Singapore – 2018 is concluding, in a flash. It is not the most exciting year for us in terms of the food scene, but here are our top picks this year, if you are still finding inspiration for a year end gathering!

The Spot
What’s up? Multi-concept space by 1855 F&B (which also owns Wakanui Grill, and Fat Chap) that comprises an all-day dining, café, restaurant, bar and an accompanying cigar lounge. The kitchen is helmed by Executive Chef Lee Boon Seng, whom previously held stints at Osia and Curate at Resorts World Sentosa. The food is anchored in European techniques, where the ingredients are enriched with chef’s Asian heritage.
Why we like it? The food at The Spot hit the right spot for me in most aspects. The dishes stand out with the strong local and South-East Asian influences, and this is easily one of the new restaurants which left a deep impression for me this year. [Read more here…]
Address: 5 Straits View, #01-26/27, Marina One The Heart, Singapore 018935

Kimme
What’s up? If you have been a fan of the One-Michelin Starred Meta restaurant at Keong Saik, Kimme is your answer to a relatively more casual fine-dining concept. The restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Sun Kim, the chef behind Meta and is helmed by Head Chef Louis Han who has worked with Chef Sun closely the past few years.
Why we like it? Almost every dish I tried at Kimme is on point and unique in its own way. It was an enjoyable and memorable meal to say the least. And back in January, we have predicted this will be amongst our favourite new restaurants of the year – it remains so today. [Read more here…]
Address: 47 Amoy Street, Singapore 069873

The Gyu Bar
What’s up? Japanese Yakiniku, located in the Novotel and Mercure Hotels enclave at Stevens Road, now more aptly named as Dine At Stevens. The upscale restaurant uses the Kumamoto Kuroge from Kyushu, Japan, where the cattles are raised in a stress-free environment. The restaurant purchases the whole cow, where the meats are chilled instead of being frozen.
Why we like it? The quality of the beef stands out for me at The Gyu Bar. The setting of the restaurant and the advance ventilation system also brings yakiniku to a new fine level. This is perhaps one of the best Yakiniku restaurants in Singapore, for now. [Read more here…]
Address: 30 Stevens Road, Dine at Stevens, #01-08, Singapore 257840

Ganglamedo Vegetarian Cuisine Singapore
What’s up? Ganglamedo is a Tibetan vegetarian restaurant along Craig Road in Tanjong Pagar. As shared by the owner, she wants to create a space where diners can immerse themselves with nature and natural ingredients and feel the connection with the wholesome food.
Why we like it? The quiet charm of Ganglamedo is alluring enough to draw me back. That aside, I would gladly have the mushroom hotpot set again. [Read more here…]
Address: 40 Craig Road, Singapore 089678

Nude Grill & Nude Chill
What’s up? Nude has done it again, twice this time in fact. Nude opens its Grill and Chill concept side-by-side at Marina One. As the name suggest, one focuses itself on grill items, and the other taking on a more casual vibe. Either way you will only get good food at Nude.
Why we like it? Nude Grill and Nude Chill both dishes out quality food, guaranteeing a perfect lunch with colleagues, or a faultless dinner gathering with friends. [For Nude Grill – Read more here…, and for Nude Chill – Read more here…]
Address: 5 Straits View #01-22/23, Marina One, Singapore 018935

Restaurant Ibid
What’s up? Restaurant Ibid is the brainchild of Chef Woo Wai Leong, a lawyer-in-training turned chef and the first winner of the inaugural MasterChef Asia season. The inspirations for the dishes comes from Nanyang-style, Contemporary Chinese cuisine, where most of the dishes are inspired from Chinese ingredients at the source.
Why we like it? The Nanyang style Chinese dishes are definitely unique to Restaurant Ibid. And with expectations high for Chef Woo, this restaurant delivered on many levels. [Read more here…]
Address: 18 North Canal Road, Singapore 048830

Uni Gallery by Oosterbay
What’s up? A restaurant that focus solely on uni in Singapore, that is definitely worth a visit if you are a fan of uni. The restaurant is located at the basement of an old building called The Plaza, which is adjacent and linked to Parkroyal on Beach Road.
Why we like it? It is an experience, and quite a enriching journey, while dining at Uni Gallery. At the restaurant, you will get to savour uni from different regions of Japan and beyond, and explore more of this Japanese delicacy in-depth. And yes, we do love our uni. [Read more here…]
Address: 7500A Beach Road, B1, 313, The Plaza, Singapore 199591

Dumpling Darlings
What’s up? From the team behind Lola’s Cafe, Dumpling Darlings main highlight is none other than dumplings. Casual dining concept where you can enjoy a noodles and dumplings for both lunch and dinner, and grab a beer during the evening session to end the work day. Similar to Uni Gallery, who would have thought a dining concept can be based solely on a single dish – truly a darling for dumpling lovers.
Why we like it? For its wallet friendly prices, the quality of food is pretty decent. Dumpling Darlings is quite ideal for a casual catch up meal in the CBD, and I’m guessing you wouldn’t stop at trying one dumpling flavour only. [Read more here…]
Address: 44 Amoy Street, Singapore 069870

Bar Cicheti
What’s up? A sexy, Italian restaurant. My first thought as I entered Bar Cicheti along Jian Chuan Road, the sister restaurant of Cicheti at Kandahar Street. The restaurant focuses primarily on pasta, and for the adventurous, you can most definitely share a variety of pasta selections from the menu.
Why we like it? We love how focus Bar Cicheti is – just Italian appetisers and pasta. The vibe when we visited on a Friday night makes a perfect end to the work week, buzzing yet relaxing. And yes, the food is on point. [Read more here…]
Address: 10 Jiak Chuan Road, Singapore 089264

Beef Sukiyaki Don Keisuke
What’s up? Keisuke’s fifteenth restaurant in Singapore, and one that specialises in Beef Sukiyaki Don. Keisuke’s constant ability to bring in unique Japanese options into the Singapore’s food scene have seen all their concepts enjoying long queues even months after opening.
Why we like it? We love beef, sukiyaki, and Japanese rice – and there’s no way you can go wrong when you have them all in a bowl. Simple and concise menu, with only 2 selections, makes this restaurant deliver on the right notes consistently. I am constantly looking forward to opportunities to return here. [Read more here…]
Address: 11 Kee Seng Street, #01-01, Onze @ Tanjong Pagar, Singapore 089218

Sushi Ayumu
What’s up? Located in Mandarin Gallery in Orchard Road, Sushi Ayumu specialises in traditional Edo or Tokyo style sushi, helmed by Head Chef Ryoichi Nakatani, who was previously from Sushi Roku Roku in Grand Hyatt Tokyo. The restaurant is originally Hashida Sushi, and it was rebranded as Sushi Ayumu mid this year.
Why we like it? Sushi Ayumu is what every fine-dining Japanese restaurant should be. The ingredients are fresh, service is attentive and the overall experience is elevated by the great personality of Chef Ryoichi.
Address: #04-16 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road

Ranted by The Ranter & The Rantee