Must-see restaurants in Singapore

  • Waku Ghin

    Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay

    The refinement and exquisiteness of the 10-course degustation menu by acclaimed chef Tetsuya Wakuda is nothing short of breathtaking. Using only the…

  • Odette

    Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay

    Cementing its place in the upper echelons of Singapore's saturated fine-dining scene, this modern French restaurant keeps people talking with its newly…

  • Dining room, National Kitchen by Violet Oon

    National Kitchen by Violet Oon

    Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay

    Chef Violet Oon is a national treasure, much loved for her faithful Peranakan dishes – so much so that she was chosen to open a restaurant inside…

  • Burnt Ends

    Burnt Ends

    Chinatown & the CBD

    The best seats at this mod-Oz hotspot are at the counter, which offers a prime view of chef Dave Pynt and his 4-tonne, wood-fired ovens and custom grills…

  • Chopsuey

    Chopsuey

    Holland Village, Dempsey Hill & the Botanic Gardens

    Swirling ceiling fans, crackly 1930s tunes and ladies on rattan chairs – Chopsuey has colonial chic down pat. It serves revamped versions of retro…

  • A Noodle Story

    Chinatown & the CBD

    With a snaking line and proffered apology that 'we may sell out earlier than stipulated timing' on the facade, this one-dish-only stall is a magnet for…

  • Interior, Timbre+

    Timbre+

    West & Southwest Singapore

    Welcome to the new generation of hawker centres. With over 30 food outlets, Timbre+ has it all: artwork-covered shipping containers, Airstream trailer…

  • Chinatown Complex

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Leave Smith St's revamped 'Chinatown Food Street' to the out-of-towners and join old-timers and foodies at this nearby labyrinth, now home to Michelin…

  • Lagnaa Barefoot Dining

    Little India & Kampong Glam

    You can choose your level of spice at friendly Lagnaa: level three denotes standard spiciness, level four significant spiciness, and anything above…

  • No Signboard Seafood

    Singapore

    Madam Ong Kim Hoi famously started out with an unnamed hawker stall (hence 'No Signboard'), but the popularity of her seafood made her a rich woman, with…

  • Knolls

    Sentosa Island

    Free-flowing-alcohol Sunday brunch is huge in Singapore, and this posh, secluded spot – complete with strutting peacocks and roaming band – serves one of…

  • Candlenut

    Holland Village, Dempsey Hill & the Botanic Gardens

    The first and only Peranakan restaurant with a Michelin star, Candlenut is where Singaporeans head to impress out-of-towners. Chef Malcolm Lee does not…

  • Mellben Seafood

    Singapore

    When it comes to chart-topping crab, no shortage of locals will direct you to Mellben, a modern, hawker-style set-up at the bottom of a nondescript block…

  • Paradise Dynasty

    Singapore

    Preened staffers in headsets whisk you into this svelte dumpling den, passing a glassed-in kitchen where Chinese chefs stretch their noodles and steam…

  • Jumbo Seafood

    Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay

    If you’re lusting after chilli crab – and you should be – this is a good place to indulge. The gravy is sweet and nutty, with just the right amount of…

  • Buona Terra

    Singapore

    This intimate, linen-lined Italian is one of Singapore's unsung glories. In the kitchen is young Lombard chef Denis Lucchi, who turns exceptional…

  • Iggy’s

    Singapore

    Iggy's refined, sleek design promises something special, and with a large picture window drawing your eye to the magic happening in the kitchen, you can…

  • Kilo

    Little India & Kampong Glam

    Despite Singapore's cut-throat restaurant scene, gastro geeks remain loyal to this ode to fusion cooking. Expect the unexpected, from beef-tongue tacos…

  • Cicheti

    Little India & Kampong Glam

    Cool-kid Cicheti is a slick, friendly, buzzing scene of young-gun pizzaioli, chic diners and seductive, contemporary Italian dishes made with hand-picked…

