Best new restaurants in Singapore this May
The new month calls for new restaurants and cafes to discover. If you’re looking for your new dining spot to visit with your foodie kaki, we’ve got you covered. From cheap buffets to a Japan-famous unagi chain, here are 15 new restaurants in Singapore to check out this May 2025.
Table of Contents
1. Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa
Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa has arrived in Singapore! The Michelin-approved Japanese chain dates back to 1932, and is led by fourth-generation unagi master Kikukawa Yuhei, one of the most skilled unagi chefs in Japan. Here, only the finest unagi is picked, filleted, and grilled over binchotan, a type of hardwood charcoal, to achieve a crisp exterior and tender flesh.
A must-try is the Ippon Hitsumabushi Set ($50++), which sees a foot-long unagi laid atop a bed of Japanese rice. It is served together with a side of wasabi, nori, and spring onions, and piping hot dashi broth is also provided, if you prefer to have your dish ochazuke-style. A small bowl of eel liver soup is served on the side too; its subtle hint of yuzu helps to cut through any gamey flavour.
Pair your main with some a la carte sides such as Assorted Sashimi ($39++) or Umaki Eel rolled in Egg ($12++ for six) as well.
Check out our Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa review.
Address: 1 Scotts Road, #01-12, Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm
Website
Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa is not a halal-certified eatery.
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2. Sakanoue Cafe
If the flights to Japan are too expensive, visit Sakanoue Cafe instead, a popular Japanese brand from Tokyo that’s known for its kakigori, AKA shaved ice. You can enjoy this refreshing treat from 1pm to 9pm daily at Drips Bakery Cafe’s Tiong Bahru outlet.
Try the adorable Sakanoue Berry Cute Panda ($18++), starring shaved ice topped with cheese, espuma camembert, camembert cheese sauce, raw honey, crumbled cookies, yoghurt, and mixed berries. It was cheesier than we expected, so we recommend it only if you’re a fan of rich, creamy flavours. For something more tart, go for the Classic Strawberry Shortcake ($17.50++) instead, which comes with milk syrup, tangy strawberry sauce, and fresh whipped cream.
Check out our Sakanoue Cafe feature.
Address: 82 Tiong Poh Road, #01-05, Singapore 160082
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am to 10pm, Sat-Sun 9am to 10pm
Tel: 6222 0400
Website
Sakanoue Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.
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3. Keming Bing Sat
Image credit: @kemingbingsat
Cha chaan teng fans, you’ll want in on this. Keming Bing Sat, a popular cafe chain with 140 eateries across Hong Kong and mainland China, is coming to Singapore! The restaurant is slated to open in late May 2025 at Plaza Singapura.
Image credit: @kemingbingsat
Expect classic cha chan teng fare here, including the chain’s signature Char Siew Rice: caramelised char siew, two sunny-side-up eggs, and rice. This dish was dubbed the “No. 1 Best-Selling Char Siew Rice in China” by market research company Frost & Sullivan, which shows just how popular it is. Other must-tries include the Lava Oreo Toast, where fluffy thick toast is packed with sweet condensed milk and topped with Oreo crumbs, and the Little Bear Iced Hong Kong Milk Tea, crowned with an adorable “bear” ice on top.
Read our Keming Bing Sat feature.
Address: 68 Orchard Road, #B2-01, Plaza Singapura, Singapore 238839
Opening hours: TBD
Website
Keming Bing Sat is not a halal-certified eatery.
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4. Nakoko
Nakoko is Lau Pa Sat’s first acai soft serve kiosk. Located in Food Folks, the spot serves up dairy-free acai soft serve with 18 different toppings and four drizzles to choose from.
The Acai ($6.50 for a medium cup) here leaned creamier than most acai bowls elsewhere, and wasn’t as sweet as those sold at popular chains such as Acai Affair or Project Acai.
If acai isn’t your thing, opt for the Yoghurt ($6.20 for a medium cup) instead. Its slight tartness made it a refreshing choice for a hot day out. For toppings, choose from the likes of Dried Thailand Mango, Marshmallow, Baked Cashews, and Chia Seeds. Zhng your soft serve up with the nutty Pistachio drizzle, or if you prefer richer flavours, go for the Dark Chocolate drizzle instead.
