“We have achieved what we wanted to”: SS2 Italian restaurant Gooddam shuts down after 6 years

After six years, Italian restaurant Gooddam is calling it a day. Located in The Hub SS2, the restaurant will be closing its doors for the last time on November 11.

“As we turn the page to a new chapter, it is with mixed emotions that we announce the closure of Gooddam Restaurant,” they posted to Instagram back in August.

In their last few months, the restaurant has been serving their last menu, aptly titled Menu Finale.

Known for serving up modern Italian cuisine with a local produce-driven focus, the semi-fine dining restaurant is owned by chef-patron Daniel Yap and Miki Lie.

The duo first met during their culinary diploma at KDU University College, according to Tatler. They were a good fit, as Daniel’s passion leaned towards cooking and presenting, while Miki’s forte was in management and organisation. 

In 2014, which was the final year of Daniel’s studies, the chef transferred to ALMA’s Culinary Program in Italy for a year. He went on to work in the two Michelin-starred Piccolo Lago in Piemonte, where he picked up various Italian cooking methods, ingredients, and food culture.

His time in Italy, along with other experiences he collected along his culinary journey, inspired the establishment of Gooddam and its menu.

In a video with Set The Tables, Daniel shared that he felt like the timing was right to close Gooddam, as they have achieved what they set out to do.

“The reason why we’re closing is also because of tenancy issues, which forced us to take this decision,” Miki admitted in the video.

She continued, “At the same time, I feel that we need time and space to also restructure and rethink what we need to do next.”

So, what is next?

First of all, a well-deserved vacation.

Both Miki and Daniel shared in the Set The Tables video that they are looking forward to having some R&R.

The dynamic duo has certainly worked hard over the past six years. They even opened a pasta brand together in 2022 by the name of Moodmood, but it shut down last November.

In the caption of Set The Table’s video, it’s reported that Miki and Daniel will be parting ways to “pursue their interests in F&B, from refreshingly different angles”.

For those who hope to try Gooddam in its SS2 home one last time—or perhaps even for the first time—there’s time left still.  

Gooddam will also be doing a pop-up at Locus, a 16-seater restaurant in Damansara Jaya, after their closure, though details have not been confirmed.

Despite Gooddam’s closure, we’re sure that there’s more to come for Miki and Daniel. We look forward to seeing what’s next for the both of them.

Featured Image Credit: Gooddam