  • 328 Katong Laksa

    Singapore

    For a bargain foodie high, hit this cult-status corner shop. The star is the namesake laksa: thin rice noodles in a light curry broth made with coconut…

  • Gluttons Bay

    Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay

    This acclaimed row of al fresco hawker stalls is a great place to start your Singapore food odyssey. Get indecisive over classics like laksa, satay,…

  • Tamarind Hill

    West & Southwest Singapore

    In a colonial bungalow in Labrador Park, Tamarind Hill sets an elegant scene for exceptional Thai. The highlight is the Sunday brunch (S$60; noon to 3pm),…

  • Maxwell Food Centre, internal

    Maxwell Food Centre

    Chinatown & the CBD

    One of Chinatown's most accessible hawker centres, Maxwell is a solid spot to savour some of the city's street-food staples. While stalls slip in and out…

  • Zam Zam

    Little India & Kampong Glam

    These guys have been here since 1908, so they know what they're doing. Tenure hasn't bred complacency, though – the touts still try to herd customers in…

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    Salted & Hung

    Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay

    Carnivores will be salivating over the menu at this nose-to-tail restaurant where meat reigns supreme. Chef Drew Nocente artfully plates up pretty much…

  • Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice

    Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice

    Chinatown & the CBD

    The most popular claypot rice stall in Chinatown Complex, and the only one cooking over charcoal stoves. Get the mixed claypot rice, which comes with…

  • Super Loco Customs House

    Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay

    With a perfect harbourside location and twinkling string lights, this Mexican restaurant injects a laid-back vibe into Singapore's supercorporate CBD…

  • Ah Chiang's, facade

    Ah Chiang’s

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Join gossiping uncles and Gen-Y hipsters for a little Cantonese soul food at Ah Chiang’s. The star turn at this retro corner kopitiam (coffeeshop) is…

  • Gordon Grill

    Singapore

    With its old-world charm – complete with crisp linens – and its famed steaks, Gordon Grill, housed inside a colonial-era hotel, is a step back in time…

  • Butcher Boy

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Meat lovers will love the Asian-inspired creations by chef-owner Andrew Walsh, formerly of tapas haven Esquina, in this dimly lit shophouse grill and bar…

  • Jaan

    Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay

    Seventy floors above the city, chic and intimate Jaan is home to British chef Kirk Westaway, sous chef to his predecessor French chef Julien Royer. Since…

  • Meta

    Chinatown & the CBD

    It's all about French food with a delicate Asian twist at this sleek, one Michelin star restaurant in trendy Keong Saik Rd. The open kitchen runs nearly…

  • Naked Finn

    West & Southwest Singapore

    You'll find this slinky pocket rocket at the commercial gallery hub, Gillman Barracks. It's located in a glass-like box, with lush greenery wall, and…

  • Shiraishi

    Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay

    Don’t let the casual izakaya (Japanese pub) appearance fool you, this tiny restaurant is strictly for those seeking an exquisite Japanese dining…

  • Momma Kong's, external

    Momma Kong's

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Small, funky Momma Kong's is run by two young brothers and a cousin obsessed with crab. While the compact menu features numerous finger-licking, MSG-free…

  • Fat Prince

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Slip into this dimly lit shophouse and be seduced by its golden glinting opulence. Book ahead and smugly sink into your velvet seat, and start your meal…

  • Ding Dong

    Chinatown & the CBD

    From the kitschy vintage posters to the meticulous cocktails to the wow-oh-wow modern takes on Southeast Asian flavours, it's all about attention to…

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    Blu Kouzina

    Holland Village, Dempsey Hill & the Botanic Gardens

    Opa! Stepping into this large, bustling restaurant, you'll feel like you've joined a large and very festive gathering. Plates of succulent meats, grilled…

  • Sarnies, external

    Sarnies

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Luscious, epic sarnies (Australian slang for sandwiches) bust the jaws of suits and hipsters at this new-school Aussie cafe. Farm-to-table produce shows…

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