The Best Restaurants In Singapore To Catch NDP Fireworks
Camp out and dig into good food while enjoying stellar views of the NDP fireworks at these restaurants
To commemorate our country’s 59th birthday, this year’s National Day Parade is set to be back with a bang.
Themed “Together, As One United People”, the celebrations will be held at the Marina Bay floating platform, with the return of many iconic moments, from the flag fly-by to the Red Lions to the spectacular NDP fireworks.
If you’re planning to join the festivities, but haven’t managed to get tickets, there are loads of prime spots to catch the fireworks for free. But this also means jostling with the crowds, and when you’re travelling with kids in tow, you may want someplace more comfortable. A restaurant that affords views of the fireworks is the next best thing. Here are some locations to hit up, including family-friendly ones.
For unobstructed views of the fireworks display, grab a table at the highest urban microbrewery in the world. Located on the 33rd floor of MBFC Tower 1, the restaurant overlooks the Marina Bay precinct and boasts gorgeous views of the city skyline.
On the night of National Day itself, from 5pm to 9pm, you can also enjoy unlimited servings of locally inspired dishes, house-brewed beers, house-pour wines, Prosecco, and the iconic Singapore Sling for $268++ per person. Look forward to multi-zoned dining spaces with live food stations serving innovative renditions of local cuisine such as Singaporean Inspired Confit Egg Yolk Toast, Oyster Omelette Chawanmushi and Locally Grown Mushroom Stout Char Siu Skewers.
There’s a $33 cover charge for all Saturdays from June 22 to Aug 3 for walk-in reservations.
At #33-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1, 8 Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018981, tel: 6834 3133. Visit its website for reservations or more information.
If heights aren't your thing, head down to this Mexican joint located on the ground floor of Customs House, sitting right in the heart of Marina Bay with views of the waterfront and fireworks! The restaurant is throwing an NDP-themed Viva Singapore! Fiesta with free-flow drinks and food from 6 to 9pm on National Day — think frozen lime margaritas, wine, sparkling wine, house-pour spirits, beers, soda and juice.
There'll also be signature dishes available exclusively during the event. Dig into Smoked Pork Jowl Tacos and the Pandan Churros, a Singaporean twist on the classic Mexican dessert, with desiccated coconut and kaya jam. These are available as part of the free-flow menu.
From $149++ for a standing table with free-flow drinks to $289++ for a free-flow food and beverage menu with bayside seats. Tickets can be bought here.
At #01-04 Customs House, 70 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049323, tel: 6532 2090.
Take to Parkroyal Marina Bay’s outdoor rooftop terrace Skyline Bar on Level 5 to celebrate Singapore’s 59th Birthday. On the National Day Previews (27 July and 3 August) and on National Day (Aug 9), there'll be a sizzling BBQ buffet of local, elevated delicacies to enjoy while soaking in the festivities. Take in the captivating panoramic views of the Marina Bay, including the Red Lions aerial performance, state flag flypast, and grand fireworks display.
There'll also be locally-themed cocktails to sip on, including the Classified Singapore Sling, Kopi Martini Cocktail and Kaya Toast Cocktail. And so they don't get left out, there's Milo Dinosaur for the kiddos, too.
$99.59 nett per adult and $49.59 nett per child. Click here for reservations.
Perched on the 51st level of Capitaspring in the heart of the CBD, wood-fire grill and bar Kaarla and modern Japanese Kappo restaurant Oumi at 1-Arden offer stunning cityscapes as well as firework displays during the NDP previews and on the day of the parade itself.
Over at Kaarla, you can dig into a 5-Course National Day Dinner priced at $168++ per person (on July 27, and Aug 3 and 9), while Oumi offers a National Day set menu for $198++ per person. For one day only on Aug 9, you can also guzzle down free-flow alcohol at an exclusive top-up of $59++ per person, available at both restaurants.
Every Saturday from June 22 to Aug 9, join the Skyline Sparkle Party. Tickets are priced at $30 nett per person and include one drink (choice of soft drink, juice, beer, housepour spirits, or wines).
Visit Kaarla’s website for more information.
Popular for its casual ambience with an eclectic menu of hearty Italian cuisine, contemporary Southeast Asian dishes, Supply & Demand's Esplanade outlet is great for basking in the NDP spirit. For the best vantage point to view the pyrotechnic displays, park yourself on the rooftop terrace on level two.
The kids will enjoy its tempting array of pasta and pizza, as well as snacks like Meatballs With A Crunch ($24++ for 5), Grilled Chicken Skewers ($26 for 10) and Garlic Truffle Fries (from $17++).
Supply & Demand, Esplanade is at 8 Raffles Ave, #01-13 Annexe, Esplanade Mall, Singapore 039802. Visit its website for reservations or more information.
