track interior

We love Off Track for some many reasons. Firstly, music is the focus here. The co-founders created music collectives, Darker than Wax and Ice Cream Sundays – and if you’ve gone to any other parties, you know you’re in for a listening treat. Off Track also recently earned a spot as #79 on Best Bars in Asia 2023. Choose from cocktails like their rendition on the Old Fashion and Negroni and whatever you do get those garlic noodles.

34 N Canal Rd, #01-01, Singapore 059290, Open Mon – Sat: 5pm – 12am

2. North Miznon

singapore restaurants with good ambiance - wait staff at North Miznon

We love the open kitchen concept here at North Miznon, a modern Israeli concept by Michelin-starred chef Eyal Shani. He has concepts around the world in cities including New York, Tel Aviv, Vienna, Dubai and now in Singapore. This restaurant has a fun and lively ambiance, with great tracks playing in the background. Expect delicious bites like their freshly baked pita, hummus, grilled meats and more. This is a great spot to go when you’re looking for a fun night out with your friends. It will not disappoint.

110 Amoy Street, #01-01, Singapore 069930, Mon – Sat: 12pm – 2:30pm, 6pm – 12am

3. Forma

singapore restaurants with good ambiance - pasta at Forma SIngapore

You know you’re going to be in for a great treat here at Forma, a recent concept by The Cicheti group, located in Joo Chiat. Scoring a table here is hard, but it’s worth the effort. Pastas are handmade on-site and you can get a chance to watch the magic happen through their glass wall. Fun fact, you can also scan a QR code on the menu to learn all about the origins of the pasta dishes. The restaurant is cozy, intimate and the perfect date night spot. We are pretty sure you’re going to enjoy anything you order on this menu.

128 Tembeling Road Singapore, 423638, Open: Tues – Sun, 6pm – 10:30pm and Fri – Sun: 12pm – 2:30pm

4. Mott32

The 149-seater Singapore has taken over the now defunct Nostra Cucina at Marina Bay Sands. Walk into stylish interiors and a beautiful bar, and you will see that you’re in for a treat. The restaurant introduces exclusive dishes, such as the Signature Crispy Sugar Coated Peking Duck Bun, Crispy Prawns with Salty Egg Yolk and Oatmeal, and one of Singapore’s most well-known dishes, the Wok-Fried Live Whole Crab in Black Pepper Singapore Style.

Mott 32, B1-42/43/44, Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

5. KOMA

As soon as you begin the walk down KOMA’s 20-metre passageway lined with orange arches like a Japanese shrine, you know you’re in for a different kind of dining experience. Inside the dimly lit lounge a huge Japanese bell adorned with 20 faces hangs over the sleek bar and long bench seating wraps around intimate booths. The menu features imaginative Japanese eats like truffle unagi maki, avocado tempura, and wagyu fried rice and they often have a DJ spinning some great beats throughout the night.

2 Bayfront Ave, Marina Bay Sands #B1-67, Singapore 018972. p. +65 6688 8690. Open Sun – Thurs 5pm – 12am, Fri – Sat 5pm – 2am

6. Bakalaki

Bakalaki is our current favourite haunt for excellent Greek food and a guaranteed great night out. The staff here are the epitome of hospitality; service is relaxed but efficient and complimentary tasting desserts and ouzo nightcaps are the norm. We’d feel comfortable dining here solo or with a large group for a celebration; anything goes. And the menu is filled with generous sharing plates channeling flavours of the sun. Tick. Tick. Tick. Go there.

Bakalaki, 38A Martin Rd, Singapore 239072 , t. 6836 3688. Open Mon – Thurs: 6pm – 10pm, Fri – Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm and 6pm – 10pm

7. Bar Cicheti

Fans of Cicheti will love their sister operation, Bar Cicheti. This sleek little spot is done up in lots of dark wood and features rows of intimate tables and a long marble bar where you can dine solo or with a friend or two. The focus here is on fresh, handmade pastas with innovative sauces and natural, biodynamic wines. Start with a glass of bubbles or a bright red, then tuck into plates like the beetroot pasta dumplings with sweet potato and pumpkin or the classic spaghetti vongole with clams.

