With the high cost of living in Singapore, I’m sure everyone will be scratching their head when it comes to finding romantic restaurants that you can afford within your means for Valentine’s Day. Where will you be able to find great food, maybe coupled with great views, or even a picturesque setting to set your Valentine’s date in the mood, you may ask?
Don’t even bother with online restaurant guides that will leave you stressed out with their sky-high prices. You may, however, like to consider our list of 17 restaurants to bring your Valentine’s date to this year, with prices from S$40 – S$70 per person.
1. Arbora
In search of great views to impress your Valentine’s date? Look no further, with stunning views right at Arbora.
With its getaway location right at the peak of Mount Faber, you will definitely be in awe with the views of Singapore’s lush landscape, as well as the captivating view of the cable cars that travel between Faber Peak and Sentosa.
The restaurant boasts both indoor and outdoor seating, which plays on the theme of an urban jungle.
Looking to capture memories of you and your date? Well, Arbora has plenty of feature walls as well as corners for an ideal #OOTD or #foodporn shot! Head over to the restaurant during evenings, where the sunset would serve as a great backdrop to your photos.
Try some of their dishes like the Fisherman’s Stew (S$42), a perfect dish to share with your special one. With a dish full of ingredients—lobster, abalone, scallops, and squid in a tomato pronto sauce with garlic bread—you will be assured that both you and your date will be satisfied.
Go for other bites like their Tomahawk Pork Ribs (S$60), as well as their Rack Of Lamb (S$36), which will definitely score points with your partner.
End your meal with their Chempedak Bread & Butter (S$13), to end the night on a good note.
ChopeDeals: Save 10% at Arbora >
Arbora: 109 Mount Faber Road, Faber Peak, Level 2, Singapore 099203 | Tel: +65 6377 9688 | Website
2. Voyage Patisserie
Looking to impress your Valentine’s date with a gastronomic food journey? Here at Voyage Patisserie, you will be on a voyage that represents Chef Jonathan’s journey and the experience that the team behind Voyage Patisserie wants to bring you on, through the various dishes served.
Chef Jonathan—owner and head chef of Voyage Patisserie—worked in France for two years before returning to Singapore. With quality imported ingredients, Chef Jonathan hopes to introduce casual fine dining to the heartlands.
With the extension of the use of nautical colours, ‘Voyage’ is embossed on white flushed walls. The cemented flooring against furnishings with wooden accents is chic and humble, perfect for your Valentine’s date without trying too hard.
For those looking for a vegetarian option, there’s the Wild Mushroom Macaroni (S$15)—which is the restaurant’s take on the good ol’ English favourite, mac and cheese.
The mornay sauce (a béchamel sauce with shredded or grated cheese, usually gruyere) covered every single piece of macaroni evenly without being too rich. The aftertaste of the dish was divine, with the unique fragrance of mushrooms that lingers.
Other dishes like the Country Style Oxtail (S$28) are great dishes to have while having heartfelt conversations with your partner.
Get the Voyage Patisserie’s signature cake, Cynthia (S$9), to express your love to that special someone. The beautifully rose-shaped cake that consists of rose chantilly cream, lychee bits, raspberry gelée and genoise sponge is delicate in texture and flavour.
Voyage Patisserie: 249 Outram Road, Singapore 169048 | Tel: +65 6223 2490 | Website
3. The Botanic
For a heartwarming time with your date, consider The Botanic. With it’s refreshed nature-inspired interior dining, this place is perfect for couples who seek places with good vibes.
Give the Smoked Sambal Short Rib (S$39) a go, with its tender and sufficiently fatty texture. It pairs well with the spice and acidity of the horseradish and roasted padron peppers.
End your meal on a sweet note with the Ginger Flower Pannacotta (S$12). Topped with charred orange, lemongrass and edible flowers, this is a dessert for fruit lovers out there, with an excellent pairing of creamy panna cotta and charred orange which gave an acidic zestiness to the dish.
