22 best restaurants in Singapore you need to cross off your list [Sep 2026]

If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Singapore to try out, we’ve got you covered. What’s on your personal checklist when deciding if a restaurant is truly great? Is it the number of Michelin stars on the door, the precision of flavour and plating, the warmth of the service, or the overall vibe? The list could go on forever…

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. Besides food quality, taste and presentation, the restaurant must also have a comfortable ambience and offer great service to their customers.

With so many food establishments offering various types of cuisine, I’ve curated the ultimate guide of the 22 best restaurants in Singapore that you simply must tick off your list. So sit back, and keep scrolling— this isn’t one you’d want to miss out! 

 —Premium restaurants—

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 and has received numerous awards including 3 Michelin stars in the MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2026. Serving modern French cuisine with subtle hints of Asian flair, 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 accepted up to 60 days in advance. It’s recommended that you make bookings one month in advance — that’s how popular they are!

There are 2 lunch menus: Terre & Mer (S$328++) and Indulgence (S$428++) (for the full Odette experience). For dinner, the 2 menu options are the vegetarian Nature & Découverte (S$398++) and non-vegetarian Epicure (S$498++). You’ll find dishes like Trombetta Zucchini which showcases different textures of zucchini — a zucchini slice, a fried zucchini flower tempura stuffed with farci. I’m no wine pro like my boss, so thankfully, the in-house sommeliers are there to guide people like me from making questionable wine choices and educate us on what pairs best with our meal.

2. NAE:UM

If you’re wondering what to expect when you step into NAE:UM, well, it’s a restaurant dishing out contemporary Seoul cuisine where modern Western and Korean heritage flavours intertwine with each other. Each menu is like an episode in a mini-series, showcasing a different storytelling and inspiration for Chef Louis Han, who was born and bred in Gangnam, a Seoul district.

As of Sep 2026, the restaurant is serving Five Years, Signature (S$288++), where customers are invited to experience an evolving voyage through scrumptious dishes, filled with memories from the past 5 years that inspired their cooking style. You’ll discover exquisite specials like Jetbang–Eo featuring rolled-up amberjack slices atop a see-through cauliflower terrine, served with a refreshing lemon chojang. Abalone fans like me can look forward to the Jeonbok, a Jeju abalone dish paired with seaweed vinaigrette and pine nuts.

To reserve a table, click here.

Price range: S$198++–S$288++

Best for: Contemporary Korean dining

161 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068615
+65 8830 5016
Mon to Wed: 6pm – 10.30pm
Thu to Sat: 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Sun
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3. 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. The menu is refined daily, ensuring that customers experience a fresh and unique culinary adventure with each visit. The beverage lineup features over 400 wine labels, expert pairings, and a thoughtful selection of non-alcoholic options for non-alcoholics like yours truly.

Thevar only offers a daily Thevar Experience Menu (S$298++) which takes about 2.5 hours. It offers a diverse lineup of seafood, veggies, a few meat dishes, and irresistible desserts, which, in my opinion, is well worth the price. To read more about our experience, click here.

Indian food enthusiasts like me can look forward to an array of interesting dishes like Carrot Halwa, Ghee Roasted Aomori Scallop, Bamboo Dosai, and Blue Lobster. Figs are usually served as a side for an appetiser or dessert, so never in a million years would I expect Chef Mano to feature it as the main affair for his Fig Chaat. There’s also exquisite desserts for a perfect ending to your meal. The staff at Thevar will ask for your dietary restrictions the day before your booking so alternatives can be arranged, for example, for vegetarians.

To make a reservation, click here.

Price range: S$228++–S$298++

Best for: Modern Indian cuisine

9 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 238965
+65 9750 8275
Mon to Thu: 5.45pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 3pm & 5.45pm – 11pm
Closed on Sun
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4. Restaurant Born

Housed in the historic Jinrikisha Station at Neil Road, 1 Michelin star Restaurant Born is helmed by Chef Zor Tan who proudly displays his own individual style of contemporary cuisine, bringing together the subtlety of French gastronomy with a rich knowledge of Chinese ingredients and tastes. The flavours are robust yet familiar, with each dish representing Chef Zor’s ‘best life’.

