From Michelin-starred spots to casual eateries boasting all sorts of cuisines, you can never run out of extraordinary food in this city!
We’ve got no lack of good grub in our local culinary scene, thanks to a constant deluge of hot new tables and bars making us spoilt for choice when it comes to picking our next dinner destination. In this nifty guide, we pick out the city’s cream of the crop – the very best restaurants in town. From classic favourites and Michelin-starred wonders to cool new eateries that are amazingly innovative, this is your ultimate food bucket list for Singapore. Side note: We’re talkin’ about the fancier side of things, so don’t expect to see your fave hawker or heartland cafe here (we love ’em all the same though!). Behold, the best restaurants in Singapore to get your feast on, in no particular order.
Odette
Available for takeaway and delivery.
You know a restaurant offers a touch of class when it’s housed at the National Gallery, one of the finest buildings in Singapore. Top that with three Michelin stars – amongst other accolades – and you’ve got an absolute winner. Step inside Odette, a dreamy fine dining restaurant famed for its innovative French cuisine. Dishes are far from pretentious here, as each tells a story and every ingredient serves a purpose. Oh, and you can’t look past the gorgeous interior, which is clad in alluring pastels – a fine job by Singaporean artist Dawn Ng.
Odette, #01-04, National Gallery, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
Artichoke
Available for takeaway and delivery.
Great vibes, a no-frills setting and finger-licking grub – Artichoke is just the kind of place you’d mainline if you want to have a good time. The least authentic Middle Eastern restaurant in Singapore – chef-owner Bjorn Shen’s words, not ours – serves up scrumptious plates of cuttlefish shawarma, green harissa prawns, hummus in various styles, crab toast with chicken crackling and salmon caviar, super #thicc house-made hashbrown… and the list goes on. Rest assured you’ll already be planning your next visit once the night is over.
Artichoke, 161 Middle Road, Singapore 188978
Cicheti
Available for takeaway and delivery.
Pronounced “chi-keh-tee”, this cosy Italian resto is one of the few places that does pizzas and pastas perfectly (in our humble opinion). Start off with a selection of small plates before scarfing down the wood-fired pizzas, including the diavola and quatro fromaggi. Feeling peckish? Try the gnocchi for its strong truffle flavour. Complete your meal with the almond-filled “crack pie”, and if you find yourself ordering another, just know that you’re not alone.
Cicheti, 52 Kandahar Street, Singapore 198901
Burnt Ends
Available for takeaway and delivery.
A carnivore’s haven, this Aussie-style restaurant ranked #59 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list last year; not too shabby, if you ask us. Now onto the food! Expect a mouth-watering barrage of delightful meats cooked in scorching ovens (that can go up to a crazy temp of over 700 degrees). The must-try on the menu has to be the popular pulled pork burger on brioche. Be warned though: The joint is perpetually packed, so plan your reservations way ahead of time.
Burnt Ends, 20 Teck Lim Road, Singapore 088931
Whitegrass
Available for takeaway and delivery.
Following a brief closure in 2018, Whitegrass is back with a bang at the hands of Chef Takuya Yamashita. Using skills and knowledge from his stints at award-winning French restaurants Étude and Les Enfants Rouges, as well as the Michelin-starred Ciel et Sol, he whips up classic French fare with a modern twist on Japanese cuisine. Think beautiful works of art in the form of exquisite dishes like scallop dumpling, seafood tartare and Hokkaido crab.
Whitegrass, #01-26, Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
Luke’s Oyster Bar and Chop House
Available for takeaway and delivery.
Founded by Boston culinary genius, Travis Masiero, this New York-style restaurant plates up top-notch seafood and meats. Oysters are sourced directly from his personal contacts along the Eastern seaboard of America, which means you’ll be slurping the very best of the lot. Oh, and we’ve just gotta say: The burgers here are one of the city’s best. For a boozy finish, treat yourself to warm chocolate chip cookies served with stout milkshake.
Luke’s Oyster Bar & Chop House, multiple locations including Gemmill Lane and The Heeren
New Ubin Seafood
Available for takeaway and delivery.