ChopeDeals: Save 10% at The Botanic >
The Botanic: 252 North Bridge Road, Raffles City Shopping Centre, #01-22A, Singapore 179103 | Tel: +65 6837 0995 | Website
4. Olivia Restaurant & Lounge
Bringing Spanish cuisine right at Keong Saik Road, Olivia Restaurant & Lounge serves a taste of Barcelonian-inspired flavours to the table, with rustic tiling and light wooden features that will definitely get you and your Valentine’s date in the mood.
Have a taste of the said-to-be best beef in the world, the Dry-Aged Galician Beef (marinated for 45 days) (S$32). With its sensational meat flavour, as well as the fatty edges that were satisfyingly gelatinous that made biting every slice gratifying, this dish will surely bring delight to your Valentine’s date.
For the heartwarming moments with your extraordinary one, get the “Ibiza” Style Fish & Seafood Stew (S$38). With a handful of potatoes, squid and prawns, along with the fish of the day, this will surely warm hearts.
Olivia Restaurant & Lounge: 55 Keong Saik Road, #01-03, Singapore 089158 | Tel: +65 6221 0522 | Website
5. Bar Cicheti
For a pasta-centric Valentine’s meal, head over to Bar Cicheti. The brown accented chic interior is played well with the high arch of lights that is the centrepiece of the pasta place, making the dining space much more intimate.
Have a spicy time with pasta like their Paccheri (S$20/S$34). It’s a tubular-shaped pasta that’s coupled with slow-braised polpo (Spanish octopus) and flavours to complete the experience—fresh tomatoes simmered long and slow, folded with fiery flavours of chilli, anchovies and capers.
Seal the deal with starters like the Salvia Fritta (S$8), as well as the Lingua di Manzo Tannato (S$18).
Olivia Restaurant & Lounge: 55 Keong Saik Road, #01-03, Singapore 089158 | Tel: +65 6221 0522 | Website
6. FrapasBar by Saveur
How can one forget about the French when it comes to romance? FrapasBar by Saveur is the latest place to bring your date for that romantic French dining experience. Their dedication to constant innovation led them to combine French cuisine and tapas-style food that is perfect for sharing. Besides, with half of its menu below S$10, this restaurant is easily one of our favourites!
The Valrhona Beef Bourguignon (S$14) is the star of the show. It is a beef stew infused with red wine and Valrhona chocolate. Yes, chocolate. Do not be turned off by the idea of chocolate in your stew for it is a dish that was perfectly executed, providing that sweet and savoury balance. Sophia’s Risotto (S$22) is also recommended. Topped with crabmeat, mackerel, chilli and coconut, this creamy dish will keep you wanting more with how well the flavours come together. Other recommended dishes are their Rillette Dumpling (S$7), Salmon Tartare (S$9), and Saveur Pasta (S$9).
For those looking to have a drink with your date after dinner, FrapasBar by Saveur also has a well-furnished bar contained within its restaurant. Their All-Day Happy Hour offers affordable cocktails like Mojito, Negroni, and Margarita (S$9 each). It is an ideal place to experience French dining at extremely worthwhile prices.
ChopeDeals: Save up to 20% at FrapasBar by Saveur >
FrapasBar (The Cathay): 2 Handy Road, The Cathay, #01-11/12, Singapore 229233 | Tel: +65 6735 1141 | Website
7. Pasta Brava
With fresh, hand-made pasta, Pasta Brava is an amazing Italian restaurant with very classic Italian interiors. They also provide crayons to doodle on the white table mat while waiting for your food! More fun for your dinner date; you can play Pictionary if you run out of things to say.
Definitely try the different kinds of pasta here. The Linguine Regina Del Mare (S$23) is recommended if you like tomato-based seafood pasta.
The risotto’s are also really well-executed. Try the Risotto Nero Alla Sinfonia Dei Nostri Mari (S$23), which is a seafood and squid ink risotto.
