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Braci
Cuisine: Italian contemporary
Level 5, 52 Boat Quay, Clarke Quay
Beppe De Vito considers his cuisine a ‘culinary journey’, taking customers in his tiny dining room from the South of Italy to Asia via some interesting detours. Choose one of the set menus and let the kitchen decide; it could include tuna millefeuille with truffles, foie gras semi-freddo or sea bass with eggplant parmigiana. A pre-dinner drink on the rooftop terrace of this charming shophouse, to take in the terrific river views, is a must.
Cheek by Jowl
Cuisine: Australian contemporary
21 Boon Tat Street, Raffles Place
The husband and wife team chose the name to reflect how closely they work together. Rishi is originally from Sri Lanka but spent his working life in Australia; his ‘modern Australian’ cuisine is far more complex than it at first seems and his confidence in the ingredients pays dividends in fresh tasting dishes that display a number of influences. Lunch is quite a corporate affair so come for dinner to best experience the kitchen’s ability.
Cuisine: Cantonese
25 Mackenzie Road, Little India
Chef Kang brings his experience of over 40 years to bear at this simply furnished eatery. The room is more about practicality than luxury – and likewise his cooking largely eschews expensive ingredients to focus instead on creating traditional and satisfying Cantonese dishes. His many loyal customers vouch for his ability – follow their lead and go on a culinary trip by opting for his ‘omakase’ menu.
Garibaldi
Cuisine: Italian
36 Purvis Street, #01-02, Bras Basah
Ossobuco, costoletta alla Milanese and tiramisu are some of the signature dishes here at one of the city’s best known Italian restaurants. The affable owner, though, wants everyone to be able to find their favourite dish which is why he offers such a large, all-encompassing menu. The impressive wine list, featuring over 7000 labels, is another feature for which this cosy and contemporary-styled restaurant is celebrated.
Iggy's
Cuisine: European contemporary
Hilton Hotel, Level 3, 581 Orchard Road, Orchard
Behind a discreet black door, hidden within the Hilton hotel, is one of Singapore’s best known restaurants, which was given a major overhaul in 2016. The contemporary and elegant look includes a large window looking into the kitchen. The cuisine may appear quite simple but there’s a lot of technique behind it and the ingredients are top class. Dishes to look out for include ‘carabinero rice’ and Spanish mackerel with tapioca pearls.
Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine
Cuisine: Teochew
ION Orchard #03-05, 2 Orchard Turn, Orchard
It may have moved to new premises in a large shopping mall at the end of 2016, but this pleasantly dressed Teochew restaurant is bright and relaxing, thanks to its large windows. It offers various traditional Teochew dishes, including some which are not so easy to find these days, like pan-fried taro with prawns or steamed cold mud crabs. With some dishes, you have the option of ordering a smaller portion.
Labyrinth
Cuisine: Innovative
Esplanade Mall, #02-23, Marina Bay Promenade, 8 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square
If you want a modern take on Singaporean cuisine, this is your place. Flavours are bold yet authentic and the presentation is highly artistic. The contemporary dining room, with its local artwork, makes you feel as though you’re in on something secret, while the small bar is a great spot for a breezy cocktail and a chance to chat to the keen, well-informed staff about what awaits.
Meta
Cuisine: Innovative
9 Keong Saik Road, Tanjong Pagar
Sit at the black marble-topped counter to watch the chefs go about their business at this innovative, modern restaurant. The energetic Korean chef is a protégé of Tetsuya Wakuda and his cooking infuses European dishes with Korean and Asian notes; try the Korean-style seafood pancake. Dishes are refined and inventive and make good use of the ingredients; the seafood comes from various Asian countries while the meat is mostly from Australia.
Saint Pierre
Cuisine: French contemporary
One Fullerton, #02-02B, 1 Fullerton Road, Raffles Place
Not only does this smartly dressed restaurant offer great views of the marina, but its assured service and discreet atmosphere also make it a great choice for those on a date. The creative and contemporary French cuisine comes with pronounced Asian elements, with much of the produce sourced from Japan. There is a choice of three set menus: ‘Classic’, ‘Discovery’ and ‘Prestige’, all of which are available with wine pairings.
Summer Palace
Cuisine: Cantonese
Regent Hotel, Level 3, 1 Cuscaden Road, Orchard
The Regent Singapore hotel’s flagship restaurant is this authentic Cantonese restaurant which exudes a sense of calm and serenity. The signature dishes of the experienced head chef and his well-drilled kitchen include Five Spice deep-fried frog’s legs; crispy roast pork; braised minced crabmeat in spinach soup; and fried chicken with almond flakes. The personable and professional service adds to the overall experience.
Whitegrass
Cuisine: Australian contemporary
#01-26/27 Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, City Hall
Business is booming for the contemporary Australian cuisine served in this chic space, enhanced by some imaginative murals. The enthusiastic chef-owner imports most of his produce from Australia and Japan and offers regularly changing set menus (3-5 at lunch, 3-8 at dinner). His dishes – artful constructions with subtle Asian influences – are explained in detail at the table by the charming and willing service team.
