There’s no shortage of unique dining experiences in Singapore, especially when you can choose to dine with a stunning view of her beautiful skyline or even decide to put your senses to the test by dining in the dark. To be fair, those ideas may solely be saved for very special dates. However, that doesn’t mean ambience isn’t of the utmost importance when dining out.
For those who truly appreciate the importance of ambience, you’ll want to check our seven recommendations for unique concept restaurants that’ll make your next meal irresistibly Insta-worthy!
1. Sushi Airways
Unbeknownst to many who plough the Kampong Glam district, there’s exceptional Japanese cuisine to be had at Sushi Airways. Specifically is their Omakase (from S$150 per person), which features about eight to ten courses, depending on what the chef’s fancy is that day.
Climb up to the second story of the refurbished shophouse and you’ll find yourself in a cosy aeroplane-themed dining space that’s decked out in steel, rivets and even adorable plane windows that you can peek out of. Some highlights of the omakase would be Scallop Sashimi, Three Cuts Of Otoro Sashimi, and Oyster In Ponzu Jelly.
For those more inclined to a la carte dishes, don’t miss out on their Premium Assorted Sushi Platter (S$59), Double Shake Roll (S$29) and especially their Ebi Maki (S$35). Don’t be fooled by its rather hidden location; this gem of a find will have you reeling from an unforgettable meal!
Expected damage: S$50 – S$220 per pax
Sushi Airways: 20A Baghdad Street, Singapore 199659 | Tel: +65 6291 1151 | Opening hours: 11.45am – 2.30pm & 5.45pm – 9.45pm (Mon to Thurs), 11.45am – 2.30pm & 5.45pm – 10pm (Fri & Sat), 11.45am – 2.30pm & 5.45pm – 9.45pm (Sun) | Website | Facebook | Instagram
Use our promo code 1000SETHLUI (valid till 30 Nov 2019, once per user only) to earn 1000 Quandoo loyalty points, which can be redeemed for a S$15 cashback directly into your bank account during your next successful reservation.
Make your reservation via the Quandoo website or on the Quandoo app.
2. Kava Bistro
Picture yourself having a nice cuppa in the middle of the day and you notice a literal dark shadow looming above you, before quickly disappearing? You look up and realise you’ve been sitting below a bottom glass pool — complete with people swimming in it.
That’s the treat you’ll get when dining at Kava Bistro. I’m sure many will get cheeky thoughts running through their minds, but I’d like to think it’s a smart way to allow natural sunlight to pour in from the ceiling, especially when the place is restricted by its layout.
This halal bistro serves up sizeable portions of Western fare, like their Fish & Chips (S$18) and Kava Jawbreaker (S$22). Both dishes were impressive in size, although I would recommend the former more, as the batter was incredibly crispy without being greasy. Also, the fish was flaky and moist.
The burger was sufficient for almost three relatively hungry diners, but sadly fell flat in flavour. It looked so mouth-wateringly exquisite, so the let-down was admittedly harsh. I would say, it’s a nice place for a quick meet-up as it’s rather peaceful and calm; great even for work lunches!
Expected damage: S$15 – S$30 per pax
Kava Bistro: 142 Arab Street, Singapore 199828 | Tel: +65 6292 7363 | Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Sun to Thurs), 12pm – 11pm (Fri & Sat) | Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Benjamin Barker Café
Known mainly for their tailored and clean-cut men’s fashion, Benjamin Barker Café at Cineleisure serves café staples that will nourish a-many hungry souls.
One of the highly-recommended dishes is Chilli Lime Seafood Aglio (S$17) which has a nice kick of spicy and sour — great for a flavourful pick-me-up and a delicious meal to satisfy your pasta cravings!
Another considerable dish to dig into is the Truffle Carbonara (S$18), which consisted of linguine, mushrooms, bacon, truffle paste, sous vide egg and parmesan. The truffle taste was sadly rather elusive and it tasted more like a regular carbonara pasta dish.
However, the bacon pieces did help to enhance the flavour profile of the dish. Head on upstairs to check out the latest threads from their retail store once you’ve filled your hungry belly — that’s a win-win!