Pasta Brava: 11 Craig Road, Singapore 089671 | Tel: +65 6227 7550 | Website
8. L’Entrecote: The Steak and Fries Bistro (Customs House)
L’Entrecote at Customs House is an outlet that overlooks the Marina Bay waterfront, so you’ll definitely get panoramic views of the sweeping promenade while dining on its famed entrecôte steak, be it from its 42-seater indoor space or its 60-seater alfresco area.
On the inside, L’Entrecôte The Steak & Fries Bistro is decked out with vibrant red accents and floor-to-ceiling windows to allow natural light in.
Aside from its signature menu, try dishes like the Wagyu Beef Cubes (S$22). It comes with a small pot of its golden L’Entrecôte sauce to pair with the glorious meet.
The sauce is made with a secret recipe with 53 ingredients, allowing you to flex this fact and impress your date.
ChopeDeals: Save 10% at L’Entrecôte The Steak & Fries Bistro (Customs House) >
L’Entrecote (Customs House): 70 Collyer Quay, Customs House, #01-01, Singapore 049323 | Tel: +65 6690 7565 | Website
9. Trapizza
A casual pizzeria overlooking the sea, Trapizza is for the beach-loving couples. The open-air layout lets you enjoy the cool sea breeze while dining on a selection of wood-fired thin crust pizza and pasta dishes. You can take a stroll on the beach after dinner like in the movies too!
The signature 12-inch Pizza Siciliana (S$23.90) comes with sausages, olives, and capsicum, while the Seafood Linguine (S$22.90) is also something to savour while enjoying the amazing view. The alcohol tends to be on the high side though, and travelling all the way to Sentosa might not be the best idea for a first date, but definitely as a second or third date option.
Trapizza: 101 Siloso Road, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa, Singapore 098970 | Tel: +65 6376 2662 | Website
10. Les Bouchons (Ann Siang)
Les Bouchons, a humble and quaint diner spot, will transport you to Paris through its doors. The 300g Grilled Ribeye With Vigneron Butter (S$36.80) is juicy and comes with a nice charred top, which is already more than enough to eat along with free-flow fries. Note: Parisian-style steak is always one degree rawer than usual, so if you want a medium-rare steak, ask for medium doneness and so on.
Add an appetiser, such as the Burgundy Escargot With Garlic Butter (S$18) if you want more variety. An affordable, yet really good steak restaurant date. There are two outlets, one at Ann Siang and the other at Robertson Quay.
Les Bouchons: 7 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069689 | Tel: +65 6423 0737 | Website
11. PS.Cafe at Palais Renaissance
Already having five branches, PS.Cafe continues to create chic, classy cafe settings that are just dreamy to visit. The interior is also intimately lit and guaranteed to stir the romance in the air. I chose this branch to feature because it is conveniently located in town.
PS.Cafe is well-known for its Truffle Shoestring Fries (S$15), which is very generous in portion and truffle oil. The Crab Tart (S$32), served with prawn bisque cream, lemon-dressed greens and harissa is also a hot favourite that sells out frequently.
Top off dinner with the Sticky Date Pudding (S$14.90), which has butterscotch as well as vanilla ice cream to pair with the warm pudding.
PS.Cafe: 390 Orchard Road, Palais Renaissance Shopping Centre, Singapore 238871 |Tel: +65 9834 8232 | Website
12. Pietro Ristorante Italiano
Opened by Chef Peter Neo, the highlights are definitely the authentic Italian food that Pietro Ristorante serves. Its uniqueness lies in the fresh quality ingredients and original homemade sauces used in each dish. The pizzas are certainly a must-try, cooked straight from the red wood-fired oven, which is lovely to watch as the chef bakes them before your eyes. The tasty Pizza Pietro (S$26) has 1-for-1 promotions seasonally, so it’s really an amazing deal to snag.
Besides offering a wide affordable range of pizzas, Pietro’s menu also consists of tantalising appetisers, soups, risotto, and a sumptuous variety of pasta, and not forgetting classy desserts and wine. The Linguine al Cartoccio (S$26) is a spicy crayfish pasta and a recommended try.
