Explore the tranquil riverside neighbourhood of Robertson Quay. Here’s where to eat, drink and chill out...
Everyone heads to Clarke Quay for a good time – if you’re looking to get sloshed, or party it up in a mega club, this is the place to be. But if you prefer a more chilled ambience, Robertson Quay is your go-to spot. Located along the beautiful Singapore River, it’s got all you need, including cafes, restaurants, bars and gorgeous hotels (because we all love a staycay). Yes, there are some touristy traps with mediocre food, and a particular patch known as ‘expat Disneyland’ (you’ll know what we mean when you see it), but here’s where the good stuff is…
Restaurants in Robertson Quay
Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse
If you’re a serious steak fiend, sink your teeth into Bistecca’s massive 1.1kg Fiorentina-style steak. Perfect for three, the steak is served with a trio of sauces (our fave has got to be the spicy mustard) and your choice of sides. Its quaint heritage shophouse confines and romantic lighting make this a prime spot for date night.
Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse, 25 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 238969
Three Buns Quayside
If you’re looking to get your burger fix, Three Buns’ menu will leave you spoilt for choice. From the house of Potato Head, its beef and lamb are 100% grass-fed, free-range, hormone- and antibiotic-free. So expect a flavour patty sandwiched between an artisanal bun – a work of art, if you ask us. In the mood for something lighter? The hotdogs are equally good. And if you brought your pooch along, your furry friend can also enjoy some beefy treats.
Three Buns Quayside, 60 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238252
Pó
We love local food in all its forms – and here, it’s elevated and plated to perfection. Named after the term popo (which means grandma in Chinese), the restaurant serves up grandma’s classics like seafood porridge, spicy rendang and popiah – we hear the skin is handmade daily by heritage hawkers. Complete your meal with a craft cocktail: They’re inspired by historical eras from Warehouse Hotel’s history as an icon of spice trade and even as a disco.
Pó, 320 Havelock Road, Warehouse Hotel, Singapore 169628
Aburiya
Follow your nose to Aburiya – you can smell the delicious aroma of barbecued meats from a mile away. Established since 2003, Aburiya at The Quayside is one of Singapore’s finest Japanese barbecue restaurants. Come here if you’re serious about your meats. Top-of-the-line options include the mouth-watering and succulent Tokachi beef that’s big on flavour.
Aburiya, #01-03, The Quayside, 60 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238252
Wine Connection
This place is every oenophile’s dream and gets pretty hectic on a weekend night. It stocks over 30 wine labels from all over the world and it’s our top choice for a casual night out with the mates. We won’t deny that the reasonably priced booze, which can go as low as $6, is a total pulling factor. The locale in Robertson Quay even has a cheese bar, with a good array of matured farm cheeses air-flown in from Europe.
Wine Connection, Robertson Walk, 1 Unity Street, Singapore 237995
Bella Pizza
Bella Pizza is chef Antonio Manetto’s (formerly of Da Paolo) solo venture, so you can look forward to authentic Italian fare from his kitchen. The extensive pizza menu features both white and red pizzas, and these pies can be made into calzones at no extra charge.
Bella Pizza, #01-14, 30 Robertson Quay, Riverside View, Singapore 238251
Decker Barbecue
This collab between founder Elliot Decker and restaurateur Min Chan sees authentic Texan cuisine come to Singapore, interestingly, by way of Bali. The casual restaurant seat diners on large picnic-like benches, perfect for sharing the massive slabs of beef brisket, ribs and pulled pork. Complement your carnivorous chow-down sesh with a selection of equally-American side dishes like mac and cheese or brisket beans.
Decker Barbecue, #01-17, The Quayside, 60 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238252
Laurent Bernard Chocolatier
There’s no denying Laurent Bernard serves delicious desserts, but it also whips up a pretty mean box of chocolates as well. Not sure what to get? You can’t go wrong with its gorgeous Tiffany blue box of pralines.
Laurent Bernard Chocolatier, #01-11, The Pier at Robertson Quay, 80 Mohammad Sultan Road, Singapore 239013
Limoncello Pizza & Grill
The menu features authentic Amalfi-style cuisine, and that includes pizzas. Must-tries include the signature Limoncello pizza with a creamy white base, mozzarella, fresh rocket, porcini and beef sausage. Love your seafood? Savour the bounties of the Amalfi Coast with the tomato-based frutti di mare with fresh seafood and mixed parsley.
