Singapore's dining scene is buzzing with bold new openings and world-class cocktail bars. Hit Operation Dagger for pre-dinner drinks, Sommer for a chef-driven dinner, and Smoke and Mirrors for sunset views over Marina Bay.
Singapore's Hottest New Dining Spots for Your Weekend Plans
If you've been scrolling through your feed wondering where to eat, drink, and actually have a good time in Singapore this weekend, we've done the legwork for you. The city's dining and nightlife scene is absolutely buzzing right now, with a fresh wave of restaurants, rooftop bars, and intimate supper clubs that are pulling serious crowds. Whether you're planning a date night, a group dinner, or just a solo adventure with a great cocktail in hand, Singapore's food scene in 2025 is firing on all cylinders and you genuinely don't want to miss what's happening.
What's Making Singapore's Food Scene So Exciting Right Now?
The past few months have seen a remarkable surge in bold, chef-driven concepts opening across the island. From Tanjong Pagar's laneway bars to the sprawling waterfront dining precinct at Robertson Quay, there's a palpable energy that feels different from anything we've seen post-pandemic. Chefs who trained abroad are coming home, local entrepreneurs are taking bigger swings, and diners are genuinely excited to try something new rather than defaulting to the same old haunts. The result is a city that feels, right now, like one of the most exciting places in the world to eat.
One spot that's been generating serious word-of-mouth is Sommer, the European-inspired bistro on Bukit Pasoh Road that's been quietly winning over Singapore's most discerning diners. Head chef Jeremy Cheok brings a refined but unpretentious sensibility to the menu — think wood-fired dishes, seasonal produce, and a wine list that punches well above its price point. Bookings are tight, so plan ahead if you want a table on a Friday or Saturday night.
Sommer
📍 3 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089820
⏰ Tue-Sun 6pm-10:30pm
Where to Drink: Rooftop Bars and Hidden Gems Worth the Hunt
Singapore's cocktail bar scene has matured dramatically over the last two years, and the quality of what's being poured right now is genuinely world-class. Operation Dagger on Ann Siang Hill remains one of the most consistently brilliant bars in the city — their menu changes seasonally, the bartenders actually know what they're doing, and the underground vibe makes every visit feel like a small discovery. If you haven't been in a while, go back. The new menu is sharper than ever, with fermented and foraged ingredients taking centre stage in drinks that feel both surprising and deeply satisfying.
For something with more of a view, Smoke and Mirrors at the National Gallery rooftop is still one of the best spots in the city to watch the sun go down over Marina Bay. Arrive around 6:30pm for golden hour, order the smoked negroni, and remind yourself why living in Singapore is actually pretty extraordinary. The bar snacks are underrated too — the truffle fries and wagyu sliders at $18-$24 per serve are worth ordering alongside your drinks.
Operation Dagger
📍 7 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069791
📞 +65 6438 4057
⏰ Tue-Sat 6pm-1am
Smoke and Mirrors
📍 1 St Andrew's Road, #06-01 National Gallery Singapore, Singapore 178957
📞 +65 9380 6313
⏰ Mon-Thu 6pm-12am, Fri-Sun 3pm-1am
Must-Try Dishes and Drinks This Weekend
- Wood-fired octopus: Sommer's signature starter with smoked paprika aioli ($28)
- Smoked negroni: Smoke and Mirrors' iconic cocktail with house-infused Campari ($24)
- Seasonal tasting menu: Sommer's five-course chef's menu ($98 per person)
- Fermented pineapple sour: Operation Dagger's rotating special (approx $22)
- Price range: $25-$100 per person depending on venue and appetite
The Verdict
Singapore's dining and nightlife scene is in a genuinely exciting place right now, and the best thing you can do is get off your phone and go experience it. Start your evening at Operation Dagger for pre-dinner cocktails, head to Sommer for a long, leisurely dinner, and finish the night with a nightcap at Smoke and Mirrors while the city glitters below you. That's not just a good Saturday — that's the kind of night you'll be talking about for weeks. Book ahead, dress the part, and go hungry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best new restaurants to try in Singapore this weekend?
Sommer on Bukit Pasoh Road is one of the most talked-about new openings, offering European-inspired wood-fired dishes in an intimate setting. Bookings are recommended, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings.
Where is the best rooftop bar in Singapore for sunset drinks?
Smoke and Mirrors at the National Gallery rooftop is widely considered one of Singapore's best spots for sunset cocktails, with panoramic views over Marina Bay and a strong cocktail menu anchored by their famous smoked negroni.
What is the best cocktail bar in Singapore right now?
Operation Dagger on Ann Siang Hill consistently ranks among Singapore's top cocktail bars. Their seasonal, ingredient-driven menu changes regularly, and the underground atmosphere makes it a favourite for serious cocktail lovers.
How much should I budget for a night out dining in Singapore?
Budget around $60-$100 per person for a full dinner with drinks at a mid-to-high-end restaurant like Sommer. Cocktail bars like Operation Dagger and Smoke and Mirrors typically charge $20-$28 per cocktail.
Do I need to book in advance for these Singapore restaurants and bars?
Yes, especially for weekend evenings. Sommer in particular fills up quickly on Fridays and Saturdays. Operation Dagger operates on a walk-in basis but can get crowded after 8pm, so arriving early is advisable.