Through the dinner menu, Chef Tan imparts his story through his culinary masterpieces as guests embark on a gastronomic voyage. The Chef’s Menu (S$368++) features a multi-course seasonal menu. There’s also a 5-course Lunch Menu (S$228++) that’s available every Friday. Some highlights that entice me include the Opposite Ends that showcases a dual take on a bun where Chef Tan harmonises the version he tried at a restaurant in Spain with his mum’s oyster cake — how interesting is that? There’s also a dessert named Doraemon which represents his beloved childhood cartoon, where sweet potato was a favourite snack of one of the characters.

To make a reservation, click here.

Price range: S$228++–S$368++

Best for: Contemporary French-Chinese cuisine

1 Neil Road, Jinrikisha Station, #01-01, Singapore 088804
+65 9270 8718
Tue to Thu & Sat: 6pm – 11pm
Fri: 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 11pm
Closed on Mon & Sun
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5. Sushi Masa by Ki-setsu

Find yourself getting bored of traditional omakase spots? Then let Sushi Masa by Ki-setsu, a quiet 8-seater spot tucked away on level 6 of Cuppage Plaza amaze you.

With just a single dinner session, Chef Masa is a stalwart who spent the past 16 years working in Tokyo and the United States, cultivating his craft in multiple restaurants. His unorthodox approach is rooted in tradition but fuelled by innovation — he even reimagines beloved Singaporean dishes with his own signature flair. From start to finish, I experienced a different style of omakase that sets it apart from other traditional places.

Customers can choose from 3 of its winter seasonal menu options, where each one of them embarks you on an exciting journey:

• 16+ course Fuyuzakura 冬桜 (S$230+)
• 18+ course Yukiwari Ichige 雪割一華 (S$320+) (requires a 3-day notice)
• 22+ course Hiseki 秘蹟 – “The Hidden World” (S$680+) (requires a week’s notice)

Some standout dishes include the Homemade Fried Uri–ne (Lilybulb) Tofu dish that’s topped with luxurious uni and served with marinated winter spinach from Toji prefecture. I also loved the compressed deep-fried sushi rice dish that was served with dried mullet roe in a light stock, which Chef Masa interpreted after trying pao fan on one of his lunch runs.

Another favourite of mine was the monaka (shell-shaped wafer) ‘burger’ that was filled with a mixture of chopped sweet onions and raw otoro and chutoro, together with sea urchin, house-made shiso pesto, and fermented chilli sauce. In between the courses, Chef Masa inserts the usual sushi courses, too.

To make a reservation, click here.

Price range: S$230++–S$680+

Best for: Innovative omakase

5 Koek Road, Cuppage Plaza, #06-03, Singapore 228796
+65 9752 5851
Tue to Sat: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Sun & Mon
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6. Zén

Dining at 3 Michelin star restaurant Zén isn’t a cheap affair. The lunch menu will set you back S$450++ per guest with supplementary courses available. As for dinner, it’s a fixed menu which costs S$620++ per pax. Pricey? Absolutely. Is it worth it? Without a doubt. Brace yourself for a dining experience that’ll knock your socks off, from start to finish!

What’s interesting to me is that guests won’t just sit at the same spot for the entire meal. Instead, the meal unfolds across different floors and ends on the rooftop, with each level having its own distinct ambience and decor. Although the dinner menu takes about 4 hours, the restaurant paces the timings really well, ensuring that guests enjoy the thoughtfully curated journey.

The cuisine is influenced by Nordic cuisine with splashes of Japanese elegance. Notable dishes include the Grilled Scallop with Foie Gras, Fermented Kampot Pepper and Blackcurrant, and the A4 Yukimoro Wagyu. I’m surprised to see carrots served for dessert courses like the Salted Carrot Ice Cream that’s paired with hoshigaki, mikan, and Jin Xuan oolong.

To experience it yourself, click here.

