Get yourself acquainted with top-notch food spots and cool bars at Boat Quay in Singapore.
A stone’s throw from party central aka Clarke Quay – and not too far from Robertson Quay – Boat Quay is home to a dizzying array of restaurants and bars despite it being a tiny enclave. Come dusk, the street comes to life with imbibers, tourists and foodies. Don’t know where to start? We let you in on the best spots……
Boat Quay guide: Best restaurants and bars
1. Quay House
We’re all for heritage and food, which perfectly describes Singapore. Taking inspiration from Boat Quay’s illustrious past as the prime location for trading spices, this restaurant has crafted a menu that boasts familiar dishes prepared using various techniques. Start with the pork bao and Asian-style gambas before moving on to sharing plates like wood-fired chicken, Iberico pork ribs, and beef pasta. Don’t forget the tipples! Quay House makes a mean lemongrass and basil-infused G&T.
Quay House, 51 Circular Road, Singapore 049406
2. Offtrack
Of course, we can’t leave this iconic institution out of our list. Clinching a spot on this year’s Asia’s 50 best bars list, Offtrack puts music front and centre by thoughtfully selecting the tracks and playing them on the sound system. Vibe to the playlists while tucking into hearty pan-Asian dishes and sipping on remixed versions of classic cocktails.
Offtrack, 34 North Canal Road, Singapore 059290
3. Higher Ground
As far as watering holes go, Higher Ground is on a whole ‘nother level. And we mean that literally, as this rooftop bar offers stunning views of the Singapore skyline and elevated cuisine. Indulge in artisan pizzas, eggplant hummus dip with chips, and carefully curated drinks. There’s no doubt about it: this is the new go-to spot in Boat Quay.
Higher Ground, Level 4, 64 Boat Quay, Singapore 049852
4. Lumo
Planning an intimate date night with your beau? We suggest you head to this vibey space. Start with Lumo’s signature cocktails crafted by expert mixologists before diving into the food, which leans towards modern European fare. Voracious eaters can order hearty beef striploin, sea bream, and pork ribeye plates. End on a sweet note by sinking your fork into the basque cheesecake.
Lumo, #01-00, 50 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058682
5. Dumpling Darlings
If the name of this restaurant makes you think of towers of steamed dumplings, brace yourself. These dumplings are a second act to its noodle bowls. Check out the miso mushroom noodles topped with braised mushrooms or the dumpling platter of 15 that serves five different types of signature flavours including the original, momo curry and smoked duck. Hell yeah!
Dumpling Darlings, 86 Circular Road, Singapore 049438
6. Wild Child Pizzette
Sporting the cheeky slogan “all good things come in 10 inches”, Wild Child Pizzette’s petite-sized pizzas prove it’s not all about size. Opened by the people behind Cicheti, we love its unconventional and playful creations that pack a punch. Don’t forget to pair these irresistible slices with an ice-cold beer or a freshly shaken cocktail.
Wild Child Pizzette, 50 Circular Road, Singapore 049405
7. Tom Yum Kungfu
If you love Thai food like we do, Tom Yum Kungfu will definitely please you. The affordable menu is packed with classic dishes like tom yum soup, chicken basil and green curry. Hanging out late? Order the traditional mookata, which uses charcoal. It’s the perfect belly-warming meal after a slew of drinks!
Tom Yum Kungfu, 16 Circular Road, Singapore 049372
8. The Dragon Chamber
Hidden behind the beer fridge of a kopitiam, The Dragon Chamber is a surprisingly spacious 93-seater space that prides itself on its unconventional guerilla-style menu. Its delicious but unusual Chinese food is just as unique as its beverage menu. We love the Umai Dream, a delightful concoction made with honey yuzu tea, umeshu, and chocolate bitters.
