30 best restaurants in Singapore you need to cross off your list

If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Singapore near you, we’ve got you covered. Do you own a personal checklist when it comes to judging how good a restaurant is? Is it the number of Michelin stars it has acquired, the taste and presentation of the food, the quality of service being rendered, or perhaps the ambience? The list can go on…

Whenever the topic of food is brought up, it can be so subjective. What one may find to be delicious may turn out to be on the other end of the spectrum for another.

While the first thing that comes to our minds when it comes to the best restaurants may be fine dining, let’s not forget about our humble zi char, shall we? It certainly has a special place in many Singaporeans’ hearts.

With so many food establishments offering various types of cuisine, I’ve curated the ultimate guide of 30 best restaurants in Singapore that you simply must tick off your list after scouting every nook and cranny of our island. So sit back, and keep scrolling— this isn’t one you’d want to miss.

Best restaurants in Singapore:

1. Odette

Headed by chef-owner Julien Royer, Odette is housed within the National Gallery which used to be the Supreme Court of Singapore. It’s one of the top restaurants in Asia which has received numerous awards including three Michelin stars.

Serving modern French cuisine, the restaurant uses top quality ingredients which are treated with utmost respect and dishes here are plated like a piece of art.

Odette offers only tasting menus and reservations are recommended to be made one month in advance— that’s how popular they are!

The lunch menu has three options: The 5-course Terre & Mer ($298++), the 5-course vegetarian Nature et Découverte (S$225++) and the 7-course Epicure (S$448++) (for the full Odette experience).

The two dinner menu options are the 7-course vegetarian Nature et Découverte (S$328++) and the 7-course non-vegetarian Epicure (S$448++).

1 St Andrew’s Road, National Gallery, #01-04, Singapore 178957
+65 6385 0498
Tue to Sat: 12pm – 1.15pm & 6.30pm – 8.15pm
Closed on Mon & Sun
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2. Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine

Awarded one Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Singapore (2017-2019, 2021), Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine located at the heart of Orchard Road hires the most experienced chefs to bring you the finest of Teochew delights.

They offer a spread of fresh seafood, marinated meats, and enticing desserts in their extensive menu. The Marinated Combination Three Kinds (S$34), Stewed Fish Maw and Sea Cucumber in Chicken Broth (S$22 per person) and Chilled Flower Crab (Seasonal Price) are just some of the recommended dishes to order.

2 Orchard Turn, ION Orchard, #03-05, Singapore 238801
+65 6736 2118
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm & 6pm – 9.30pm
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3. Bakalaki Greek Taverna

After occupying its old location at the Tiong Bahru district for the past five years, Bakalaki Greek Taverna has recently relocated to Martin Road. This Greek restaurant serves authentic Grecian cuisine and wines.

If you’re absolutely clueless about Greek cuisine, let me help you out here. Order the Htapodi ($36.90), which is a chargrilled Lithuanian octopus served with a sauce of lemon juice and olive oil.

Meat lovers will enjoy the Paidaikia (S$36.90), featuring seared lamb that’s baked to a tender medium-rare, served alongside crispy roasted potatoes and topped with a zesty lemon sauce.

Chope: Save 20% at Bakalaki Greek Taverna

38A Martin Road, #01-01, Singapore 239072
+65 6836 3688
Daily: 11.30am – 12am
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4. Keng Eng Kee Seafood (Alexandra Village)

When you think about zi char, Keng Eng Kee Seafood at Alexandra Village should be at the top of your mind. They originated from a stall in Old Havelock Road Hawker Centre back in the 1970s.

They’ve been awarded the Michelin Plate and the late Anthony Bourdain even patronised this place and highly-recommended them thereafter.

Some of the highly-recommended dishes include the Signature Moonlight Horfun (S$8.35 for small), Butter Cereal Prawns (Deshelled) (S$26.55 for small) and Coffee Pork Ribs (S$16.90 for small).

124 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-136, Singapore 150124
+65 6272 1038
Daily: 11am – 2pm & 5pm – 10pm
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5. Shoukouwa

Shoukouwa is the only two Michelin-starred sushi restaurant in Singapore, and it’s where you go if you’re looking to experience Edomae sushi at its finest.

With no more than eight seats at the counter, you can truly expect a once-in-a-lifetime experience here, where master Japanese chefs execute the art of fine sushi right in front of your eyes. Not to mention, at Shoukouwa, fish, seafood and produce are flown daily to Singapore from Tokyo’s famed Toyosu Market, ensuring what you get is truly fresh and authentic.

