Torikizoku, Japan’s popular izakaya and yakitori chain, is opening in Singapore.

The chain — recognisable by its bright yellow signboard — operates over 600 outlets across Japan, where it built a cult following with a flat-pricing model: every item on the menu, from chicken thigh and breast skewers to rice sets and highballs, goes for 390 yen (roughly SGD 3.50).

The Singapore franchise will be run by Gohan Concepts, a joint venture between FairPrice Group and F&B operator BHAG Pte. Ltd.

We first discovered Torikizoku years ago when we travelled to Tokyo and we’ve been a big fan of their yakitori and concept since then. We are so stoked that it will be opening in Singapore!

Local pricing and an official opening date have yet to be confirmed. We definitely hope that the prices will be similar to what they are charging in Japan.

Opened by restaurateur & chef Willin Low, Relish is a cosy casual restaurant at Cluny Court which has been serving its regulars for 19 years.

It will be closing its outlet at Cluny Court as the lease is coming to an end and they will not be able to renew it.

“Mod Sin”, a term coined by Chef Willin Low, simply means Modern Singaporean which is how the chef-owner describes not only his cuisine but himself. And this is what you can expect from the cuisine at Relish.

The Wild Rocket Beef Burger, with arugula, sarawak pepper cream & sun dried tomato relish, is one of the most popular dishes on the menu.

Other than burgers, there is also a range of brunch-inspired dishes & pastas that will suit most palates.

Relish is still on the active lookout for a new home and they may reopen at another location. And you can still head to their sister restaurant, Pastaro at Chancery Court.

It is an impressive feat to survive for 19 years in the brutal F&B scene in Singapore and Relish definitely deserves more credit. Here’s your last chance to dine at Relish at Cluny Court before their last day of operations on 29 March 2026.

Relish
501 Bukit Timah Rd, #02-01, Singapore 259760
Tel: 6763 1547

Bornga by Chef Paik Jong Won is closing its VivoCity outlet after 10 years.

Everyone should be familiar with Chef Paik Jong Won, the main host of the cooking television series Baek Jong-won’s Top 3 Chef King as well as Culinary Class Wars.

We checked with the staff at Bornga and they confirmed that Bornga will be closing for good and there are no plans to reopen elsewhere. Bornga has yet to decide on the official date for the last day of operation but they will be closing in March 2026.

Bornga is known for serving its Korean BBQ with a long tray of fresh vegetables as well as an array of banchan.

Their Kimchi-jjigae is authentic and it hits the spot, while you will not go wrong with their marinated beef galbi.

Drop by Bornga for a last hurray before they close for good in March next month.

Bornga
1 HarbourFront Walk, #02-123 /124, Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 8268

Established 25 years ago, The Halia has announced on its Instagram that it will be ceasing operations in the Singapore Botanic Gardens mid March 2026.

Tucked away in the heart of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, The Halia offers a serene setting for a relaxed meal.

For many regulars, it was a tranquil escape in the heart of the city, a place for long lunches, meaningful celebrations, and quiet moments surrounded by greenery.

Its peaceful garden setting and beautifully balanced European-Asian menu made it a favourite for locals and visitors alike.

If you are a fan of the restaurant, you have until mid March 2026 to dine here for one last time.

The Halia
1 Cluny Rd, Ginger Garden
Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 259569

Founded by artiste Jaime Teo and former radio DJ Daniel Ong, Twelve Cupcakes was sold in 2016 to India’s Dhunseri Group for 2.5 million.

The local bakery brand Twelve Cupcakes has reportedly halted its operations after being placed into provisional liquidation on October 29, as announced in a notice on its website’s homepage.

What began as Jamie Teo’s simple passion for baking quickly blossomed into a thriving business when she and her husband opened the first Twelve Cupcakes outlet at United Square.

Their arrival marked the beginning of Singapore’s cupcake craze — suddenly, cupcakes were everywhere, and Twelve Cupcakes was selling out daily.

The brand’s success was impossible to ignore. People adored not only the couple’s picture-perfect partnership but also their irresistibly moist, beautifully frosted cupcakes. They popularised the now-iconic Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cupcake — complete with its signature heart-shaped topper — a design so beloved that it continues to inspire countless imitations today.

With rapid expansion and growing queues at every store, it didn’t take long for Twelve Cupcakes to sweetly take over Singapore’s dessert scene.

Good bye to one of the most iconic local cupcake brands in Singapore.

One-Michelin-starred Japanese kappo restaurant Esora will bid farewell with its final service along Mohamed Sultan Road on 29 Dec 2025.

