Jaw-dropping views of Singapore’s skyline and charming little neighbourhood enclaves that will take your breath away. Armed with tasty food, vibes to kill for and the appropriate setting for post-work Champagne celebrations, what more can a girl want? With COVID restrictions easing up, there’s no better time to celebrate and possibly make up for the past two and half years of lull. This is not a drill, but round up your closest gal pals and get ready to paint the town (skies) red at any one of these 10 stellar rooftop bars.
We’ve got cocktail lounges perched on top of a heritage building in bustling Keong Saik that will no doubt whisk you away into a tropical oasis fuelled by tropical cocktails and Balearic beats as well as a super-luxe rooftop bar and club situated right on top of the majestic Marina Bay Sands — it even comes with its own sky deck and infinity pool.
Ranked number #67 on DJ Mag’s 2018 Top 100 Clubs in the world, CÉ LA VI Singapore is an unmissable nightlife destination in Asia. Towering over the Singapore River and everything else within its proximity, this rooftop bar and lounge offers picturesque views, tantalising sundowners and modern Asian fare. Experience time stand still as you gaze upon the magnificent view of Singapore’s city skyline with glass in hand — second only to its wide array of tantalising nosh. Feeling peckish? You won’t go wrong with the A5 Kagoshima Katsu Bao Sando or the super-luxe Cassava Chips & Caviar.
A spot smack in the heart of town, FLNT (pronounced “flint”) is where Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei) cuisine, sleek handcrafted cocktails and spectacular views of Singapore’s cityscape intertwine. The multi-concept restaurant and bar are flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows and swathed in warm hues of gold and natural wood and towers high above the streets of ION Orchard’s 55th floor. The bar boasts a vast assortment of rare sakes but it is their meticulously crafted cocktails that truly steal the show. Although not extensive, expect vibrant, sake-forward libations like the Nuevo Casa that elegantly blends sake with pisco, cherry blossom essence, yerba mate orange tea, kumquat and tonic water. The food here is mainly seafood-driven, celebrating the union between fresh produce and culinary technique, in honour of authentic Nikkei cuisine.
Poised to leave you wanting more, Kinki over at Collyer Quay is a modern Japanese izakaya that strives to defy tradition, constantly shaking things up by means of contemporary Japanese dishes and a funky drinks selection influenced by East and West. Under its new muse, The Geisha, the resto-bar aims to offer everyone heightened experiences at both levels with classic and modernist art, (and neon lights galore) going hand in hand on both levels to provide a pleasurable juxtaposition of the senses. The restaurant takes up residence on the first floor, serving up playful interpretations of Izakaya grub and on the second floor is where revelry ensues accompanied by a gorgeous panoramic view of the Marina Bay skyline.
This swanky New York-inspired dining concept is an Italian restaurant, rooftop lounge and swish party venue all under one roof at the prestigious Marina Bay Sands. Load up on award-winning Italian food staples and knockback Champagne and stiff libations while you’re at it. LAVO’s lush garden setting, world-class entertainment and stellar views go above and beyond (in every sense of the expression) in ensuring nothing short of an enjoyable time regardless of who you’re with.
Tanjong Pagar is known to be a hotspot for Korean barbecue joints, buzzy bars and hole-in-a-wall cocktail speakeasies but if you’re pining for something extra special, LEVANT is a good spot to consider. Perched on the rooftop of a conservation shophouse along Tras Street, Levant is a swanky, cosmopolitan open-air bar that crafts out top-notch cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired bites that pair exceptionally well with. The space itself isn’t huge so if you’re looking for a slightly more intimate setting, Levant is more than ideal for such a night.
Who would expect to find a microbrewery located in the heart of the city, let alone one that’s perched 33 levels above ground? Well, you can leave your doubts at the door when visiting LeVel33 because this urban microbrewery brews some seriously delicious stuff and even more serious is its repertoire of well thought out dishes that never fail to impress. Helmed by Executive Chef ArChan Chan, so expect a unique contemporary beer-centric array of dishes that synthesises the culinary aspect and beer brewing elements. Located on the apex level of Marina Bay Financial Tower 1, LeVeL33 offers three different spaces: the LeVeL33 Dining Room, LeVeL33 Social, and the Terrace which offers an unobstructed view of the Singapore skyline.
Smooth grooves, sassy beats and the cool city breeze set the tone for nights of revelry and rendezvous on Level 39 of Andaz rooftop bar, Mr Stork. An alfresco drinking and dining spot that offers 360-degree views of the city below, Mr Stork impresses with its cosy and spacious setting, which even comes with 10 teepee huts set amid lush tropical landscaping for guests to best enjoy the breathtaking views and the company of friends with relative privacy.
Important to note: Walk-ins are not allowed so do remember to make a reservation prior to making a trip down.
Situated in one of the most iconic heritage shophouses in Chinatown, Potato Head Singapore is a multi-concept space that houses multiple bars and restaurants within the same building spread out across three floors. If tropical cocktails and city views are what you’re after, make your way right up to the Rooftop Bar and unwind up high above buzzy Keong Saik with a tropical cocktail in hand and toe-tapping beats that will make you forget all your stresses — all nestled within one leafy, rustic locale.
A sleek, swanky cocktail bar overlooking the Padang, this convivial cocktail bar —whose circular bar is helmed by some of Southeast Asia's most prolific mixologists — atop the National Gallery is a hot spot for the island’s coolest cats who often rendezvous there for its regular bartender guest shift events and the like. During the day, the views are pretty darn splendid but it’s when night falls over Singapore’s CBD where true opulence is revealed. That being said, it’s obvious that the best seats in the house are by the balcony. Take our advice and make a reservation early. If not, arrive early and enjoy a few drinks whilst taking in the golden hour in its fullest glory.
Fresh oysters, moreish bar bites and killer views of the surrounding Boat Quay locale go hand in hand with Southbridge’s signature gin-and-tonic program that boasts some of the best craft gins from around the world. Located at the periphery bar and restaurant-laden Boat Quay, on the third floor of a nondescript shophouse sits this casual rooftop dig. Finding your way up requires a bit of a detour but once upstairs, you’re transported to an oasis of calm and convivial vibes, replete with stellar hospitality, top-notch drinks and possibly some of the best oysters available in the city.
(Photos from: Alvin Tan)
Next, check out the 10 best steakhouses in Singapore.
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