2020 has been a bad year for everyone, period. 

Most industries in Singapore have been badly hit by the pandemic, which has left many of us scrambling to save our sinking boats. The F&B sector especially has suffered and things got worse when the Circuit Breaker was put in place, restricting people from dining out and patronising these establishments.

Aside from COVID-19, many of these F&B ventures have also decided to close for other reasons such as the end of their lease. Whatever the case, we are sad to see these places go and we hope that better opportunities will come their way soon.

With that, here is a list of F&B outlets in Singapore that have closed their doors in 2020.

7TH MILE SEAFOOD

• Zi char restaurant
• Last day of operations: 7 April 2020

ANTOINETTE PATISSERIE 

• Popular Parisian-style tea salon in Singapore.
• Both their Penhas Road and Millenia Walk outlets will be closed as well as their online stores.
• They will not be open for dine ins but will still be taking offline orders for their cakes.
• Last day of operations: 30 June 2020

BELIMBING SUPERSTAR 

• Sister restaurant of The Coconut Club. The Coconut Club still remains open.
• Serves Peranakan food.
• Last day of operations: January 21 2020

BOUFÉ BOUTIQUE CAFÉ

• Serves brunch fare and pastries.
• They have closed due to the end of their lease.
• They will be doing deliveries and takeaway till their last day of operations with a group of chefs under the name Boufe Night Market. The menu comprises food items such as Kampung Style Chicken Satay and Korean Army Stew.
• Last day of operations: 30 June 2020

BREKO CAFE

• Served brunch fare and coffee
• Last day of operations: 30 March 2020

Photo Credit: Chi Kinjo 

CHI KINJO 

• Japanese restaurant
• They have closed mostly because of COVID-19 and other factors.
• Their other dining venture, Sum Yi Tai, that is just across the street, remains open.
• Last day of operations: 27 March 2020

CHINA CLUB 

• Members-only China Club at Capital Tower that has been in operations for 19 years.
• Faced stiff competition from other F&B establishments and couldn’t keep up financially with escalating labour and operating costs.
• Has filed for voluntary liquidation.
• Last day of operations: 1 June 2020

CHINADOLL

• KTV Club at Peace Centre Selegie Road
• Last day of operations: Unspecified

Photo Credit: Coffee Break 

COFFEE BREAK (SCIENCE PARK) 

• Served traditional kopi and toast with modern twists.
• Their Science Park cafe has ceased operations but their Amoy Street and Hong Lim Food Centre outlets remain open.
• Last day of operations: Unspecified

DC COMICS SUPER HEROES CAFÉ

• Superheroes-themed cafe.
• Closed after 5 years due to end of its tenancy.
• The DC Superheroes Café Takashimaya outlet will remain open in the meantime, but it will soon be transiting into a new brand.

DOLLY UNDERGROUND 

• KTV bar and club located at the basement of International Building.

FABULOUS BAKER BOY 

• Bakery cafe by Chef Juwanda Hashim at Fort Canning.
• Closure mainly due to lease ending in July 2020. COVID-19 has hindered them in reopening a new outlet anytime soon.
• Last day of operations: 11 July 2020

FIVE BAR (HITACHI TOWER)

• Bar selling alcohol and tapas known for its S$5 specials
• Last day of operations: Unspecified

HABITAT BY HONESTBEEt

• Tech-enabled, multi-sensory grocer with over 15 food and beverage vendors.
• Last reported being “closed temporarily” in February due to COVID-19.
• The landlord is reported to be unwilling to extend the lease.
• Last day of operations: Unspecified

HASHIDA SUSHI 

• Japanese restaurant from Tokyo helmed by Chef Kenjiro “Hatch” Hashida, son of Master Chef Tokio Hashida.
• Owner, LifeBrandz, has parted ways with Chef Kenjiro.
• They may return again with under different management, but for now, they remain closed.
• Last day of operations: May 2020 (unspecified)

Photo Credit: High Steaks 

HIGH STEAKS (SEMBAWANG) 

• Specialised in steaks and other Western food at Sembawang.
• Their other outlet at Jalan Riang is still in operations.
• Last day of operations: 30 April 2020

Photo Credit: briankoh

HOUSE OF HAPPINESS (SIMPANG BEDOK) 

• Specialised in modern clay pot rice dishes.
• Disclaimer: Relocating, but new location is unconfirmed.
• Last day of operations: 2 January 2020

IMPERIAL TREASURE NAN BEI RESTAURANT (NGEE ANN CITY) 