Bar Cicheti, 10 Jiak Chuan Road, Singapore 089264. p. +65 6789 9801. Open Tues – Fri 12pm – 2:30pm, 6pm – 10pm, Sat 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm, Sun 11am – 3pm

8. Birds of a Feather

This hot spot on Amoy Street has been open for a little bit but we finally made our way there and we are sure glad we did. We ended up checking it out for a drink one Friday night and were pleasantly surprosed at the ambiance and thought to give it a go for dinner. We made a reservation and went in a few Friday’s later. The restaurant was buzzy, there was music in the background and the back of the restaurant had a great skylight which added a warmth to the ambiance. There’s a variety of food on offer and what we ate was really tasty. We’d go back and reorder the Weird Taste Chicken, Crispy Gyoza with Truffle Soy Vinaigrette and the Salmon 2 Ways.

Birds of a Feather, 115 Amoy Street, 069935, t. 6221 7449. OpenMon: 11am – 10pm, Tues – Wed: 10am – 11pm, Thurs – Sat: 10am – 12am and Sun: 10am – 10pm

9. Blue Label Pizza

Singapore restaurants with good ambiance - blue label pizza

Firstly, the pizza here is ridiculously good (we’re talking best pizza in Singapore, possibly even the world, kinda good). Secondly service is second to none; the front of house team are slick and nothing is too much trouble. And finally, the atmosphere here is always buzzing. Whatever day of the week you visit expect a full house with a convival hum of chatter (interspersed with declarations of “OMG, youhaveto try this!”) filling the air. Must-orders include the Chicago-style artichoke and spinach dip, the J-dog pizza, and the mother of all carrot cakes for dessert.

Blue Label Pizza, 2 Locations:
28 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069708. p. +65 9821 9362. Open Mon – Fri 12pm – 2pm, Mon – Sat 6pm – late.
333A Orchard Rd, #03-02 Mandarin Gallery, Singapore 238897. Open Mon – Sun, 11.30am – 10pm.

10. BoCHINche

Offering South American vibes and cuisine, Bochinche is a sweet spot to check out when you’re looking for something a little bit different than your average after-work hangout. We like sitting at the long marble-topped bar and ordering up glasses of Argentinian vino along with starters like the Chorizo Croquettes or the Empanadas packed with spinach, goat cheese and pine nuts. If you’re really hungry, try one of their Argentinian steaks grilled over charcoal and served with traditional South American sauces.

Bochinche, 27 Club St, Singapore 069413, t. 6235 4990. Open Mon – Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm, Sat: 11:30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm, Sun: closed

11. Burnt Ends

Burnt Ends earned a spot on San Pellegrino’s Worlds Best Restaurants list at #65. If you’re craving some ‘cue, Burnt Ends is the place to go for smoky meats and seafood chargrilled over custom-built grills. Part of the fun here is watching the chefs go to work in the open kitchen grilling and plating modern Australian creations. They write new menus daily so you never know what you’re going to get, but trust us, it’s going to be good. After just one bite it will be easy to see why the restaurant has earned and retained a Michelin star.

Burnt Ends, 7 Dempsey Rd, #01-02, Singapore 249671, t. 6224 3933. Open Thurs – Sat: 12pm – 2:30pm, 6pm – 11pm, Sun – Mon: closed, Tues and Wed: 6pm – 11pm

12. Caffe Fernet

Another fab offering from the Jigger & Pony group, Caffe Fernet is housed in a beautiful glass-fronted space in Customs House just next door to Super Loco. The views and vibes here are pretty superb, and the menu features a mix of contemporary Italian-styled dishes. The food is pretty decent, but we suggest coming here for happy hour between around 5pm and 7:30pm when you can grab sundowner cocktails and glasses of Prosecco for great prices. Snag a seat on the patio if you can.

