Singapore – Yes, I know the phrase “hidden gem” is one of the most overused in food website’s dictionary. That said, I am not holding back to call the below restaurants and cafes hidden gems because these are not places you will easily stumble upon unless you know it exists.

Anything worthy I have missed out? Drop me a comment or email.

Loca Niru
Here’s an interesting location of a restaurant in Singapore. Loca Niru is a contemporary innovative fine-dining restaurant located in the 140-year-old House of Tan Yeok Nee managed by Gaia Lifestyle Group. Many might have overlooked this building (myself included) which is a stone’s throw from Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station. A brief history of House of Tan Yeok Nee – the last surviving “Four Grand Mansions” of Teochew architecture in Singapore which was built in 1885 and gazetted as a national monument. Today, the House has been restored as a cultural and lifestyle destination. The cuisines here is coined as Contemporary Innovative cuisine, honouring Japanese and global produce with French and Japanese techniques. There is only an 8-course Tasting Menu (S$298++ per person) for dinner service at the moment. [Read more here for our full review] 
Address: House of Tan Yeok Nee, 101 Penang Road #02-01, Singapore 238466 

La Stanza
Literally translating to “the room” in Italian, La Stanza is not quite the typical dining restaurant concept in Singapore. For one, its location is quite a secret one, where it is a concept by Scarpetta, though a totally separate one. Stepping into La Stanza is like entering someone’s very masculine and sleek dining room, as the space is decked in dark tones – yet it is still very elegant and welcoming. And here’s the concept behind La Stanza – it is a private space created for friends and family of the team, and I was lucky to be considered a friend of Scarpetta, and hence I had the chance to dine here. That aside, it is also a space for the chefs to go big on their creative juices and not be bounded by cuisine types and what’s not. It is helmed by Chef Danny Ng, previously the head chef at The Cicheti Group. In terms of the menu, there are some of Scarpetta’s signature dishes at La Stanza, and of course a whole range of dishes exclusive to La Stanza only. [Read more here for our full review] 

World Wagyu Club 
A secret members-only dining concept in Singapore, World Wagyu Club (WWC) hails from Japan and is created in partnership with Ginkakuji Onishi, Astons, and Japan’s Shinshinkiei which operates over 50 members-only restaurants in Tokyo. It is a sleek space at World Wagyu Club Singapore, where the dining space are all private rooms to fit different group sizes like 6 or 8 pax. As the name suggests, wagyu beef is the highlight here and you can expect personalised and dedicated staff to grill the meats for you. It is essentially a bespoke yakiniku experience. So here begs the question, how do I become a member? According to their Facebook page, there is no membership fee; however, registration is subject to certain conditions. Availability is extremely limited, and once capacity is reached, they will no longer be able to accept new members or reservations. To register your interest, try dropping their Instagram account (@wwc_singapore) a DM.  Otherwise, befriend someone who is a member and tag along. [Read more here for our full review]  

Skewers Yakitori Izakaya 
Located on level four of Cuppage Plaza, Skewers Yakitori Izakaya is quite the foodie’s secret spot to go to for a no-frills Japanese yakitori dining experience. Enter through the curtain and what lies beneath the door is a cosy and slightly smoky space, with small tables and counter seating. You get that izakaya vibes, and it feels authentic. A straightforward menu which lists all the chicken parts by their prices per stick. You get the classic cuts as well as innards, along with sides like ramen and oyako don. [Read more here for our full review] 
Address: 5 Koek Road, #04-01, Singapore 228796 

Jellyfish Sushi
A hidden dining concept nestled within Artichoke in New Bahru, Jellyfish Sushi is a ten-seat counter by chef-owner Bjorn Shen which opened in January this month located at the back of Artichoke’s main dining space. The idea of Jellyfish Sushi is a sushi-like approach without strict adherence to tradition, and particularly – the exploration of bread sushi for now. Priced at $165++ per person, expect up to 12-courses for the omakase menu which evolves every few months. For beverages, you can expect a good selection of Sakes on the menu. [Read more here for our full review] 
Address: 46 Kim Yam Road, #01-02 New Bahru, Singapore 239351 

Pout Rooftop Cafe 
This rooftop cafe does not feel like Singapore as there are not many spaces which offer a view like this. Located at CMO Building on 50 South Bridge Road, Pout Rooftop Cafe went viral on social media the moment it opened as the cafe is tucked away out of sight from the streets, located on level 6 of the building. It offers a panoramic view of the city, including the iconic Marina Bay Sands and Parliament House. Do not expect a full brunch menu here as the cafe focuses mainly on selected pastries and beverages. Expect the likes of Croissant (S$7), Kouign Amman (S$8), Matcha Latte (S$6.9), Peanut Butter Mocha (S$7.9), and more. [Read more here for our full review] 
Address: 50 South Bridge Road, CMO Building, #06-00, Singapore 058682   

Forage
Nestled within Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, Forage restaurant is quite a destination dining. Helmed by Chef de Cuisine Marcus Tan who has over a decade of fine dining and Michelin-calibre experience, the dining concept of Forage is harvest-to-table experience, shaped by what is freshly foraged and sourced from the markets. The space of Forage is gorgeous with a view that overlooks the lake and forest. Expect ingredients from land and sea where each course is paired with herbs and aromatics harvested from the resort’s rooftop edible garden with the likes of thyme, rosemary, ginger flower, lemon basil, pandan, and more. There is also the sustainability element where it partners with local producers where possible such as Toh Thye San Farm for poultry and Ah Hua Kelong for farmed seafood and fish. [Read more here for our full review] 
Address: 60 Mandai Lake Road, Level 4, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, Singapore 729979

Ranted by The Ranter