14 New Cafes & Restaurants In Dec 2021 - Japanese Tea Cafe, Waterfront Dining, Pet-Friendly Jungle Oasis

By Rachel Yohannan on 08 Dec 2021

Senior Digital Editor

Crazy cat lady who loves afternoon tea, kawaii Japanese fashion, and all things Sanrio.

Now that group dining is back, there begs this never-ending question: Where shall we eat? Don’t just take the easy way out with an “anything” or “up to you” - here’s a list of new cafes and restaurants in December 2021 in Singapore that’ll make you the real MVP of your squad.

For more foodie adventures, check out our list of 7 Christmas-themed afternoon teas from just $34/pax, including refillable options. We also put together a compilation of 20 new things to do in December 2021 for those seeking outing ideas.

Read on for 14 new cafes and restaurants in Singapore for December 2021!

#1: Sevens Kissaten - contemporary Kyoto-inspired teahouse cafe

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Inspired by the teahouses in Kyoto, Sevens Kissaten is a Japanese tea cafe that takes great pride in their artisanal brews. For an inexpensive $7, you get to sip on blends like Momotaro, Melonamanpaku (melon and honeydew), and the unconventional Milky Popcorn (genmai and popcorn). Of course, it’s not a Japanese kissaten if there’s no Matcha Latte, of which the cold version (+$1) is made with ceremonial grade uji matcha from Kyoto itself.

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Tea isn’t all they’ve got. An extensive Japanese-inspired menu will leave you no short of choices such as Omurice ($16), Salmon Angel Hair Pasta ($18) with truffle-infused shio kombu, and all-day breakfast items like Mentai Dashimaki Baguette ($21) and Wagyu Katsu Sando ($48).

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

The Japanese flavours continue with desserts like Hojicha Cream Cheese Cake ($12) and Matcha Creme Brulee ($11).

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Address: 58 Seng Poh Road, #01-15, Singapore 160058
Opening hours: 8.30am - 5.30pm daily
Telephone: 8723 7777
Website

#2: Vertigo26 - grungy vinyl bar

Photo from Vertigo26

Packing grungy underground vibes is Vertigo26, a bar that gives an ode to good ol’ vinyl. Located at the basement of the MINT Museum of Toys, this suave little establishment is always rolling with good vibes and good tunes to boot. And of course, this music is spun on an actual vinyl player for the complete experience.

Photo from Vertigo26

The wall of records isn’t just part of some “aesthetic” that the cafe decided to put up on a whim - they’ve got a proper in-store retail section with everything from old rock classics to warm Christmas tunes and newer releases from artistes like Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo. Everything you see is up for sale for vinyl enthusiasts to add to their collection of treasures.

Photo from Vertigo26

Food-wise, it’s mainly small bar bites like Nori Fries ($9), Tamarind Popcorn Chicken ($12), and various Charcoal Grilled Skewers ($6 to $14), while sweet-tooths can indulge in the Burnt Cheesecake ($9). Patrons usually come here for the draft beers (from $17 per pint) more than anything - aside from the eargasms, of course.

Photo from Vertigo26

Address: 26 Seah Street, Basement, Singapore 188382
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 12pm - 10.30pm | Sunday: 12pm - 6pm (Closed on Monday)
Telephone: 6491 1391
Website

#3: Breakfast Club - American retro-style cafe with all-day breakfast

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

If the name Breakfast Club sounds familiar to you, that’s because we previously covered their Kovan outlet, which operates out of a humble hawker centre. Their newest branch at Holland Village, however, pulls out all the stops with a retro theme. With striped awning, an eye-catching neon signage, and even its very own quaint front porch, this looks like one of those cute little roadside diners you’d randomly come across as a pit stop while on a road trip in the US of A.

Photo from @daisybunch via Instagram

The menu here is more or less similar to the other outlet’s with all-day breakfast favourites at affordable prices. Full-portioned meals start from $9.90, with the classic All Star Plate ($12.90) and Fried Chicken & Waffle ($11.90) being popular picks. Rosti with Egg & Sausage costs just $9.90, and you can opt to top up $3.90 for a serving of salmon.