Since opening in 2018, Esora has been celebrated for its refined kappo dining experience, clinching its Michelin star in 2021 under the helm of then-head chef Shigeru Koizumi.

Part of The Lo & Behold Group, Esora belongs to a stable of heavyweight names in Singapore’s dining scene — from three-Michelin-starred Odette to Italian restaurant Fico, the iconic Tanjong Beach Club, and the lifestyle destination New Bahru, home to several other acclaimed concepts.

Widely regarded as one of Singapore’s finest dining destinations, Esora is a one-Michelin-starred modern Japanese kappo restaurant that celebrates the beauty of the four seasons — from its menu and plating to the artful floral arrangements that transform with the time of year.

Make a reservation at Esora before their final service on 29 Dec 2025.

Esora
15 Mohamed Sultan Rd
Singapore 238964

The Privé Group has ceased operations across all its restaurants in Singapore. Privé started from its early days at Keppel Bay with the upmarket Privé Grill and the casual Privé cafe more than a decade ago and it quickly expanded with multiple brands over the years.

One of the more successful local cafe chains in Singapore, Privé had outlets at Marina at Keppel Bay, i12 Katong, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM), CHIJMES, Wheelock, Paragon, 313@Somerset, Jewel Changi Airport, Tiong Bahru, Robertson Quay, and Katong; while Privé Grill was located at The University Club, with Empress at ACM and Bayswater Kitchen rounding out the group’s portfolio.

It was also behind nightlife spots such as Stereolab and Mink before they closed down eventually.

Two of its five outlets, both situated at the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM), will now be managed by Commonwealth Concepts, the company behind well-known dining brands such as Fat Cow, Bedrock Bar & Grill, Kinki and Baker & Cook.

The Privé Group is just one of the many restaurants that has closed down in 2025. We wouldn’t be surprised to see more casualties in the brutal F&B industry for the remaining four months in 2025.

Calling all Jellycat lovers, this is a Jellycat-inspired cafe that you must try in Singapore.

Local homegrown cafe Simplicité has just launched a brand new Jellycat-inspired menu today for a limited period, and it’s possibly the most adorable dining experience you’ll have this year.

If you’re already a Jellycat fan (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), you’ll love what Simplicité has done with this new menu. Inspired by the wildly popular soft toys, each dish is carefully crafted to mimic the charm and character of the plushies we love.

Regulars who have been to Simplicité cafe would know that they serve affordable and hearty mains that will not break the bank.

Every dish is lovingly made, and we love how cute they are. You need to get the Messy Breakfast (S$26) for the most adorable Shio Pan which is baked by their in-house baker.

One standout? The Blueberry Pancakes Stack (S$21) — a towering stack of fluffy pancakes infused with blueberries drizzled with rich caramel sauce, topped with fresh blueberries and adorned with a happy little face. It’s sweet, soft, and looks like it might start talking to you.

Strawberry Matcha Latte is all the rage right now and we dare say that Simplicité has one of the best versions.

Cookiecrumb Loaf S$13 | Biscoff Mousse, White Chocolate Mousse, Biscoff Cream, Biscuit

All the desserts at Simplicité are baked by their in-house baker at their bakery brand, Elements Cake and they are super underrated. We have been big fans of their desserts for the longest time and you can trust that they do not disappoint.

Dewberry Sponge S$13 | Vanilla Sponge, Strawberry Mousse, Topped with Buttercream, Strawberry and Chocolate

Sunny Cheeselet S$13 | Chocolate Sponge, Mango Mousse, Mango Jelly

Simplicité also has a Jellycat-inspired afternoon tea set for 2 pax priced at S$55.90 and it is available from 2pm – 6pm.

Bring your favourite Jellycat along for the ride (they’ll feel right at home) and prepare to enter a whimsical world where food looks like toys and happiness comes served on a plate.

Simplicité
351 Changi Rd
Singapore 419818

Singapore has just scored major bragging rights. The world’s largest Pierre Hermé Paris is officially opening its doors to the public in Singapore on 1 August 2025 — and we couldn’t be more excited.

Famed as the Picasso of Pastry, Pierre Hermé is a household name in the world of haute patisserie. His delicate, jewel-like macarons and luxurious French creations have long captured the hearts of dessert lovers around the globe.

And now, for the first time ever, fans in Singapore can finally get a taste of the magic – without hopping on a flight to Paris.

Here’s what you can expect from the opening of Pierre Hermé Singapore.

The maestro was in town for the official launch of Pierre Hermé Singapore.