Limoncello Pizza & Grill, #01-19/20, Rivergate Condominium, 95 Robertson Quay, Singapore 235256
The English House, By Marco Pierre White
This restaurant is at once expansive but incredibly intimate, filled to the brim with antiques from pub signs to carnival-themed curios, its walls lined with black and white Terry O’Neill photographs featuring the likes of Bowie and Winehouse. As for the menu? Look forward to British comforts such as beef wellington, fried haddock with chips, and roast duck with braised chicory. End your meal on a sweet note with a bread and butter pudding that will warm your heart and belly.
The English House, By Marco Pierre White, 28 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 238972
Red House Seafood
Be prepared to get your hands dirty when you’re chowing on the (unofficial) national delicacy that’s served here. With a sauce made of sambal, vinegar, tomato paste and egg, chilli crab is best mopped up with steamed or deep fried mantous (steamed or deep fried buns). Take in the breeze and tuck into this national treasure at Red House Seafood Restaurant at Robertson Quay.
Red House Seafood, Level 2, Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, 392 Havelock Road, Singapore 169663
Shirokane Tori-Tama
A handful of Japanese restaurants line the Robertson Quay terrain, with many Japanese visitors flocking here for a sentimental taste of home. Shirokane Tori-Tama is one such restaurant that skews towards these palates, with yakitori comfort food like the livers, hearts and backs carved from smoky, grilled chicken. Absolutely perfect with a Sapporo or Suntory.
Shirokane Tori-Tama, 11 Unity Street, Singapore 237995
Publico Ristorante
This riverside restaurant is well known for its wood-fired pizza – we’re still not over the tartufata, diavola and prosciutto pies. And that pizza crust? Superbly divine. If you’re a carnivore at heart, feast on the bistecca ribeye or beef short rib that’s slow-cooked for 18 hours. Expect fork-tender goodness in every bite.
Publico Ristorante, Intercontinental Singapore Robertson Quay, 1 Nanson Road, Singapore 238909
Shunjuu Izakaya
Shunjuu Izakaya grills the competition (pun intended) with its sumiyaki, or charcoal grill, specialties. Often, you can find meaty delicacies served on skewers like chicken wings and asparagus rolled with pork, but here, you can also down that pint of Sapporo beer while savouring grilled foie gras on a stick.
Shunjuu Izakaya, #01-15 Riverside View, 30 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238251
Super Loco
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. Expect a fiesta-esque ambience, colourful interiors and food bursting with bags of flavour. Gather the gang for brunch with a Mex twist or dine familia style over dinner – think fresh ingredients and punchy flavours. Down it all with a jug of frozen piña calamansi or knock back the finest mezcal served in tasting glasses.
Super Loco, #01-13, The Quayside, 60 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238252
Les Bouchons Rive Gauche
Go back to basics at Les Bouchons, which proudly claims to be “The King of Steak and Fries”. The exquisite beef cuts are mainly priced below $50, but we say it’s bang for your buck. On the side, you get a bowl of salad and – wait for it – free-flow fries!
Les Bouchons, #01-02, 60 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238252
Bars in Robertson Quay
Bar Bar Black Sheep
If you’re looking to drink yourself silly while catching live EPL screenings, it’s got to be at Bar Bar Black Sheep’s flagship branch in Robertson Quay. You’re going to feel peckish from all the cheering and jeering, so chow down on authentic scrumptious beer grub – from izakaya and Thai to Northern Indian and Western.
Bar Bar Black Sheep, #01-04, 86 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238245
Beast & Butterflies
Savour one of the artisanal cocktails from its M Social Signature selection as you mingle along the bar’s vast 13-metre counter. For something familiar, there’s a wide array of classic cocktails, including the iconic Singapore Sling, the reliable negroni and the punchy margarita.
Beast & Butterflies, M Social Singapore, 90 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238259
Tap
Robertson Quay might be one of the posher quays but Tap has changed the game. With drinks priced at only $10 a pint, you get to choose from 20 rotating beers on tap and the bar has it all from pale ale to stout. It also serves bar grub that will go hand in hand with the beer. Think ribs, satay and chicken wings.
Tap, #01-02, 86 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238245
La Maison du Whisky
As its name suggests, La Maison du Whisky is backed by a team of whisky specialists, and there’s no better place to pop by for your Manhattan cocktail fix. Thinking of taking home some of that top-notch stuff? Browse through over 100 different kinds of scotch whiskies and purchase them by the bottle.
