High-end night out in the city
We love cheap booze and affordable grub as much as the next person, but sometimes we just want to splash out and feel like Jay-Z for one night. That means Michelin-star meals amidst plush surroundings and (if we’re tipsy enough) $32, 000 cocktails. Suit up, people – we’re painting the town red like true rock stars.
Dinner
Iggy’s
Helmed by local uber-talent Ignatius Chan, Iggy’s has been touted as Asia’s number one restaurant (for three years running!) by the Miele Guide and it’s easy to see why: exquisitely crafted and delicious European-Asian fusion fare, with each dish bearing the unique magical touch of the man himself. The must-try dishes to fully revel in the Iggy’s experience: its signature Chlorophyll salad and Cappelini pasta.
Iggy’s, The Hilton, 581 Orchard Rd, Level 3, Singapore 238883, p. 6732 2234. Open Mon-Fri 12-1.30pm (lunch), Mon-Sat 7-7.30pm (dinner).
Salt grill & Sky bar
If you want high-end, this one takes the notion to a whole new level (literally!). Perched on the 56th floor overlooking Orchard Road, Salt grill & Sky bar delivers celebrity chef Luke Mangan’s signature contemporary Australian cuisine and a menu of delish cocktails with a dose of panache and urban luxe that you just can’t beat.
Salt grill & Sky bar, 2 Orchard Turn, ION Orchard, #55-01 & #56-01, Singapore 238801, p. 6592 5118. Open Mon- Sun 11am-2pm (lunch), 6-10pm (dinner), 11.30am-2pm (weekend brunch), 6-11.30pm (Sky bar).
Waku Ghin
Where do we even begin? A $400 price tag, private chefs, and the rarest, most expensive ingredients like Japanese Ohmi Wagyu and Oscietra Caviar: a trip to Waku Ghin is the high-end splurge every foodie worth his salt must make once in his lifetime. The ten-course degustation menu definitely costs a pretty penny, but one bite is all is forgiven.
Waku Ghin, The Shoppes Atrium 2, Marina Bay Sands, #02-02, p. 6688 8507. Open Mon-Sun 6pm and 830pm (two seatings).
Drinks
New Asia Bar
Dubbed one of the world’s 50 Best Bars, New Asia Bar is the place to see and be seen. Glossy and sleek surroundings, stunning views of the city skyline, a sophisticated yet laid-back vibe and of course, plenty of cocktails to quench your thirst: we won’t blame you if you find yourself coming back for seconds (or thirds).
New Asia Bar, level 70, Equinox Complex, Swissotel The Stamford, Singapore 178882, p. 6837 3322. Open Wed & Thu 5pm-2am, Fri, Sat & eve of public holidays 5pm-3am, Sun-Tue 5pm-1am.
1-Altitude
A killer view 63 floors up to go with your tipple? Yup, that’s the very definition of the high life. It’s hard not to feel like you’re on top of the world when sipping cocktails and rubbing elbows with the rich and beautiful at 1-Altitude. For the best view of the fireworks display on National Day or New Year’s Eve, this is the place to be.
1-Altitude, 1 Raffles Place, #61-01 & #62-02, Singapore S048616, p. 6438 0410. Open Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri-Sat and eve of public holidays 6pm-4am, Sun 6pm-1am.
After-hours fun
Dom Lounge
Russian tearoom by day, thriving hot spot by night: DOM Lounge is where all the cool kids hang out. And when we say kids, we mean credit-card flashing, high-rolling brat pack party animals and the occasional bevy of Russian supermodels. It’s only open to a select privileged few, so be prepared to schmooze and flash some serious cash to get past DOM’s gilded doors.
DOM Lounge, 2 Bayfront Avenue, #01-88, The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018972, p. 6688 7505. Open Fri & Sat, 10-5am.
KU DÉ TA
It’s impossible to talk about high-end living without mentioning KU DÉ TA. This crowd favourite is the triple threat – fine dining, casual pool terrace and seriously chic club lounge, all within one very prime location atop Marina Bay Sands. Top live music acts and international DJs regularly make appearances there. Add that to the amazing selection of drinks and to-die-for views of the city, and you’ve got one killer spot for your high-end night out.
KU DÉ TA, SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands North Tower, 1 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018971, p. 6688 7688. Open Mon-Sun 6pm til late.
Fenix Room
This cool kid of the nightlife will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the Roaring Twenties with its opulent Art Deco décor, plush seating, and merrymaking revelers. Fenix Room is all about champagne culture and offers up an array of quirkily named champagne cocktails like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn – Gatsby himself would approve.
Fenix Room, Blk 3C, Clarke Quay, River Valley Road, Singapore 179022, p. 6305 6768. Open Wed 10pm-4am, Fri & Sat 10pm-5am.
Pangaea
$32, 000 can buy you a lot of things – a round-the-world trip, a car, but at Pangaea, that’ll get you one drink: the Jewel of Pangaea. Made using gold-flecked cognac, vintage Krug champagne and garnished with a 1-carat diamond ring, this takes decadence and hedonism to whole new level – something Pangaea is unapologetic about. You know what they say: if you’ve got, flaunt it.
Pangaea, 2 Bayfront, #B2-05, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018972, p. 8611 7013. Open Wed-Sat 10pm-6am.
Top image: DOM Lounge