A year in the making, I’ve been curating this wonderfully long, entirely unruly list of ‘to try’ and ‘tried’ experiences, unraveling the vibrant landscape of Singapore.

It’s an ever-expanding collection, with each new suggestion from friends or serendipitous encounter prompting another addition. Whether it’s a suggestion for a visitor to Singapore or my husband’s next work dinner, I eagerly select a few from the list, hoping for another splendidly enjoyable evening for all.

I’ve been eager to do justice to all the stunning places we’ve visited with comprehensive reviews and photos. However, there never seems enough time. So, after a year and much encouragement from my husband, I’ve finally put it all together. This compilation aims to organise our experiences, enabling me to share some of the delightful moments we’ve had so far, as well as enticing prospects for future adventures.

This document is alive, continuously evolving as I navigate through the city’s endless myriad of offerings.

Taking your through:

• Dining: For those special, indulgent evenings.
• Fancy: On the Wishlist, awaiting exploration.
• More Casual: More casual spots for more everyday dining, but still a little fancy.
• More Casual – Wishlist for the more semi-casual.
• Super Casual Dining: No-frills options for laid-back meals.
• Hawker Food: Immersive, local culinary experiences.
• Bars and Rooftops: Elevated settings for drinks and views.
• Bar Wishlist: Still so many to explore.

 

To provide some context, I’ve assigned a personal star ratings ranging from 1 to 5, denoting good to ***** fabulous. This is just based on my humble experiences and preferences. I love love love love food, music, engaging with the chefs, chatting with staff and of course interiors. So as you can imagine all these aspects impact my experience and ratings. Always happy to hear if you have had another experience and happy to add these to the list.

As mentioned, this list is dynamic, constantly evolving with new discoveries and recommendations which is one thing that just makes this city just so fabulous!

So, consider this your guide to navigating Singapore’s diverse offerings. In no particular order at all (Ah, but I do have some of my faves at the top).

Bon appétit and happy exploring.

Last updated: 23 April 2024 (I added some hotels)

 

Dining – For the more fancy night out

• Olivia – A favourite
  • Location: Tanjong Pagar (TP)
  • Website: Olivia
  • Rating: ****.5 (Atmosphere, delicious & fun)
• Le Bon Funk – A long time favourite
  • Location: TP
  • Website: Le Bon Funk
  • Rating: **** (Atmosphere, delicious, Motown tunes & and a great wine list)
• Noa – New and fun with friends
  • Location: TP
  • Website: Noa
  • Rating: **** (Atmosphere, delicious, great wines, gorgeous interiors)
• Appetite – Really unique experience
  • Location: TP
  • Website: Appetite
  • Rating: **** (Intimate dining, delicious, tunes, unique interiors with art gallery and vinyl room for a bite or night cap)

• Firangi Superstar – fun and great with a group
  • Location: TP
  • Website: Firangi Superstar
  • Rating: ****.5 (Atmosphere, delicious, great cocktails and unique interiors)
• Bincho (formerly known as Bincho Yakitori)
  • Location: Tiong Bahru
  • Website: Bincho
  • Rating: **** (Offering a quick entrance at the back in the heritage neighbourhood of Moh Guan Terrace, Bincho transitions from a soup kitchen by day to a Japanese Yakitori restaurant styled after traditional Izakayas found throughout Japan.)
• Neon Pigeon
  • Website: Neon Pigeon
  • Rating: **** (Known for its dimly lit ambiance and delicious cuisine, Neon Pigeon offers a vibrant atmosphere with punchy tunes that complement its menu).
• The Prince (formerly Fat Prince)
  • Website: The Prince
  • Rating: **** (Ideal for brunching, The Prince boasts decadent interiors and a menu that combines modern Arabic and Middle Eastern flavours).
• Birds of a Feather
  • Website: Birds of a Feather
  • Rating: ***.5 (Offering delicious fusion dishes and cocktails, Birds of a Feather creates a cozy shophouse atmosphere with leafy decor and happy-hour specials).
• Alati
  • Website: Alati
  • Rating: ***.5 TP (Transport yourself to the white streets of the Greek islands at Alati, where delicious food and friendly staff await).
• Braci
  • Location: Boat Quay
  • Website: Braci
  • Rating: **** Michelin Star (Indulge in a delicious degustation experience at Braci, located on Boat Quay. While the menu may be on the pricier end, the phenomenal staff and gorgeous intimate rooftop setting make it worth a visit).
• Maxwell Reserve Hotel
  • Website: Maxwell Reserve Hotel
  • Rating: **** (Immerse yourself in history and memorabilia at Maxwell Reserve Hotel. While Shikar the restaurant offers phenomenal cuisine, it may lack in atmosphere. Be sure to explore their lunch menu and visit their two bars, Isabele and Polo Bar).
• Chop Suey
  • Location: Dempsey Hill
  • Website: Chop Suey
  • Rating: ***.5 (Located in a charming black-and-white colonial-style building in Dempsey Hill, Chop Suey offers a wide selection of traditional and creative dim sum made by hand daily. Indulge in decadent desserts and refreshing cocktails while enjoying the tropical twist of its ambiance).
• The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar
  • Location: Dempsey Hill
  • Website: Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar
  • Rating: **** (Gorgeous black and white interiors, delicious, creative contemporary Asian-inspired European food, in a relaxed atmosphere. We went for Sunday brunch with free flowing champagne and cocktails and it was delightful.
• Claudine
  • Location: 39C Harding Road
  • Website: Claudine Restaurant 
  • Rating: **** (We went as part of a Angra Wine tasting evening and the food (and wine of course) was absolutely divine. The building is an old converted church with such gorgeous interiors, not only is it a feast for the eyes, the food was also presented as works of art). You can read more about my experience and see some more pics here.