Price range: S$450++–S$620++

Best for: Multi-course fine dining

41 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089855
+65 6534 8880
Tue to Fri: 12pm – 5pm & 7pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Sat to Mon
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7. Restaurant Labyrinth 

Restaurant Labyrinth is the world’s first new Singaporean one Michelin-starred restaurant and its #40 on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list! 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. As a local, I’m proud to see our cuisine getting recognised.

In the Lunch Tasting (S$208++) menu which takes about 2.5 hours, Chef LG Han pays homage to local favourites. Dishes and ingredients that I normally encounter at hawker centres get a refined take, such as Sup Tulang with Oxtail Mandu, Prata w/ Lamb & Raita, and Gambero Rosso w/ Egg Noodles. You can also maximise the indulgence by adding-on Chef Han’s “My First Chilli Crab v2014” for an additional S$32++. Then, sweeten your palate with desserts including Lychee with Japanese White Peach and Kueh ‘Banana’lu. For those who want the full-on experience, there’s also a 3-hour Chef’s Tasting Menu (S$288++) available.

To reserve a table, click here.

Price range: S$208++–S$288++

Best for: Modern Singaporean cuisine

8 Raffles Avenue, Esplanade Mall, #02-23, Singapore 039802
Wed & Thu: 6.30pm – 11pm
Fri to Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm & 6.30pm – 11pm
Closed on Mon & Tue
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8. Meta 

Meta is short for metamorphosis, which represents the one Michelin-starred establishment’s evolutionary approach to the menu by its culinary team in this ever-changing F&B industry. Led by Chef Sun Kim who combines his Korean heritage, Japanese culinary touches, and Western culinary training, Meta models his East-meets-West mantra, incorporating a variety of native and seasonal produce.

The Lunch Menu (S$248++) is only available on Fridays and Saturdays while the Dinner Menu (S$328++) is a more luxurious affair. Your everyday breakfast item like the Tuna Sandwich gets an opulent upgrade, boasting tuna loin, egg yolk jelly, and ginger. I’m a sucker for seafood and will probably enjoy the Scallop Marinated in Aged Jang and Olive Oil, Chamnamul and Chives, Wasabi Cream, Pickled Radish, Lime Zest and Caviar. You can also find desserts like the Buckwheat, which consists of a light and malty injeolmi mousse with buckwheat ice cream, topped with rich doenjang caramel.

Click here to make a reservation.

Price range: S$248++–S$328++

Best for: Korean-Japanese-Western cuisine

9 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 238959
+65 9233 9721
Mon to Thu: 6pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 11pm
Closed on Sun
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9. Seroja

Chef Kevin Wong of Seroja at Duo Galleria pays homage to the flavours of his hometown in Klang, Malaysia, bringing a taste of the Malay Archipelago to your plate. His dishes are spiced up with local herbs and spices, adding a deliciously quirky twist to your dining experience. Western fare is so widely featured in fine dining, and I’m just glad that restaurants like Seroja which feature local Asian food finally get their time in the spotlight.

Dine there on Fridays or Saturdays for the 10-course Kuntum Menu (S$218++) for lunch. Since tangy and spicy foods are up my alley, I’m glad that creations like Marinated Spot Prawn with Asam Pedas Sauce are available on the menu. To add to your seafood indulgence, savour the Silver Pomfret & Jade Abalone with Roasted Fish Bone Sauce. Treat yourself to the 11-course Nusantara Menu (S$288++) with dishes like handmade Betel Leaf Noodle in Ulam Dressing & Mudcrab and Duck Percik from Bidor with Rawon Sauce.

Click here to book.

Price range: S$218++–S$288++

Best for: Malay Archipelago cuisine

7 Fraser Street, Duo Galleria, #01-30/31/32/33, Singapore 189356
+65 8522 2926
Tue to Thu: 6pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm & 6pm – 11pm
Closed on Mon & Sun
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—Mid-tier restaurants—

10. Jin Ting Wan

Jin Ting Wan at Marina Bay Sands may be a fairly-new Cantonese restaurant in Singapore, but it has already received 1 Michelin star. Executive Chef Albert Li cleverly combines haute cuisine practices, expert wok handling, and artistic Chinese food presentation to create delicious and beautiful specialities.