Caffe Fernet, 70 Collyer Quay, The Customs House #01-05, Singapore 049323. p. +65 9178 1105. Open Mon – Thurs 12pm – 12am, Fri – Sat 12pm – 2am, Sun 11am – 5pm

13. CÉ LA VI

singapore restaurants with good ambiance - ce la vi

Singapore’s iconic rooftop bar sits on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands, which means the views here are absolutely spectacular. Come for their Sunset Sessions and sip on contemporary cocktails as you listen to groovy beats and soak up views of the sun setting over the city skyline. The drinks are fantastic, the modern Asian eats are vibrant, and there’s always a great vibe going on, especially on weekends when the parties keep going until late.

CÉ LA VI, 1 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay Sands, SkyPark #57-01, Singapore 018971. p. +65 6508 2188. Restaurant Lunch: Mon – Fri: 12pm – 3pm, Sat – Sun: 12pm – 3:30pm, Dinner: Sun – Wed: 6pm – 11pm, Thurs – Sat: 6pm – 11:30pm. SkyBar & Club Lounge: Daily: 11am – late

14. The Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar

We’re huge fans of The Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar for it’s gorgeous interiors with tons of white colonial style furniture, lush greenery, and lots of natural light. Chef-owner Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s cuisine is fresh and innovative with plenty of options for sharing like the burrata with lemon meyer jam and ciabatta and the pizza with black truffle and fontina cheese. We suggest grabbing a group of friends and heading here for an easy-going, yet chic drinking and dining experience.

The Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar, 17 & 18 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249676. p. 1 800 304 5588 (local calls only). Open Mon – Fri: 12pm – 2:30pm, Sat – Sun: 12pm – 3pm, Sun – Thurs: 6pm – 10pm, Fri, Sat & PH: 6pm – 11pm

15. Employees Only

Just like its New York City flagship, this slick bar has a real speakeasy vibe and offers up cocktails with a kick and modern comfort food. Head here for an early dinner before it turns into a full-fledged bar replete with rowdy crowds, and sample dishes like the Hand Cut Steak Tartare or Skate Paprikás with Spaetzle & Crème Fraîche. After dinner you can sidle up to the bar and try signature concoctions like their famous version of the Manhattan or the La Mikana with Tanqueray 10 gin, grapefruit cordial and champagne.

Employee’s Only, 112 Amoy Street, 069932, t. 6221 7357. OpenSun – Fri: 5pm – 1am, Sat: 5pm – 2am

16. Fat Prince

If you dig middle eastern food, Fat Prince is a great spot to check out on the weekend. We recommend start off with a drink at the bar before sitting down to dinner. Fat Prince serves up interesting mezzes, salads and kebabs in a great atmosphere.

Fat Prince48 Peck Seah Street, 079317, t. 6221 3683. Open Mon – Fri: 8am – 12am, Sat: 11.30am – 12am

17. FOC

Tapas were invented to be eaten in a social setting, and FOC offers a fun and funky space that encourages group gatherings over shared plates and glasses of vino. Here Michelin-starred chef Nandu Jubany teamed up with Chef Jordi Noguera and mixologist Dario Knox to create handcrafted cocktails and a mix of classic and edgy Catalan dishes. Grab a seat at the bar and order a Cuzco Sour or fruit Sangria before digging into dishes like the Squid Ink Paella and Braised Beef Cheek Sliders.

FOC, 40 Hongkong Street, 059679, t. 6100 4040. OpenMon – Wed: 6pm – midnight, Thurs – Sat: 12pm – 12am

18. The Guild

Craft beers and comfort food with a twist are on offer at The Guild, a buzzy new spot in the Keong Saik hood. Step inside and you’re greeted with a central circular bar surrounded by various dining areas. Brews include the 1842 Island IIPA, the Rye on Wood, and the intriguing Days of Being Wild made with cherries. Be sure to also dig into some of their divine dishes like the mac ‘n’ cheese with scallions and a house cured egg yolk.