• Specialised in Southern & Northern Chinese cuisine, has been in operations for 16 years.
• They have closed due to the end of their tenancy agreement, will not be renewing their tenancy as the management wants to focus on the rest of their outlets.
• Last day of operations: 8 June 2020

INSPIRIT HOUSE 

• Family-friendly restaurant.
• Closed due to end of their lease.
• Last day of operations: August 2020 (unspecified)

ISETAN JAPAN FOOD TOWN 

• Served Japanese cuisine.
• Closed due to non-payment issues.
• Last day of operations: 29 February 2020

JAMIE’S ITALIAN (VIVOCITY) 

• Founded by famous celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.
• Closed Vivocity outlet due to the end of their lease.
• Their Orchard Road outlet at Forum remains open.
• Last day of operations: Unspecified

Photo Credit: Jok Jok Mor 

JOK JOK MOR 

• Thai eatery at Rangoon Road.
• Closed due to unsustainable business because of COVID-19.
• Last day of operations: 18 March 2020

Photo Credit: Kuishin-Bo 

KUISHIN-BO 

• Japanese buffet restaurant.
• Closed after 19 years of operation.
• Last day of operations: 6 April 2020

LA CANTINA IN VENEZIA 

• Italian restaurant at Changi Village Hotel.
• Last day of operations: 28 March 2020

LOUNGE 7 AT DEMPSEY HILL 

• Bar at Dempsey Hill.
• Customers who still have bottles with them can collect it from their premises.
• Last day of operations: 30 June 2020

Photo Credit: L.T.A Long Time Ago 

L.T.A LONG TIME AGO 

• KTV pub, drinks and darts place at Boat Quay.
• Closed due to financial difficulties.
• Last day of operations: 26 March 2020

MAGGIE JOAN’S

• Modern European restaurant
• Last day of operations: Unspecified

MEAT N MALTS 

• Bar and diner at Tai Seng
• Closed after 3 years of operations.
• Their sister outlet, The Drunken Poet, will remain open for business.
• Last day of operations: 1 June 2020

MISS CHINATOWN 

• Specialised in modern Asian street food and beer.
• Last day of operations: Unspecified

Photo Credit: thebeareatshoney 

MINISTRY OF FOOD (JU HAO, MY IZAKAYA AT LOT ONE

• Japanese chain restaurant
• Ju Hao and My Izakaya Lot One were repossessed by the landlord on 28 February 2020 for failure to pay rent.
• Owner’s assets have been frozen due to a business deal that went wrong.
• Their other 26 restaurants are still in operation.
• Last day of operations: End Feb 2020 (unspecified)

Photo Credit: Modesto’s 

MODESTO’S

• Italian restaurant
• Closed due to COVID-19.
• Has a history of over 20 years.
• Last day of operations: end May 2020 (Modesto’s @ Elizabeth) and end June 2020 (Modesto’s @ Orchard Hotel Rendezvous)

NADAI FUJISOBA NI-HACHI 

• Soba restaurant from Japan.
• Last day of operations: 25 March 2020

NOODLE PLACE RESTAURANT 

• Hong Restaurant at Orchard Gateway.
• The business was badly affected by COVID-19 and high rental.
• Has been around for 30 years.
• Last day of operations: March 2020 (Unspecified)

Photo Credit: Oromo Coffee 

OROMO COFFEE 

• Served brunch and coffee
• Operated for 10 years at Shaw Tower
• Last day of operations: 31 March 2020

OUT OF THE CAKE BOX

• Specialised in creative bakes for 6 years.
• Closed because of end of rental lease.
• Last day of operations: 15 June 2020

OWL BISTRO 

• Specialised in Western food.
• Last day of operations: unspecified

Photo Credit: Parallel SG 

PARALLEL (ONE RAFFLES PLACE) 

• Served smoothie bowls and coffee.
• Their outlet at Raffles City will still remain open.
• Last day of operations: 4 April 2020

Photo Credit: Peppercorn 30 

PEPPERCORN 

• Specialised in Halal Chinese cuisine
• Last day of operations: 25 April 2020

PLENTYFULL (MILLENIA WALK) 

• Specialises in hearty homemade food and desserts
• Closed its Millenia Walk outlet as their lease is up for renewal in July 2020.
• Sister outlet Plentyfull Bakery & Deli at Great World is still in operations.
  
