MYVILLAGE
Occupying the entire third floor of neighbourhood mall myVillage in Serangoon Garden, the rooftop doubles as a space to hold events such as movie screenings, holiday fetes, outdoor yoga sessions and concerts for the community throughout the year.
Otherwise, the 4,500 sq ft area is an ideal spot for picnics or to sit with family and friends after a leisurely stroll around the neighbourhood.
Vibe: Akin to standing on the balcony of a high-rise residence, there is a sense of comfort and homeliness from gazing at the colourful HDB blocks and clusters of private homes nearby.
Where: 1 Maju Avenue
Open: 10am to 10pm
CHARCOAL PIT
It is not often that one finds a barbecue restaurant on the rooftop of a dilapidated office building in the Central Business District, but it is a refreshing option for workers in the area.
The menu has a decent selection of meats cooked on charcoal, such as the Charcoal Pit Burger ($15), a chargrilled Angus beef patty served with homemade sauce; and Iberico Pork Cheek ($23), meat grilled till the skin is crisp but meat tender.
The building's shutters come down at 7.30pm on weekdays and 2.30pm on Saturdays, though, so be prepared to walk through the back, up the carpark, to enter.
Vibe: Just like the minimalist decor and simple menu, a meal at Charcoal Pit will be a chill affair, with a bird's eye view of the city to boot.
Where: 12-00 Realty Centre, 15 Enggor Street
Open: 11am to 10pm (Monday to Saturday)
TIGER'S MILK
The newest entrant to the rooftop bar scene is a Peruvian restaurantbar that draws inspiration from the lively bar atmosphere in the LatinAmerican country.
It is named after the Peruvian term for a citrusy marinade used in ceviche. Diners can feast on signature dishes such as the Tiger's Milk Trio ($9), which has sea bass and octopus served in three shot glasses; or try funky variations of Peruvian brandy pisco such as piscorinha ($18), a fruity concoction of passionfruit, calamansi and sour plum.
Vibe: The upbeat Latin-American music and colourful decor might have you thinking you have stepped into an authentic Peruvian pisco bar atop a mountain.
Where: Level 4, The Club, 28 Ann Siang Road
Open: 5pm to 1am (Monday to Thursday), 5pm to 2am (Friday and Saturday)
EDIBLE GARDEN CITY
Just a few levels above the shops in Wheelock Place is a flourishing urban farm with a plethora of edible delights, including cucumbers, Cat's Whiskers and Thai basil. More than 15 types of of edible flowers, herbs, microgreens and vegetables are grown for restaurant Tippling Club, which is a partner in the farm. Guided tours for the public will be introduced early next year.
Vibe: This rooftop is perfect for a quiet respite away from the mass of shoppers below.
Where: Level 6 Office tower, Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Road
Open: Next year
LEPARK
Apart from the fusion fare available at restaurant-bar Lepark on the rooftop of People's Park Complex, it is the variety of events - from craft markets to concerts to film screenings - held nearly every month that is the big draw for visitors to the open-air carpark.
Vibe: On your way up, you have to brave the loud masseurs and salesgirls of the mall brandishing promotions in your face, but will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the city at the rooftop. The sheer vastness of the space means there is no need to come early or jostle with others for the best spot to enjoy a 360-degree view of the city's skyline.
Where: Level 6, 1 Park Road
Open: 4 to 11pm (Tuesday to Thursday), 4pm to midnight (Friday), 11am to midnight (Saturday), 11am to 11pm (Sunday)