La Maison du Whisky, #01-10, The Pier @ Robertson Quay, 80 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 239013
Boomarang Bistro and Bar
Leave the comfort of your couch and catch the next rugby match at Boomarang. Constantly packed with rugby fanatics on match days, this is one of the best sporting bars in town. Customers here are really friendly and welcoming, too – it’s no wonder everyone’s a regular! The kitchen also prepares one of the best weekend brunches in town, promising to cure any hangover.
Boomarang Bistro and Bar, #01-15, The Quayside, Robertson Quay, Singapore 238252
Cafes in Robertson Quay
Botany Cafe
Opened by the same guys who brought you the now-closed Dazzling Cafe, this spot is adorned with lush foliage. But don’t let that fool you. The menu offers hearty dishes such as Szechuan mala chicken and chicken porridge. If your palate is seeking something more international, tuck into the ribeye steak with a glass of organic wine.
Botany Cafe, #01-03, 86 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238245
Common Man Coffee Roasters
This cafe serves bistro-quality food that promises to be on par with its top-notch coffee. Only organic eggs from free-range chickens and super-fresh produce are used, and coffee beans are roasted daily. We’d recommend you order the Turkish Common Man Breakfast, Organic Eggs Benedict, or the Common Man Burger.
Common Man Coffee Roasters, #01-00, 22 Martin Road, Singapore 239058
The Book Cafe
Singapore has an extraordinary number of cafes, so rest assured that we truly mean it when we say The Book Cafe is one of our faves. Two main areas make up the space – one for dining and another with sofas for intense reading and work – with an all-encompassing menu to cater to all tastes. Go ahead, grab a book from the shelf and make yourself comfy.
The Book Cafe, #01-02, Seng Kee Building, 20 Martin Road, Singapore 239070
Toby’s Estate
One of Singapore’s pioneering cool cafes, this Aussie specialty coffee roaster is all about the craft of brewing. Since its opening in Southeast Asia in 2011, Toby’s has become a popular brunch spot and go-to cafe for a mean cup of coffee. Want to replicate that potent brew at home? You can pick up packs of local blends or single-origin coffee from the store.
Toby’s Estate, 8 Rodyk Street, Singapore 238216
Kith Cafe
First things first: Early risers, Kith Cafe opens at 7am. It’s a casual spot for great coffee and decent grub. If you’ve got little ones, introduce them to the toy box but mind where you step – this is a popular cafe for people with puppies.
Kith Cafe, #01-28, 7 Rodyk Street, Robertson Quay, Singapore238215
PS.Cafe
Can PS.Cafe do no wrong? The location in Martin Road is simultaneously cosy and chic, with floor-to-ceiling windows for maximum skylight, booth seating facing lush foliage, and leather seats. Pro tip: Make your reservations early for weekend brunch.
PS.Cafe, 38 Martin Road, Singapore 239059
Hotels in Robertson Quay
Studio M Hotel
A favoured and unofficial party hotel among the younger crowds, Studio M ranks high on our list of relaxing boutique hotels. Its key feature is its loft rooms. Spread across four categories, all of them are decked out in minimalist designs, plush beddings and panoramic views of the city from large bay windows. Personally, we love the Executive Lofts as their corner locales offer maximum privacy, larger lounge areas and complete cosy, comfort for stay-in staycays.
Studio M Hotel, 3 Nanson Road, Singapore 238910
M Social Singapore
Geared towards the millennial globe-trotter, M Social is the newer player on the Robertson Quay hotel circuit. Comfort is king at this hip hotel. Its chic interiors are the brainchild of renowned designer Philippe Stark. You might never leave your room, as each space is a calming enclave of warm colour tones, with lush textures of plush pashmina throws and soft carpeting.
M Social Singapore, 90 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238259
InterContinental Robertson Quay
For when life gets far too much for you, pack your bags and head to InterContinental’s sweet digs at Robertson Quay. With its riverfront location, gorgeous rooms with massive windows and amenities, as well as multi-concept dining spots, the hotel makes for a heck of a relaxing weekend.
InterContinental Robertson Quay, 1 Nanson Road, Singapore 238909
Warehouse Hotel
Once an iconic warehouse from 1895, the meticulously restored property boasts a slick, modern design. Only 37 rooms are found here, each boasting unique layouts and a muted palette of taupes and greys elevated with elegant brass furnishings, double-high ceilings, peaked roofs and untouched industrial details. Make it a point to hit the rooftop infinity pool – it’s the perfect spot to people-watch and take in views of the riverbank.
Warehouse Hotel, 320 Havelock Road, Singapore 169628