Food For Now: Violet Oon Singapore unveils new dining destination at level 4, ION Orchard

Violet Oon Singapore @ ION Orchard opens the doors to an elegant new restaurant on Level 4 of ION Orchard, seven years since it first opened the 100-seat brasserie and retail shop on the third floor of the iconic retail destination. Opened on June 10 2025, the new 102-seat restaurant promises an enchanting experience for both locals and international visitors seeking a taste of Singapore’s culinary heritage — all set against the backdrop of an elegant retreat that blends the sophistication of a lush estate home with touches of Peranakan charm. Ideal for both casual meet-ups as well as for more intimate soirees, the new restaurant comprises a main salon, three beautifully appointed private dining rooms, a stunning indoor retreat designed to feel like a secret rendezvous, and a retail space in an adjacent shopfront.

The 46-seat main salon and two private dining rooms for 6 and 10 guests are open for bookings, while the third private dining room, the indoor veranda, and retail space will be launched in the third quarter of 2025. The refreshed menu features Peranakan and Singaporean classics that bring the signature flavours of our nation’s culinary heritage to the fore. A special highlight is the debut of a new handmade kueh collection, lovingly crafted from Chef Violet Oon’s personal archive of traditional recipes. The kuehs will also be featured in the popular Violet Oon Singapore High Tea experience.

The move marks a significant milestone for the Violet Oon Singapore Group as it continues its legacy of celebrating Singapore’s culinary heritage, having recently opened its first standalone, villa-inspired restaurant at Dempsey Hill in April 2025. Mr Tay Yiming, CEO of Violet Oon Singapore says, “Our new restaurant in ION Orchard represents more than just a change in location – it’s a reflection of how our brand has grown. We are proud to be part of the mall’s renewed vision to bring more elevated F&B experiences to the heart of Orchard Road, and to create an even more inviting and immersive space for our guests.” Creative Director Tay Su-Lyn adds: “We’ve always believed in creating spaces that feel warm and welcoming. Our ION Orchard location was designed to evoke the charm of an estate home — a retreat in the heart of the city, crafted to transport guests to an elegant, timeless setting, where every detail is thoughtfully curated to reflect the spirit of our Peranakan heritage.”

For Violet Oon, Singapore’s doyenne of Peranakan cuisine, this latest milestone is a continuation of her life’s work. “My mission has always been to share the depth and complexity of Singapore’s cuisine with the world. As we open the doors to this beautiful new restaurant, I am reminded of how far we have come, and I am proud to be able to share Singapore’s culinary heritage with diners from both at home and abroad. And in this year of SG60 when we celebrate 60 years of nationhood, our newly opened restaurants are a timely celebration of Singapore food and hospitality.” Ms. Yeo Mui Hong, Chief Executive Officer of Orchard Turn Developments said, “At ION Orchard, we are committed to continuously elevating our retail and dining experiences to delight our shoppers and members. We are excited to continue our partnership with Violet Oon, whose rich culinary heritage and signature Singaporean flavors continue to be a popular choice among locals and tourists alike. We warmly invite everyone to indulge in an enhanced dining experience at Violet Oon.”

At the heart of the new Violet Oon Singapore @ ION Orchard is a refreshed menu that brings to the fore the signature flavours that define Singapore’s cuisine, crafted using time-honoured techniques, and presented with the same relaxed elegance that Violet Oon Singapore is known for.

Each dish is a tribute to Singapore’s rich culinary tapestry, brought to life through the lens of Oon’s nearly 60-year journey in food. New exclusives will also be introduced at a later date, including the refreshed presentation of the fan-favourite Hainanese Pork Chop, and the celebratory Nyonya Mah Mee, a Peranakan noodle dish infused with umami-rich prawn broth and toppings.

On the launch menu, guests can look forward to Peranakan and Singaporean classics such as Ayam Buah Keluak, Beef Rendang and Udang Goreng Chilli. Heritage dishes recently introduced at the Dempsey Hill restaurant are added to the Violet Oon Singapore @ ION Orchard repertoire, like Kerabu Kacang Botol, along with comforting favourites of Gulai Nangka, Fuyong Hai Crab as well as Daging Panggang Sambal Hijau, dishes which showcase the brand’s philosophy of reimagining classic dishes while keeping them rooted in tradition.