This Singapore flagship is the first-ever location outside Paris to house an exclusive Pierre Hermé Ice Cream Bar. Think flavours like Ispahan (rose, lychee, and raspberry) reimagined in ice cream form. Silky, intense, and delicately perfumed, these frozen treats are made for our tropical weather.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a first-timer, you’ll want to grab a cone (or two) and enjoy it in the gorgeous space, which is as photogenic as the desserts themselves.

Cup
1 scoop S$6
2 scoops S$11

Cone
1 scoop S$7
2 scoops S$12

Of course, you’ll also find all the signature Pierre Hermé macarons that made the brand a global icon. From the beloved Ispahan to Infiniment Pistache and Mogador (passion fruit & milk chocolate), you are going to have a hard time choosing the flavours because everything looks so good.

Macarons are priced at S$4/piece.

From the classic French Croissant, to the Croissant Ispahan, and Brioche Sucre, there is a selection of viennoiserie and they are affordably priced at S$3.5 – S$5.5.

We are also pleasantly surprised to see that Pierre Hermé Singapore has kept the prices of its desserts competitive. Most of the exquisite creations are priced at S$9, which is what most of the cafes in Singapore are charging for desserts.

And for comparison, a dessert in Pierre Hermé Paris is priced around €10 (S$14.7).

But this new flagship isn’t just about pastries and sweet treats. Tucked within the same space is La Table by Pierre Hermé, a full-service, all-day dining restaurant serving up elevated French classics during brunch and lunch.

For something a little more indulgent, the afternoon tea at Pierre Hermé is a must. Served with savouries and an exquisite selection of pastries and macarons, the tea set is a celebration of French artistry and flavour. Pair it with a pot of fine tea or a glass of champagne, and you’ve got yourself an afternoon well spent.

Whether you’re here for the iconic macarons, the silky ice creams, or an elegant French lunch, the new Pierre Hermé at Weave Sentosa is easily one of the most exciting openings in Singapore this year.

Pierre Hermé Singapore
Weave at Resorts World Sentosa
26 Sentosa Gateway #01-234

Famed for its iconic prawn paste chicken and fish head noodles, Ka-Soh Restaurant will bid farewell to its third and final outlet at Greenwood Avenue on 28 September 2025, bringing its remarkable 85-year legacy to a poignant close.

First established in 1939 as a humble pushcart stall, Ka-Soh has grown into a beloved household name with over eight decades of culinary heritage.

A proud recipient of the Michelin Bib Gourmand Award in 2017, Ka-Soh embodies the spirit of a classic Chinese eatery — serving a wide variety of zi char favourites, from hearty noodle dishes and fried rice to flavourful side plates.

No visit to Ka-Soh is complete without trying their signature fish soup noodles — a comforting bowl generously topped with tender, fresh fish slices.

Another crowd favourite is their crispy prawn paste chicken — fragrant, juicy, and a must-order at every table.

Ka-Soh’s third-generation owner Cedric is now working on a home-based venture to sell Ka-Soh’s signature Cantonese-style fish soup in frozen packs online, keeping the legacy alive in a new format. He’s also considering the possibility of launching a hawker stall in the future, though plans are still in the early stages and nothing has been confirmed yet.

You can drop by Ka-Soh at Greenwood Avenue to support them before they close for good in September.

After more than five decades of hearty meals and cherished memories, Goldleaf Restaurant is closing its doors this week on 29 Jun 2025.

A beloved name since 1971, Goldleaf was a nostalgic favourite for generations of Singaporeans who grew up with its comforting spread of Taiwanese-style porridge, classic dishes like braised pork belly, Chai Poh omelette, Steamed Pork Patty with Salted Egg Yolk—all best enjoyed with a steaming bowl of porridge.

Prior to moving to its current location at 83 Geylang Road, Goldleaf Restaurant moved out of their former location at Katong Square back in Sep 2022 as they couldn’t reach an agreement with their landlord over the lease renewal.

We will go out on a limb to say that Goldleaf Restaurant has the best Chai Poh Omelette. No one else comes close to this.

Goldleaf Restaurant is a timeless dining institution that felt just like home and we are sad to hear that it is closing.

The owner is unsure if she will reopen Goldleaf Restaurant at a new location, but we can only hope that this old-school Taiwanese porridge restaurant will make a comeback in the near future.

Goldleaf Restaurant
83 Geylang Rd, Singapore 389200
Tel: +65 6016 1653

It’s the end of an era for wagyu lovers in Singapore, Black Cow is serving its last meal on 28 June 2025.

Known for its masterful sukiyaki and shabu-shabu featuring premium cuts of Japanese Black Wagyu, Black Cow built a loyal following for its uncompromising quality and elegant omakase-style dining. Every dish was a celebration of seasonal produce from Japan’s top agricultural regions, brought together with finesse and respect for tradition.

