Centro Singapore review: A four-in-one concept at Shaw Lido with steak frites under $30, a bar open all day, and unique in-theatre food options.
Centro at Shaw Theatres Lido is breathing life into this iconic theatre at Orchard Road, and I’m not the only one who’s thrilled about it. With the addition of four new concepts within its space, Shaw Lido has just reemerged as one of the coolest theatres in Singapore. Your movie-going experience will never be the same! I spent a whole day at Centro to try its restaurant, matcha bar, to-go window, and bar, so you know what you order when you’re booking your next movie date.
Centro Shaw Lido review: Details at a glance
Best for: Movie goers; people in Orchard looking for an affordable lunch; coffee or cocktail breaks between shopping
Price: Varies with each concept
Opening hours: Opening hours vary with each concept
Address: Centro, Level 5, Shaw House, 350 Orchard Road, Singapore 238868
Centro Espresso & Matcha Bar: For your coffee & matcha needs
If I had to start my morning in Orchard Road, I would turn to Centro’s espresso and matcha bar. Its open bar concept includes drinks that are available for both dine-in at the restaurant and takeaway if you’re on the go. Beans and matcha are supplied by Toby’s Estate and Matcha Project respectively. You’ll find your typical coffee suspects here, including espresso ($4), flat whites ($5), cappuccinos ($5), and more. Beyond coffee and matcha lattes (from $6), you can also enjoy tea from TWG, hot chocolate, and even bubble tea!
I tried Centro’s signature salted caramel popcorn latte ($7) – made with popcorn from the theatre! It’s only available warm, and we think it’s the best way to experience it. Remember to stir the caramel at the bottom. It has a delightful, silky mouth feel, and while it was too sweet for me personally, I can see why this is a fan favourite.
If you order the signature matcha latte ($6), you have the option to sweeten it with honey, which I did. There’s a pleasant earthy flavour to the matcha that I enjoyed. I’ve never had matcha with honey before but it’s going to be a new addition to my drinks rotation.
My dining companion also tried the spiced Thai iced bubble tea with a cream cheese foam. He said it was an interesting concoction. There was a hint of chai, adding more depth compared to your standard Thai iced milk tea. He says it’s an enjoyable drink, but he personally could do without the brown sugar pearls.
Centro Restaurant: Lunch plates under $30
At the heart of the Shaw Lido space is the Centro Restaurant. With the floor-to-ceiling windows, practically every seat gets a fabulous view of Orchard Road. I savoured the bright sunshine during lunch and admired the golden hour as the sun started to set. Most of my fellow diners were seated in small groups, chatting casually over hearty lunch plates.
I started with the salt and pepper calamari ($15), which was on the lighter side in terms of seasoning. The flavour profile of the calamari leans on the Asian side with a crisp exterior with flecks of chilli padi and spring onion.
A highlight on the menu is the classic steak frites, which will only set you back a cool $30. For a 200g steak served with a generous portion of fries, I’d consider this main an absolute steal. The steak is served slightly underseasoned so you can savour it with the sharp chimichurri.
The dish that surprised me the most was the soba noodles ($22). Served warm with shredded chicken, mushrooms, and a medley of vegetables, it was surprisingly addictive. It tasted like Korean japchae with firm soba noodles, so delicious, my tablemates and I wiped the plate clean.
Centro Bar: Affordable and balanced cocktails
A bar in a cinema – who would have thought? I admit, I had low expectations going into Centro Bar, but I was quite impressed by the thoughtful cocktail menu. All the drinks on the menu are under $25, and there were decently concocted zero-proof drinks for anyone staying away from alcohol.
The array of martinis on the menu drew me in immediately. I sipped on perfectly balanced Vesper ($18) and lychee ($18) martinis with great delight. The flavours aren’t overly dry on the palate, and are less offensive compared to other martinis you might get at other bars.
One of my favourite cocktails was the Velvet Rope ($24), Centro’s take on the Revolver. It leans on the sweeter side with coconut fat-washed bourbon and White Possum coffee liqueur, which is available exclusively at Centro. I’d definitely be back to order this and sip on it while waiting for my movie.
There are also a variety of snack options like fries ($12), sliders (from $14), and spiced popcorn ($8). I ordered the pao de queijo ($12), a type of Brazilian cheese bread served warm. The bouncy texture was a joy to munch on! For sharing, I’d recommend the miso-labneh onion dip served with fries.
The bar is open from 9.30am if you’re looking for a place to kill time or enjoy a morning bevvy. But the best part for us? You can order a cocktail to-go and enjoy it in the cinema! It’ll definitely take the edge off any horror movie for us.
Centro’s Grab & Go options: In-theatre bites beyond popcorn
Located right at the entrance to the main cinema halls, Centro’s Grab & Go kiosk is turning up the heat on your typical movie snacks. I love sweet popcorn, but the potential to bring in pizza, artisanal baos, and cakes into the theatre? I had to check it out for myself.
The Grab & Go spot boasts made-to-order stone-baked pizzas ready in just three minutes! You’ve got the margherita ($24) and roasted vegetable pizzas ($25), available as a 12-inch pie or by the slice (from $8).
Other finger foods you could consider grabbing before your movie include fish finger baos ($14) and butter chicken sliders ($14). Both hearty options, and filling if you want to enjoy a warm lunch option during your flick. I was tempted by the chicken schnitzel bagel ($16) and the kimchi grilled cheese ($18), and I’m already making plans to come back for a full course meal during my next movie night.
Are Centro’s concepts worth a visit?
I would say Centro’s four concepts are worth a visit if you’re in the Orchard Road area looking for respite. With four concepts available in one area, you’ll be able to fulfil your need for a lunch, a short cafe catch-up, or a boozy tipple to wind down after a long day.
My colleagues have already made multiple trips back to the restaurant and cafe on their own! A testament to the dining offerings Centro is offering. While I wouldn’t go out of my way to make a dedicated trip to Centro, the concepts are now the first thing I think of when I’m in the area. Especially if I plan on watching movies at the newly refurbished theatres. The convenience factor is a major plus for me because I won’t need to stress about dinner plans before a late-night flick.
And honestly, the seamless meal-to-movie experience is where Centro stands out. Its quartet of concepts have added a new shine to your typical cinema visit, making an evening at Shaw Theatres feel well-rounded and complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four concepts at Centro?
Centro consists of a restaurant, espresso and matcha bar, grab and go concept, and cocktail bar.
Can I bring the food into the theatres?
Yes! Some select items from the cocktail menu, grab and go kiosk, and cafe are available for in-theatre dining.
Do I need to watch a movie to dine at Centro?
No, Centro is open to the public. You’re welcome to dine at the restaurant or enjoy a cocktail without needing a movie ticket.
Is it expensive?
To us, Centro sits at the mid-tier price range. While it isn’t the cheapest option for lunch at Orchard Road, we found the pricing affordable for restaurant-quality food, with nothing priced above $30.
The cocktail bar also boasts drinks all under $25, with martinis even priced at $18.
Do I have to make a reservation?
We recommend making reservations during peak movie hours (after 6pm or in the afternoon on weekends). However, during our visit on a weekday afternoon, we managed to get a table even as walk-ins.