With humble origins as a kampong-style seafood specialist in Pulau Ubin, this homegrown tze char brand has come a long way since, expanding to various neighbourhoods across Singapore. But no matter which outlet you visit, you’ll be treated to elevated local fare and New Ubin’s unique spin on international cuisines. Think foie gras satay, USDA black angus ribeye with “heart attack” fried rice (it’s caramelised with beef drippings) and “boss-style” bee hoon full of wok hei flavour alongside fresh crab, lobster, squid and fish.
New Ubin Seafood, multiple locations including Chijmes and Zhongshan Park
National Kitchen by Violet Oon Singapore
Available for takeaway and delivery.
As the grand dame of Peranakan cuisine in Singapore, Violet Oon has extended her culinary reach with restaurants across the island, including outlets at Jewel Changi Airport and Ion Orchard, each with their own flair and flavour. But her National Gallery space remains a hot favourite, thanks to its grand interiors in the historic former City Hall building. Whether you’re digging into comfort food like buah keluak ayam, beef rendang and dry laksa or popping by for Nonya kuehs over high tea, it’s always a fab experience.
National Kitchen by Violet Oon Singapore, #02-01, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
Cloudstreet
From the Michelin-starred Cheek by Jowl, now closed and given a new lease of life as Cheek Bistro, to Cloudstreet, one of 2019’s hottest restaurant openings, chef Rishi Naleendra has been on quite the journey. This contemporary concept shows off his personal and professional prowess more distinctly, with lunch and dinner tasting menus that give attention to dishes like pea sorbet with smoked eel and caviar, venison tartare with fermented plum and cashew, and grilled lamb with young jackfruit.
Cloudstreet, 84 Amoy Street, Singapore 069903
Esora
Located in a heritage shophouse, this cosy restaurant offers a Japanese kappa-style experience, using the finest seasonal ingredients with precise attention to detail. Chef Shigeru Koizumi heroes elements of nature – all dishes are plated as though they’re extensions of a whimsical garden – by telling a story in each creation, along with nuances of nostalgia and passion. The stellar tea pairings are also a must to have with your meal.
Esora, 15 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 238964
Candlenut
Available for takeaway and delivery.
Headed by Singaporean chef Malcolm Lee, Candlenut specialises in refined, innovative Peranakan cuisine. As such, its efforts have been recognised by the Michelin Guide in Singapore, making it the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan resto. To get the full experience, try the “ah-ma-kase” tasting menu for communal-style nibbles like wagyu beef rib rendang, blue swimmer crab curry and turmeric Tiger Beer-battered soft shell prawn.
Candlenut, Blk 17A Dempsey Road, Singapore 249676
Fat Cow
Available for takeaway and delivery.
Sink into a bowl of premium wagyu beef at this famed (and pricey) Japanese steakhouse. Nestled in an unassuming location at Camden Medical Centre, Fat Cow is known for giving diners a taste of Japan’s finest beef from various prefectures: Think Ohmi from the Shiga prefecture and Kobe from the Hyogo prefecture. Feel like indulging in a magnificent meal? Go all out with the omakase menu that offers a smorgasbord of sushi and exquisite meats.
Fat Cow, #01-01/02, Camden Medical Centre, 1 Orchard Boulevard, Singapore 248649
The Summerhouse
Available for takeaway and delivery.
Looking for something a little more lowkey? Make a trip to the quiet countryside where Seletar Aerospace Park resides. One of its main restaurants, The Summerhouse is big on sustainability as it sources ingredients from its edible garden and a farming collective. While you’re enjoying the farm-to-table cuisine, splurge on an exclusive private dining experience in its gorgeous air-conditioned garden domes, surrounded by fresh air and the twinkle of fairy lights.
The Summerhouse, Seletar Aerospace Park, 3 Park Lane, Singapore 798387
Publico Ristorante
Available for takeaway and delivery via GrabFood, foodpanda and Deliveroo.
This Italian riverside restaurant is well-known for its woodfired pizza – we’ll admit, we’re still not over the tartufata, diavola and prosciutto pies. And that crisp crust? Superbly divine. Don’t miss out on the house-made pastas either; they come in options such as Boston lobster spaghetti, black truffle tagliatelle and squid ink risotto. If you’re a carnivore at heart, feast on the bistecca ribeye or the Iberico pork secreto, then wash it all down with cocktails, bubbles or beers on tap.