Fancy – On the Wishlist

• Tempt
  • Website: Tempt
  • Description: Fun and delicious; BYO 2 bottles of wine
• Ginkyo By Kinki
  • Location: Holland Park
  • Website: Ginkyo By Kinki
  • Description: New Japanese restaurant
• Lukes Oyster Bar and Chop House
  • Location: 22 Gemmill Ln, TP
  • Website: Lukes Oyster Bar and Chop House
  • Description: Great for seafood and brunching
• The Club Room
  • Location: 115 Amoy Street, TP
  • Website: The Club Room
  • Description: Private dining serving Luke’s classics
• Native
  • Location: 52A Amoy Street, TP
  • Website: Native
  • Description: Singapore Cocktail Restaurant focusing on regional products and ingredients
• Atout
  • Location: 40C Harding Rd
  • Website: Atout
  • Description: French chef serving European fusion in a unique location/atmosphere
• LouLou
  • Location: 6 Keong Saik Rd
  • Website: LouLou
  • Description: French Cuisine & Wine bar with a quirky atmosphere
• Fotia
  • Location: Duxton Hill
  • Website: Fotia
  • Description: Greek Restaurant with authentic cuisine
• Cure
  • Website: Cure
  • Description: Nua Irish cuisine at CURE showcasing the Celtic nation’s produce and culinary influences
• Jaan
  • Location: Stanford Hotel
  • Website: Jaan
  • Description: View and delicious food with a reasonable lunch menu
• La Dame de Pic
  • Location: Raffles Singapore
  • Website: La Dame de Pic
  • Description: French gastronomy in a decadent setting
• Fysh at Edition
  • Location: 38 Cuscaden Rd
  • Website: Fysh at Edition
  • Description: Australian Chef Josh Niland’s restaurant with mixed reviews
• Aniba
  • Location: End of Boat Key
  • Website: Aniba
  • Description: New interpretation of Middle Eastern Cuisine with amazing interiors
• Lerouy
  • Location: 7 Mohamed Sultan Rd
  • Website: Lerouy
  • Description: Michelin-starred restaurant by chef Christophe Lerouy
• Cloud Street
  • Location: 84 Amoy St, TP
  • Website: Cloud Street
  • Description: 2-star Michelin Star restaurant recommended by multiple people
• Araya
  • Location: 83 Neil Road, Duxton Hill
  • Website: Araya
  • Description: A culinary odyssey rooted in Chilean South Pacific cuisine with indigenous and Japanese ingredients.

 

• So Many Standouts – Dempsey Hill

A little escape from the city, in lush surroundings the Dempsey enclave is home to family-friendly cafes, elite grocers, cool boutiques and high-end restaurants.

Following are some standouts still on the wishlist (See The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar, Chop Suey, Claudine and Atout details above):

• Burnt Ends: #65 of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants
  • Website: Burnt Ends
• Como Group – Has multiple restaurants under their banner and know how to create a unique experience.
  • Website: Como Group
  • Candlenut
• Canchita Peruvian Cuisine:
  • Website: Canchita

 

More Casual Dining (still fancy)