I was mesmerised by the intricately-sculpted Marinated Chrysanthemum Jelly Fish with Aged Black Vinegar and Cucumber (S$38++). The premium jellyfish is gently acidic and subtly sweet, marinated in Zhejiang black vinegar, crafted from glutinous rice, and Shanxi aged vinegar for a perfect appetiser.

Dim sum lovers can relish in over 30 selections. I loved the Crispy Taro Croquette with Fresh Shrimp (S$15++) which combines the creamy earthiness of yam with sweet shrimp, all encased in a crunchy golden-brown crust. Be sure to order the Radish Puff with Chinese Ham in Handbag Shape (S$15++) — a Jin Ting Wan signature! Crowned with white sesame seeds, the flaky puff is crispy yet light, stuffed with radish and Chinese ham.

The Angus Short Rib with Preserved Vegetable Wrapped in Straw (S$78/S$138) draws inspiration from the traditional mei cai kou rou. The tender angus short rib is delightfully beefy and pairs beautifully with the Guangdong mustard greens and perfectly balanced sauce. Tea sommelier, Zhao Gang takes the dining experience to the next level with over 80 varieties of tea. Savour Wuyi Rock Tea or Flower Tea Blends, just to name a few.

To reserve a table, click here.

Price range: S$60++–S$220++

Best for: Dim sum and Cantonese dining

10 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay Sands Level 55, Tower 1, Singapore 018956
+65 6688 9969
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 9.30pm
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11. 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 at 17a Dempsey Road, Chef Malcolm Lee continues to elevate Peranakan dishes using the freshest seasonal ingredients available.

Feast on the ‘Ah–Ma–Kase‘ (S$108++ for lunch, S$138++ for dinner), a quirky twist to the Japanese word ‘Omakase‘. Get started with a series of small bites like Kueh Pie Tee with Boston lobster & Yeye’s Curry and Fried Shishamo with Tempra Sauce. My Nyoya grandmother regularly prepared Bakwan Kepiting Soup in the past, and the version here is served with tofu puffs, chicken and crab tofu balls, all doused in a rich, 4-hour boiled chicken broth. You’ll get to feast on main courses like Kerabu Bihun, Nyonya Fish, and Babi Pongteh. Then end your meal on a sweet note with desserts like Pulut Hitam and Taro Sesame Ball.

To make a reservation, click here.

Price range: S$108++–S$138++

Best for: Refined Peranakan cuisine

17a Dempsey Road, Singapore 249676
1800 304 2288
Daily: 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 10pm
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12. Fu Yuan Teochew Dining

Fu Yuan Teochew Dining at Clarke Quay and Greenwood Avenue retains the essence of traditional Teochew recipes while throwing in subtle modern twists. Whether you’re craving live seafood, handmade dim sum, Teochew dishes or marinated raw crabs, you can check all the boxes at this establishment.

The dim sum chef hails from Chaoshan in Guangdong, China and possesses over 20 years of experience. I absolutely adore the Steamed Mushroom Dumpling (S$8.80++ for 3 pieces) which has meat, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and green beans stuffed in a translucent crystal skin. It was chewy with varying textures and my mouth exploded with an earthy mushroom flavour and a light hint of truffle.

Other options that we loved include the Steamed Pork Dumpling ‘Siew Mai‘ with Tobiko (S$9.80++ for 4 pieces),  Deep-fried Sweet Potato Sesame Ball with Salted Egg Yolk (S$8.80++ for 3 pieces), and Steamed Black Truffle ‘Char Siew‘ Bun (S$18.80++ for 3 pieces). I really loved the marinated Raw Roe Crab (S$88++) here. It’s tender and garlicky, complemented by the savoury-sweet marinade and white wine. For mains, I personally recommend the Wok-Fried Preserved Radish ‘Hor Fun‘ (S$28++/S$56++) which had good wok hei and flavour. If you’re dining in a group of 6, the Double-Boiled Salted Vegetable Pig’s Stomach Soup Stuffed with French Poulet (S$108++) is a must-order!