Publico Ristorante, Intercontinental Singapore Robertson Quay, 1 Nanson Road, Singapore 238909
Labyrinth
Labyrinth takes familiar Singaporean cuisine and gives it a progressive spin in a bold new direction – it’s this experimental approach that has earned it a spot on the Michelin Guide’s one-star list. Inside the cosy, dimly-lit space, you feel like you’ve entered a different realm from the mall you just passed through to get here, and the food takes that fantasy a step further. Paying tribute to the Little Red Dot, chef LG Han expresses his creativity with locally sourced goods whipped into dishes like chilli crab ice cream and kampong claypot chicken rice like you’ve never seen it before. Trust us, you’ll be talking about your meal for days.
Labyrinth, #02-23, Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039802
Park Bench Deli
Available for takeaway and delivery.
There’s a reason why this casual hangout is our go-to spot for OTT sandwiches. We’re talking about the sweet and creamy cornflake-crusted PB&J, the perfectly crunchy buttermilk fried chicken and the shroom melt that’s loaded with portobello, shimeji and button mushrooms. It’s not easy to pick a fave from the list of amazing sammies, but ours has to be the sausage egg muffin, a perfect morning pick-me-up for when you’re hungover. Oh, and keep tabs on PBD’s Facebook page if you’d like to sink your teeth into some of its collabs with other kitchen whizzes in the city.
Park Bench Deli, 179 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068627
The Feather Blade
Available for takeaway and delivery.
What was once a pop-up concept is now a permanent establishment along the bustling Club Street. Reminiscent of the iconic steakhouse in London, Flat Iron, this concept takes inspiration from the British eatery as the founder actually sharpened his skills there. Starring the flat iron beef cut from the side of the shoulder, aka the feather blade (hence the name of the restaurant), the dishes here are infused with intense flavours, allowing you to savour this alternative cut without forking out a fortune. To pad your meal with more, order the sinful potatoes, which are deep-fried in beef fat.
The Feather Blade, 90 Club Street, Singapore 069458
Cure
Available for takeaway and delivery.
A minimalistic hideaway amidst the bustle of Keong Saik, Cure is the sort of place where you know you’ll be treated to an amazingly thoughtful tasting menu. The man behind the concept is chef-owner Andrew Walsh, who worked stints under renowned names like Jason Atherton and Tom Aikens before venturing out on his own in 2015. His culinary line-up may change with the seasons, but you can expect the same relaxed experience with fine dining food. To go the extra mile, you can opt to pair your plates with wine or tea.
Cure, 21 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089128
Ristorante Luka
Available for takeaway and delivery.
Delectable Italian cuisine with Japanese influences? Check. A relaxed setting to chill with friends? Double-check. What more do you need? Ristorante Luka boasts some of the best pizzas in town, freshly baked in a wood-fired oven, including the popular truffle pie that’s a staple in every diner’s order. Aside from that, chef Takashi Okuno and his team also serve great pastas, the most luscious wagyu sourced from Japan, and fresh seafood.
Ristorante Luka, 18 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088441
Mitzo
Available for takeaway and delivery.
Celebrated for its contemporary take on Cantonese food, Mitzo is perhaps best known for its house special barbecued pork, but there are many more must-tries on the menu. On the dim sum side, exquisite picks like royal shrimp dumpling with caviar and steamed dumpling with shrimp, scallop and sea urchin offer a taste of the sea. By the jellyfish aquarium, the bar counter sees artisanal cocktails concocted. Asian inspirations include Monkey Affair, which blends whisky with goji berry syrup and herbal soda, and Garden of Eden, featuring a Chinese herbal flower mix and tequila.
Mitzo, Level 4, Grand Park Orchard, 270 Orchard Road, Singapore 238857
Restaurant Ibid
Available for takeaway and delivery. WhatsApp your orders at +65 9151 8698.