Shoukouwa’s omakase menus are one of the priciest, starting at S$320++ per person for its six-course Miyabi omakase lunch set, and goes up to S$650++ per person for its seven-course EN omakase dinner set.

1 Fullerton Road, One Fullerton, #02-02A, Singapore 049213
+65 6423 9939
Tue to Sat: 12.15pm – 3pm, 6pm – 8pm & 8.15pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 6pm – 8pm & 8.15pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Mon
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6. Restaurant Labyrinth

Restaurant Labyrinth is the world’s first new Singaporean one Michelin-starred restaurant. Chef-Owner LG Han reimagines Singapore food by supporting our local farmers, which makes up 90% of the menu— it mimics his childhood food memories from his grandma.

In their Lunch Tasting (S$158) menu, expect to see familiar dish names like Cereal Prawn and Bak Chor Mee which are reinvented and presented in new refreshing ways.

Chef LG Han pays homage to the famous hawker centre at Serangoon Gardens, with a dish called “Memories Of Chomp Chomp Hawker Centre”. It consists of a Hainanese pork satay, Orh Luak, Popiah and something called Pr “Atas” (which has black winter truffle)— what an imaginative and cool idea!

For location, contact number and opening hours, refer here.
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7. Candlenut

I visited Candlenut a long time ago before they earned their Michelin star, and I remember being blown away by how good their food was! They are the world’s first Peranakan restaurant to ever earn this prestigious award.

Serving up refined Straits-Chinese cuisine, Chef Malcolm Lee continues to elevate Peranakan dishes using the freshest seasonal ingredients available.

Indulge in their Taste Of Candlenut Lunch Set (S$98++ per pax), which includes three appetisers, a soup, five main courses and two desserts. Expect yummy innovative Peranakan favourites like Sweet Corn & Honey Pineapple Kerabu and Sotong Masak Nyonya (which is wild caught sugata baby squid with aromatic nyonya rempah, ginger flower, okra, starfruit and coriander)— talk about a party in your mouth!

17a Dempsey Road, Singapore 249676
+65 6486 1051
Daily: 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 10pm
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8. Thevar

Chef Manogren Murugan Thevar from Penang reigns over the kitchen of two Michelin-starred Thevar that’s located at Keong Saik Road. He wants us to have a taste of the massive potential Indian cuisine has to offer locals beyond just dosai and butter chicken. Don’t expect grandma’s recipes; his interpretation is experimental, modern and, at the very least, unexpected.

Thevar only offers a daily Chef’s Menu (S$238++), which is a reflection of Chef Mano’s culinary training and travels. The items on offer are just for reference and are changed every other day.

An example of a Chef’s Menu includes Heirloom Tomato Chaat, Prawn Balchao Pao, Crispy Pork Sambal Aioli, Irish Oyster Rassam Granita, Hokkaido Scallop – Sothi, Chettinad Duck Roti, Hibiscus Spiced Gujiya, Rack of Lamb – Korma, and Lamb Biryani.

For dessert, there’s Mango Sorbet with Jaggery Granita & Guava and Banana Misthi Doi.

The staff at Thevar will ask for your dietary restrictions the day before your booking so alternatives can be arranged, for example, for vegetarians.

9 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089117
+65 9750 8275
Tue to Sat: 5.30pm – 11pm
Closed on Mon & Sun
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9. Claudine

Claudine restaurant is the sister eatery of Odette, which is nestled within a 1930s colonial chapel located at Dempsey. This French neo-brasserie shines both in its exceptional food as well as its inviting atmosphere.

Claudine has a way of making even the simplest of ingredients look refined. The Organic Egg Persillade (S$28) consists of a garlic herb-infused parsley sauce served with a delicately poached egg, finished with a textural surprise of croutons and garlic foam.

Indulge in their mains like Whole Roasted Brittany Pigeon (S$48) or share a Claudine ‘Bouillabaisse’ (S$198).

39C Harding Road, Singapore 249541
+65  6265 2966
Tue to Sat: 11.45am – 2pm & 6pm – 9.30pm
Sun: 11.30am – 3.30pm
Closed on Mon
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10. Jaan By Kirk Westaway

Jaan By Kirk Westaway is a modern European-British restaurant perched on the highest floor of the iconic Swissôtel The Stamford— the views are to die for!