Photo from @daisybunch via Instagram

Read our full article on Breakfast Club’s first outlet here.

Address: 17a Lorong Liput, Singapore 277731
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm daily
Telephone: 8292 9478
Website

#4: Mamma Mia Trattoria E Caffè - casual pasta joint

Photo from Mamma Mia

We’ll make a wild guess and say that the ABBA song is playing in your head now. Yup, here we go again, eating our way through more comfort food. But unlike the hit musical - or the Italian exclamation - that might come to mind, casual eatery Mamma Mia Trattoria E Caffè is keeping things drama-free with their chill, unpretentious ambience.

Photo from Mamma Mia

They have everything one might look for in a trattoria - antipasti like burrata, belly-warming Lemon Risotto with Seabass Fillet, and handcrafted artisan pastas cooked upon order, including Spaghetti with Burrata & Crab and Rigatoni with Cheese & Pepper Sauce.

Photo from Mamma Mia

Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, North Wing #B1-126A Suntec City, Singapore 038983
Opening hours: 11.30am - 10.30pm
Telephone: 6235 0147
Website

#5: Marguerite - fine-dining in GBTB’s Flower Dome

Photo from @starj_jenn via Instagram

Taking over the space of Pollen within Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome is Marguerite, a fine-dining restaurant owned and helmed by Australian Michelin Star chef Michael Wilson. You’ll want to save this one for a special occasion, for a meal here would be the epitome of luxury - and we’re not just talking about the comfort of dining in a garden with air-conditioning.

Arrive in style with the complimentary limousine buggy service, and soak in the beauty of the surrounding as you work your way through an exquisitely plated full course meal, with botanical-themed. There are no a la carte options save for wine and champagne, only the Chef’s Menu at $228.

Photo from @starj_jenn via Instagram

Marguerite

You don’t just get to admire the greenery from afar. All reservations also come with complimentary access to the Flower Dome, so you can take a relaxing stroll after your meal and check out the seasonal floral displays.

Photo from Marguerite

Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, #01-09 Flower Dome, Singapore 018953
Opening hours: Wednesday & Thursday: 6pm - 10pm | Friday to Sunday: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm (Closed on Monday & Tuesday)
Telephone: 6604 9988
Website

#6: Haven Coffee - all-white minimalist cafe

Photo from Haven Coffee

White walls, white tables, white lamps, and even a white coffee machine - Haven Coffee is a breath of fresh air with its clean, minimalist interiors. The only form of colour that’s present is in the light wood of the flooring and the furniture legs, as well as some green potted plants livening up the space.

Photo from Haven Coffee

While an overuse of white can come across as clinical, this coffee joint is in no way as such , instead evoking a sense of calmness that’ll clear your mind. Plus, this all-white colour scheme allows your food and drinks to stand out better in photos, so what’s not to love?

Photo from Haven Coffee

Fun fact: Haven Coffee was opened by an ex-% Arabica barista and trainer, so you know the joe is gonna be solid. Some to try are the Iced Mocha ($8) and Dirty Matcha ($8) - coffee mixed with matcha. Have that accompany your mains like Scrambled Eggs Croissant ($11) and Ham & Cheese Croissant ($12), or simply nibble on small bakes like Pain Au Chocolate ($4.50) and Chocolate Tartelette ($7).

Photo from Haven Coffee

They also host coffee classes from time to time - stay tuned for further updates on their Instagram page.

Address: 124 Tanjong Pagar Road, Chinatown Point, Singapore 088533
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday to Friday: 8.30am - 5.30pm | Saturday & Sunday: 8.30am - 6.30pm
Website

#7: Bailey And Whiskey - pet-friendly jungle oasis

Photo from Bailey And Whiskey

Despite its name, Bailey And Whiskey isn’t a bar - it’s actually named after the owner’s pets! In fact, it’s very much family-friendly, with a sort of jungle oasis theme going on. Rattan furniture interspersed with potted plants fill most of the space, but there’s a chill area with artificial grass sectioned off, with stuffed animals, children’s books, and overhead string lights. Spot the dinosaur figurines too!