Adding to the repertoire and rounding off the meal on a sweet note is the debut of the new Violet Oon Kueh Collection crafted from Chef Violet Oon’s own recipes. These handmade kuehs include classics like Bika Ambon, Ang Ku Kueh, and Kueh Koci, all made just the way Grandma did.

Oon says: “One of my happiest teenage memories is of learning Mah Mee, a Peranakan noodle dish infused with umami-rich prawn broth and toppings. On the launch menu, guests can look forward to Peranakan and Singaporean classics such as Ayam Buah Keluak, Beef Rendang and Udang Goreng Chilli. Heritage dishes recently introduced at the Dempsey Hill restaurant are added to the Violet Oon Singapore @ ION Orchard repertoire, like Kerabu Kacang Botol, along with comforting favourites of Gulai Nangka, Fuyong Hai Crab as well as Daging Panggang Sambal Hijau, dishes which showcase the brand’s philosophy of reimagining classic dishes while keeping them rooted in tradition, how to make Nyonya kuehs from my grandaunt, Aunty Nanny. She insisted that I had to get them all perfectly formed and of the same shape and size. I would burn the midnight oil to earn her praise for these tiny morsels of Cuci Mulut — sweet endings to a delicious meal.”

The perfect mid-afternoon indulgence, the restaurant’s popular Singapore High Tea set will also return in the coming weeks. It features a delightful medley of locally-inspired treats, including favourites such as the iconic Kuay Pie Tee and Tauhu Goreng, which comes topped with Oon’s signature sweet and tangy peanut sauce.

Guests can also enjoy the Otak on Belgium Endive, a spiced coconut cream fish quenelle served on a crisp endive, alongside new additions like Roti Jala with Banana Pengat Sauce, and a selection from Violet’s new handmade kueh collection, offering fresh weekly highlights from her treasured archive of traditional recipes.

The recently launched specially curated beverage programme from the Dempsey Hill restaurant will make its debut at ION Orchard, bringing with it a thoughtful selection of cocktails and alcohol-free creations that blend tradition with contemporary refinement. Signature creations include the Corner Shop Limau, a playful reimagination of a margarita that combines the tartness of tamarind candies and asam boi with homemade ginger beer, the Phoenix Glory, a non-alcoholic blend of tart florals, coffee cacao, and pomelo, inspired by the mythical phoenix, and the Midnight Straits, a decadent nightcap that evokes the comfort of an Irish coffee that blends kopi done three ways with Irish whiskey, foam, and a touch of orgeat made of candlenut.

The move from Level 3 to Level 4 is more than just a relocation: It is a thoughtful reimagining of the Violet Oon Singapore experience in a contemporary city setting. With over 102 seats across 4700 sqft, the restaurant — with its rich emerald, black and gold decor enhanced by antique Peranakan embossed ceramic tiles — sets the tone for leisurely lunches and tête-à-têtes, intimate dinners, or milestone events, offering a dignified and stylish backdrop that beautifully accentuates Peranakan heritage with a touch of modern elegance.

A standout feature of the second phase will be an intimate indoor veranda, which offers guests a picturesque escape from the bustle of Orchard Road. Reminiscent of the tropical mansions of colonial Singapore, The Veranda blends tradition, nature, and storytelling in one immersive setting. Two intimate private rooms are now open for guests. Seating 6 and 10 respectively, both rooms can open into a combined private dining room for larger gatherings. The third private room for 14, bathed in natural light and overlooking the famed Orchard Road, will open in the third quarter of the year.

These verdant spaces are thoughtfully designed for intimate nuptials, the inking of new business partnerships, or celebrations of life-changing milestones. Each room also features a curated gallery of personal photographs and memorabilia that celebrate Oon’s journey as a tastemaker and culinary icon, offering guests a glimpse into her legacy and the personal inspirations that have shaped her storied career.

Violet Oon Singapore at ION Orchard is located at ION Orchard #04-12, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801.

Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday Lunch: 12.00pm – 3.00pm | High Tea: 3.00pm – 5.30pm (Coming soon) | Dinner: 6.00pm – 10.00pm

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