Check out our Nakoko feature.
Address: 18 Raffles Quay, Stall C01, Food Folks, Singapore 048582
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 10pm
Website
Nakoko is not a halal-certified eatery.
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5. Korea Culture
If you love Korean food but want to watch your budget, pay a visit to Korea Culture at Changi Airport Terminal 3. This new Korean semi-buffet restaurant has free all-you-can-eat banchan and sides with every order of a main.
You have to order a main to enjoy the banchan buffet, which is well-stocked with over 20 sides. We recommend going for the Korea Ginseng Chicken ($48.80); on our visit, the ginseng broth was light yet well-seasoned, and the chicken was fall-off-the-bone tender. At the banchan aisle, pile your plates with green onion kimchi, lotus roots, inari, quail eggs, and Korean cucumber, among others, to complement your mains. Free-flow drinks and unlimited scoops of Häagen-Dazs ice cream are also included in the buffet, too!
Check out our Korea Culture review.
Address: 65 Airport Boulevard, #03-33, Terminal 3 Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore 819663
Opening hours: Daily 10:30am to 10am
Website
Korea Culture is currently waiting for halal-certification.
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6. Osteria Mozza
Image credit: Osteria Mozza
If you’re planning a date night, head to Osteria Mozza for Chef Nancy’s Signature Tasting Menu ($138++ per person). The exclusive five-course dinner, available at the award-winning Italian restaurant at Hilton Singapore Orchard, is worth the splurge. There’s also a wine pairing option at a top-up of $100++ per person, should you wish to go all out.
Image credit: Osteria Mozza
The feast starts with your choice of Smoked Burrata & Peas and Grilled Asparagus, the latter of which comes with burrata, brown butter, guanciale, and almonds. For antipasti, we recommend Nancy’s Caesar, a deconstructed “salad” comprising crostini topped with lettuce, eggs, leeks, and anchovies. You also get a pasta and main, so make sure you pace yourself and save some stomach space. Dinner ends on a sweet note with the restaurant’s signature Blueberry Almond Tart served with crème fraiche for added richness.
Address: 333 Orchard Road, Level 5, Hilton Singapore Orchard, Singapore 238867
Dinner hours: Tue-Sat 5pm to 10pm
Website
Osteria Mozza is not a halal-certified eatery.
7. Intercontinental Comvita
Image credit: InterContinental Singapore
If you love honey, this one’s for you. The Lobby Lounge at InterContinental Singapore has partnered with premium honey brand Comvita to launch the Golden Nectar Afternoon Tea. Priced at $130++ for two people on weekdays and $140++ on weekends, this honey-themed high tea is available for a limited time now till 17 July 2025.
Image credit: InterContinental Singapore
The afternoon tea features honey-infused and bee-inspired creations, specially created by award-winning Executive Pastry Chef Jason Goh. Everything is infused with Comvita’s honey, from savouries of Foie Gras and Duck Rillettes on Brioche, and Clover Honey-Miso Glazed Salmon to sweets: Ginger Manuka Honey Tartlet and Pistachio Manuka Honey Choux Puff. Before you leave, check out the ice cream trolley, where you can treat yourself to free-flow sorbets and gelatos during the afternoon tea!
Address: 80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966
High tea hours: Daily 1pm to 3pm, 3:30pm to 5:30pm
Tel: 6825 1008
Website
The Lobby Lounge is not a halal-certified eatery.
8. HighHouse
CBD folks, listen up. HighHouse, perched on the 61st and 62nd floors of One Raffles Place, is an up-and-coming dining destination for splurge-worthy occasions. The hip restaurant bar recently rolled out their revamped food menu, showcasing Pacific Coast-inspired cuisine with a mod-Asian spin.
You can choose to nibble on elevated bar bites, with the likes of French Spéciale De Claire “Amélie” Oysters (from $7++) and K.F.C ($16++): Korean-style fried chicken bites in gochujang sauce, topped with sesame cabbage slaw. Alternatively, enjoy a full-on feast here with your friends, with their lineup of small plates, sides, and mains. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on their cocktail menu, inspired by six key countries: Australia, Korea, Malaysia, Peru, Thailand, and the United States.