Photo from @eatwithfelz via Instagram

Many have had praises for their French Toast with Mixed Berries and Mushroom Egg Toast ($16). Try asking for Gracie’s Hot Coco ($8.50), a thick and rich hot chocolate drink that’s apparently off-menu. Served with warm milk on the side, it comes with a generous sprinkling of mini marshmallows, a Lotus Biscoff cookie, and other small chocolatey treats. Not for the faint-hearted!

Photo from @eatwithfelz via Instagram

Furkids are more than welcome in this pet-friendly space. If you’re lucky enough, you might even catch Bailey the cat and Whiskey the dog hanging out here during your visit!

Photo from @eatwithfelz via Instagram

Address: 108 Depot Road, #01-30 Depot Heights Shopping Centre, Singapore 100108
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 8.30am - 5.30pm (Closed on Monday)
Telephone: 9325 6563
Website

#8: Florian - Italian poolside bar & restaurant

Photo from Florian

You had us at “free cichetti”; Honouring one of Venice’s oldest bar traditions, Italian restaurant Florian offers a free bar snack to go with every drink ordered during their Cichetti Hour happening from 4pm to 7pm daily - and there are over 30 varieties of these bites to choose from.

Photo from Florian

If free classic Venetian tapas doesn’t reel you in, then poolside dining might. While the restaurant serves diners in their ground floor establishment on most days - with the option of indoor or al fresco seats - you get an added treat of basking by the pool on the 10th floor when you attend their Rooftop Sunday Champagne Brunch with free-flow alcoholic drinks.

A la carte menu items include hearty steaks, pasta, and pizza all done the traditional Italian way.

Photo from Florian

Florian is located within Naumi Hotel, but their doors are open to anyone regardless of whether you’re a staying guest or not.

Photo from Florian

Address: 41 Seah Street, Naumi Hotel, Singapore 188396
Opening hours: 8am - 10.30pm daily
Telephone: 9863 6361
Website

#9: Queic - cheesecake specialty cafe

Photo from Queic

By the same people behind Olivia Restaurant & Lounge is dessert cafe Queic, one for the cheesecake enthusiasts. Even their interior, clad in yellow and brown tiles, pays homage to the classic burnt cheesecake - their specialty. But brace yourselves - the single-portioned 4” Olivia Burnt Cheesecake costs a whopping $15 - though reviewers haven’t seemed to complain about that.

Photo from Queic

Perhaps that quality of the cheesecake really does justify its priciness. Unlike conventional cheesecakes that have a digestive biscuit base, this one uses a buttery almond sable tart, adding some texture to the velvety mix of cheese that includes cream cheese and Spanish blue cheese for an extra kick of flavour. Cut into it, and all that molten goodness oozes out tantalisingly.

Photo from Queic

Other variations include Chocolate Cheesecake ($17 for 4”) and Idiazabal Cheesecake ($10 per slice), as well as the giant American Cheesecake Macaron ($12).

Address: 41 Kreta Ayer Road, Singapore 089003
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 11am - 7pm (Closed on Monday)
Telephone: 6223 1165
Website

#10: BRDL - hidden restaurant-bar in the heartlands

Photo from BRDL

BRDL is pronounced Braddell - no points for guessing where it’s at It’s an unlikely location for a restaurant-bar, but this somehow makes it all the more charming. At least, this hidden ‘hood gem smack in the middle of an industrial area is far from the busyness of town, yet isn’t too far from the MRT station.

The spacious outlet is dressed up with marble tables, an entire wall of lights behind the bar counter, and with whimsical flower-like lamps dangling from the ceiling - while unfinished cement floors and indoor plants balance out the swankiness to create a more chill environment.

Photo from BRDL

Their set lunch is quite worth the buck - $28 for 2-course and $38 for 3. On top of a main (Pumpkin Risotto, Sweet & Sour Pork, or Roasted Halibut) and an appetiser and/or dessert, you also get a complimentary welcome snack and a cup of hot coffee or tea. Else, you can opt for a la carte mains like BBQ Half Chicken ($36) and Josper Grilled Octopus ($36).