• North Miznon Singapore
  • Location: Amoy St
  • Website: North Miznon Singapore
  • Rating: **** (Delicious, creative dining experience modern Israeli cuisine by Michelin-starred MasterChef Eyal Shani)
• Dragon Chamber
  • Location: 2 Circular Rd
  • Website: Dragon Chamber
  • Rating: ***.5 (Quirky dining experience with delicious food and atmosphere. We love the back room for groups)
• The Butchers Wife
  • Website: The Butchers Wife
  • Rating: ***.5 (Gluten-free Brazilian restaurant & natural wine bar located in the heart of Tiong Bahru. I love going for lunch sitting outside and the Tiong Bahru slings are delicious).
• Col – we like to pop in for a wine at the end of a night
  • Website: Col
  • Rating: ***.5 (COL is located in a converted warehouse in Keong Saik. Casual yet East London cool, dim lights, open kitchen, quirky art and food focused on punchy but elegant flavours by Colin Buchan. Delicious wine and cocktails too).
• Mrs Maria & Mr Singh
  • Location: TP
  • Website: Mrs Maria & Mr Singh
  • Rating: ***.5 (Mexican Indian fusion in a fun and quirky setting. Great set menu)
• Bakalaki
  • Website: Bakalaki
  • Rating: *** (Delicious Greek food however less on atmosphere as its a very large space )
• PS Cafe
  • Location: Amoy Street
  • Website: PS Cafe
  • Rating: *** (Delicious, traditional black white interiors, great lunch atmosphere)
• Caffe Fernet Singapore
  • Website: Caffe Fernet Singapore
  • Rating: *** (Modern Italian Cuisine with a great view of Marina Bay Sands)
• Super Loco – very relaxed outdoor vibe
  • • Website: Super Local Robertson Quay
    • Rating: *** (Fun Mexican on the river, staff like a laugh and they do a delicious frozen margarita)
• Santis Pizza and Produce
  • Location: TP
  • Website: Santis
  • Rating: ***.5 (Like the casual inside/outdoor eating, never had a bag pasta or pizza there. Also love the wafting of pizza from the glorious big wood fired  pizza ovens:)
• Publico Ristorante
  • Location: Robertson Quay
  • Website: Publico
  • Rating: ***.5 (Great for a weekend afternoon Italian and tunes. They do a good value bottomless brunch drinks on the weekends and the shared burrata is a personal favourite of mine).

 

More Casual Wishlist

• New kid in town: L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele
  • Location: Club Street, TP
  • Website: L’Antica
  • Description: One of the oldest and best pizzerias in Naples, founded in 1870, has just opened up in Singapore.
• Salt N Palm
  • Website: Salt n Palm
  • Description: Nestle in the colourful neighbourhood of Joo Chiat, Salt & Palm is bringing in a fun new take on the flavours of the East Indies, combining contemporary way of cooking yet sticking to the traditional spices to create the complex flavours.
• Pasta Bar
  • Location: 01-05 Keong Saik Rd
  • Website: Pasta Bar
  • Description: Great lunch or dinner set menu experience
• Kotuwa
  • Website: Kotuwa
  • Description: Sri Lankan cuisine experience
• Fico
  • Website: Fico
  • Description: European fusion cuisine in a gorgeous location
• Rosso Vino
  • Website: Rosso Vino
  • Description: Recommended as authentic Italian cuisine, run by super friendly owners from Napoli, dining alfresco along the waterfront of Robertson Quay.

 

Super Casual Dining

• Fennel by Komala Vilas
  • Website: Fennel
  • Rating: ***.5 (In our local River Valley area, this Southern Indian, vegan adventure is not only sooo delicious but super cheap so you can enjoy a few more extra dishes)
• Little Farms – River Valley
  • Website: Little Farms All Natural & Organic Grocer
  • Rating:*** (Sometimes you just want a bit of home (like a good Aussie avocado) and little Farms in our local area, River Valley (there are multiple locations) has a wonderful menu, great outdoor seating so we can take Riley (our dog) and very reasonable bottles of wine if you want to make it into a date night (who needs an excuse:).
• Abundance
  • Website: Abundance
  • Rating: ***.5 (Our local Taiwanese, super casual, friendly team, everything is yummy and they love a pun 🙂
• Izakaya Hikari
  • Location: 190 Middle Road Fortune Centre
  • Website: Izakaya Hikari
  • Rating: *** (Traditional japanese eat house in a casual atmosphere)
• Little Elephant
  • Website: Little Elephant Tiong Bahru
  • Rating: ***.5 (Fabulous little local Thai bistro with great vegetarian and ‘impossible meat’ plant based’ dishes).
• Living Wholesome
  • Description: Vegetarian cuisine in various locations
• Overseasy
  • Website: Overseasy
  • Description: Burger joint serving casual fare

 