• They do intend to find a new home, but not anytime soon.
• Last day of operations:14 June 2020

POBO GELATO 

• Gelato cafe at West Coast Community Centre
• Closed due to COVID-19
• Last day of operations: Unspecified

Photo Credit: Purple Turtle 

PURPLE TURTLE 

• KTV pub
• Last day of operations: Unspecified

Photo Credit: Rookery SG 

ROOKERY (CAPITAL TOWER) 

• Owned by former DJ Daniel Ong.
• Served brunch fare and Western & Italian food.
• Their outlets at Hong Leong Building and China Square remain open.
• Last day of operations: Unspecified

SALT GRILL & SKY BAR 

• Modern Australian restaurant at ION Orchard.
• Last day of operations: Unspecified

Photo Credit: SG Pho House 

SG PHO HOUSE 

• Vietnamese restaurant at North Bridge Road.
• Closed due to COVID-19.
• Last day of operations: 7 May 2020

Photo Credit: Sons Singapore 

SONS

• Italian restaurant cum cocktail bar
• Last day of operations: Unspecified

SPICE WORLD HOTPOT 

• Sichuan hotpot restaurant
• Last day of operations: January 2020 (unspecified)

STÄRKER GROUP SINGAPORE 

• Chain of German bistros and restaurants.
• All their 7 outlets have ceased operations.
• Last day of operations: Unspecified

TABLE MANNERS 

• A casual restaurant at Changi City Point that served European food.
• Closed due to COVID-19
• Last day of operations: April 2020 (unspecified)

TAO SEAFOOD ASIA 

• Chinese restaurant
• Last day of operations: 30 May 2020

TEOCHEW CITY 

• Opened by veteran actor Chen Shucheng
• Closed to cut losses.
• Last day of operations: Unspecified

TEAFOLIA 

• Bubble tea and fruit tea shop.
• Closed all their outlets due to COVID-19.
• Last day of operations: Unspecified

THE CHOPHOUSE 

• Specialised in steaks, burgers and pasta.
• Closed both Vivocity & Katong outlets
• Last day of operations: Unspecified

Photo Credit: The New Harbour Cafe & Bar 

THE NEW HARBOUR CAFE & BAR 

• Served Western, Asian and Italian grub
• Last day of operations: Unspecified

THE PELICAN 

• Popular spot along Marina Bay for fresh seafood and hearty mains for 8 years.
• Last day of operations: 30 June 2020

THE READING ROOM CAFE BAR 

• Book cafe and bar at Bukit Pasoh.
• They are open for dine-in and takeaway till their last day of operations.
• Last day of operations: 28 June 2020

TIAN WEI SEAFOOD 

• Zi char restaurant
• Last day of operations: 29 March 2020

VIANNEY MASSOT RESTAURANT 

• 1 Michelin star restaurant at Hongkong Street.
• Closed due to end of lease and COVID-19 situation.
• Last day of operations: Unspecified

The past few days have been filled with a string of bad news. With the closure of popular patisserie Antoinette and seafood restaurant The Pelican, there can’t possibly be anything else worse, right? Sadly, we are wrong.

The Fabulous Baker is the next dining establishment to announce its closure and their last day will be on 11 July 2020.

Before the restaurant closes, they will be serving their well-loved food and bakes for the last time.

They will be reopening their doors on 27 June 2020, Saturday and will be open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 8.30am to 5pm till their final day on the 11th of July. You can also order from them online and they will be providing islandwide delivery.

If you’ve been a loyal fan of The Fabulous Baker Boy, do pop by one last time to support them before they close for good.

This year hasn’t been a good one for anyone, and the F&B industry in Singapore is one of the hardest-hit sectors. This has caused many well-loved eateries to close their doors.

Joining the other eateries that have shut down in Singapore is The Pelican, which will officially cease operations on 30 June 2020.

The Pelican will not be reopening in phase 2 along with the other F&B outlets.

This popular dining establishment had been a popular spot for fresh seafood and hearty mains that were great for any occasion.

We are sad to see them go and we hope that the rest of the eateries in Singapore will continue to stay strong during this trying period.

Joining the many dining establishments that have closed down in 2020 is DC Super Heroes Cafe at Marina Bay Sands.

The 5-year-old themed cafe has been a popular spot for both children and adults to enjoy a meal inspired by their favourite superheroes.

Unlike many of the other eateries in Singapore that have closed down due to the impact of the pandemic and Circuit Breaker, DC Super Heroes Cafe mentioned that it will be shutting its doors due to the end of its tenancy.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, they thanked their customers for all the support and love over the past 5 years.