To make reservations, click on the respective links: Clarke Quay | Greenwood

Price range: S$30++-S$90++

Best for: Teochew dining and dim sum

24 Greenwood Avenue, Singapore 289221
+65 8980 2424
Daily: 11am – 3pm & 5.30pm – 10.30pm

3A River Valley Road, Clarke Quay, #01-01C/01D, Singapore 179020
+65 8802 0101
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm & 5.30pm – 11pm
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13. Liora

Seeking a modern dining spot? Liora at Clarke Quay is beautiful, evocative, and perfect for romantic dates, celebrations and hosting. Led by Head Chef Kenny, the kitchen team is energetic and has over 10 years of culinary expertise. The menu features reimagined Korean flavours using European techniques, complemented by wood-fired meats and house-made ferments.

We loved how refreshing and tangy the “Mulhwae” (S$36++) was, featuring slices of hiramasa (yellowtail) paired with omija ponzu, cucamelon slices, pine nuts, and kombu oil. Trust me when I say that the Liora’s Brioche (S$18++) holds the record for being one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. Fluffy and buttery without being oily, the flower-shaped bread, paired with the luxurious charred spring onion butter, sent me into culinary euphoria.

Our other favourite dishes include the Burnt Onion (S$28++), Jeju Abalone Risoni (S$32++), and Wagyu Cube Roll MB 4/5 Steak (S$68++ per 100g). For dessert, the chewy texture of the Tteok (S$20++) paired beautifully with the charred banana and tofu ice cream.

Make a reservation at Liora and come experience it by yourself.

Price range: S$30++–S$100++

Best for: Modern dining and celebrations

3B River Valley Road, #01-09 , Singapore 179021
+65 8989 0109
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 11pm 
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14. Gotti Italiano

Gotti Italiano at Telok Ayer is an Italian restaurant that’s named after a notorious former head of the New York Sicilian mafia — John Gotti. The establishment is headed by newly-appointed Executive Chef Alessandro Giustetti. You can expect legit Italian food using fresh, seasonal ingredients and flavours derived from recipes that have been elevated over time. Swoon over the luxurious and sultry appeal of the interior, where everything from the carpets to the furniture to the lighting harmonises in perfect unison.

The Guanciale di Manzo (S$36++) should be the first thing you order from the menu. The wagyu beef cheek ragu is cooked for 12 hours before a dash of red wine is added, which explains the luxurious, melt-in-the-mouth texture when we ate it with the fusilli.

Craving the cheesy pull of pizza? Then allow the Diavola (S$36++) to knock your socks off. It features a fluffy dough base that takes 36 hours to prepare. It’s then crowned with Bufala mozzarella, homemade chilli sauce, spicy spianata pork sausage, chilli caviar and riviera olives — we really loved how fiery the pizza was. I always love a sweet ending to my meal and the classic Tiramisu (S$18++) was perfect. It’s crafted from a mixture of Mascarpone Cream Cheese, Savioardi Biscuit and Amaretto.

Price range: S$28++–S$72++

Best for: Authentic Italian fare

78 Amoy Street, Singapore 069897
+65 6485 9154
Mon, Tue & Thu: 11.30am – 3pm & 6pm – 11pm
Wed & Fri: 11.30am – 3pm & 6pm – 1am
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 4pm & 6pm – 11am
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15. Spago Dining Room

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’s the first international branch of Wolfgang Puck’s renowned Beverly Hills restaurant that showcases an imaginative menu of Californian cuisine with global accents and signature dishes reflecting an East‑meets‑West character.

From the dinner a la carte selections, I spotted a few of my favourite local delights which were showcased in certain dishes such as the “Kaya Toast” Seared Foie Gras Terrine (S$36++). There’s also the Pan Seared Spotted Grouper “Laksa” (S$46) that’s infused with calamansi and fresh local herbs. For dessert, you can indulge in Peranakan Inspired Keluak-Coconut Coffee (S$16++) or Valrhona Chocolate Tart (S$24++).

To reserve a table, click here.