Address: 1 Raffles Place, Level 61 and 62, Singapore 048616
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30am to 11pm, Fri 11:30am to 3am, Sat 5pm to 3am
Tel: 9677 8074
Website
HighHouse is not a halal-certified eatery.
9. Kenny Rogers Roasters
Free-flow roast chicken and sides for under $30? Sign us up! Kenny Rogers Roasters has rolled out a $28.90++ All-You-Can-Eat Buffet at four selected outlets: Sengkang Grand Mall, JEM, Marina Square, and Clementi Mall. Available from Monday to Friday, the a la carte buffet lets you indulge in unlimited mains, sides, and drinks for 60 minutes.
You won’t go wrong with their famous Rotisserie-Roasted Chicken, slow-roasted till tender within. There’s also a Crispy Golden Chicken option, available in both Original and Spicy flavours. Meat aside, you get to enjoy a total of 13 sides, including Macaroni Salad, Mashed Potatoes, Onion Rings, and Nasi Lemak Rice. There’s also the iconic Corn Muffin, a sweet-savoury snack that’s light and buttery.
Check out our Kenny Rogers Roasters buffet review.
Website | Full list of outlets
Kenny Rogers Roasters is a halal-certified eatery.
We Tried The $28.90++ Kenny Rogers Roasters Buffet To See If It’s Worth A Visit
10. Dalaland
Dalaland is a new bakery in Tanjong Pagar specialising in Swiss rolls. They recently opened in April 2025, offering six cake flavours each day.
Matcha lovers, go straight for the Intense Uji Matcha Slice ($8.90), comprising Uji matcha jelly and whipped cream encased in an earthy green tea sponge cake. Alternatively, the Lychee Rose Slice ($8.50) sees fluffy sponge cake loaded with lychee-spiked whipped cream. If you prefer classic flavours, order the Classic Vanilla Maple Slice ($8.40) or the 70% Dark Chocolate Slice ($8.90) instead.
As the whipped cream used for all their Swiss rolls was extra rich and creamy, we recommend pairing the cakes with a refreshing beverage to quell the heaviness.
Check out our Dalaland feature.
Address: 70 Shenton Way, Singapore 079118
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am to 7pm
Website
Dalaland is not a halal-certified eatery.
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11. Yue at Aloft
Image credit: Yue at Aloft
We love a good buffet deal, so we were excited when we heard about Yue at Aloft Singapore Novena‘s latest a la carte zi char buffet! Available for a limited time only, the all-you-can-eat buffet includes over 20 signature dishes for you to choose from. It’s usually priced at $59.80++ for lunch and $71.80++ for dinner, but there’s a 1-for-1 deal, which means you’re only paying $29.90++ per person and $35.90++ per person, respectively.
Image credit: Yue at Aloft
A hot favourite is Yue’s Signature ‘LIMPEH’ Bee Hoon, which is full of wok hei and packed with umami from the lup cheong. You’ll also find other zi char classics, including Cereal Prawns and Sweet and Sour Pork with Popping Candy, zhnged up with sweet popping candy. That’s not all: each table gets a serving of two premium items, Crab with Creamy Milk and Salted Egg Lime Sauce and Kung Pao Duck Confit.
Read our Yue at Aloft feature.
Address: 16 Ah Hood Road, Aloft Singapore Novena, West Wing, Singapore 329982
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm, Fri-Sun 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10.30pm
Tel: 6808 6846
Website
Yue at Aloft is not a halal-certified eatery.
Yue At Aloft Has $29.90++ Zi Char Buffet With Over 20 Dishes
12. The Butcher’s Wife
For those looking for their next date spot, consider The Butcher’s Wife, a gluten-free European restaurant nestled in the heart of Tiong Bahru. The restaurant has just rolled out its new Latin and Mediterranean-inspired menu.
