Raffles Place — the heart of the financial district in Singapore. Named after the founder of modern Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles, Raffles Place is home to Singapore's tallest buildings and most iconic landmarks. It is also dotted with some of Singapore's best restaurants.
These top notch establishments range from Italian to Chinese and Japanese – with an option even for the vegetarians amongst you. So whether it’s a business lunch you’re arranging or a night to indulge the bon vivant in you, here’s a roundup of these restaurants with notes from the MICHELIN Guide inspectors.
Saint Pierre
Two MICHELIN Stars, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2019
One Fullerton, #02-02B, 1 Fullerton Road
What our inspectors say: The unobstructed views of the marina, smart décor and discreet service don't outshine the modern French cuisine with pronounced Asian touches. Seafood is flown in from Hokkaido, Japan, four times a week to ensure freshness. The ten-course tasting menu is a great way to sample the culinary highlights. But seasonal items like Welsh lamb and pigeon should not be missed when they are available. It closes on some public holidays. Call ahead to check.
Shoukouwa
Two MICHELIN Stars, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2019
One Fullerton, #02-02A, 1 Fullerton Road
What our inspectors say: The chef here is from Hokkaido and serves only the finest fish flown in from Japan four times a week with sushi rice dressed in a secret blend of vinegars. The omakase menu emphasizes freshness and umami over aging, with kinmedai, sayori and kasugodai standing out in particular. Dinner runs in two sessions starting at 18:00 and 20:00. With only eight counter seats and a private room that seats six, reservations are mandatory.
Cheek Bistro
One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2019
21 Boon Tat Street
What our inspectors say: Formerly known as Cheek by Jowl, this bistro is still run by the same husband-and-wife team. But the menu dominated by prix-fixe sets was overhauled to let diners order à la carte, or even just a few snacks to go with the excellent artisan wines from smaller vineyards. The Sri Lankan chef who used to work in Australia and his kitchen team still manage to incorporate multinational influences in seemingly simple dishes that taste surprisingly fresh.
Anglo Indian (Shenton Way)
Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2019
#01-08, 1 Shenton Way
What our inspectors say: If there's one dish that customers should expect to find in a restaurant called Anglo Indian it's chicken tikka masala - and sure enough it's a firm favourite of many here at this simply decorated spot in the heart of the CBD. The dining room may seat only 20, but there's a large outdoor terrace where everyone congregates for the well-priced cooking. Other popular choices include butter chicken and lamb dum biryani.
Jade
MICHELIN Plate, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2019
The Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square
What our inspectors say: Resplendent in silks, enriched by lacquered woods and engulfed by natural light, this elegant and sophisticated Chinese restaurant is just the sort of place you'd expect to find in the historic Fullerton hotel. Tables allow for much privacy by being large and well spaced and this adds to the restaurant's popularity with those who have entertaining to do. The menu blends the classics with more modern dishes and the care taken by the kitchen is obvious.
MICHELIN Plate, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2019
The Fullerton Hotel, Level 8, 1 Fullerton Square
What our inspectors say: Great views, warm service and Italian food - for those looking for a romantic meal this is as close to a sure thing as you can get. Be sure to start with a drink on the rooftop to take in the dramatic vista before moving inside to enjoy the familiar Italian fare. The menu pays much attention to the southern coastal regions; the cooking eschews ostentation and instead focuses on what is needed to make a particular dish delicious.
MICHELIN Plate, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2019
Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, #01-05/06, 12 Marina Boulevard
What our inspectors say: As regulars from the nearby offices would attest, this casual and lively place is perfect for winding down after a day's work. The Peruvian-born chef has worked in world-famous kitchens, but chooses to serve simpler food in this relaxed setting, with an open kitchen that lets diners watch the alchemy unfold before them. Start with the signature tapas, grilled octopus or ceviche. Round it off with a juicy and tender suckling pig along with paella.
The Clifford Pier
MICHELIN Plate, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2019
The Fullerton Bay Hotel, 80 Collyer Quay
What our inspectors say: A striking room and a wonderful setting make this one of the more glamorous spots around. The food honours the hawkers who once lined the pier - head for the 'Heritage Signature' dishes such as the Hainanese chicken rice and the prawn laksa. Every night, you can enjoy live piano and singing performances. Start with a cocktail in the Landing Point Bar.
Straits Chinese
MICHELIN Plate, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2019
Keck Seng Tower, #B1-01, 133 Cecil Street
What our inspectors say: The owner's family opened Singapore's first Peranakan restaurant in 1953 - this branch has been in the CBD since 2011. Ornaments and wooden furniture lend a Chinese aesthetic. The versatile menu features dishes made with local produce and lots of spices and herbs, all prepared using traditional Chinese cooking methods. Dishes to try include ayam buah keluak (chicken with local nuts) and ikan assam nanas pedas (sweet and sour fish).
Forlino
MICHELIN Plate, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2019
One Fullerton, #02-06,1 Fullerton Road
What our inspectors say: Helmed by a chef from Northwest Italy since 2017, Forlino has reinvented traditional Italian cooking with modern techniques. The menu is inspired by the nation's vastness-from land to sea-and is created with the best ingredients from around the world. Culinary highlights include handmade ravioli with slow-braised beef chuck, black truffle, aged Parmigiano fondue and porcini. Hazelnut chocolate semifreddo makes the perfect end to a meal.