Hawker Street Food – Very local

• Zion Riverside Food Market – our local one.
  • Location: 70 Zion Rd
  • Website: Zion Riverside Food Market
  • Description: Local stalls and 2 Michelin Star treats. You have to try the Carrot Cake (made from white radish with egg – yummy).
• Maxwell Food Centre
  • Location: 1 Kadayanallur St
  • Website: Maxwell Food Centre
  • Description: Famous hawker centre with local delicacies
• Lau Pa Sat
  • Location: 18 Raffles Quay
  • Website: Lau Pa Sat
  • Description: Largest hawker centre in CBD with local and international food stalls

 

Bars and Rooftops

• Atlas (My absolute favourite)
  • Location: Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Rd, Bugis
  • Website: Atlas
  • Rating: ***** (Absolutely stunning 1920’s interiors – Conde Nast’s top 20 bar with a vast selection of drinks
• Ballroom by Barbary
  • Website: Ballroom by Barbary
  • Rating: ***.5 Great interiors and atmosphere with mean Martinis
• Employee Only
  • Location: 112 Amoy Street
  • Website: Employee Only 
  • Rating: ***.5 (Serves great cocktails, great music and dancing)
• Ce La Vi
  • Location – 57th floor Marina Bay Sands
  • Website: Ce La Vi
  • Rating: ***.5 (Amazing view of the city. Pricey however great venue for a favourite DJ set)
• Kinki
  • Location: Marina Bay
  • Website: Kinki
  • Rating: ***.5: (Fun bar with great tunes and views of Marina Bay Sands. Japanese restaurant is delicious as well. A wonderful lunch destination).
• Publico
  • Location: Robertson Quay
  • Website: Publico
  • Rating: ***.5: (Delicious Italian, happy hour negronis on the river)
• Lantern 
  • Location: Fullerton By The Bay – Rooftop 
  • Website: Lantern 
  • Rating: ***.5 (Amazing view of Marina Bay Sands and great music, however as it is near the Fullerton poolside, all drinks are served in plastic cups, which I am not really a fan of).
• Writers Bar Raffles
  • Location: Raffles Hotel
  • Website: Writers Bar
  • Rating: ***.5 (Classic bar with literary vibes at Raffles)
• Southbridge Rooftop
  • Location: 80 Boat Quay, Rooftop, Level 5
  • Website: Southbridge
  • Description: Rooftop bar with stunning views
• Underdog Inn
  • Website: Underdog Inn
  • Rating: ***.5 (Cool meat bar with a lively atmosphere and amazing cocktails)
• Spago Bar & Lounge
  • Website: Spago
  • Rating: ***.5 (It’s as close as you will get to the famous Marina Bay Sands infinity pool (if you are not a guest) and it is quite amusing watching the hundreds of Instagrammers take selfies as you sip your cocktails. Lovely traditional black and white interiors and I recommend sitting at the bar or over the other side of the bar looking over Gardens By the Bay).
• LeVel 33
  • Website: LeVel 33
  • Rating: *** (The world’s highest urban microbrewery on level 33 with a brilliant view of Marina Bay. Check they are open as they often have private events)
• Manhattan
  • Location: Conrad Singapore Orchard
  • Website: Manhattan
  • Rating: ***.5 (Inspired by the Golden Age of cocktails and fine drinking, Manhattan is reminiscent of a grand hotel bar, modern yet with a touch of old New York glamour and sophistication. Consistently ranked in the World’s 50 Best Bars, Manhattan presents the ultimate indulgence in artisanal spirits and classic cocktails, carefully crafted from house-made ingredients at Manhattan’s in-hotel rickhouse. I also love the complimentary welcome drink and snacks).
• Mr Stork – wishlist
  • Location: level 39, Andaz Singapore
  • Website: Mr Stork 
  • Description: Nestled at the rooftop on Level 39, Mr Stork is an alfresco drinking and dining spot that houses 10 teepee huts and offers 360-degree views of the city below.
• Smoke & Mirrors – wishlist
  • Location: National Gallery Singapore
  • Website: Smoke and Mirrors
  • Description: Experience the extraordinary. Ranked #103 on Top 500 Bars in the world in 2023, and #60 on Asia’s Best Bars in 2022.
• Tippling Club – wishlist
  • Location: Spans over three shophouse units at 38 Tanjong Pagar Road, 
  • Website: Tippling Club
  • Description: Classy cocktail bar with a creative menu led by Chef-Owner Ryan Clift
• Skai – wishlist
  • Website: Skai
  • Description: Highest Restaurant in Singapore, perched on the 70th floor of Swissôtel The Stamford.
• The Gibson Bar – wishlist
  • Location: 2nd Floor, 20 Bukit Pasoh Road
  • Website: The Gibson
  • Description: A cocktail bar by Jigger & Pony Group, Gibson is tucked away on the second floor of a heritage building in Singapore’s Chinatown precinct.
• El Chido – wishlist
  • Location: Pullman Rooftop
  • Website: EL CHIDO
  • Description: Rooftop bar with a lively Mexican vibe
• Nutmeg & Clove – wishlist
  • Location: City Hall
  • Website: Nutmeg & Clove
  • Description: Low-key, cozy bar offering artisanal cocktails with creative names inspired by Singapore history.
• Sago House – wishlist
  • Location: 37 Duxton Hill, Chinatown
  • Website: Sago House
  • Description: A cosy hand-built bar that seats 35 people at most and serves a rotating menu of five to six cocktails in Chinatown received the top hospitality honours at this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards. 
• No Sleep Club – wishlist
  • Location: Tanjong Pagar
  • Website: No Sleep Club
  • Description: Everyone’s Neighbourhood Bar. Good Vibes, Good Food, Great cocktails and natural wines.
• Jigger & Pony – wishlist
  • Location: Tanjong Pagar
  • Website: Jigger & Pony
  • Description: Classy cocktail bar with a happy hour menu
• Luca Loco – wishlist
  • Location: Duxton Hill
  • Website: Luca Loco
  • Description: A festive Mexican Mezcaleria with a lively atmosphere.

