Restaurants in Singapore
This dynamic city is a melting pot of cultures, incorporating
many different eastern styles of cuisine with strong western
undertones - you can expect to find just any and every kind of
restaurant in Singapore. Eating out in Singapore is exceptionally
good value and both cooking standards and hygiene levels are high
even at roadside vendors which are well worth trying out.
With heavy influences of Malay, Chinese, Indonesian, Indian and
British, the cuisine in Singapore is far from dull and fusion food
is the order of the day. Street vendors are common in this bustling
city for a tasty meal on the go, and most specialise in one dish
with favourites including fish head curry or
Mee Goreng
(yellow egg noodles stir fried with ghee, tomato sauce, chilli,
egg, vegetables and various meats or seafood). Seafood such as
prawns, oysters, crabs and lobsters are also popular dishes on most
Singapore menus and those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the sugary
desserts like beancurd barley, almond jelly and pineapple
tarts.
Head to the Orchard Road area and the historic district for
eateries of every nationality, or for a trendy night out then a
trip to Boat Quay or Clarke Quay along the riverfront is a must.
Upmarket restaurants require reservations and tipping is not
expected, but appreciated for excellent service.
| Raffles Grill |
$$$$$ | International |
The 'Grand Dame' of Singapore restaurants is an experience in
elegant sophistication, fine dining and colonial charm. Impeccably
dressed waiters with a daunting display of culinary knowledge,
attentive yet discreet service, and courteous efficiency are backed
by the majestic décor and spotless tableware. The food is
similarly outstanding, and dishes like the signature smoked
Atlantic salmon, the roasted rack of suckling pig, and various
exquisite desserts are stylishly presented. Raffles has one of the
best cellars in the country and the cellar master can select a wine
to complement each course. Lunch Monday to Friday and dinner Monday
to Saturday. The dress code is 'smart elegant' and booking is
essential.
Address: 1 Beach Road (Historic District)
E-mail: dining@raffles.com
Telephone: 6431 6156 or 6331 1612
| Song of India |
$$$$$ | Indian |
One of Singapore's best restaurants and first place for Indian
cuisine Song of India transports diners to old world colonial
elegance in several ornately decorated dining rooms and garden
scenery. Both a la carte dishes and set menus are highly praised by
the Singapore dining world. A great way to experience Indian
cuisine is the Journey Through India set menu option which includes
six courses from different regions in India. Reservations are
recommended.
Address: 33 Scotts Road
E-mail: swagat@thesongofindia.com
Telephone: +65 6836 0055
With one of the best patio dining venues in Singapore, il Lido
gives impressive seaside views from a chic modern designed interior
and deck. It is also one of the best Italian restaurants and the
most innovative in Singapore with such dishes as champagne risotto
with tiger prawns and asparagus. A classy lounge and bar also make
a great getaway from the city or a great 19th hole. Reservations
for dining are recommended.
Address: Sentosa Gold Club, 27 Bukit Manis Road
E-mail: reservations@il-lido.com
Telephone: 6866 1977
| Graze |
$$$$$ | International |
The chic yet casual venue makes diners share a feel of attending
the coolest dinner party in town. With both outdoor patio seating
spread around lush gardens and indoor tables with the décor
of a friend's chic dining room, Graze serves Australian style
barbecue dishes of big steaks and seafood platters. An outdoor
lounge is a popular meeting point for drinks.
Address: 4 Rochester Park Singapore 139215
E-mail: info@graze.sg
Telephone: (65) 6775 9000
| Iggy's |
$$$$$ | International |
The appeal of Iggy's is the warm ambiance of a very small venue
appearing as a friends living room. Only the food is much better.
The warm home cooked and internationally inspired meals are set
according to seasonal ingredients so it important to check what
they are serving for the night ahead of making reservations.
Vegetarian replacement meals can be made if they are notified in
advance. Reservations are essential.
Address: The Regent, Level 3, 1 Cuscaden rd.
E-mail: marcom@iggys.com.sg
Telephone: +65 6732 2234
Inagiku stands out as one of Singapore's premier Japanese
restaurants with a reputation for impeccable service and exquisite
authentic cuisine, using the freshest ingredients. Split into four
dining areas that include the tempura, sushi and teppanyaki bars,
and the main dining room, diners can either choose from the
à la carte menu or counter hop. The tempura bar is the only
one in Singapore, and the teppanyaki is deemed to be the best in
the country, whipped up before one's eyes in a traditional display
of Teppanyaki style and flair. Chefs at each counter perform the
articulate art of Japanese cooking and go out of their way to meet
the requests of their guests. Reservations recommended. Open for
lunch and dinner daily.
Address: Raffles The Plaza, 80 Bras Basah Rd (Historic District)
Telephone: 6431 6156
| Esmirada at Orchard |
$$$$$ | Mediterranean |
Wrought-iron décor and terracotta floors combine to
create the Mediterranean environment where friends gather to enjoy
good food and wine. The menu consists of one dish each from Italy,
Spain, Portugal, France, Greece and Morocco and the generous
portions are served family-style in the centre of the table for all
to tuck into. Signature dishes include the superb Spanish paella,
which is the best in the country; various kebab skewers or Moroccan
couscous served with lamb shank, chicken or vegetable stew are also
excellent. Dinner reservations recommended.
Address: Orchard Hotel, 442 Orchard Road #01-29
E-mail: orchard@esmirada.com
Telephone: 6735 3476
| Harbour Grill and Oyster Bar |
$$$$$ |
This small and cosy award-winning restaurant dishes up perfectly
grilled seafood, fresh oysters, US prime rib and rack of lamb. The
cuisine is attentive to natural freshness rather than the typically
rich Continental fare, and guest chefs from around the world are
flown in for monthly specials. Harbour Grill and Oyster Bar is open
Monday to Friday for lunch and Monday to Saturday for dinner.
Reservations are recommended.
Address: Hilton International, 581 Orchard Road
E-mail: harbourgrill@yahoo.com.sg
Telephone: 6730 3393
The understated décor of Li Bai is sleek and modern with
a strong Chinese influence, with contemporary furnishings in red
and black lacquer, jade table settings, and silver and ivory
chopsticks. Large vases of elegant pussy willows add subtle
opulence to the ambience. The Cantonese fare is traditional with a
modern and innovative touch of class that includes creations such
as the aromatic farm chicken smoked in jasmine tea leaves. The
fresh seafood should not be missed; baked fillet of cod with honey,
shark's fin sautéed with crabmeat, and Canadian cod
sautéed with ginger and garlic, accompanied by the fabulous
crab fried rice, are delicious. Reservations required. Open daily
for lunch and dinner.
Address: Sheraton Towers, 39 Scotts Road
Telephone: 6839 5623
| IndoChine Waterfront |
$$$$$ | Asian |
Authentic Cambodian, Lao and Vietnamese dishes combine with
hints of France from the Indochinese days of colonialism to create
an exceptional Asian experience. Buddhist figurines, flower-shaped
crystal chandeliers, and Ming Dynasty style chairs with plush silk
cushions of oriental designs add to the exotic atmosphere, which is
complemented by stunning views over the Singapore River. House
specialities include beef stew ragout, and pepper beef in sweet and
sour sauce, but there are other traditional favourites such as
Cambodian Tiger Prawns, Roast Duck in green curry, and the Trio
Seafood with Khmer Tamarind Sauce. For starters there are spring
rolls, or prawns grilled on sugarcane, while lemongrass
Crème brulée washed down by the not-to-be-missed
Vietnamese coffee is the perfect end to the dining experience.
Reservations required. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Address: Empress Place Building
Telephone: 6339 1720
