Loca Niru Singapore: Fine Dining Opens In House Of Tan Yeok Nee

Tucked away on the upper floor of the 140-year-old House of Tan Yeok Nee, Singapore’s last remaining Teochew-style mansion, Loca Niru is a restaurant like no other. Opening its doors on 6 November 2025, this contemporary fine dining destination by Gaia Lifestyle Group is more than just a new table to book, it is an invitation to pause, reflect, and rediscover the meaning of refined hospitality. At the helm is Chef Shusuke Kubota (affectionately known as Chef Shu), whose quiet conviction and deep respect for produce breathe life into what he calls Contemporary Innovative cuisine, a thoughtful intersection of Japanese sensibility, French precision, and Southeast Asian soul.

A Historic Monument Reborn as a Dining Sanctuary

Originally built in 1885, the House of Tan Yeok Nee was once the residence of a Teochew tycoon and is now a gazetted national monument. Loca Niru marks the first time in 140 years that the upper level of the house is being opened to the public — and it does so with respectful restraint. Many original architectural elements remain, from wooden truss ceilings to intricately carved details that whisper stories of Singapore’s past.

The name Loca Niru draws inspiration from Zen idioms: a white swan or horse disappearing into a field of white reeds. The metaphor is clear: harmony, humility, and subtle integration. These values guide every aspect of the restaurant’s design and philosophy, embodying the Japanese principle of Kotan (こたん): quiet simplicity, contemplative peace, and elegant restraint.

Cuisine Rooted in Heritage, Expressed Through Innovation

Loca Niru’s tasting menu (8 courses at S$298++) is a slow, sensory journey — each dish designed not just to impress, but to connect. Chef Shu, trained in Japan, France, and Southeast Asia, draws on his global experience to honour the origins of every ingredient. His philosophy? “One must learn from the past to create the future.”

Take Oyasai, a delicate steamed dumpling filled with stir-fried Malaysian vegetables, a gentle nod to regional simplicity. Or Isaki, a pan-seared Japanese grunt fish elevated with Nyonya beurre blanc, illustrates the chef’s unique layering of cultures and technique.

Each course balances Japanese restraint with French craft, respecting the natural form and flavour of produce, whether sourced from Japan, Europe, or local growers across Southeast Asia.

A Beverage Program Designed for Harmony

The beverage menu reflects the same thoughtful curation. Diners can choose between six-glass sake or wine pairings (S$188++ each), with selections chosen to gently complement each dish. Highlights include a Junmai Ginjo sake from Nagano which is Chef Shu’s hometown and expressive wines spanning both classic and emerging terroirs.

A concise but intelligent list of wines and champagnes is also available by the bottle or glass for those seeking a more personalised journey.

Design That Echoes Its Philosophy

Loca Niru’s interiors are a study in contrast and balance. Natural woods meet brushed brass. Antique patinas sit comfortably alongside minimalist lines. It is neither overly traditional nor blindly modern — instead, it honours both, just as the cuisine does.

The 36-seat restaurant includes a 12-seat counter, 12-seat main dining hall, and two private rooms for more intimate experiences. The open kitchen fosters a subtle connection between guest and chef, while the service is attentive yet unobtrusive, elevating storytelling into part of the meal. Anecdotes of the House, tales of ingredients, and chef’s personal reflections are shared in quiet confidence, making every visit feel meaningful.

Visit Loca Niru

At Loca Niru, you are not just eating, you are inhabiting a moment where past and present converge, where every dish is a story, and every space whispers calm. Chef Shu’s vision is not to dazzle with excess, but to awaken the senses with humility, beauty, and the emotion of quiet mastery.

Address: House of Tan Yeok Nee, 101 Penang Road #02-01, Singapore 238466
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM (last seating 8:00 PM)
Closed: Sunday & Monday (Lunch to be introduced later)
Reservations: Book here or call +65 6592 5815 / +65 8227 4313
Website: locaniru.sg
Instagram / Facebook: @locanirusg

Loca Niru opens this November, a rare chance to dine in a national monument and a quiet step forward for Singapore’s fine dining scene. This is Singapore fine dining in a new light, which is subtle, elegant, and emotionally resonant. A meal here is a meditation. A memory. A moment to carry with you.