The celebrations are just around the corner and there’s no better way to mark the occasion than to cosy up in a restaurant with magnificent views of the fireworks while tucking into carefully prepared fine food.
But instead of taking a shot in the dark and putting faith on just any restaurant in the CBD, our inspectors have visited these spots while putting together the 2016 Michelin Guide Singapore and given you the best of what the area has to offer. One word of advice: call to reserve your table as soon as you can as these restaurants tend to be reserved well in advanced by eager diners.
If nourishment is needed after a contemplative tour of the National Gallery, then Aura and its breezy Sky Lounge sister are right on hand. Beppe de Vito and company have gathered together a seasoned team who understand the concept of hospitality and who deliver eminently satisfying Italian dishes like trofie with crab and porcini, scallops crudo with avocado and truffles, and grilled sea bream with pistachio salsa. National Gallery Singapore, #05-03 and #06-02. Book here.
Dolce Vita
Next to the hotel’s swimming pool is this authentic Italian restaurant. It has an appealing Mediterranean feel, and through the floor-to-ceiling windows you can see the pool and the bay beyond. The cooking has its roots in traditional recipes but the kitchen adds its own little touches. The bright surroundings, relaxing atmosphere and charming service make it a good choice for family gatherings, with weekend brunches being particularly popular. Level 5, Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Book here.
Forlino
Italian flair, Japanese precision and super-fresh ingredients combine to create delicious dishes in this plush dining room with great views. At lunch most are in for the quick business menu but if you opt for the à la carte menu you get to see what the kitchen can really do, with dishes like linguine with Hokkaido sea urchin and bottarga, or slow-cooked black cod with tripe and white polenta. For dessert, few see past the signature tiramisu. #02-06, One Fullerton. Book here.
As this restaurant is located on the 70th floor of one of South-East Asia’s tallest hotels, it’s a given that the views won’t disappoint. However, it is to the kitchen’s credit that the gazes of most customers remain largely on their plates because the contemporary French cuisine merits their full attention. The menu is driven by the ingredients, which are sourced from around the world, and the dishes display evidence of both skill and focus. Swissôtel The Stamford, Equinox Complex, Level 70.
Sky on 57
Uninterrupted views, a chance to linger late into the night, and delicious fusion cuisine makes the 57th floor of the Marina Bay Sands hotel the place to be. Lunch is always busy, thanks to the number of quick and easy menu options offered. Dinner is a more languid affair – start with a delicious Malaka Mojito before trying specialities like roasted crackling suckling pig or mushroom cappuccino – and don’t leave without having the Gula Java macaron. Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Tower 1, Level 57
They may call their cooking Californian in deference to where Wolfgang Puck made his name but that really translates as fusion, with dishes mixing together European, Asian and American influences with clever tweaks and twists. This well-lit restaurant, next to the famous swimming pool on the top of Marina Bay Sands, has a warm, comfortable atmosphere and great views through the French windows of the sea or the city. Sands Sky Park, Tower 2
Live music, great views, terrific cocktails and a wonderful setting - it’s hard to beat this most glamorous of spots. The food honours the hawkers who once lined the pier and who made Singapore such a great food city, so expect traditional fare like spicy chilli clam bowl and prawn laksa. There’s also plenty on offer for those not wanting to venture too far outside their comfort zones, with dishes like crispy chicken and salmon tandoori. Lobby, The Fullerton Bay Hotel. Book here.
The Lighthouse
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. Level 8, The Fullerton Hotel. Book here.
Zafferano
This authentic Italian gem occupies a sizeable space on the 43rd floor of the Ocean Financial Centre and provides wonderful views to go with your Brunello. But it’s not just the terrace that draws the crowds – the kitchen shows passion and flair in all it does. Stand-outs include creamy burrata pomodorini with Cutrera olive oil and the various pasta dishes, like paccheri with Canadian lobster claw and luscious tomato sauce. Ocean Financial Centre, Level 43. Book here.
