Looking for cool, breezy spots to hang out with colleagues and de-stress after work? These rooftop restaurants offer some of the best ambience and scenery.
Singapore can be a stressful place to live and work in. That’s why we highly recommend doing something relaxing at least once a week, be it going for spa, sweating it out in hot yoga class, or kicking back at an outdoor dining spot after work. Even better if it’s somewhere sky high where you get to feel a chilly breeze in your hair as you sip on a tipple. These rooftop restaurants and bars offer that, plus a cool sunset view against the backdrop of the gorgeous city skyline. Make a date when the haze isn’t in the way.
For a spot of fun with a local touch â Loof, Odean Tower
Loof (a play on the way some Singaporeans pronounce ‘roof’), by the Lo and Behold Group, has been a local favourite since 2005. We love the breezy vibe, the old school Mamashop (check out their pre-iPad knick knacks and old-school snacks here) and the superb view of the Raffles Hotel. Quirky South-east Asian-influenced cocktails, such as its signature Loof Bubble Tea ($21) that comes shaken with vodka, orange liqueur, sour plum, passion fruit, calamansi, lemon, yogurt and fruity pearls, come highly recommended. And you should try their ‘Dude-Sin’ (think: modern Singaporean meets bar grub) dishes, such as the sinful B.C.M. Grilled Cheese ($18) â it’s a hearty dish of sourdough bread stuffed with cheese, pork mince and mushrooms, inspired by our local Bak Chor Mee.
Loof is at #03-07 Odeon Towers, Extension Rooftop, 331 North Bridge Road, tel: 6337 9416. Visit www.facebook.com/looftopbar
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For something elegant and groovy â Lantern, The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
Framed by an infinity lap pool and lush landscaping, this stylish rooftop bar, with a gorgeous view of the Marina Bay area, is a favoured spot for parties and celebrations. Come weekdays, you may find networking events a happening, while weekends are popular for birthdays and after-wedding parties. Nibble on their popular Butter Poached Lobster Roll with Mayonnaise and Truffles Fries ($33) or Mini Wagyu Beef Burgers ($27) – while sipping on refreshing cocktails such as Red Lantern ($24), which has tequila, watermelon, cucumber, lime, and their Imperial Berry Mojito ($28) with rum, berries, mint and Champagne.
Lantern is at Level 8, The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, 80 Collyer Quay, tel: 6597 5299. Visit https://www.fullertonhotels.com/the-fullerton-bay-hotel/lantern-rooftop-bar.html
For a classy evening – Aura, National Gallery Singapore
Perched on the two highest floors of the National Gallery Singapore, Aura is a dining destination with a 90-seater Italian restaurant and a sprawling 200-seater rooftop Sky Lounge. Fronted by the amazing view of the Marina Bay skyline, Aura Sky Lounge is a sophisticated lounge and bar with a strong Mediterranean focus designed for effervescent conversations and chilling out. While taking in the awesome sights at night, munch on some Foie Gras and Duck Sliders ($24) and toast to the good life with a Cosmic Karma ($18), which features homemade green-apple-infused vodka, lychee liqueur, lime and egg white.
Aura is at #05-03 and 06-02, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrews Road, tel: 68661977. Visit www.aura.sg
For a spectacular visual display â Lavo, Marina Bay Sands
There is no shortage of places for drinks on level 57 of the Marina Bay Sands (Spago has a laid-back garden feel, and there is the SkyBar at Cé La Vi), but Lavo â a partnership between Marina Bay Sands and restaurant-nightlife group TAO Group â remains our top pick for a special evening. You not only have the dazzling lights of the city, but you will also have an excellent view of the outdoor light and water show display Spectra. Be mesmerized by the beautiful symphony of music, water and light, with a cocktail in hand – perhaps a 58th St. Negroni ($25), with Gordon’s Gin, Amaro Montenegro and Dolin Dry Vermouth. The bar/restaurant/lounge also features classic Italian American cuisine ranging from pizzas and pastas to grilled steaks.
