Got a hot date, business lunch, or family dinner coming up? This handy Quandoo guide to some of the best international restaurants across the island should help!
Yes, we’re huge fans of local Singaporean cuisine, and you’ll often find us hanging around one hawker or another scoffing down our favourite treats: be it laksa, bak kut teh, bak chor mee… we could go on, you get the idea. But sometimes we’re struck with a craving for something a little more exotic (or perhaps a taste of home if you’re an expat), and thankfully there’re plenty of spots around Singapore to nip that craving in the bud. From Thai to Japanese, or Mexican to European, you really can eat the world right here on our little red dot. Here’s our round-up of nine top international dining spots to keep in mind next time you want to switch things up. These haunts are regularly booked out so be sure to book in advance via Quandoo, an online reservation platform that has a cashback loyalty program.
For Frenchie flair: Brasserie Gavroche
After honing his culinary skills at renowned hotels around the world, Chef Frédéric Colin decided to set up shop on Tras street. Using his grandfather as inspiration, he has created a menu bursting with traditional French classics, family recipes and hearty, stick-to-your-bones fare. Highlights include Tartine d’os a moelle – bone marrow that sits delicately atop scrumptious parsley puree and garlic confit on toasted Poilane bread and the Potée Auvergnate, a traditional pork hotpot.
For a Caribbean carnival: Limehouse
Singapore’s first and only Caribbean restaurant brings a little slice of West Indian spice to Jiak Chuan Rd. The menu comes loaded with Caribbean comfort food (think jerk chicken, wings, baby back ribs, curries, and pepper shrimp), and a side of good-time vibes. We’re also fans of the crackin’ rum cocktails that can be found right upstairs at sister bar, Bago.
For classic Italian: Senso
Renowned for authentic Italian fine-dining and impeccable service, you can’t go wrong with Senso. Housed in a sympathetic conversion of a former convent at the end of Club Street, it deserves a huge tick for its unique interior and sophisticated, yet warm atmosphere. Classics on the menu include veal ossobucco and a deconstructed tiramisu.
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For a Mexican fiesta: Chimichanga
Mexican food is as unpretentious and down-to-earth as it gets, so we’re especially drawn to this Mexican joint’s casual, divey atmosphere. Order up a couple of cold ones and sit down to tacos and quesadillas, or smaller bar bites like hot wings and jalapeno pops.
For fiery Thai: Long Chim
How we love the contemporary, fancy plates of Thai street food served up here. You’ll find all of the traditional bites you’d anticipate seeing on a Thai menu, from papaya salad to green chicken curry, just zhuzhed up to the next level of deliciousness, courtesy of celebrity (and internationally acclaimed) head chef, David Thompson.
For a Spanish share-up: Dehesa
Championing the concept of nose-to-tail dining, a culinary experience at Dehesa is not for the squeamish. But if you’re a curious foodie, Dehesa is a must try as Chef-Owner, Jean-Phillippe Patruno prides himself on serving up audacious alternative cuts. Hungry for some Iberico jowls? How about some ox hearts with pesto or pig ear terrine? And if you’re adventurous, why not top it off with a crispy pig head served with egg yolk and capers? Give it a whirl, we dare you!
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For modern European: Open Farm Community
What do you get if you set up a restaurant with a 35,000sq ft urban farm in its back garden? Fresh produce, comforting plates channelling contemporary European vibes (occasionally with a nod to Asian flavours), and an ever rotating menu that will keep you coming back for more. Dining really doesn’t get fresher than this. Top tip: order the 48 hour Barolo braised oxtail strozzapreti (you’ll want to lick the plate).
For Indian spice: Ras The Essence of India
Whether you’re a fan of Hyderabadi biryanis or Kashmiri naan you’ll find it all (and everything else in between) here at Ras. Showcasing unique, local flavours from across India in a contemporary setting, this casual resto is a showcase of everything that we love most about Indian cuisine.
For fancy Japanese : Sushi Jin
Joining the other great Japanese restaurants under the Les Amis Group (Aoki and Shabu Shabu Gen), Sushi Jin is all about the freshest, air-flown ingredients all the way from Tokyo’s world-renowned Tsukiji market – sugoi! Sushi Jin sits a mere 38 people, so be sure to make your reservations in advance. Rest assured it’s worth the wait if you can’t get a table straight away.
This article is sponsored by Quandoo