The Dragon Chamber, 2 Circular Road, Singapore 049358
9. Southbridge
Oysters and alcohol? Best. Combo. Ever. If you’re like us, be sure to hit up Southbridge. The bar, which overlooks the Singapore River, serves up these glorious bivalves in four ways: umami (with ponzu and yuzu sauce), nikkei (with tonkatsu sauce and tograshi), mignonette (with banana shallot and sherry vinegar), and natural (with lemon and hints of tabasco). Complement the experience with cocktails like the vodka-based Southbridge Express or the fruity Tropical Sunrise, which is spiked with tequila blanco.
Southbridge, 5/F (rooftop), 80 Boat Quay, Singapore 049868
10. Barbary Coast
Two vastly different experiences, one fab location. That’s exactly what you get at Barbary Coast, which is set up by the founding bartender of 28 HongKong Street, Michael Callahan. Looking for a casual, no-frills spot? Take a seat at Deadfall Cantina, a watering hole inspired by Mexico, and be prepared for affordable cocktails. The second floor Barbary Coast Ballroom is for discerning drinkers who have a keen eye for details. Each drink is concocted with finesse, from the spirits to the garnish.
Barbary Coast, 16 North Canal Road, Singapore 048828
11. Kinara West Frontier Cuisine
Craving North Indian deliciousness? Don’t think twice, just head here! Apart from offering the cuisine’s usual stars such as tandoori grilled meat, biryani, fiery curry and savoury naan, Kinara also has vegetarian-friendly options. Its assorted paneers and dals make it the perfect spot for a catch-up with your vegetarian buddies.
Kinara West Frontier Cuisine, 55 Boat Quay, Singapore 049846
12. Dallas Restaurant & Bar
Carnivores, this one is for you. The riverside restaurant puts out wicked plates of juicy steaks, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs and gut-busting burgers. Dining with a group of friends? Dive straight into the meat platter, which features roasted chicken and pulled pork alongside garden greens, tomatoes and potatoes. Wash it all down with a few pints of beer.
Dallas Restaurant & Bar, 31 Boat Quay, Singapore 049820
13. 109 Teochew Yong Tau Foo
For a good bowl of the local dish, make your way down to the famous 109 Teochew Yong Tau Foo. It’s been around for more than 30 years! For just under $10, you’ll be treated to a variety of classic ingredients including handmade fishballs, fried beancurd and lady’s fingers stuffed with fish paste to go with your noodles and broth.
109 Teochew Yong Tau Foo, 90 Circular Road, Singapore 049441
14. The Mask Restaurant and Bar
If you’re craving North Indian cuisine, The Mask hits the spot. Chicken reshmi kebabs, mutton rogan josh and samosas are great with an ice-cold beer. And for that friend who doesn’t do spicy food, the menu also offers pizzas, burgers, bar bites and quesadillas.
The Mask Restaurant and Bar, 23-24 Circular Road, Singapore 049379
15. Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore
This Italian chain continues to thrive with its dedication to freshly-made pasta and heartfelt service. Thirty years on, Pasta Fresca stays fresh by constantly revamping its menu, with current mainstays like alle vongole (pasta with clams sauteed in olive oil), crespelle al funghi (Italian-style crepe baked with mushrooms, onions and parmesan), and risotto al frutti di mare (seafood risotto).
Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore, 30 Boat Quay, Singapore 049819
16. The Public House
Coasters and tawdry decorations are plastered all over this quirky drinking joint. Swing by for a casual drink with your mates – or by yourself. The vibe is extremely welcoming; you won’t even feel out of place coming here alone.
The Public House, 42 Circular Road, Singapore 049398
17. BK Eating House
The 24-hour BK Eating House is your answer to getting a taste of Singapore in the neighbourhood. Grab a table along the road and catch all the Circular Road action from your seat while chugging bottles of beer. Oh, and the bak chor mee is hands down the crowning jewel of this coffee shop.
BK Eating House, 21 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058667
18. Mogambo
Inspired by the legendary party bar, Mogambo Tokyo, this watering hole attracts all kinds of party animals, from boozehounds to lightweights to weekend warriors who drink like a fish. Depending on your choice of poison, there’s a wide range to pick from, including premium spirits that go by the bottle. But before you start the night, down a shot or two. These are grouped into four flavour profiles: Juicylicious, milky, layered and lethal. Psst: we’ve heard that if you inhale 15 different shots in one night, you’ll enter Mogambo’s Shot Hall of Fame.