The Premium Wagyu Beef Don—one of the best wagyu donburi in Singapore—comes with glazed foie gras, sea urchin, caviar, onsen egg, shaved truffles.

There are plans to reopen Black Cow at another location but they haven’t found a new space and there isn’t anything concrete at the moment. The Black Cow team will be taking a break and having pop-ups in Tokyo until they finalise the details of the new location.

Thank you, Black Cow, for the memorable meals and exquisite beef experiences. You will be missed for now.

Black Cow
26 Beach Rd, #B1-20 South Beach Avenue
Singapore 189768
Tel: +65 6386 6720

Two Bakers is closing down in mid-August after being in our F&B scene for 11 long years.

Some cafes excel at savoury dishes but fall short when it comes to desserts, while others whip up impressive sweets but aren’t exactly spots you’d visit for a proper meal.

Two Bakers, however, strikes the perfect balance. Tucked away along Horne Road, this French and Fusion-inspired patisserie and bakery cafe delivers on both fronts—serving up satisfying mains and equally stellar desserts.

Most cafes tend to get their desserts from central kitchens– which results in different cafes serving the same desserts – so we are impressed by Two Bakers’ commitment to bake their own desserts.

And it is more than just simple “rustic” cakes. Two Bakers’ pastry kitchen’s repertoire includes eclairs, tarts, strawberry shortcakes, and fancy mousse cakes.

And if you are a fan of Two Bakers, you can always visit their sister cafe Daily Ground near Coronation Shopping Plaza in Bukit Timah.

Song Gye Ok, South Korea’s first and most famous restaurant specialising in grilled chicken barbecue restaurant is opening its first outlet in Singapore on 5 June.

We first dined at Song Gye Ok in 2023 and we were blown away by our dining experience there. Most KBBQ restaurants usually serve beef or pork and this was the first time we had chicken at Song Kye Ok—a popular Korean chicken barbecue restaurant with several outlets in Seoul.

Song Gye Ok is known for their Assorted Grilled Chicken Platter.

Featuring six uncommon chicken cuts—boneless neck fillet, gizzard, heart, breast softbone, thigh, and tenders—each piece is expertly grilled to juicy, smoky perfection. This signature selection takes diners on a unique flavour and texture journey, offering a taste of Seoul with every bite. Served with specially paired sauces for the full experience, just like how it’s done at the original outlet in Korea.

If you are not a fan of the innards, you can order from the a la carte menu and chose the parts that you prefer.

That’s not all. You can also enjoy three of MODU’s signature dishes–Perilla Seed, Collagen, and Hangover Samgyetang–all at Song Gye Ok. And on top of that, you can also try the Truffle Samgyetang which is an exclusive dish at Song Gye Ok Singapore.

Mark our words, there is going to be a long queue at Song Gye Ok during the first few months for sure. Try your luck to get a table before everyone else. Song Gye Ok

Song Gye Ok
113 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068582
11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Tel: +65 8088 3850 (Whatsapp)

Cafe Gyoen is a Japanese-themed cafe with a train decor which opened in Serangoon Gardens a year ago and they have won over residents in the neighbourhood with their hearty and delicious Japanese Teishoku.

Unfortunately, their lease is ending in May 2025 and they will not be renewing it due to an increase in rent. Their last day of operations in Serangoon Gardens will be on 7 June so do drop by to enjoy their food and drinks before they move out of the area.

Fret not if you are a fan of Cafe Gyoen as it has opened a new outlet at 87 Club Street.

Cafe Gyoen went viral with its Japanese train-inspired decor when they first opened their outlet in Serangoon Gardens.

Cafe Gyoen serves all-day Teishoku (which means set menu in Japanese), donburi, curry rice and small Japanese bites.

Simple, hearty and delicious Japanese dishes that will not cost a bomb.

Cafe Gyoen
87 Club Street
Singapore 069455

Popular Australian dessert brand Gelato Messina will be making its Singapore debut in April 2025, bringing its unique ice cream flavours to its new outlet in Chinatown.

Renowned for its commitment to quality, the brand crafts everything in-house — from its dairy to its chocolate.

Gelato Messina Singapore will be opening its first outlet in an unit at the junction of Club Street and Cross Street.

Founded in Sydney in 2002, Gelato Messina is argubly one of the most popular ice cream shops with outlets across Australia

Besides offering a variety of their signature flavours, the folks at Messina also constantly come up with new treats. Just think Apple Pie, Thai Milk Tea with Pandan Fudge and Yoghurt & Caramel! Even if it sounds funky, give it a try because they’re probably still amazing.