We are glad to know that their Takashimaya branch will still be around and will be open for business again in Phase 2 on 19 June 2020. However, as mentioned in their Facebook post, their Takashimaya outlet will be transitioning to a new brand.

The day we’ve all been restlessly waiting for has come, and Singapore has finally exited the Circuit Breaker.

However, before we dash out of our homes in euphoria and attempt to carry out every single activity we’ve been waiting to do, we need to understand that our lives from now onwards will be a long stretch from what it previously used to be like.

As we rev our engines and restart our work towards normalcy, we have to remember that our society isn’t the same place that we left behind before we entered the Circuit Breaker.

Our economy is in shambles and Singapore will be entering a recession this year. A dark, ominous cloud looms above our heads, fuelled by a significant amount of uncertainty, especially over the duration and intensity of the period. Singapore’s GDP growth forecast for 2020 has been revised downwards to -7% to -4%, the lowest in Singapore’s history.

How long will we be stuck in this rut? How bad will it be? What can we do moving forward to prevent things from getting worse?

While you may think of yourself as a small speck in Singapore’s 5.6 million population, every effort counts and we all need to work together to save our little red dot. Don’t know where to start? Here are 6 ways in which you can contribute to getting Singapore back on her feet.

AVOID DELIVERY SERVICES AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AND ORDER DIRECTLY FROM THE F&B BUSINESS ITSELF 

While delivery apps like GrabFood and Foodpanda are undoubtedly a convenient option, placing an order via them may be harming your favourite eateries more than helping them.

These platforms charge a whopping 20% to 40% commission for regular deliveries and 10% to 20% commission for self pick-up orders. To make up for the loss, some eateries tend to jack up their prices, but this usually ends up deterring diners from ordering from them. You can read about all this in detail here.

It is pretty hard to eliminate our usage of such apps completely as there are instances where it is the merchant’s only delivery option or it is inconvenient for you to takeaway from the eatery itself. However, as much as possible, we should try to minimise our usage of these platforms whenever we can to support our local establishments. Check out Facebook groups such as Singapore Restaurant Rescue and Hawkers United — Dabao 2020 to find out which restaurants and hawkers you can order directly from. 

SEND YOUR FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES SOME FOOD

We know it’s a bummer that we still can’t really hang out with all our friends and we sorely miss them. One way to let them know that you’re thinking of them is to send them food. Aside from making your friend happy, you will also be supporting local businesses as well. That’s killing two birds with one stone!

You can order meals from your favourite restaurants that offer islandwide deliveries in Singapore, send them a pint of ice cream or two, or your favourite Basque Burnt Cheesecakes.

Mala instant noodles and Suan La Fen are all the rage in Singapore right now. Order a carton of the popular Mala Oden to send to your friends and family.

Feeling fat from pigging out during Circuit Breaker? Try the best slimming coffee in Singapore from Mskinny.

LEAVE A TIP WHENEVER POSSIBLE 

Though Singapore doesn’t have a tipping culture, there isn’t anything wrong with giving a tip once in a while to spread some happiness and make someone’s day. The next time you order something or head down to dabao something from the chicken rice auntie near your house, tell the merchants or delivery person to keep the change. It may be a minuscule gesture, but every small step counts in helping our local businesses.

#SAVEFNBSG AND VISIT YOUR LOCAL HAWKERS CENTRES AND EATERIES 

The F&B scene in Singapore is in absolute ruins right now. With eateries not being able to allow their customers to dine in and having to switch to delivery and takeaway options, sales have taken a plunge, leaving these poor businesses in a sinking ship that’s close to becoming fully submerged.

We’ve already heard of a number of businesses that have given up on the battle and closed down to cut losses. It would be awful if more of such dining establishments follow suit and we should do as much as we can to protect the remaining ones.

So, whenever possible, support our hawkers and restaurants by patronising them. It doesn’t have to be a daily affair, but we can all attempt to do so whenever convenient.

#SUPPORTLOCAL AND ORDER SOMETHING FROM HOME-BASED BUSINESSES OR HOME-GROWN BRANDS 

We must not forget that aside from our brick and mortar stalls, home-based businesses and home-grown brands are just as badly affected by the pandemic as everyone else. For a period of time during the Circuit Breaker, these brands were not allowed to operate so as to curb human-to-human interaction. This also means that they were not receiving any revenue at all.

To help them out, you can always make a small purchase from them. For a comprehensive list of home-based and home-grown businesses, you can check out hbb.sg.