Photo from BRDL

Alcohol-lovers are gonna have a field day here, for their wine list spans an entire page long. There’s also beer on tap (from $8) and craft beer ($16). Don’t miss out on their signature cocktails - pictured here is Kuih ($20), a concoction of butterfly pea-infused rum, Malibu, and coconut, topped with what looks to be an actual ondeh ondeh ball.

Photo from BRDL

Address: 351 Braddell Road, #01-01, Singapore 579713
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 11am - 10pm (Closed on Sunday)
Telephone: 8282 0351
Website

#11: Guerilla Coffee - unique marmalade mocha and chestnut coffee jelly

Photo from Guerilla Coffee

Guerilla Coffee is just the kind of haven you’d want to encounter after walking for hours in a crowded mall. Spacious with a soothing colour scheme of cream and muted mint, it’s instantly inviting - but what’ll hit you first is the aroma of their fresh roasts.

Photo from Guerilla Coffee Singapore

Their espresso machines are built with cutting-edge technology that speed up the coffee-making process, while operating with utmost precision for that perfect brew. This allows the baristas to be more hands-free and have more opportunities to interact with customers.

Photo from Guerilla Coffee

You’ll find the usuals like Espresso Macchiatos ($4.80) and Americanos ($5), but we urge you to try their unique signatures like Mayan Mocha ($8), Iced Black Mint ($7), and Marmalade Mocha ($8), which comes with a hint of zestiness. If that’s not enough caffeine for you, give yourself an extra jolt with coffee-infused desserts like Chestnut Coffee Jelly ($9.50) and Chocolate Crumble Affogato ($9.50).

Photo from Guerilla Coffee

Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, #01-506/507 Suntec City North Atrium, Singapore 038983
Opening hours: 8.30am - 7pm daily
Telephone: 6899 3188
Website

#12: Out Of The Bun - burgers bursting at the seams

Photo from Out Of The Bun

According to Out Of The Bun, they’re named as such because they offer burgers that burst at the seams, so you can expect a generous and balanced heap of ingredients in your meal. A la carte prices start from a wallet-friendly $10.90 for a THIC Chick fried chicken burger, and go up to a maximum of $16.90 for an Im Possible, made with vegetarian-friendly Impossible meat.

Photo from Out Of The Bun

We suggest going for the set meals ($13.90 to $19.90), which come with your choice of sides including but not limited to Sweet Potato Fries, Cajun Fries, and Coleslaw. You also get a free drink, and other than the usual soft drinks, there’s also Ginger Ale, Milo, and Passion Fruit Tea, among others.

Photo from Out Of The Bun

Address: 1 Selegie Road, #01-08 GR.ID Mall, Singapore 188306
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm daily
Telephone: 9750 1027
Website

#13: The Lounge at Riviera - Mediterranean cuisine by the waterfront

Photo from Riviera

Once operating as a single restaurant, swanky waterfront establishment Riviera has since rebranded with a new concept, splitting its premises into two zones: The Lounge at Riviera and Riviera The Restaurant. While the restaurant continues serving up its Mediterranean full-course fine-dining menus, white tablecloths and all, the new lounge area offers a more relaxed vibe without compromising on the sleekness.

Photo from Riviera

On royal blue chairs under gold chandeliers, enjoy casual Mediterranean mezze and cocktails, as you gaze out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the bay. This is also where you’ll get some of the best views of fireworks on special occasions like National Day and New Year’s.

Photo from Riviera

Address: 1 Fullerton Road, #02-06 One Fullerton, Singapore 049213
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 11pm
Telephone: 6690 7564
Website

#14: Fufu Pot - Singapore’s first stinky tofu individual hotpot

Photo from @sgfoodiebb via Instagram

Stinky tofu (chou dou fu) is rare in Singapore as it is, but at Fufu Pot, you can get it anytime as part of the broth of a bubbling individual hotpot ($24.90), ingredients included. To relive your Taiwan adventures, you can also get actual Fried Stinky Tofu ($5.80) as a side dish.

Too strong for your nose to bear? Don’t worry, they’ve got other individual hotpot flavours such as Mushroom ($9.90), Tomato ($12.90), Sichuan Mala ($14.90), and Tonkotsu Miso ($18.90).