Gelato Messina Singapore

French pastry chef and chocolatier Pierre Hermé is making his Singapore debut with a two-storey boutique at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS).

Pierre Hermé needs no introduction, he is arguably one of the most famous pastry chefs and his macarons are amongst the best in the world.

Other than his legendary macarons, you can also look forward to his signature creations including the Ispahan—a delicate blend of rose, lychee, and raspberry.

The Pierre Hermé store in Singapore is among several brands making their Singapore debut at Weave, the resort’s upcoming lifestyle cluster. Set to open progressively from mid-2025, the 20,000 sq m space replaces the former Forum but is twice its size. More than 40 dining and lifestyle brands will be housed within the new development.

Pierre Hermé is currently available in France, United Kingdom, Japan, Hong Kong, Monaco, Doha and it is finally making its way over to Singapore!

Pierre Hermé Singapore
Weave
Resorts World Sentosa

Great news for fans of Toast Hut, they have reopened a new eatery in Bukit Merah with air conditioning and other than their famous kaya toast and kopi, the new Toast Hut is also offering fried beehoon, noodle, porridge during breakfast and economic rice during lunch.

Old Airport Road Food Centre was temporarily closed for renovation during last year and the owner Melvin Soh decided to end Toast Hut due to manpower issues. Thankfully for all of us, Toast Hut finally managed to find a bigger eatery in Jalan Bukit Merah.

For those of you who are not familiar with Toast Hut, it started as a humble hawker stall at Old Airport Road Food Centre. The owner of Toast Hut has been perfecting his craft of making the best kaya toast and traditional kopi since he was 23 years old.

What sets Toast Hut’s Kaya apart from the usual is that it adopts a less sweet approach as Melvin thought that a kaya spread that is less sweet would complement the taste of traditional coffee better.

It is one of the best kaya toasts you can get in Singapore and you are definitely missing out if you haven’t tried it before.

The new Toast Hut is also selling economic rice during lunch to provide their regulars with more options.

If you are working or staying in the Bukit Merah neighbourhood, do drop by Toast Hut to support them!

Toast Hut
168 Jalan Bukit Merah #01-06 (Connection One), Singapore 150168

Burger & Lobster opened in Singapore to much fanfare back in 2019 and they have just announced the permanent closure of their outlet at Jewel Changi Airport on 10 March.

Burger & Lobster’s beginnings on a London rooftop started in 2011 by a group of 4 schoolmates with only three items on their menu: whole lobster, lobster roll, and a beef burger—all of which were priced at £20 each.

From now until 10 March, Burger & Lobster Singapore is having a Buy One, Get One FREE Lobster Roll promotion.

How to Redeem:
Dine-in only at Burger & Lobster Jewel Changi
Tell your waiter the secret code: ROLL ON to unlock the special menu
Order one Lobster Roll & get another on the house!

T&Cs Apply:
Walk-in only—first come, first served
Limited to 200 sets per day
Sides (fries & salad) not included

The famous Blue Bottle Coffee is slated to open in Singapore in early 2025. This upscale American coffee roaster chain began in Oakland, California back in 2002. At its heart is a vow made by its founder to “only sell coffee less than 48 hours out of the roaster to [his] guests, so they may enjoy coffee at peak flavour.”

There is a dizzying array of coffees out there and if you are weary of the commercial coffee enterprise and stale, overly roasted beans, Blue Bottle Coffee is committed to serving cuppas with the absolute best flavour. In fact, they taste each coffee to determine the precise days on which it will achieve peak flavour.

After debuting in Singapore in August 2024 with a retail store and an exhibition at LUMINE SINGAPORE’s global flagship in Raffles City, this new opening marks the first full Blue Bottle experience in the city.

Their menu is simple with a small selection of coffees such as Espresso, Macchiato, Cappucino, Caffé Latte, Caffeé Mocha, as well as Single Origin choices, Brewed Coffees, and Cold Brewed Iced Coffees.

If you cannot be sure of what to settle on, Blue Bottle Coffee has a “find your coffee match” to help.

Blue Bottle Coffee evaluates deliciousness with blind taste tests at different days after their coffees are out of the roaster. Each time they change a component of one of Blue Bottle Coffee blends, they start over. Every time a new single origin is introduced, they go through the process anew.

With outlets across America and parts of Japan as well as in Seoul, we await for the day of Blue Bottle Coffee’s opening here in Singapore with much anticipation.

Blue Bottle Coffee Singapore
252 N Bridge Rd, #01-01 Raffles City
Singapore 179103