Enjoy what nature has to offer as Executive Chef Kirk Westaway presents a harmonious representation of quality ingredients in its menu that pays tribute to the various seasons and skills of the world’s best gourmet producers.

Feast on the 4 Course Lunch Menu (S$138) or Reinventing British Dinner Menu (S$318) (which consists of five dishes and a dessert course). Vegetarian options are also available. To see what’s on the menu, click here.

2 Stamford Road, Swissotel The Stamford, Level 70, Singapore 178882
+65 9199 9008
Tue to Sat: 11.45am – 2.30pm & 6.30pm – 10.45pm
Closed on Mon & Sun
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11. The Boiler (Howard Road)

Located at Howard Road, The Boiler is a restaurant that serves up fresh seafood known as seafood boil, together with robust impactful sauces which are infused with both local and western spices.

Bring your family and friends and share the Duo Bag (S$56), which consists of prawns, mussels, clams, smoked sausages, sweet pearl corns & buns. Select your desired sauce like garlic butter, peppa’ butter or sauce of the month and you’re all set to dig in!

If seafood isn’t your thing, don’t worry. They have other mains like Baby Back Ribs (S$16.90 for small, S$28.90 for large) and The Boiler’s Ultimate Burger (S$16.90) (only available for lunch).

18 Howard Road, Novelty Bizcentre, #01-06, Singapore 369585
+65  6635 1285
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5pm – 10.30pm
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12. Beng Thin Hoon Kee 茗珍奋记菜馆

Beng Thin Hoon Kee has been serving the Singapore community since 1949, offering authentic Fujian cuisine.

Some of the signature dishes I would recommend include Prawn Ball Ngo Hiang (from S$15.60), Oyster Omelette (from S$20) and Fujian Fried Noodles (from S$12).

If you’re looking for something refreshing and healthy, try the Beng Thin Duck Salad (from S$20). This appetiser has roast duck strips served on a bed of rockmelon, cucumber julienne and springy jellyfish.

16. Two Chefs Eating Place (Commonwealth)

Two Chefs Eating Place at Commonwealth is extremely popular and usually has long snaking queues formed outside the stall during peak hours and on the weekend. It has a variety of delicious zi char dishes in its extensive menu offering.

When you’re here, you’ve got to order the Butter Ribs (S$10 for small, S$14 for medium, S$18 for large). Its a dish of fried pork ribs sprinkled with condensed milk powder— simply divine!

Other recommended dishes include Golden Mushroom Beancurd (S$9 for small, S$12 for medium, S$15 for large) and Vegetable w/ Egg, Salted Egg & Century Egg (S$10 for small, S$12 for medium, S$16 for large).

116 Commonwealth Crescent, #01-129, Singapore 140116
+65 6472 5361
Daily: 11am – 2.15pm & 5pm – 10.15pm
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17. Esora

Nestled within a heritage shophouse on Mohamed Sultan Road, Esora is a modern Japanese fine dining kappo-style restaurant. What is kappo? Meaning “to cut and to cook”, it’s essentially a multi-course meal that is left entirely up to the chef.

Esora showcases modern Japanese cuisine guided by a harmony with nature. Here, the chefs are storytellers and every dish is an intimate tale of nostalgia, seasonality and sheer fanaticism.

The 9-Course Lunch (S$298) is only available on Thursdays while the 10-Course Dinner (S$338) runs from Wednesdays to Sundays. Tea, sake and wine pairings are available.

Reservations are open two months ahead on the 1st and 15th of every month, and table seatings are on a first come, first served basis— it’s a real challenge getting a table here, but oh so worth it.

Spago is located at Sands SkyPark at the top of Marina Bay Sands, which offers magnificent views of the city skyline and overlooks the famous infinity pool.

It is the first international branch of Wolfgang Puck’s renowned Beverly Hills restaurant that showcases an imaginative menu of Californian cuisine with global accents.

You can find certain starters with local touches such as “Kaya Toast” Foie Gras Terrine (S$28) and Chicken “Laksa” Spring Roll (S$22) (which is infused with calamansi, chilli padi and laksa leaf).

The Smoked Brisbane Valley Quail (S$48) features pomegranate-arugula pesto, pine nuts, fennel puree and natural jus— each bite will surely leave you craving for more.