#TREATYOURSELF AND DO A LITTLE SHOPPING 

Who would have ever imagined that spoiling ourselves with occasional gifts would be useful in saving Singapore’s dying economy? With most physical stores being shut for the time being, many of our favourite brands have desperately turned to online platforms to continue their businesses. To help them make it over the next few hurdles before stores are allowed to re-operate again, purchasing something from them online can help boost their sales and survive another month.

While we aren’t asking you to go crazy and start carting out all the items in your wishlist, a little retail therapy to #treatyourself will definitely help to stimulate the economy. So yes, get those pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing; you deserve it for surviving the Circuit Breaker.

It is a known fact that the food and beverage businesses in Singapore are extremely competitive, due to high rental fees, manpower shortage and other variances. As we see more restaurants and cafes popping up yearly, we also regretfully watch them shut their doors for good.

It takes more than just a brilliant idea and hard work to succeed in this tough industry, especially at times when the economy is not favourable. There are many challenges one will face when opening a new restaurant or cafe. 

Some of the restaurants on this list took us by surprise; while others, not so much. Here are 13 Food Establishments In Singapore We Bid Farewell To In 2016.

Photo Credit: SG Asia City

#1 1 MARKET BY CHEF WAN

Many people would recognise this restaurant in Plaza Singapura helmed by celebrity Redzuawan Ismail chef or otherwise known as Chef Wan.

The chef—who is also a cookbook author—had big dreams for this restaurant which occupied a large area totalling up to 11,000 square feet.

#2 20F SPECIALTY COFFEEHOUSE

The cafe which sat along Jalan Besar served up Insta-worthy cakes and mains that garnered mixed reviews from visitors.

Those who enjoyed their Duck and Waffle dish liked the contrast of flavours in their dishes while others were not too impressed. The cafe officially stopped operations in May 2016.

#3 CATALUNYA SINGAPORE

Spanish restaurant Catalunya housed in Fullerton Pavilion was known to offer majestic views of Marina Bay. The place was very popular for their Spanish food, cocktails and weekend brunch before it closed in June 2016.

However, the restaurant has since released a statement giving hints that they will be relocating to a new site.

#4 DEPARTMENT OF CAFFEINE

One of the most well-known cafes perched on Duxton Hill has ceased operations in January 2016. We enjoyed our visits to Department of Caffeine for its simplicity and wallet-friendly cafe fare.

Although we lament the loss of D.O.C, we are comforted by the thought that we can always head down to one of their other concept cafes—The Populus Coffee & Food Co.

#5 FISH & CO. GLASSHOUSE

Who can forget about the iconic Fish & Co, Glasshouse beside Park Mall? Students and those who are working nearby would be able to recall fond memories in this seafood restaurant.

Due to redevelopment works by Park Mall, the Glasshouse has closed their doors for good since June 2016.

#6 FIVE & DIME EATERY

We always loved the cosy atmosphere at Five & Dime Eatery and it is such a shame that they have closed in April 2016 to rebrand as Fat Lulu’s.

#7 KILO AT PACT

Yet another lovely dining location, KILO at PACT is a lifestyle cafe that attracted eyeballs for more than just its delightful food.

Patrons were to sit on high wooden stools set against concrete table tops; the space boasted a modern industrial look. Unfortunately, the cafe held its closing party in mid-September 2016. We hope they make a comeback!

#8 MAY MAY

The restaurant in the CBD area had a menu of interesting Asian fusion cuisine, but is now closed. Diners used to drop by during lunch for their signature rice bowls and liu sha donuts.

#9 MEATLIQUOR

Originating from London, MEATliquor was a bistro that supposedly served up great tasting burgers that reflect the American lifestyle. The place opened with much fanfare but the burgers were disappointing—a far cry from what we had in London.

Oh well, can’t say that we are surprised about the closure of this one.

#10 MONOCHROME FUSION BISTRO

The black and white culture at Monochrome Fusion Bistro had us all intrigued. This stylish cafe really brought minimalism to the extreme with their monochrome interiors and signature dishes.

It is a pity that the restaurant closed early this year after only one year into the business.

Photo Credit: The French Stall

#11 THE FRENCH STALL

The French Stall was a non-air conditioned restaurant in Little India, tucked by the side of Serangoon Road.

While we had a pretty good impression of The French Stall, it was probably stiff competition from upcoming French casual restaurants that made it difficult for the place to survive

#12 VEGGIE COTTAGE

Those who love vegetarian food would have heard of Veggie Cottage, which had a range of local and Western food on its menu. Their food were all handmade in-house. The vegan dining place closed down in October 2016.