By Lim Yian Lu and Reta Lee,
If there’s one thing Gen Z in Singapore will happily splurge on, it’s food. Not just any food, but the kind of meals that get people typing in all caps in the comments section, “SO WORTH IT,” or the ultimate stamp of approval, “Take my money!” These aren’t your everyday kopitiam lunches or casual cafe runs. They’re the restaurants that Gen Z themselves have declared worth the price tag, whether it’s for the experience, the vibe, or just one unforgettable bite.
We went through Gen Z comments, cravings, and hot takes to find out exactly where young Singaporeans think it’s worth tightening the budget and treating yourself. Here’s the list of restaurants they’d save up for, because sometimes, the best food guide isn’t written by critics, but by the people actually queuing up to eat.
1. CUT by Wolfgang Puck
Steak dreams come true at CUT, where every bite feels like a luxury flex. Think juicy prime cuts, sleek interiors, and that “special occasion only” vibe. It’s pricey, but it’s worth saving up for when you want to treat yourself like absolute royalty.
“As a restaurant helmed by a world-renowned celebrity chef, CUT offers an exciting chance to taste premium steaks and creative sides from an internationally acclaimed menu. I’d save this for celebrating a truly special occasion with loved ones, making the meal part of the memory itself.” – Wong Wei Xiang, 24
“I have been watching western cooking shows, which led me to Gordon Ramsay and eventually Wolfgang Puck. They are known to be very good, and therefore I thought it might be worth it to try their restaurants at least once in my life.” – Phoebe Ang, 22
2. JAAN by Kirk Westaway
Perched atop Swissôtel The Stamford, JAAN offers modern British fine dining with killer skyline views. It’s the kind of spot that turns dinner into an experience, thanks to its elevated plating, thoughtful storytelling, and a backdrop that screams Insta-worthy. Definitely a “save up, dress up, and make it a memory” kind of restaurant.
“I’d go for the incredible panoramic views of the Singapore skyline paired with its elegant modern British cuisine. Dining here feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, perfect for appreciating the city from above while enjoying refined dishes.” – Wong Wei Xiang, 24
3. Burnt Ends
Burnt Ends is the ultimate splurge spot for anyone obsessed with smoky, flame-kissed flavours. This Michelin-starred modern Australian barbecue restaurant is all about bold dishes. Think Eel and Bone Marrow, King Crab with Garlic Brown Butter, and inventive small plates like Smoked Quail Egg Caviar, all cooked over custom grills. It’s pricey but Gen Z diners love it for its cool vibe and exceptional food.
4. Waku Ghin
Waku Ghin is Chef Tetsuya Wakuda’s crown jewel: An ultra-luxe dining experience at Marina Bay Sands. Known for its omakase-style menus that spotlight premium ingredients like uni, wagyu, caviar, and black truffle, every course feels like art. It’s the kind of splurge Gen Z dreams of for milestone moments and unforgettable flexes.
“Currently in my saved list are Meta, Burnt Ends, NAE:UM, Waku Ghin, Omakase @ Stevens, and Sushi Sakuta. … It’s mostly because of their fame. I also saw recommendations on Xiaohongshu and Instagram, and the food they serve really interests me.” – Low Siew Yan, 27.
Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, #02-03 The Shoppes, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018956
5. NAE:UM
NAE:UM is the kind of splurge that hits different, blending modern Western techniques with authentic Korean soul. Chef Louis Han’s Michelin-starred restaurant isn’t just serving up food; it’s an “episodic menu” that changes with the seasons, telling a story through his personal memories and experiences.
The vibe is effortlessly chic—think minimalist decor with a warm, inviting feel—making it the perfect backdrop for your next grid post. You’re not just getting a meal; you’re getting a curated, sensory experience that’s both visually stunning and emotionally resonant, a true #foodie adventure worth every penny.
Address: 161 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068615
6. De Kas
Imagine dining inside a literal greenhouse that’s been around since the 1920s—that’s Amsterdam’s De Kas for you. It’s not just a restaurant, it’s a whole vibe where the aesthetic is on point and the food is as fresh as it gets, because it’s literally grown on-site. This isn’t your average fine-dining spot; it’s got a chill, relaxed energy that feels more like a cool farm-to-table experience than anything stuffy. The menu changes daily based on what the farmers harvest that morning, so every visit is a new adventure and totally unique.
“With its stunning glass architecture and a lush garden you can walk through, De Kas is a main character moment for your Instagram feed, proving that being sustainable can also be seriously chic. It’s a definite must-do for anyone who wants a killer meal and a story to tell,” Elie Ng, 26.
Address: Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, 1097 DE Amsterdam, Netherlands
7. Potong Bangkok
Located in the heart of Bangkok’s historic Chinatown, Potong is more than just a meal—it’s a whole immersive vibe. Chef Pam, a total icon, transformed her family’s centuries-old Chinese medicine house into this Michelin-starred, multi-story culinary journey. Each floor tells a part of the story, from the moody, artsy dining room to the rooftop bar with a killer view, making every corner an aesthetic dream for your feed. The tasting menu isn’t just food; it’s a deep dive into Thai-Chinese heritage, with Chef Pam’s personal memories and her family’s history woven into every dish. You’re not just eating; you’re experiencing a story, from a deconstructed Pad Thai to a 14-day aged duck that’s the stuff of legends. Potong proves that fine dining can be fun, meaningful, and seriously cool.
Address: 422 Vanich 1 Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
8. Gia Restaurant
Tucked away in a sleek, modern space in Hanoi, this Michelin-starred spot isn’t just serving food—it’s telling a story. Chef Sam Tran takes traditional Vietnamese ingredients and flips them on their head, using techniques she picked up while traveling the world. The result? A stunning 12-course tasting menu that changes with the seasons, meaning every visit is a totally new experience. From the minimalist decor that’s perfect for your grid to the innovative dishes that will have you saying “low-key, what is this magic?”, Gia proves that a great meal can be an epic, memorable adventure. It’s an investment in a flex-worthy experience that’s so much more than just a dinner.
Address: 61 P. Văn Miếu, Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, Đống Đa, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
It’s not just about the food, it’s about the vibes, the aesthetics, and the core memories you’ll be posting about for months. Gen Z knows that splurging on a meal isn’t just about eating out—it’s about an entire experience. Whether it’s a classy steakhouse for a special occasion, hotpot with your besties, or seafood that hits different, we know exactly what’s worth saving for. Because at the end of the day, the best flex is a good meal shared with your favorite people.