20. Hua Ting Restaurant

Established in 1992, Hua Ting Restaurant at Orchard Hotel has raked up multiple awards for its timeless signatures, homemade dim sum and roasted delights.

It serves up authentic Cantonese cuisine in a sophisticated space and continues to create exquisite dishes that are redolent of tradition yet created with new generation diners in mind.

Some of the recommended dishes include Chilled Marinated 16-head South African Abalone, Japanese Sake (S$16 per pax), Golden Suckling Pig (Seasonal price), Hua Ting Signature Crispy Roasted Duck (S$48 for half, S$84 for whole) and Poached Dragon Tiger Garoupa Fillet, Salted Mustard Green (S$22 per pax).

442 Orchard Road, Orchard Hotel Singapore, Level 2, Singapore 238879
+65 6739 6666
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm & 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 2.30pm & 6pm – 10pm
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21. Makko Teck Neo

Makko Teck Neo is a hidden gem located at the quiet vicinity of Telok Blangah offering a variety of Peranakan cuisine. It has an outdoor seating area as well as indoors for those who prefer to dine in air-conditioned comfort. This place is my personal favourite haunt for Nyonya delights.

The food that’s served here tastes authentically like what my Nyonya grandmother would make at home. Be sure to order their Nyonya Kueh Pie Tee (S$13.90), Nyonya Mee Siam (S$6.50), Ayam Buah Keluak (S$18.90) and Chap Chye (S$14.90) (which is the closest tasting rendition to my grandmother’s recipe).

To end things off on a sweet note, do order their mouth-watering desserts like Kueh Salat Pandan (S$3 for 2 pieces) and Chendol (S$4.90).

Blk 35 Telok Blangah Rise, #01-303, Singapore 090035
+65 6275 1330
Daily: 10am – 9pm
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22. Esquina

Esquina is led by Barcelona-born head chef Carlos Montobbio, who has close to 15 years of culinary experience and has worked in multiple Michelin-starred restaurants in the past.

Inspired by his previous stints and travels around the world, he looks forward to showcasing his rendition of Spanish and Catalan cuisine.

Indulge in dishes such as Grilled Sucrine Lettuce (S$16), Mediterranean Prawn Paella (S$42) and Spanish Suckling Pig (S$52 for 500g, S$98 for 1kg) (which is served with rhubarb and apple chutney, mulled wine jus and garnished with shiso).

16 Jiak Chuan Road, Singapore 089267
+65 6222 1616
For location, contact number and opening hours, refer here.
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23. Unagi Tei Japanese Restaurant

Unagi Tei Japanese Restaurant was formerly known as “Man Man Unagi Japanese Restaurant”. They’re located at Keong Saik Road and have been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand.

Live eels are imported straight from Japan, chargrilled to perfection, and enrobed in a secret sauce. Their Hitsumabushi comes in different sizes and comes with freshly grilled unagi, rice, soup, pickles and spices. Choose Hitsumabushi (S$35) or Large Hitsumabushi (S$46) or Double Layer Large Hitsumabushi (S$82.30).

If unagi isn’t your cup of tea, they also offer Wagyu Hitsumabushi (S$27.50).

1 Keong Saik Road, #01-01, Singapore 089109
+65 6222 0678
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.25pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Sun
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24. Artemis Grill & Sky Bar

With panoramic views of the illustrious Singapore Marina Bay skyline from the 40th floor of CapitaGreen, Artemis Grill & Sky Bar showcases Mediterranean cuisine at its finest. The menu includes a selection of seasonal local vegetables, traditional grains and legumes, fresh seafood and grilled meats.

Order starters from their à la carte menu (lunch and dinner) such as Scallop & Hamachi Tartare (S$35), and Fremantle Octopus (S$32). Be blown away by their choices of main courses like the Moroccan Lamb Chops (S$48 for lunch) and Beef Tenderloin (S$74) (which features a 200g grain-fed steak, maitake mushrooms, red wine shallot jam, crispy leeks and black pepper jus).

To complete your meal with a sweet finish, their Sticky Date Cake (S$18) or Dark Chocolate & Caramel Torte (S$18) will do just the trick!

For location, contact number and opening hours, refer here.
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25. The Boneless Kitchen

The Boneless Kitchen is a social enterprise which offers an interesting plant-based dining experience inspired by Korean cuisine since 2014. They hire people with special needs in their team to allow them to build up their characters and it’s not all about business— this is something we should all learn from.