The Guild,55 Keong Saik Road #01-01, Singapore 089158. p. +65 6224 1262. Open Wed – Sun 6pm – 12am

19. Le Bon Funk

Club Street is always a happening spot for after-work drinks, and now Le Bon Funk is adds to the good times with their cosy little hangout that offers up a great selection of natural wines and communal style dishes like house-cured charcuterie and cheese platters. Not so familiar with natural wines? Not to worry because head sommelier Josée Yeomans can walk you through the selection and drop a few tips about the different flavour profiles.

Le Bon Funk, 29 Club Street, Singapore 069414. p. +65 6224 1490. Open Tues – Sat 5:30pm – 12am

20. Lucha Loco

The atmosphere at Lucha Loco, a Mexican taqueria and garden bar in Duxton Hill, is laid back and lively, which makes it a great place to pop into after work when you’re looking for a few cold Coronas and some tasty Mexican street food style eats. If it’s not too hot out, we like sitting on the patio in the back and chilling out al fresco style with some light bites like the Elotes, grilled corn with chipotle mayo and cotija cheese, or the De Barbacoa tacos with braised lamb, grilled tomato, mint, red onion and salsa.

Lucha Loco, 15 Duxton Hill, 089598, t. 6226 3938. Open Tues – Fri: 12pm – 3pm, Tues – Sat: 5pm – late

21. Merci Marcel

If you’re a fan of French food like we are, then you can’t go wrong with Merci Marcel. Brought to us by the same folks behind Ô Comptoir andÔ Batignolles, this bright, lively spot does awesome brunches with freshly baked French pastries, organic egg dishes, and colourful salads. Come evening they turn into a stylish wine bar with tasty treats to go with the vino like the duck rillettes with marinated pear and melted camembert cheese. Heaven! They have 3 locations, Club Street, Tiong Bahru and in Orchard.

Merci Marcel, 56 Eng Hoon Street #01-68, Singapore 160056. p. +65 6224 0113. Open Tues – Sat 8am – 11:30pm, Sun 8am – 10:30pm

22. Neon Pigeon

Neon Pigeon takes its inspiration from Japanese izakayas, which are social drinking spots that offer up tasty snacks to go along with cold beer. However, they put a modern twist on the izakaya experience with cool street art on the walls, funky beats and innovative bar bites like the Chicken Tsukune “Banh Mi” sandwich, the Duck Liver Okonomiyaki, and the Bacon, Egg and Cheese Rice. Their cocktails are just as intriguing with Asian accents like ginger beer, matcha syrup and yuzu.

Neon Pigeon, 36 Carpenter Street, #01-01, S 059915, Open Mon – Sat: 5:30pm – 12am

23. OSO Ristorante

If you’re craving Italian in a classy setting, OSO Ristorante is your spot. Located on the 27th floor of the Oasis Hotel Downtown, this beautiful venue offers tons of spaces to get your eat on including a roomy bar where you can grab drinks and appetizers, intimate nooks and comfy booths. The food is spot-on with classics like the angel hair pasta with crab and the veal milanese, as well as modern creations like the risotto with squid ink, sea urchin and marjoram.

OSO Ristorante, 100 Peck Seah Street, Oasis Hotel Downtown 27th floor, Singapore 079333. p. +65 6327 8378. Open daily 12pm – 2:30pm, 6pm – 12am

24. Papi’s Tacos

You’ve got to love no frills spots where you can grab fresh eats and cold drinks without an ounce of pretension. Papi’s Tacos is an laid-back neighbourhood taqueria with bright, cheerful decor, an open kitchen where the chefs whip up tasty tacos and burritos, and daily happy hours when you can grab margarita pitchers, buckets of Coronas, and platters of food for super cheap. We highly suggest the fish tacos with grilled white dory, crunchy cabbage, and smoked chipotle aioli. There are 3 locations, Seah Street, Tanjong Pagar and Katong.