Spearheaded by Woo Wai Leong, winner of the first (and only) MasterChef Asia in 2015, Restaurant Ibid is the self-taught chef’s permanent playground after a series of pop-ups and collabs. Taking influence from his heritage and memories, he creates intricate dishes to the tune of contemporary Chinese cuisine, putting utmost thought and care into each plate for a harmonious symphony of textures and flavours. Keep tabs on the tasting menu for a refreshed line-up every so often!
Restaurant Ibid, 18 North Canal Road, Singapore 048830
Kin
Available for takeaway and delivery.
Age-old recipes are served communal-style at Kin, which is helmed by chef Damian D’Silva. As its name suggests, the Straits Clan restaurant strives to foster kinship and bring people together through local and Asian eats. Highlights include the ayam tempra, a Peranakan classic made with kampong chicken, soya sauce, sweet onion and chilli (pro tip: drench the gravy over your rice for an addictive carb-loading binge). Chef Damian has also brought over a signature from his Folklore days: Yep, it’s your fave buah keluak fried rice, a wok-fried dish served with fragrant sambal.
Kin, 31 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089845
Super Loco
Available for takeaway and delivery.
At Super Loco, it’s all about the vibe. Inspired by street food and the rich cultural experiences of Mexico, the founders created Super Loco with a fiesta-esque ambience, colourful interiors and food bursting with bags of flavour. (We especially love its Customs House locale for the stunning views!) Gather the gang for brunch with a Mex twist or dine familia style over dinner – expect fresh ingredients and punchy flavours only. Thirsty? We’d recommend you share jugs of frozen piña calamansi or knock back the finest mezcal served in tasting glasses. And let’s not forget the margaritas. They’re the stuff cocktail dreams are made of.
Super Loco, multiple locations including Customs House and Robertson Quay
Adrift by David Myers
Adrift is a sleek izakaya with a modern twist, spotlighting dishes that take inspiration from various cuisines across the globe. Think New England lobster roll with Thai green curry aioli, or king crab chawanmushi with Szechuan spices. Hearty highlights include the black truffle fried rice (which you can make vegan by doing away with egg) and the wagyu cheeseburger. For cocktails, try The Legendary for a smoky pineapple rum blend, or Kyoto’s Garden for a Japanese gin and geisha blossom tea mix with a touch of yuzu.
Adrift by David Myers, Hotel Lobby Tower 2, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
Jaan
Chef Kirk Westaway’s one Michelin-starred Jaan is one of the top restaurants in Singapore and beyond, offering a breathtaking view of the city from the 70th floor of Swissôtel. Known for reinventing British classics using seasonal ingredients, he presents dishes that are as exquisite as the sophisticated interiors. One of the menu’s much-loved dishes features a dollop of caviar served atop an egg, which is placed on a cauliflower panna cotta. And while the line-up may change with time, other standouts currently include the British cheese selection and chestnut cake with English custard.
Jaan, Level 70, Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road, Singapore 178882
Min Jiang at Dempsey
Available for takeaway and delivery.
Granted, there’s one at Goodwood Park Hotel, but Min Jiang’s lush Dempsey outpost is in a league of its own. Stepping into the restaurant is like being transported to an ultra sleek island resort (Bali, anyone?), with glamorous golds, greens and yellows, polished marble surfaces and contemporary chinoiserie interiors. On the menu, you’ll find elegantly plated Cantonese and Sichuan fare, with signatures such as Beijing duck, roast meats and lovely dim sum bites.
Min Jiang at Dempsey, 7A & 7B Dempsey Road, Singapore 249684
Art
Michelin-starred chef Beppe de Vito gave Art a new lease of life by taking over Aura’s space at the National Gallery. You’ll be invited to either a three-, four- or five-course meal here, but we’d suggest you go for the last option to get the complete experience. Chef Beppe elevates simple Italian dishes such as tuna belly carpaccio with a white onion cream centre, and Italian sea bass, which comes with a butter-like sauce that’s made of fish sauce, olive oil, apple juice and vinegar.
Art, #05-03, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
Artemis Grill
Available for takeaway and delivery.
