15 New Cafes & Restaurants In Dec 2020: Flaming Ramen, Pink Coffeehouse, & $10/Pax Mookata

By Rachel Yohannan on 03 Dec 2020

Senior Digital Editor

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

It’s the end of the year, i.e. the perfect time to treat yourself to good food. After all, ‘tis the season for feasting and get-togethers with family and friends - just 5 people max, of course ;) This month for December 2020, our list of new cafes and restaurants in Singapore includes an ice-cream parlour that opens till 2am, fluffy Japanese souffle pancakes, and a tropical-boho cafe at East Coast Park.

While you’re here, check out our article on 18 new events and activities in December 2020.

Read on to find out more about these new cafes & restaurants in December 2020 in Singapore!

#1: Glass Roasters - cosy hole-in-the-wall coffee joint

Photo from @eatwithfelz via Instagram

For quality coffee in a space reminiscent of the cafes in Korea, pop by the hole-in-the-wall Glass Roasters. Located at Faber Drive near Clementi, this cosy establishment is near a couple of other small and relatively new eateries, so get ready for a food hopping trail.

Photo from @suelynang via Instagram

With a modest space for just around 8 patrons or so, Glass Roasters has a similarly petite menu with just Black ($4.50) or White ($5.80) coffee. But what they lack in quantity, they make up for in quality - the beans used are single-origin ones from Columbia, personally roasted by the staff. Iced, oat milk, soy and upsized versions with an extra shot of espresso can be done for an additional $1.

Photo from @janetkj_ via Instagram

Great news for pawrents: This place is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along!

Photo from @puglizzy via Instagram

Location: Faber Drive (near Clementi)
Website

#2: Aqua Gastronomy - underwater dome dining amidst marine life with a Christmas theme

Photo from Resorts World Sentosa

Dine in a bubble dome under the sea at Aqua Gastronomy, SEA Aquarium’s pop-up fine-dining experience that will give you a wondrous view of marine life during your meal. Currently, they’re having a festive edition of the event, which means that your dome pod will be adorned with twinkling fairy lights and Christmas garlands for an extra enchanting touch.

Photo from Resorts World Sentosa

Only full 4- or 5-course meals are served here, but splurging a little on this fancy experience would be a great way to celebrate Christmas with a bang. Read our full article on Aqua Gastronomy here.

#3: 5 By Sans Façon - pet-friendly French restaurant at Seletar Aerospace Park

Photo from @suatlinho via Instagram

Chow Cute dog cafe isn’t the only new addition to The Oval at Seletar Aerospace Park. Now, there’s also 5 By Sans Façon, a new French establishment housed in another of the previously-vacant colonial buildings there.

Photo from @5bysansfacon via Instagram

There’s an al fresco area that’s pet-friendly, but if you’re there for a date sans furkid, you might want to consider dining indoors in air-conditioned comfort. The decor is rustic and charming, with old-timey floral upholstery on the wooden chair and country-style beams across the ceiling.

Photo from @5bysansfacon via Instagram

Mains here are in the $20+ range, with dishes like Grilled Angus Steak ($29), Roasted Seabass ($16), and Half Roasted Chicken With Fresh Herbs ($22). There are also slightly more affordable breakfast options like Eggs Benedict ($14.80) with ham or smoked salmon, and French Toast ($10.80) with caramel sauce and fresh fruits.

Location: Seletar Aerospace Park
Website

#4: Cafe Cartisan - artisan handcrafted brews in a pastel pink setting

Photo from @cafecartisan via Instagram

Inspired by the owner’s love for Melbourne’s cafe scene, Cafe Cartisan is a pretty pastel pink joint hidden in the East with artisan beverages all handcrafted with the utmost care. They take pride in their coffees in particular, which are brewed to perfection using freshly ground beans.

Photo from @cafecartisan via Instagram

Other than Iced Blacks and Iced Mochas, they also have other unique treats like Honey Macadamia Milk, Red Velvet Beetroot Latte, and Lushie Golden Matcha Latte made with golden malt and pure matcha.

Photo from @cafecartisan via Instagram

Each drink costs $6.90 and you can either have them in-house, to-go, or delivered to your home.