ChopeDeals: Save up to 30% at Pietro Ristorante Italiano >
Pietro Ristorante: 12 Jalan Kelulut, Singapore 809030 | Tel: +65 6484 5528 | Website
13. Riders Cafe
Serving contemporary comfort food right next to the Bukit Timah Saddle Club, Riders Cafe is a popular spot for brunch while admiring the majestic horses—a secluded find that has a certain charm amongst all the serene greenery. It gets really packed over the weekend nonetheless, where brunch ends at 3pm, so make reservations.
Try the Pacific Benedict (S$16) with swimmer crab, poached eggs and spinach and shrimp hollandaise for a more oceanic flavour rather than the usual eggs benedict. It’s pretty casual here, but quite a nice spot for a date away from the buzz of the city.
ChopeDeals: Save 10% at Riders Café >
Riders Cafe: 51 Fairways Drive, Singapore 286965 | Tel: +65 6466 9819 | Website
14. Platypus Kitchen (Bugis)
Platypus Kitchen believes that gourmet dining should be affordable and accessible to everyone. Hence, the restaurant at Bugis Junction is highly accessible and caters to the masses. Impress your date with good food, and be able to comfortably take the bill like a boss.
The cuisine is inspired by the Mediterranean Sea and contains no added preservatives or additives. Supposedly having the widest selection of kinds of pasta and risotto’s in Asia, try the Truffle Carbonara Tagliatelle (S$16.50), which has double-smoked bacon in a creamy truffle egg-yolk sauce. The Pressed Pork Belly (S$19.90) is also wonderfully tender, served with braised apple and a clove apple glaze.
Platypus Kitchen: 200 Victoria Street, Bugis Junction, #03-29, Singapore 188021 | Tel: +65 6333 4434 | Website
15. One Bistro Wine Bar
Date night is a big thing for any couple, given our busy schedules in Singapore, and all the more something to look forward to. One Bistro Wine Bar is a hidden gem in the East that you can bring your loved one to for a little escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The Prawn Aglio Olio ($18) is one of its signature dishes, and it’s immediately obvious why: plump and juicy prawns are tossed in linguine and a spicy and garlicky homemade pesto that I wish I could bottle and take home with me.
One Bistro Wine Bar: 14 Jalan Pari Burong, Singapore 488680 | Tel: +65 6243 6266 | Website
16. Longtail Asian Brasserie & Bar
Longtail Asian Brasserie & Bar is complete with a bay view to impress your date. Situated at Customs House, the restaurant offers a unique take on Asian cuisine. Expect Asian touches to spaghetti, pork knuckle, and many more.
Are you one of them tired souls who are sick of all the modern European or Italian cuisine and all you really want is a good plate of Asian persuasion? The Grandma Chicken Rice (S$20) with lean chicken breast is stewed for three hours in a secret chicken broth, topped with fried egg & Chinese pork sausage.
Longtail Asian Brasserie & Bar: 70 Collyer Quay, Customs House, #01-03, Singapore 049323 | Tel:+65 6532 1319 | Website
17. Club Street Social
Any place that serves all-day breakfast items is fine with me. Scrambled Eggs, Fontina, Chives and Toast ($12) is an excellent choice to savour their runny and creamy eggs. Club Street Social is quite intimately small and transforms into a more bustling drinking hole at night.
The sandwiches are also recommended, such as the 180g Black Angus Ribeye Panini (S$28) and the Duck Confit With Roasted Mushrooms Panini (S$20). Seating is limited though, so try to make a reservation beforehand. You’ll want to look really prepared and with a plan to impress your date.
Club Street Social: 5 Gemmill Lane, Singapore 069261 | Tel: +65 6225 5043 | Website
I sincerely hope that this list will guide you and your special someone to a special romantic afternoon or night, filled with heartwarming conversations and of course, nothing but the best food and company.