The Mediterranean food selection here is just as sensational as the panoramic views. First-timer? Head to the bar area, where a majestic 100-year-old tree stands, for pre-victuals before your mains. From the grill, we’d go with the wagyu ribeye that comes with chickpea fries or the Mediterranean sea bass served with crispy soft shell crab. Oh, and vegans are more than welcome too! Executive chef Oliver Hyde has created an exclusive plant-based menu that features delish dishes like beetroot tartare and quinoa falafel.
Artemis Grill, #40-01, CapitaGreen, 138 Market Street, Singapore 048946
Koma
This theatrical Japanese restaurant has an interior worthy of a movie set, with a splendid curation of dishes to match. Expect delicate and light flavours from the range of fresh seafood dishes on the menu. Crowd pleasers include the taro chip tuna tacos and lobster salad – the latter is topped with everything from uni to scallops to caviar. Fancy a tipple? The signature Koma Canary is the perfect concoction for those who appreciate a good floral gin blend.
Koma, #B1-67, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018972
Preludio
Available for takeaway and delivery.
Dining here is an interesting adventure – one that comes with no guidebook – as Preludio sees its menus evolve every 12 to 18 months, writing its story one chapter at a time. It starts off with “monochrome”, an abstract attempt to strip the dishes down to black and white, giving each ingredient its own space to shine. Looking ahead, the upcoming sophomore chapter for 2020, “time”, hits refresh on the menu to introduce invigorating new interpretations. We’re excited already.
Preludio, #03-01/02, Frasers Tower, 182 Cecil Street, Singapore 069547
Open Farm Community
Available for takeaway and delivery.
Surrounded by the rustic greenery of Dempsey, Open Farm Community champions seasonal ingredients sourced from local and regional organic growers. Not only is it supportive of fresh produce, it also advocates for sustainable living, doing its best to cut back on single-use plastics and water waste. Take a seat indoors or at the alfresco area by the edible garden and order up dishes like local “pekin duck” rillette and spatchcock kampong coquelet. Or, head over for a weekend brunch of salads, sandwiches, meats and eggs.
Open Farm Community, 130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819
Empress
Equal parts oriental and classy, this stunning restaurant serves incredible waterfront views and a traditional Chinese menu. Dim sum brunches see unlimited servings of prawn dumplings, black bean sauce spare ribs, chives with pork dumplings and more brought to you piping hot. (There’s even a vegetarian dim sum menu!) Try the signature roasts served on a triple platter of Empress char siew, crackling roast pork and sticky sweet pork ribs. Or, order a royal Peking Duck for the table to share. Desserts calling out your name? You can’t go wrong with local-inspired picks like pandan creme brûlée or the Chairman’s burbur char-char.
Empress, #01-03, Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
FOC Sentosa
Available for takeaway and delivery.
We’re big fans of FOC Group’s tapas spot in Orchard and its open kitchen space on HongKong Street (great for dinner and drinks!), but FOC Sentosa easily wins us over as a picturesque oasis on the sandy shores of Palawan Beach. If there was ever a culinary reason to make the trek to the island, this is it. Whether you’re fueling up for a sun-kissed afternoon or enjoying a breezy dinner under the starry night sky, the kitchen offers plenty of flavourful paellas, tapas and BBQ meats to fill you up. Hankering for dessert afterwards? The creamy yet crunchy cheesecake yin yang cracker is a god-send.
FOC Sentosa, 110 Tanjong Beach Walk, Sentosa, Singapore 098943
Salted & Hung
Available for takeaway and delivery.
Chef-owner Drew Nocente is a firm believer of the nose-to-tail movement and it shows on the menu of Salted and Hung. Incorporating techniques such as grilling, brining and curing with the overlooked parts of animals, expect to see mainstays like duck heart with pastrami butter, deep-fried tripe, kangaroo with beetroot, and pork collar served with buttermilk on the line-up. It’s all flavourful, creative and definitely not for the faint-hearted.
Salted and Hung, 12 Purvis Street, Singapore 188591
Blu Kouzina
Available for takeaway and delivery.