Start your meal with the Hokkaido Scallop Crudo ($29++), which sees a passionfruit vinaigrette laid atop fresh scallop and grilled compressed watermelon. For mains, go for the Free-Range Pork Tenderloin Porchetta Style ($42++), which comes with a side of pumpkin slices and pumpkin puree, both adding a nice touch of sweetness to the dish. Alternatively, the Layered Confeit Eggplant Terrine ($34++) features a French-style baked eggplant paired with creamy caper mayonnaise and caramelised popcorn. Round off your meal with the Acai Sorbet ($16++): creamy banana mousse on a bed of sweet-tangy acai and candied Brazil nuts for extra texture.
Address: 19 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168650
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 11pm, Sat 11:30am to 3pm, 6pm to 11pm, Sun 11:30am to 3pm, 6pm to 10:30pm
Website
Butcher’s Wife is not a halal-certified eatery.
13. Gelato Messina
Image credit: @backgrid_usa
Image credit: @gelatomessina
Gelato Messina is famous for their handmade gelato, made from scratch with ingredients sourced straight from the brand’s dairy farm. Their OG outlet boasts over 40 flavours, ranging from mainstays such as Salted Caramel and Pistachio Praline to innovative creations including Basque Cheesecake and Sticken To My Date. The Singapore menu is yet to be released, so keep your eyes peeled on our page when it’s out!
Read our Gelato Messina feature.
Address: 1 Club Street, Singapore 069400
Opening hours: TBD
Website
Gelato Messina is not a halal-certified eatery.
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14. Starbucks 37 Smith
Walk along 37 Smith Street in Chinatown, and you’ll find this vibrant, conspicuous heritage shophouse dressed in shades of pastel pink and purple. This is the new two-storey Starbucks outlet, adorned with hand-drawn illustrations and a Chinese calligraphy signboard hanging at the storefront.
We recommend the outlet-exclusive Yuan Yang Coffee Frappuccino, priced at $9.90 for a Grande. This drink boasts a blend of hojicha, coffee, creamy milk, and chocolate chips! Pair your drink with their savouries such as the XL Chicken Char Siew Puff ($6.00) and Coffee Bolo Bun with Butter ($4.90). The former features a flaky pastry loaded with caramelised char siew chicken bits, while the latter is reminiscent of the famous Rotiboy. FYI, these can only be found at the 37 Smith Street branch.
Read our Starbucks 37 Smith Street feature.
Address: 37 Smith Street, Singapore 058950
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 7:30am to 10pm, Fri-Sat 7:30am to 11pm
Website
Starbucks Singapore is not a halal-certified eatery.
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15. Gwen’s Frozen Custards & Ices
Stepping into Gwen’s Frozen Custard And Ices will have you feeling like you’re transported to an old-school American diner from the 90s. FYI: they are also one of the only eateries in Singapore to specialise in Frozen Custard ($6.50)! Not to be confused with ice cream, this dessert is much thicker and creamier in consistency. If you like your McFlurries, we would recommend getting the hand-whipped Cyclone ($11.50), which sees the addition of syrups and other toppings of your choice.
Sweet treats aside, they also serve American staples such as Philly Cheesesteak ($16) and Cheeseburger ($14). The meat patties are made fresh-to-order, so you can expect freshly-grilled, juicy slabs of meat in your sandwiches.
Check out our Gwen’s Frozen Custard & Ices feature.
Address: 198 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427469
Opening hours: Tue-Thurs 12pm to 2:30pm, 3:30pm to 9pm, Fri-Sun 12pm to 2:30pm, 3:30pm to 10pm
Tel: 8127 8085
Website
Gwen’s Frozen Custard & Ices is not a halal-certified eatery, but does not serve pork or lard.
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New restaurants in Singapore for May 2025
These are some of the hottest new restaurants and cafes to check out in Singapore this May 2025! Save this list for your next gathering with friends or the fam.
In related food news, Pizza Hut has launched cute Cheeseburger Melts plushies, available from 5 May to 18 May. There’s also the famous Lotte Mart Express, which has just opened at VivoCity’s FairPrice Xtra with DIY ramyeon and Korean street snacks.
Pizza Hut Launches Cheeseburger Melts Plushies That Look Like The Real Thing
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