Dishes such as the Soondubu Jjigae (S$14) with extra smooth tofu and thick flavourful broth; handmade Kimchi Mandu (S$10) with over 15 ingredients wrapped to create a bomb; or the colourful mouth-watering Kimbap (S$11) could have you laying off meat altogether.

1 Irving Place, Commerze @ Irving, #01-31, Singapore 369546
+65 8457 6464
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 8.30pm
Closed on Mon
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26. Yang Ming Seafood (Ubi)

Yang Ming Seafood specialises in seafood dishes as well as other zi char delights at Ubi. They have a towering display of seafood tanks where you can pick your own live seafood— how exciting!

Specialty items like Pig’s Stomach Chicken Soup, Birthday Noodles and Andrew Lobster need to be pre-ordered beforehand— you’ll need to order early to avoid disappointment!

Some of their recommended dishes include Wasabi Prawn Meat (S$22 for small, S$30 for medium, S$40 for large), Nyonya Sotong (S$20 for small, S$28 for medium, S$35 for large) and Marble Goby with Bean Sauce (Seasonal Price).

71 Ubi Crescent, Excalibur Centre, Singapore 408571
+65 8028 2230
Mon & Sun: 11am – 2pm & 4.30pm – 10.30pm
Tue to Sat: 11am – 2.30pm & 4.30pm – 10.30pm
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27. Enjoy Eating House & Bar (Stevens)

Owner and Head Chef Joel Ong stays true to his roots by reinventing Singaporean food with unique twists at Enjoy Eating House & Bar located at Mercure/Novotel Singapore on Stevens Road.

Some special dishes that you’ll be able to find include Ugly Cabbage In Fish Sauce (S$13), Classic Yu Sheng Ceviche (S$18) and Grandma’s Te Kah Bee Hoon (S$14 for small, S$34 for large) (tender braised pig trotter wok-fried with rice vermicelli, a secret recipe passed down from Chef Joel’s Grandma).

30 Stevens Road, #01-07, Singapore 257840
+65 8511 1478
Daily: 11am – 11pm
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28. Perch

Perch is an all-day casual dining establishment located at Jewel Changi Airport. Their menu features an infusion of Asian and Western flavours presented in a modern way.

Take for example, their Prawn Paste Chicken Wing (S$15). It is served with a blue cheese dip as opposed to normal sambal chilli.

The Unagi Slider “Bao” (S$14) uses Chinese buns instead of burger buns for the sliders, served with horseradish mayonnaise and chive sticks.

If you’re a pasta lover, the Boston Lobster Coconut Laksa (S$48) and Tiger Prawn & Sakura Ebi Capellini (S$26) are highly recommended.

Chope: Save 10% at Perch

78 Airport Boulevard, Jewel Changi Airport, #02-244/245, Singapore 819666
+65 6243 6052
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
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29. Samy’s Curry

Situated at Dempsey Road, Samy’s Curry is the oldest and most authentic South Indian restaurant specialising in its signature Fish Head Curry and other Indian dishes that are undiluted and original to its taste for the past 50 years.

No visit to Samy’s Curry is complete without ordering Samy’s Fish Head Curry (S$25 for small, S$30 for medium, S$35 for large). Just note that the small option is good enough for two persons, and is perfect for sharing!

There are many other delicious dishes like Black Squid (S$15), Cauliflower 65 (S$12) and Butter Chicken (S$15) (a crowd favourite, and mine too)!

25 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249670
+65 6472 2080
Wed to Mon: 11am – 3pm & 6pm – 10pm
Closed on Tue
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30. Cloudstreet

Cloudstreet is a two Michelin star restaurant helmed by Chef Rishi Naleendra, located at Amoy Street. The food menu over here constantly changes depending on the seasonality of ingredients which demonstrates their rendition of contemporary dining.

Lunch is served only on Fridays offering a 6-Course Tasting Menu (S$228++) and Saturdays with their 8-Course Tasting Menu (S$358++).

An 8-Course Dinner Tasting Menu (S$358++) is offered from Tuesdays To Saturdays. For a complete culinary experience, they recommend at least 2.5 hours for each tasting seating.

84 Amoy Street, Singapore 069903
+65 6513 7868
Tue to Thu: 6.30pm – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm & 6.30pm – 9pm
Closed on Mon & Sun
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