Dreaming of Greek grub? Blu Kouzina’s sprawling Dempsey location is ideal for hosting hearty meals for big groups or a romantic dinner for two over good Greek wine. Blending both traditional and contemporary recipes with fresh ingredients from Greece, the relaxed restaurant features an extensive menu of salads, pitas, dips, meats and seafood. Pro tip: Order a couple of dips (especially the taramasalata – white cod roe!) and kebab, meat or seafood platters to share, so everyone at the table can get a taste. If you need help navigating the overwhelming selection of dishes, just ask one of the friendly servers for recommendations.
Blu Kouzina, #01-21, 10 Dempsey Road, Singapore 247700
Flutes
Available for takeaway and online delivery.
Who would’ve thought that the country’s oldest museum would be home to a top-notch resto? Indeed, Flutes, which has been around for over a decade, gives off all the plush vibes in its grand, high-ceilinged dining room. And the food is just as good as the ambience. Besides afternoon tea and brunch fare, the menu also features lovely European dishes like kingfish tartare, grilled rack of lamb, Maine lobster laksa noodles and a massive Cape Grim tomahawk good for two.
Flutes, #01-02, National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897
2am: Dessert Bar
Roald Dahl may have Willy Wonka and his chocolate factory, but we have the dessert maestro that is Janice Wong. Time after time, she never fails to amaze with her quirky yet tasty creations. And with her dessert bar being a permanent fixture in Holland Village, you can satisfy your sweet tooth even in the wee hours of the morning! Avant-garde treats, including the Cacao Forest and Shades of Green, are sure to hit the sweet spot.
2am: Dessert Bar, 21A Lor Liput, Holland Village, Singapore 277733
Blue Label Pizza & Wine
Sister restaurant to Luke’s, this funky fresh pizzeria puts a chic spin on your usual neighbourhood joint with its neon-lit signs, chill vibes and rock playlist of tunes from the 70s and 80s. Its stone-fired pies made with long-fermented dough are a definite recommendation – they come topped with everything from chorizo ragu and Hokkaido octopus to burrata and goat’s milk feta to clams and bacon. Come for the pizzas, but stay for dessert: With classics like carrot cake and chocolate chip cookies, there’s no such thing as “diet” here.
Blue Label Pizza & Wine, multiple locations including Mandarin Gallery and Ann Siang Road
Shoukouwa
Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market is regarded as one of the best places to get fresh seafood. But there’s no need for a flight out to satisfy your cravings because Shoukouwa ships premium sashimi from this market right to our shores. To get the most out of your two Michelin-starred experience, opt for the robust Hana Omakase set, where the chef will delight you with the most luxurious cuts of sashimi. Popping out for a lunch break? The Mio afternoon menu gives you a glimpse of Shoukouwa’s signatures to whet your appetite.
Shoukouwa, #02-02A, One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Road, Singapore 049213
Corner House
Botanical fine dining in the gorgeous greenery of a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Sign us up! Chef Jason Tan, who previously spent time in the kitchens of Sky on 57 and Les Amis, creates dishes focusing on meats and seafood sourced from around the world, with various tasting menus for business lunches and degustation dinners. If you’re gunning for the ultimate Corner House spread, you’ll start off with smoked eel and Nagasaki toro before moving on to elaborate plates of sea urchin and A4 toriyama wagyu.
Corner House, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
Les Amis
Available for takeaway and delivery. Call or WhatsApp +65 9671 7853 to place your order.
A three Michelin-starred concept that indulges all visitors in a discerning fine dining experience, Les Amis is polished in that classic French way. With its accolades, you can bet the prices here are on the higher end, but for dishes like salmon tartare with caviar, dry-aged goose foie gras terrine and oven-roasted challans duck breast, it’s well worth the splurge.
Les Amis, #01-16, Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road, Singapore 228208
Man Man Unagi Restaurant
Available for delivery via foodpanda and GrabFood. Call +65 6222 0678 for takeaway orders.
The delish grilled unagi spot has seen endlessly long lines ever since it made a splash with its debut at Keong Saik. In case you can’t tell, charred eels take the spotlight at this Japanese joint. Go in between peak hours if you’re not keen on queueing so you can properly enjoy your hearty bowls of rice topped with unagi and egg.