Expected damage: S$20 – S$30 per pax
Benjamin Barker Café: 8 Grange Road, #01-01, Orchard Cineleisure, Singapore 239695 | Opening hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon to Thurs), 11am – 12am (Fri), 10am – 12am (Sat), 10am – 10pm (Sun) | Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. Café Leitz
Known more so for their outstanding cameras, Leica has their third Café Leitz situated at our historic Raffles Hotel.
Sitting within a photography exhibit (Leica Galerie), visitors can take a respite from a day of sight-seeing by sipping on tea, coffee, and small bites while enjoying the artwork of featured photographers. Visitors can also browse the Leica Store that highlights Leica cameras and lenses, including collectors’ editions that’s sure to excite any avid photographer.
Every month will see a change of café partner, with SunnyHills (Taiwan), Alchemist and Harritts Donuts having been previously featured. The interior of the café is clean, minimal and reflects the crisp and pure quality of the photographs that many associate with Leica cameras.
In May, they had Tarte by Cheryl Koh as well as Monogram Tea serving up dainty treats for visitors as they soak in the exquisite photographs shot by renowned photographers and their Leica cameras.
Leitz Café: 328 North Bridge Road, Raffles Hotel, L1-20/21, Singapore 188719 | Tel: +65 9826 9024 | Opening hours: 10am – 8pm (Daily) | Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Plentyfull
I love a café that has a mini grocery section which encourages more homemade meals, and the convenience of partly doing your groceries right as you leave the café. Plentyfull in Millenia Walk is such a place, as its expansive establishment features all-day dining, coupled with a patisserie, gourmet grocer and curated ingredients to provide honest, hearty homemade meals away from home.
With dishes that are made from scratch, like irresistible Pumpkin Gnocchi With Seasonal Vegetables (S$24) and Twice-Cooked Lamb Riblets (S$34), there’s something scrumptious for everyone.
All-day dining also means you can have brunch all day, in this case, till 5pm! I’m all for having pancakes for (early) dinner.
Expected damage: S$25 – S$50 per pax
Plentyfull: 9 Raffles Boulevard, Millenia Walk, #01-79/80, Singapore 039596 | Tel: +65 6493 2997 | Opening hours: 8am – 10.30pm (Mon to Fri), 10am – 10.30pm (Sat & Sun) | Facebook
6. Huggs-Epigram Coffee Bookshop
Bookworms who love local literary works will absolutely love Huggs-Epigram Coffee Bookshop at Maxwell Road, which features an entire wall filled with books by Singaporean authors or books published by Singapore.
We’re sure you’ll want to park yourself there with a nice cuppa and spend the entire afternoon immersing yourself into a good book.
The best part is that you’ll get opportunities to meet local authors and artists who will be allocated time to write or draw, talk to customers, and even have your book signed! If anything else, the stunning wall of books will make a great backdrop for your #OOTD.
Huggs-Epigram Coffee Bookshop: 45 Maxwell Road, #01-01, Singapore 069118 | Opening hours: 10am – 7pm (Mon to Fri), 10am – 2pm (Sat), Closed on Sun | Website | Facebook
7. Walking On Sunshine
I don’t think anyone would’ve thought to combine a hair salon, a retail space, workshop space with a café, but that is exactly what Walking On Sunshine at Orchard Central has done.
Not only is it a multi-concept area, but it’s meant to simulate nature with its vine-and-fern walls, complete with hanging flora.
Your only job is to unwind and allow yourself to be pampered either by treating yourself to a hair treatment or to the café’s all-day breakfast menu, with hearty dishes like Shrimp and Salmon Salad (S$21.50) and Seoul Beef Bulgogi (S$21.50).
Also, they offer a Buffet Breakfast (S$15 for two hours), while diners who are looking for a drinking spot at night can get their fill with free-flow craft beer (S$15 per hour).
Expected damage: S$20 – S$40 per pax
Walking On Sunshine: 181 Orchard Road, Orchard Central, #03-07, Singapore 238896 | Tel: +65 877 8800 | Opening hours: 10am – 10pm (Daily) | Website | Facebook | Instagram
Dining out doesn’t always entail great food; the ambience and decor of the place matter a lot as well, especially when you’re planning a gathering for a special occasion. With numerous concept restaurants and cafés in Singapore, you’ll never run out of places to fill up on delicious dishes and to satiate your need to feed your ‘gram at the same time!