Also located along the promenade is Caffe Fernet, where you'll get front-row seats to the bay as well as fireworks. It has National Day table packages on offer, from $200 nett per person for indoor bar counter seating, to $260 nett per person for outdoor seats (seating options for two, three or five persons). What's even better: Kids below the age of six dine for free. Children's tickets for kids aged between six to 11 are available at $55 nett (exclusive of 3.4% platform admin fee) with a three-course kids menu.
Menu-wise, there'll be small plates, followed by Singapore-influenced mains like Rendang Beef Short Ribs and Italian XO Sauce Mackerel Otah Tortellini.
Doors open at 5pm and dinner service with free-flow drinks commences at 5.30pm.
Caffe Fernet is at 70 Collyer Quay, #01-05 Customs House, Singapore 049323. Visit its website for reservations or more information.
Popular for its classic American diner aesthetic, Overeasy is the go-to place to feast on delectable dishes such as smoked corndogs, juicy burgers and decadent milkshakes (right after taking a dozen Instagram-worthy snaps, of course). The “To-Die-For” Burger ($29++) which incorporates a wagyu chuck blend patty, potato buns, cheddar cheese and vegetables, as well as the Good Ol' Fashioned Mac & Cheese ($16++) are not to be missed.
The best thing about the restaurant’s Fullerton outlet? It offers alfresco seating that gives you a stunning view of the Marina Bay skyline, alongside a live DJ to pump up the night. So make that reservation quick, we bet there’s going to be quite the crowd.
A minimum spend of $100 nett per person is required for bookings on 27 Jul and 3 Aug and $120 nett per person on Aug 9, 2024.
At 1 Fullerton Rd, #01-06, Singapore 049213. Click here for reservations.
Following the closure of its Shaw Towers outlet, Sofra Turkish Restaurant later reopened its doors at Marina Square, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. The indoor area features glass windows, ensuring you don't miss the stunning view.
If you're hankering for delicious Turkish cuisine with a bay view, make your reservation here. Plus, it's halal-certified.
Sofra Turkish Restaurant is at 6 Raffles boulevard #03-129A Marina Square, Singapore 039594. Visit its website for reservations or more information.
From 5pm onwards get ready for a party at Kinki’s alfresco Rooftop Bar on level three, with addictive bar snacks, drinks, and the thumping beats by a guest DJ working the decks.
Soak in the views and festivities while filling your bellies with tasty options from the newly refreshed alfresco menu, like the Salmon Salsa and Ahi Tuna taco duo, Karaage Double Burger and Saikoro Pepper Steak.
A minimum spend of $100++ per guest is required.
Kinki is at 70, #02-02 Collyer Quay, Customs House, Singapore 049323. Visit its website for reservations or more information.
Got a big party with you on the big night? Opt for a table at Mr Stork at Andaz Singapore. Nestled at level 39 of the building, the rooftop bar not only provides 360-degree views of the city, but also has a lush tropical style complete with ten teepee huts that’s luxe and Insta-worthy.
If you're peckish, you can grab a Sharing Platter ($59++) featuring locally-inspired bar grub such as Chicken Rice Arancini and Kueh Pie Tee, alongside Mr. Stork's signature Sliders, Smokey Truffle Fries with Black Garlic Aioli. This is available on Aug 9, with the festivities continuing on Aug 10 and 11.
Sounds like your party is all set.
Available on Aug 9 and 10 (5pm to 1am), and Aug 11 (5pm to 12am). A minimum spend of $100 for selected window side tables between 5pm and 9pm is required. Mr. Stork’s iconic teepee huts are also available for booking at $200, ideal for up to three persons.
At 5 Fraser Street Level 39, Andaz, Singapore 189354, tel: 6408 1288. Visit here for more information.
Located right by the waterfront, Da Paolo Gastronomia is great if you're looking for a more kid-friendly cafe to dine in while watching the fireworks light up the sky. Da Paolo’s popular Gula Melaka Coconut Pandan Bun is also back just for National Day, made with a pandan-infused dough, and a desiccated coconut and gula melaka filling.
The Gula Melaka Coconut Buns are available online and in-stores from Fridays to Sundays and on public holidays till Aug 31, 2024.
Da Paolo Gastronomia is at L1-87 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018972. Visit its website for more information.
Also located at the waterfront promenade outside Marina Bay Sands is this elegant bar with both indoor and alfresco seating. The space, which has accents of wood, marble and touches of gold, is cosy and comfortable, with a variety of casual Western fare and signature cocktails to fill your tummies as you chill with live music and wait for the spectacle to erupt before your eyes.
What to chow down on? Try the Le Noir Beef Sliders ($28++) with a juicy wagyu patty, the Korean Fried Chicken Bites ($18++), as well as skewers, pasta and sausages. To mark Singapore's birthday, the bar has whipped up a Chendol Cocktail ($28++) with Bacardi Rum, pandan-infused Malibu, pandan syrup, and red bean.
At L1-84, Bay Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956, tel: 6688 7308. Visit here for more information.
Text: Zoe Zeng, Joy Fang, Elizabeth Liew & Michelle Lee