Man Man Unagi Restaurant, multiple locations including Keong Saik Road and Duo Galleria
Joie Restaurant by Dozo
Perched on the rooftop garden of Orchard Central, with views of the city’s iconic shopping stretch, Joie (pronounced “joy”) takes the modern meat-free route, making it one of the top vegetarian restaurants in Singapore. Settle into a leather banquette or velvet armchair to savour veggies made impeccably flavourful with plates such as zucchini tower, wild rice with eggplant terrine, truffle risotto and pumpkin with spinach ravioli. Meatless Monday, anyone?
Joie Restaurant by Dozo, #12-01, Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road, Singapore 238896
Nouri
The one Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its polished plates on a menu that changes with the seasons, but the experience isn’t your typical stuffy, fine dining one. Inside the minimalist space, the open kitchen encourages interaction with customers, and chef Ivan Brehm, who spent a few years at The Fat Duck, finds inspiration from all sorts of cuisines and cultures to give new life to familiar flavours. You’ll find Hokkaido scallop tartare with toasted coconut on the menu alongside Afro-Brazilian fritter and black pepper crab, all of which can be paired with your choice of wine or sake.
Nouri, 72 Amoy Street, Singapore 069891
The Halia
Available for delivery.
A stroll through the Botanic Gardens is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, but make it even better with a delicious pitstop at this halal-certified resto for a truly awesome meal. The chilli crab spaghettini is its strong suit, with each al dente strand of pasta perfectly coated in a spicy and sweet sauce, then topped with chunks of crab meat – the dream combination of pasta with an iconic local touch. Other satiating mains such as spiced lamb rump and slow cooked angus short rib are available as well. For sweets, the Die Die Must Have Chocolate is a palate pleaser, offering cocoa elements served with raspberry, passionfruit and mango sorbet.
The Halia, Ginger Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
Thevar
Available for takeaway and delivery.
Adding a sprinkle of spice to Keong Saik, this modern Indian eatery is helmed by chef Mano Thevar, who displays his finesse in the kitchen with a creative array of traditional Indian flavours made contemporary. Expect to see vibrant sharing plates on the experimental menu, which changes every so often whenever inspiration hits.
Thevar, 9 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089117
Coucou
Step into Coucou and you’ll be transported to a cosy ski cabin. The Swiss establishment is bedecked with kitsch cuckoo clocks (an ode to its moniker), warm lighting and wooden furnitures. Much like its on-point ambience, the food hits all the marks. Must-tries include the rosti, cold cuts and cheese platter, and mains such as pike perch fillet with lentil ragout. Swiss elements also stand out in desserts like Ovaltine (which originated from Switzerland) mousse served with leckerli. All in all, it’s a great spot for an intimate evening with your other half.
Coucou, 9 Craig Road, Singapore 089669
Red Eye Smokehouse
Available for takeaway and delivery.
Vegans and vegetarians, look away. Serving up American-style BBQ and smoked meats, Red Eye Smokehouse is truly for the carnivores. No skimming on time and quality here – just bring your appetite and be prepared to get messy. The meats are smoked up to 12 hours and the result is a table stacked with fall-off-the-bone tender angus beef short ribs, pork ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken and more. Sides are just as big on flavour, too. Put in orders of nachos, chilli beef fries, house-made sausages and buffalo wings to fill you up nicely.
Red Eye Smokehouse, 1 Cavan Road, Singapore 209842
Meta
Available for takeaway and delivery.
Another one-starred restaurant on the Michelin list, Meta takes French classics and gives them an Asian (mostly Korean) spin, using fresh and seasonal ingredients in its creations. Service is warm, and diners can choose from an ever-changing menu of four courses at lunch or seven courses at dinner. Once you’re all settled in, sit back, relax and enjoy the culinary ride.
Meta, 1 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089109
Burger and Lobster
Available for takeaway and delivery.
Who would have thought that the odd combo of burger and lobster would emerge a hit? What started as a tiny Irish pub in Mayfair now boasts over nine restaurants across the world. The Singapore outposts in Jewel Changi Airport and Raffles Hotel offer signatures such as lobster mac and cheese, lobster rolls (you gotta have ‘em with the garlic butter sauce) and the Mayfair Burger.
Burger and Lobster, #05-203, Jewel Changi Airport, 78 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819666; Raffles Hotel, 328 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188719