Clarke Quay. The name itself conjures notions of dolled up dancers and barflies, riverside restaurants and cavernous clubs. But that’s just one side of it. Cross the road towards Hong Kong Street and you’ll find yourself on a much quieter area but with no lack of entertainment options.
For starters, there’s one-Michelin-starred Vianney Massot on the that same stretch as award-winning bar 28 Hong Kong Street. There's even a hotel that our inspectors recommend as ideal for a short stay. Piqued your interest yet? Here’s more.
Vianney Massot
One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2019
39 Hongkong Street
What our inspectors say: The talented young chef proudly puts his name on the door of this dining space. While Robuchon's influence is obvious in the amuse-bouche duck jelly mousse on foie gras cream dotted with corn purée, his own inspirations shine through in such original dishes as roast baby lamb rack with fresh herb risotto. Oenophiles will be thrilled by the 60 different labels available by the glass on the extensive wine list.
One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2019
Level 5, 52 Boat Quay
What our inspectors say: Beppe De Vito takes his customers on a 'culinary journey' from Italy to Asia with quality produce sourced from around the world, including house-made Italian bread baked fresh in a charcoal oven. Pick a degustation menu or order à la carte. Standouts include foie gras semifreddo, beef tartare, sea urchin tagliolini, and gianduiotto cream with hazelnuts. A pre-dinner drink on the rooftop terrace with its picturesque views is a must.
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh (New Bridge Road)
Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2019
#01-01, 11 New Bridge Road
What our inspectors say: Much has changed since Mr Yeo started selling bak kut teh from his pushcart in Johor Road back in the late '60s - nowadays it's the second generation of the family who are running the show. They are still selling their celebrated pork ribs and peppery broth but are now doing so from 5 shops - and this one, the simplest, seems to be the best. Queue, order, pay, and then tuck into your soup - when you've finished they'll top it up for you.
RELATED: Behind the Bib: Song Fa Bak Kut Teh
Tunglok Signatures (Clarke Quay)
MICHELIN Plate, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2019
The Central, #02-88, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street
What our inspectors say: Good ingredients and authentic flavours make this Chinese restaurant a worthy choice if you're seeking sustenance in The Central shopping mall. It is one of three branches in Singapore and you can find authentic Cantonese dishes on the menu. Specialities include crispy roast Irish duck, and curry prawn served with fried bun. It's a big, busy and keenly run restaurant, with outside tables that provide good views of Clarke Quay.
Ibid
MICHELIN Plate, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2019
18 North Canal Road
What our inspectors say: Lawyer-turned-chef Woo, the first winner of a popular TV cooking show, opened this restaurant in a remodelled shophouse to showcase his modern French cooking, informed by Chinese traditions and Nanyang twists. His young kitchen team, with Chinese, Western and Japanese culinary backgrounds, contributes to the varied and exciting menu. The chef aims to dig deeper into Chinese food culture, and may explore the use of herbal medicine in his dishes.
RELATED: First Look: Restaurant Ibid
Tian Tian Fisherman's Pier Seafood
MICHELIN Plate, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2019
73-75 Boat Quay
What our inspectors say: Don't be put off by the garish advertising boards - just take a seat on the terrace by the water and enjoy their fresh seafood. The family have been on the quay for over 20 years and Tian Tian is their most recent reinvention. Bamboo clams with garlic, salt and pepper king prawns, and sea bass Hong Kong style are among the popular choices. You can also pick from the live seafood tanks and choose your preferred cooking method without any cooking fee.
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MICHELIN Plate, MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2019
40 Hong Kong Street
What our inspectors say: 'Fine fun food from Barcelona' is how the chef describes his Singaporean outpost. He's brought along the flavours of Catalonia, which he blends with modern cooking techniques to create original and exciting dishes. The surroundings are relaxed and always furiously busy, with the principal players in the operation represented by huge papier mâché heads. Ask for a seat at the counter to get the most out of the experience, with the chef's seasonal special.
WHERE TO STAY
Parkroyal on Pickering
MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2019
3 Upper Pickering Street
What our inpectors say: One of the more original looking hotels in Singapore is made up of three glass towers linked by Sky Gardens. Its eco-credentials are very much in evidence throughout, with its use of natural materials and living walls of plants. All the stylish bedrooms have views of the city skyline. If you don’t suffer from vertigo, ask for a room on one of the Sky Garden floors.
RECOMMENDED: 10 Michelin-Recommended Restaurants in Singapore's Raffles Place