Lavo is at Level 57, Sands SkyPark, Hotel Tower 1, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, tel: 6688 8591. Visit www.lavosingapore.com
For an escape from the hustle and bustle â Mr Stork, Andaz Singapore
Mr Stork, nestled on Level 39 of the exquisite Andaz Singapore, is a tranquil rooftop bar set among tropical landscaping with cobbled pavements and ten teepee huts. The unobstructed 360-degree view of the city skyline and the heartlands is definitely a draw, so do try to come by in the late afternoon (they open at 5pm), before it gets busy, for a nice stroll. The sunset, we hear, is stunning. Cocktails here lean toward the fruity and floral style featuring garden herbs and fresh fruits. We enjoyed Ruby ($22), a citrusy concoction made with lemon, ginger, fresh mint, vermouth and Ceylon Arrack, a traditional Sri Lankan spirit distilled from the sap of the coconut flower and aged in Sri Lankan oak casks, and also Rhubarb ($22), a fizzy drink made with fresh rhubarb puree, strawberry and lemon juice, sparkling wine and a shot of vodka. For bites, do try the fried chicken rice risotto balls ($14) served with chicken rice chilli and crab cakes ($19) served with aioli.
Mr Stork is at Level 39, Andaz Singapore, 5 Fraser Street, tel: 6408 1234. Visit www.singapore.andaz.hyatt.com
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For a taste of equatorial flair â 1927, SO Sofitel Singapore
Opened in August 2018, 1927 at SO Sofitel Singapore is a charming rooftop cocktail bar and pool set in the heart of the Central Business District that features contemporary equatorial cocktails and gourmet bar bites. Highlights include the Absinthe Colada ($26), an absinthe-infused variation of PiÅa Colada, which has St. George Absinthe from California, agricole and cool créme de menthe alongside the classic base of coconut and pineapple. According to Head Bartender Thomas Sobota, this addictive drink was concocted to evoke the adrenaline of escaping for a holiday. He recommends pairing his cocktails with the bar’s Relish Platter ($40) which comprises a selection of Beef Po’Boy (Wagyu hangers brioche), Crispy Pork Belly, Coco Prawns (tiger prawns with coconut and avocado), Jerk Chicken (spicy chicken with Scotch Bonnet chilli, onions and garlic) and Chipotle Poppers (chipotle with whipped cheese and sweet corn).
1927 is at Level 6, SO Sofitel Singapore is at 35 Robinson Road, tel: 6701 6800. Visit www.sofitel-so-singapore.com/meetings-events/1927-rooftop-bar/
For the ultimate view â 1-Altitude Gallery & Bar, 1 Raffles Place
This award-winning venue, often referred to as the “world’s highest alfresco bar”, stands 282 metres above the Singapore’s Central Business District. The 360-degree view of the city’s spectacular skyline from here is unparalleled. So it is no wonder that this remains a coveted spot for celebrations, parties and weddings. Snap the best photos at its triangular tip, or lounge in one of their cabana beds as you sip a cocktail. The Gallery & Bar is part of the multi-concept lifestyle destination 1-Altitude, which occupies over 16,000 square feet of space spread across four levels (including the ALT Café & Bar on the ground floor) at One Raffles Place. The restaurant, Stellar, at level 62, is helmed by Executive Chef Christopher Millar and features progressive Australian cuisine, while the club lounge at Altimate (level 61) is an exclusive nightspot.
1-Altitude Gallery & Bar is at Level 63, 1 Raffles Place, tel: 6438 0410. Visit https://www.1-altitude.com/gallery-bar/about/
For conscious dining â The Garden Club
New to the rooftop dining scene is The Garden Club, perched on the rooftop of OUE downtown Gallery. The 100-seater, which accommodates about 70 outside and 30 inside, is set to be the next go-to place for lunch and dinner with friends after work. Taking a conscious and sustainable dining approach, The Garden Club offers vegan options and plant-based alternatives, such as the Beyond Meat Cheeseburger and Fries ($26) on the lunch menu. Experience the best of the restaurant over dinner, where you can try the Cauliflower Bouquet Roast ($10), a whole roasted cauliflower topped with a house special garlic miso sauce and confit leek, as well as Eggplant Pesto Grill ($12), a perfectly grilled eggplant with house special pesto, fried capers, cherry tomato confit and Japanese purple sweet potato mash. Some of the dishes’ ingredients, such as those in the pesto, are harvested from The Garden Club’s garden. For more chill-out vibes, pop by on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays to enjoy live band music from 7.30pm onwards.
The Garden Club is at #05-03 OUE Downtown Gallery, tel: 6971 8265. Visit www.thegardenclub.sg.