Price range: S$79++–S$150++

Best for: Skyline views and Californian cuisine

16. Comida Mexicana Singapore

Originally known as Margarita’s East Coast back in 1996, the establishment has taken on a new identity — Comida Mexicana Singapore. Situated at 404 East Coast Road, the restaurant serves legit Mexican fare using ingredients directly imported from Mexico. The menu spans appetisers, tortilla dishes, traditional Mexican favourites, various accompaniments, and delightful desserts.

For someone that loves nachos, the Guacamole & Chips (S$19++) and Baked Cheese Nachos (S$24++) got me excited. If I’m dining with friends, Baked Crab Enchiladas (S$42) or Chicken Burrito with Green Tomatillo Sauce (S$28+) are excellent dishes for sharing. If you have additional stomach space, feast on a light Beef Taco Salad (S$23++), Shrimp Fajitas (S$42++) or pulled pork Carnitas (S$34++). Then conclude your meal with tantalising desserts such as the Churros (S$18++) and Kahlua Tiramisu (S$18++).

To make reservations, click here.

Price range: S$40++–S$80+

Best for: Mexican cuisine

404 East Coast Road, Singapore 428998
+65 6471 3228
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
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17. Artemis Grill & Sky Bar

Perched on the 40th floor of CapitaGreen, Artemis Grill & Sky Bar is an excellent place for family or date nights. The restaurant offers panoramic views of the illustrious Singapore Marina Bay skyline with the opportunity to catch the MBS light show (if you’re dining at the right time) from right above — perfect for scenophiles like myself. The menu showcases Mediterranean cuisine at its finest which includes a selection of seasonal local vegetables, traditional grains and legumes, fresh seafood and grilled meats.

With the weather getting excruciatingly hot these days, I’ll be looking forward to the refreshing Chilled Tomato Soup (S$30++). Be blown away by their choices of main courses like the Iberico Pork Loin (S$48++ for lunch and dinner) that comes with vadouvan carrot puree, hispi cabbage, and pancetta jus. There’s also the Black Cod (S$66++), complemented with crushed potato, wilted spinach, dill, and yoghurt veloute. The desserts — Sticky Date Cake (S$18++) and Coconut Rice Pudding (S$18++) are also up my flavour wheel. You can also expect warm and sincere service with lots of smiles from the service crew.

Click here to reserve a table.

Price range: S$40++–S$150++

Best for: Mediterranean dining with views

138 Market Street, CapitaGreen, #40-01, Singapore 048946
+65 9850 7954
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 10pm
Sat: 6pm – 10pm
Closed on Sun
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18. Bakalaki Greek Taverna 

If Grecian cuisine, wines, and beers light up your universe, then swing by Bakalaki Greek Taverna at 38A Martin Road for true-blue Greek cuisine. This Mediterranean spot imports only the best produce from regional suppliers and uses traditional ingredients that are sourced from authentic Greek merchants. The atmosphere here is vibrant and lively, with some customers exclaiming that it reminds them of Athens.

Clueless about Greek cuisine? Don’t worry, the friendly and professional staff are there to help you out. The chargrilled Htapodi ($39.90++) is a must-order whenever you’re dining at Bakalaki Greek Taverna. This Lithunanian octopus dish is tender, smoky and delicious, served with lemon and olive oil. Meat lovers will enjoy the Paidaikia (S$39.90++), featuring seared lamb chops that are marinated with rosemary and oregano, served with oven-baked potatoes. For a sweet treat, I spotted my beloved dessert — the Baklava (S$16.90++). The filo pastry is flaky and served with walnuts, cinnamon, cloves, and Greek honey syrup.

Price range: S$40++–S$75++

Best for: Authentic Greek cuisine

Chope: Save 20% at Bakalaki Greek Taverna

38A Martin Road, #01-01, Singapore 239072
+65 9732 2299
Daily: 11.30am – 12am
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19. Whole Earth

Whole Earth at 76 Peck Seah Street is Singapore’s only plant-based MICHELIN Bib Gourmand restaurant for 10 consecutive years, serving stunning Peranakan-Thai cuisine. Since Peranakan and Thai Cuisines are defined by an intense blend of herbs and aromatic spices, the founder fused them to craft a harmonious dance of flavours. The recipes from a Peranakan family are authentic and have been preserved and passed down for decades. I didn’t think much of plant-based dishes until I gave this restaurant a try.