Location: Changi
Website

#5: Flippers - fluffy Japanese souffle pancakes

Photo from @flippers.singapore via Instagram

Yet another souffle pancake cafe has made its way from Japan to Singapore, and this time, it’s Flippers, a famous joint with at least 4 outlets in Tokyo. Their made-to-order Kiseki Pancakes are jiggly, fluffy, and pillowy-soft - everything a great souffle pancake should be. Prices average around $19, with both sweet and savoury options.

Photo from @potakoh via Instagram

Read our full article on Flippers here. While you’re at it, check out our previous listicle on places to get souffle pancakes in Singapore here.

#6: Lucali BYGB - famed pizza restaurant from New York

Helmed by Mark Iacono, founder of the famous Lucali pizzeria in Brooklyn, New York, is Lucali BYGB - an offshoot that has been freshly set up amidst the greenery of Kallang Riverside Park.

Photo from @lucalibygb via Instagram

Instead of regular tables and chairs, this pizza restaurant is furnished with long wooden tables and benches in a minimalist setting with white walls and unfinished concrete floors. Looks like they got that New Yorkian hipster vibe down pat.

Photo from @joallaeatskoala via Instagram

Pizza aside, they also serve oysters by the dozen, pasta, salad and meatloaf. Save some stomach space for their ice cream sundaes!

Photo from @bellybruisedbuns via Instagram

If you’re looking to amp up the romance factor, request for the round table at the corner facing the tranquil greenery outside.

Photo from Lucali BYGB

Location: Lavender/Kallang
Website

#7: East Coast Commune - tropical-boho cafe at East Coast Park

Photo from @eccommune via Instagram

The next time you’re jogging or cycling at East Coast Park and need to refuel your energy, drop by East Coast Commune, located within the park itself. With a modern tropical-boho vibe, this spacious cafe has actual trees and potted plants as decor, along with botanical-themed wall art.

Photo from @j_essfood via Instagram

Expect a selection of brunch-style dishes like Sourdough Sandwiches, sweet and savoury Sourdough Waffles, and Pasta. We hear they serve a mean Hojicha Latte as well.

Photo from @eccommune via Instagram

This place is not too far from Jurassic Mile, the new dinosaur-themed cycling connector that leads to Gardens by the Bay. Speaking of prehistoric-themed attractions in the East, it’s also worth checking out Dino Kart for a dinoriffic go-karting experience at Changi Airport.

Photo from @eccommune via Instagram

Location: East Coast
Website

#8: Menbaka Fire Ramen - famous flaming ramen from Kyoto

Photo from @menbaka_sg via Instagram

One could say that meals at Menbaka Fire Ramen are always lit - and that’s because they’re literally on fire. Hailing from Kyoto, this famous ramen restaurant has chosen Singapore as the home of its second restaurant in the world, and we lucky folks get to watch our ramen being set ablaze right in front of our faces!

Photo from @kasha8184 via Instagram

For such a spectacle, prices are surprisingly affordable. There are 3 types of ramen to choose from: Shoyu Fire Ramen ($17.90), Vegetarian Fire Ramen ($16.90), and Tonkotsu Fire Ramen ($18.90), a Singapore-exclusive. Each one comes with a generous heaping of spring onions.

Photo from Happy Cow

Make sure you try the Charcoal Karaage ($8.90)! Don’t be put off by the entirely black chicken pieces, for they are coated in seaweed with just a slight charred flavour - not at all burnt!

Location: Somerset (Orchard Central)
Website

#9: Lucid - industrial-themed space with all-day cocktails, tea & coffee

Photo from @alucidspace via Instagram

Coffee, tea, or all-day cocktails - pick your poison. Lucid has a host of beverages to quench your thirst, whether you need a jolt of caffeine, a calming tisane, or just some alcohol to get you through the day.

Their filtered coffees ($8 - $15.50) in particular are conveniently arranged by roast level, from the lightest to the darkest.

Photo from @alucidspace via Instagram

Cocktails start from just $10, while teas start from $5.80 for Hojicha Latte and go up to $7.80 for a iced Baihao Yinzhen with a light floral taste.

Photo from @alucidspace via Instagram

And no, that’s not a B&W filter. This industrial-themed cafe really does have a gritty monochrome interior with unfinished concrete walls and floors.

