December’s dining picks: SAMBAROOM, Tablescape Restaurant & Bar, and more

As the year comes to a close, December in Singapore brings not just festive cheer but also an abundance of new delights to the culinary scene. From lavish Christmas menus, to new restaurant openings, and the latest bar offerings, the city’s vibrant dining scene has something for every palate. That being said, if you’re on the lookout for new places to eat, we’ve curated a list of must-try dining spots to check out this month. 

SAMBAROOM

If you’re looking for a cosy hideaway in the CBD area for some after-work drinks with your colleagues, check out SAMBAROOM. Boasting beautiful panoramic views of the cityscape from the 52nd floor of Capital Tower, guests can look forward to an elevated cocktail experience inspired by Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavours with a menu specially curated by famed Italian beverage consultant, Giancarlo Mancino.

Highlights include the Amazonico, a Prosecco-based cocktail crafted with Germana Umburana Cachaça, passionfruit, Amaretto Adriatico, and a hint of vanilla. This smooth and easy-to-drink option is perfect for those who enjoy something on the sweeter side. For a show-stopping, Instagrammable option, we recommend the Llamaliscious — a rum-based cocktail served in a charming llama-shaped cup. This delightful drink features a blend of The Lovers Rum, pineapple, Campari, and Ginger & Lime, making it as visually stunning as it is delicious.

SAMBAROOM is located at 168 Robinson Rd, Level 52M Capital Tower

Tablescape Restaurant & Bar

If you’re looking for the perfect spot to celebrate the festive season, Tablescape has you covered. The restaurant has recently unveiled its festive dine-in menu, featuring a decadent four-course meal for just $98++.

For starters, try the Poached Boston Lobster, a vibrant dish served with refreshing panzanella and creamy burrata, before diving into the Confit Duck Croquettes, that’s topped with a generous serving of duck foie gras.

As for the main course, meat lovers can opt for the Wagyu Beef Tenderloin, which is both tender and full of flavour, while seafood enthusiasts will appreciate the delicate Cod Brandade, perfectly complemented by savoy cabbage.

To finish, indulge in the Chocolate Valrhona Crèmeux, a luxurious dessert that layers chocolate and coffee in perfect harmony — a sweet and satisfying finale to an unforgettable festive feast.

Tablescape Restaurant & Bar is located at 10 Coleman St, Level 3

CÉ LA VI 

Fancy a dining spot with a view? Look no further than CÉ LA VI. Recently, the restaurant unveiled its latest menu, meticulously crafted by Executive Chef Joshua Bedell. With over two decades of culinary expertise, Chef Bedell brings an innovative touch to modern Asian cuisine, promising new à la carte dishes in addition to its mainstay caviar, raw and seasonal offerings. The revamped à la carte offerings include indulgent new creations alongside fan favourites like their signature caviar and seasonal dishes.

Start your meal with the Miyazaki Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, a melt-in-your-mouth delight topped with smoked aioli, pickled cucumber, caviar, and ponzu sauce. For a fresh and tangy bite, try the Grilled Octopus, elevated with yellow pepper soy, crisp green apple slivers, and crunchy fried kale.

If mains are your focus, the Halibut is a standout, served on tamarind jus with a hearty mushroom ragout. And for true decadence, don’t miss the A4 Miyazaki Striploin — so tender it almost melts in your mouth — paired with grilled king oyster mushrooms, charred leek, and a rich potato terrine.

CÉ LA VI is located at 1 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay Sands, Hotel, Tower 3

Dimple 

If drinks are what you’re after then swing by Dimple, a new intimate craft cocktail bar, located along Purvis Street. Helmed by Head Bartender Marcus Liow, a veteran of Singapore’s cocktail scene, the bar offers 14 signature cocktails, each carefully crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu offers a delightful mix of flavours, from fruity concoctions inspired by the Chinese principles of Love, Harmony, and Abundance to timeless classic cocktails reimagined with a twist. Complementing the drinks are snacks that channel the vibrant energy of Hong Kong’s bustling streets, making every visit a sensory escape.

Dimple is located at 13 Purvis Street

Royal Host

Japanese family restaurant chain, Royal Host, has just opened its second outlet at Takashimaya Shopping Centre after making its Singapore debut at Jewel Changi earlier this year. The chain, beloved in Japan by many, including icons like Marilyn Monroe—who is said to have enjoyed its Onion Gratin Soup three days in a row—is renowned for its Japanese-Western fusion dishes. In addition to the Onion Gratin Soup, we recommend trying the Lobster Bisque, Salmon & Mentaiko Sauce Pasta, and most notably, the Royal Hamburg Steak, one of the restaurant’s signature dishes. For something a little more filling, consider the Cosmo Seafood Doria, a hearty baked rice dish generously topped with fresh seafood. To end your meal on a sweet note, indulge in Royal Host’s popular Hot Fudge Sundae, which is perfect for sharing.

Royal Host is located at Takashimaya S. C., B2-25/26, and Jewel Changi Airport, #03-219

The Bar at 15 Stamford 

The festive season is in full swing and if you’re planning your next get-together with your friends or your loved ones, consider going for Capitol Kempinski’s Ugly Sweater Brunch at The Bar at 15 Stamford. During the Sunday brunch, The Bar at 15 Stamford Bar will be teaming up with Hendrick’s Gin to offer some of their latest festive concoctions. These delicious libations that will be on rotation include the Caramel-apple-infused Pie and zesty Mandarin cocktails made with Hendrick’s Gin, Gingerbread Negroni made with Hendrick’s Orbium Gin and the Christmas Punch made with Hendrick’s Flora Adora - the latest limited-edition gin from Hendrick’s Cabinet of Curiosities. Plus, if you come dressed to impress, you’ll stand a chance to win a limited-edition Hendrick’s G & Tea Time Set - complete with a 700cl Hendrick’s Gin bottle, stylish teapot and six matching cups and saucers.

Ugly Sweater Brunch is located at The Bar at 15 Stamford, The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore

Lime Restaurant 

From 15 November to 1 January 2025, Lime is serving up a festive buffet packed with new creations and timeless Christmas classics. A hearty feast that will have you going for seconds, their buffet spread boasts an extensive selection of mouthwatering dishes which includes the Turkey Breast in Giblet Sauce, Sous Vide Roast Angus Beef, and Slow Roasted Pork Belly with Apple Cider Glaze. Alternatively, for those craving for something a little more local, you can also look forward to their live cooking stations where they will be serving up some of your favourite Singapore classics as well.

If you’re planning to head over to Lime on Christmas Eve (24 December), you’ll be glad to know that the restaurant will be serving special seafood dishes to sink your teeth into like the Fresh Boston Lobster, Snow Crab Leg, Lobster Bisque, Turkey Fricassee, Crab Cakes and more. And on Christmas Day itself, the restaurant will be dishing out an exclusive selection of must-haves such as Fresh Oysters, Pan Con Tomate with Jamón Ibérico, Boston Lobster Thermidor, Salmon En Papillote, Stuffed Roast Turkey, Homemade Pizzas with house-pressed dough and Crêpes Suzette, that are made to order by Lime’s pastry chef.

Lime Restaurant is located at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, 3 Upper Pickering St