Papi’s Tacos, 39 Seah Street, Singapore 188395. p. +65 6258 0701. Open Mon – Fri 12pm – 2:30pm, 5pm – 11:30pm, Sat 5pm – 11:30pm

25. Super Loco

Brought to us by the same amigos behind Lucha Loco and Super Loco at Robertson Quay, the Super Loco at Customs House is a tad more sophisticated than its Rob Quay sister, but still loads of fun. Start with a few of their mezcal-based margaritas on the patio overlooking the water to get the evening started off right, then segue into elevated Mexican dishes like braised duck leg tostadas, soft shell crab tacos and their famous Oysters Kilpedro with chorizo, shallots and habanero-infused Worcestershire.

Super Loco, 70 Collyer Quay, Customs House #01-04, 238252, t. 6532 2090. Open Mon – Fri: 12pm – 12am, Sat: 5pm – 12pm

26. Olivia Restaurant & Lounge

Walk into this bright and airy Mediterraneaneatery located in the hip newKēSa House complex, and be instantly taken by the rustic decor and bright pops of colour going on in the dining room — whitewashed brick walls, terracotta floor tiles, and a beautiful contrast of blonde wood furniture with deep blue booths and ceramic artwork on the walls. Start the night with pre-dinner cocktails at the cute bar at the back of the restaurant, then dive in for a lively-vibe dinner around the open kitchen. Our favourite orders of the night: mushroom and truffle croquettes ($9), ham, mozzarella, and truffle open omelette ($22) and the black rice with grilled calamari ($32) — hearty and satisfying.

Olivia Restaurant & Lounge,55 Keong Saik Road #01-03, Singapore 089158. p. +65 6221 0522. Open Tues – Thurs 11:30am – 2pm, 6pm – 10pm, Fri – Sat 11:30am – 2pm, 6pm – late

27. Pasta Bar

AnotherKēSa House spot we love is Pasta Bar for its welcoming vibe and homey-modern interior — exposed brick walls shelved with wine, photo frames and hanging plants — and an 18-seater open-kitchen-bar-counter at the centre. On display are 11 hand-made pastas created and prepared daily by young executive chef Alessandro Giustetti. On the menu is a succinct selection of appetisers, mains and desserts, including a silky burrata cheese topped with pesto Genovese sauce, arrosticini appetiser, and lavish lamb skewers.

Pasta Bar, 55 Keong Saik Road #01-05, Singapore 089158. Open daily only for dinner at 6pm – 11pm.

28. Cicheti

Kampong Glam is an area we love and want to hang out in more, so Cicheti wins points with us for location. Plus, it’s got a trendy vibe and fantastic pizza. We’ve already been here for both for lunch and dinner, and neither time did it disappoint. This is a great spot for lunch or a casual fun dinner with a group of friends. Be sure to make reservations in advance though!

52 Kandahar Street, Singapore 198901, p. +65 6292 5012, Hours: Mon – Fri: Noon to 3pm, 6:30pm – 11pm. Sat: 6:30pm – 11pm

29. Akanoya Robatayaki

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, Akanoya makes for a fun and delicious evening. The specialty here is Japanese robatayaki style dining where you choose from a huge array of fresh seafood, meats, and veggies and then the chefs will grill up your selections over charcoal and serve them to you on a wooden paddle. Offerings include melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef, pork belly, crab, octopus, and oyster mushrooms to name just a few. It’s not particularly cheap, but the overall experience justifies the slightly high price tag.

Akanoya Robatayaki, 1 Tanglin Road, #01-01 Orchard Rendezvous Hotel, Singapore 247905. p. +65 6732 1866. Open daily 6pm – 2am

30. Amo

Set in a shophouse from the 1950s, Amo fuses the old and the new with vintage features like original mosaic floor tiles and exposed brick walls, as well as modern touches like comfy cushioned chairs and an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs pulling pizzas out of the wood-fired oven. They’ve also got a lovely courtyard outdoors with a huge wall mural painted by local artist Venetia Stevens. The pizzas are fresh, flavourful and the restaurant had a good vibe on the two Saturdays we’ve gone.

Amo, 33 Hongkong Street, 059672, t. 6723 7733. Open Mon – Fri: 12pm – 3pm, Mon – Sat: 6pm – 11pm

*images sourced from respective venues

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