Location: Bendemeer
Website

#10: CÉ LA VI Sky Lounge - rooftop bar on the 57th floor with amazing sunset views

Photo from CÉ LA VI

As an addition to their existing restaurant and Skybar, CÉ LA VI has opened a brand new Sky Lounge on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands where you can have a chill round of cocktails (~$17) under the shade of an umbrella. The view here is stellar - not only will you get an eyeful of the famous MBS Infinity Pool, there’ll also be sunsets to catch if you come at the right timing.

Photo from CÉ LA VI

Drinks aside, they do have small bites like sliders (from $14) if you need to fill your tummy. Currently, they’re having Christmas set dinners starting from $58 for a 3-course meal, as well as a dish + drink promo at $25.

Photo from CÉ LA VI

Read our full article on CÉ LA VI Sky Lounge here.

#11: LUNA Patisserie - cakes in flavours like orh nee and matcha white choc

Photo from @luna.singapore via Instagram

Crazy for cake? LUNA Patisserie will be heaven to you, with their unique cake flavours and impeccable presentation. Their bestseller is the Orh Nee cake ($8), with Matcha White Chocolate ($7) a popular pick. If you prefer cheesecake to sponge, try the zesty Yuzu Cheesecake ($8) which comes topped with a flower.

Photo from @tiara_star via Instagram

Location: Tanjong Pagar
Website

#12: Tittle Tattle - 24-hour vintage-themed cafe-bar with real working jukebox

Photo from @tittletattlesg via Instagram

Night owls and those with strange sleep cycles can look to Tittle Tattle to settle their midnight cravings. This cafe-bar is open 24 hours and will be more than ready to welcome you in at any time of the day. If you’re here for the alcohol, go for the 12 Deadly Sins, a ferris wheel of 12 shots, or the Ladder Up To Fall - a winding structure that can hold 24 shots. Yikes.

Photo from @tittletattlesg via Instagram

Those who are here to fill their tummies can tuck into Salmon Mentaiko Waffles ($20) and Cheddar Ham Waffles ($15). They also have big breakfasts and oysters that would pair perfectly with your drinks.

Photo from @tittletattlesg via Instagram

Their Over-The-Top Waffles ($22) are exactly as they sound, with indulgent treats like macarons, Kinder Bueno bars, marshmallows, ice gems, and ice cream piled on top.

Photo from @darrick6 via Instagram

The bistro has a vintage-style ambience with brick walls, but the feature that stands out the most is their working jukebox that plays actual vinyl records.

Location: Selegie
Website

#13: Haute and Cauld - neighbourhood ice cream cafe that opens till 2am

Photo from @hauteandcauld via Instagram

What you’ll probably first notice at Haute and Cauld: A neon signage reading “It’s all about the taste, if you are cheap, nothing helps”. Brutally honest, indeed. But thankfully, this ice cream cafe in the heartlands of Bedok doesn’t have sky-high prices; Their cold treats are reasonably priced from $3.80 per single scoop, $7 for double, and $7.90 for waffles in flavours of Red Velvet, Buttermilk, and Charcoal.

Update: Haute and Cauld is currently temporarily closed to fix their faulty machinery. Stay posted on their reopening via Instagram.

Location: Bedok
Website

#14: Noshkata Grill - affordable mookata platters at $29.90 for 3pax

Photo from @noshkata_grill via Instagram

Good value, big portions, and a great spread of food - Noshkata Grill at Sembawang Hills Food Centre (at Upper Thomson) ticks all the boxes. While Thai-style steamboat and BBQ feasts can be pricey, you won’t have to worry about that as they have affordable mookata platters at $29.90 for 2-3 pax - that’s less than $10 per person! If you’re here with a larger group, they also have supersized platters at $49.90 for 4-5.

Location: Upper Thomson
Website

#15: Rappu - premium Japanese handroll bar

Photo from @rappu.sg via Instagram

Serving up premium sushi is Rappu, a handroll bar in town that’s worlds apart from your regular mall sushi cart. Only the freshest seafood ingredients like salmon, scallop, and flounder fluke fin are used in their sushi rolls. An omakase set of 6 rolls costs $36, which is pretty reasonable considering the quality you’re getting, coupled with the industrial-chic ambience and good beats in the background.

Photo from @rappu.sg via Instagram

They do not take reservations, so you’ll just have to turn up and try your luck. Be prepared to queue a little if you’re there during peak hour, as they’re getting hella popular!