One of my favourite dishes here is the Penang Rendang (S$28++). I loved the complex blend of Peranakan herbs and spices that goes into the house-made sambal chilli secret sauce that’s used to marinate the shiitake mushrooms. The gravy was robust and aromatic — one bite and I was hooked!

Another dish that never disappoints is the Thai Sweet & Sour Delight (S$24++). It features plant-based soy nuggets that’s fried till crispy and tossed in a zesty sauce. For those familiar with the classic sweet and sour pork dish that’s usually found at zi char places , you’ll be surprised with this plant-based version — it surpassed my expectations.

Click here to reserve.

Price range: S$30++–S$60++

Best for: Plant-based Peranakan-Thai cuisine

76 Peck Seah Street, Singapore 079331
+65 6221 6583 (call / WhatsApp)
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm & 5.30pm – 10pm
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—Casual dining restaurants—

20. Tombok Tombok

Tucked away inside Kaki Bukit Community Club at Bedok North Street 3 is a modern Penang-style Peranakan restaurant called Tombok Tombok. Chef-owner, Terence Chuah wanted to reconnect with his ancestral roots and opened his first Peranakan venture even though his forte is Western cuisine. I’ve been quite a regular customer at this spot and I’m a fan of their Nyonya dishes.

If you’re a fan of fried chicken wings, the Tombok Fried Chicken Wings (S$12.10++ for 3 pieces) are a must-try! Its crispy and flawlessly marinated in Asian spices. One of my favourite dishes is the Ayam Buah Keluak Fried Rice (S$17.30++), served with fried egg, shredded chicken, achar, and a pair of chicken satay.  Traditionalists will adore the Ayam Buah Keluak (S$28.80++) and Nonya Chap Chye (S$15.50++). For dessert, durian lovers must savour the Durian Glutinous Pengat (S$8.60++). There’s also the Bubur Terigu (S$4.40++), Nonya Chendol ($5.20++), and Bubur Cha Cha (S$4.40++).

21. Estuary Restaurant & Bar

Estuary Restaurant & Bar at 9 Penang Road has gradually evolved from a specialty restaurant known for its dry-aged fish at its former Palais Renaissance location into a more well-rounded casual dining destination, serving everything from seafood and grilled dishes to drinks.

The restaurant serves up Signature Fish & Chips (S$28) during lunch and brunch, which is said to be the best in town. I’ve tried the Charred Cabbage (S$14) that’s paired with herb cheese and chilli crisps and boy, who knew that a cabbage dish can be executed so well? The creaminess of the herb cheese paired perfectly with the crunchy, fiery chilli bits.

Love oysters? I’ve tried the oysters at Estuary Restaurant & Bar and they are briny, sweet and fresh. Oh, they are also available practically the whole day — from 11am till closing daily. If you’re dining before 7.30pm, you can purchase them at just S$4 per piece (min. 6). However, if you missed that time window, fret not. You can still indulge in the oysters at S$7 per piece, with no minimum order. Meat lovers will enjoy the Sakura Pork Chop (S$39) with fennel pollen and grape agrodolce. For dessert, the Dark Rum Tiramisu (S$19) is a must-have!

Price range: S$30++–S$100++

Best for: Casual seafood and grill

9 Penang Road, #01-08/09, Singapore 238459
+65 9361 2328
Sun to Wed: 7.30am – 10pm
Thu to Sat: 7.30am – 11pm
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22. Samy’s Curry Restaurant

Situated at Dempsey Road, Samy’s Curry Restaurant is the oldest and most authentic South Indian spot specialising in its signature Fish Head Curry and other Indian dishes that are undiluted and original to its taste for the past 52 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). It’s fresh, firm and delicious, bathed in the spiced, fragrant curry. Pair it with a bowl (or two) of plain rice and it’s good enough for a hearty meal. 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), Fried Fish (S$5.50 per piece) and Butter Chicken (S$15) (a crowd favourite, and mine too)!

Price range: S$20++–S$35

Best for: South Indian classics

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