Mogambo, #01-01, 3 Canton Street, Singapore 049745
19. Molly Malone’s Irish Pub
Knock back a few cold pints of stout while taking in live Irish music at Singapore’s oldest Irish pub. This institution, in all its warm, wood-panelled glory, has served as an authentic den of all that is Irish for over two decades. In addition to Guinness and Kilkenny, Molly’s offers quintessential Irish drams like Jameson, Tullamore Dew and Bushmills. It’s also the place for wholesome Irish feed like beef and Guinness pie or a plate of bangers and mash. Swing by on Monday nights and join in the pub quiz!
Molly Malone’s Irish Pub, 56 Circular Road, Singapore 049411
20. BQ Bar
This unpretentious, inviting riverfront bar provides both an upbeat ambience for a perfect TGIF, as well as a laid-back environment for you to chill at its alfresco seating area. Famous for martinis and mojitos, its refreshing cocktails and party shots are definitely ones to get tipsy with. Bottoms up!
BQ Bar, 39 Boat Quay, Singapore 049828
21. The Penny Black
This English-style pub at Boat Quay is our go-to spot when we’re down for mouthwatering London pub meals along with myriad beers on tap. Also, extra points for its cosy Victorian setting.
The Penny Black, 26/27 Boat Quay, Singapore 049817
22. Harry’s
One of Singapore’s most enduring dining and bar chains, Harry’s is decked out with memorabilia gathered from the owner’s globetrotting adventures. The vibe is relaxed and homely – great for an unpretentious, no-judgment session with pals over beers and decent bites.
Harry’s, 28 Boat Quay, Singapore 049818
Boat Quay guide: Things to do
23. The Scent Parlor
Embark on an exciting olfactory adventure at this boutique, which stocks carefully curated niche fragrances that’ll whisk you away to unknown lands with every whiff. Wanna get a new perfume? Go ahead and choose your scent based on your personality. You can also get diffusers, incense, and sprays for your home or as housewarming gifts.
The Scent Parlor, Level 3, 67 Circular Road, Singapore 049421
24. Kulnari Mystery Golf
Indoor golf with a side of mystery? Colour us intrigued. Tee off at this 1920s-themed 18-hole mini golf experience with a murder mystery. Put on your detective hat and follow the clues to solve the case. Midway through your adventure, take a breather at the 9th Hole Bar, where you can discuss your theories and plan your next moves.
Kulnari Mystery Golf, 51B Circular Road, Singapore 049406
25. Sabaai Sabaai
Pamper yourself after a long day’s work at this massage parlour by the river. Its Thai-style interiors, furnishings and fragrances will make you feel like you’re on a holiday in Bangkok. Worried about pain? Its team of experienced massage therapists knead with the right pressure to make sure you feel comfy and at ease throughout the session, which can range from 30 to 120 minutes.
Sabaai Sabaai, 49A Boat Quay, Singapore 049838
26. Tuft Club
Don’t worry, folks – this isn’t a gym. If you’re curious about tufting, this cosy studio is a good place for you to get started. Grab a tufting gun and get to work on rugs big and small – or even mirrors. Gather a group of eight or more and sign up for a private workshop. You can even gift a day of tufting to your loved ones!
Tuft Club, #03-01, 57 Circular Road, Singapore 049412
27. Yoga Mala
Temporarily closed.
While you’re surrounded by go-getters and time-strapped execs, find peace and strength with a session at Yoga Mala. A cosy boutique yoga studio huddled inside a restored shophouse, Hom’s classes are a welcome respite from the bustle outside. Lift your spirit with a cleansing session of aerial yoga or realign your chakras with meditation classes.
Yoga Mala, 49A Circular Road, Singapore 049404
There you have it. All the best food spots, bars and things to do in Boat Quay!