 

Hotels

Lastly you can’t talk food and bars if you don’t include some of the wonderful, boutique and grande, hotels in Singapore. Some of the Wishlist include;

• Raffles Hotel
  • Website: Raffles Singapore
  • Rating: ****.5 (Wow, what a phenomenal and memorable experience (I was lucky to keep my friend company whilst in Singapore). From the minute you walk into the grand entrance, check-in, are you are walked to your suite and talked through your butler service, you never want to leave. Raffles opened its doors to guests in 1887 and is one of the few remaining 19th century hotels in the world. its neo-renaissance architecture and colonnaded portico, stands out amid its towering glass and steel-clad neighbours. The hotel evokes elegant, old-world glamour of a true grande dame, with 115 suites blend lofty architectural splendour and authentic details with all the comfort of modern technology and design. Definitely one to put on the Wishlist. So many amazing restaurants, the Afternoon Tea is a must and just walking around the building is a treat. I will be doing a separate journal on this as it was truly a once in a lifetime experience).
• Capella 
  • Website: Capella Singapore
  • Description: At the heart of Singapore’s Sentosa Island two restored Tanah Merah colonial bungalows dating back to the 1880s have been restored into a luxury sanctuary whose hotel gardens and grounds are framed by the sea. Voted – No.1 Best Hotel Brand in the World / No.1 Best Hotel in Singapore / Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2023 – It’s on the wishlist!
• The Singapore Edition – website: Edition SG
  • Rating: ***.5 (Gorgeous space and very instagramable, enjoy some food at Josh Niland’s Fysh, enjoy a drink at the fuchsia lobby bar or a punch at the electric blue Punch Bar. I have only had a drink at the Lobby Bar so have yet to try the rest which I am sure will be a wonderful experience).
• The Warehouse Hotel
  • Website: The Warehouse Hotel
  • Description: Housed in a meticulously restored heritage building, the Warehouse Hotel combines Singapore’s rich culture, history and talent, bringing high design and comfort to the banks of the Singapore River in Robertson Quay (near where we live). On the Wishlist to try is the restaurant Po, offering refined modern Singaporean concept presenting an array of local classics and elevated Singaporean staples, and the lobby bar looks rather gorgeous.
• The Mondrian Duxton Hill
  • Website: Mondrian Singapore Duxton
  • Description: With a rooftop infinity pool and Canyon Club bar, which I have enjoyed a cocktail or two, I do love how the Mondrian injects its signature blend of art, glamour and culinary flair into one of my favourite districts in town. From Southeast Asia’s first permanent KAWS installation to a cinematic rooftop pool, the 302 rooms and suites was created by award-winning designers from Studio Carter, inspired by Singapore’s traditional architecture, heritage arches and shutters that are translated into bold contemporary interpretations. It also has Aperitivo hour, at Bottega di Carna, available daily from 5 – 7pm with a charcuterie board and a choice of drink. Christina’s with local made produce and items on the ground floor, and Jungle Ballroom, where I have been for a dance I must admit. Other restaurants in the precinct include Noa (one of our faves), Suzuki, Araya and Tribal.
• The Scarlet
  • Website: The Scarlet Singapore  https://thescarletsingapore.com/
  • Rating: *** (This was one of the first hotels I stayed at in Singapore when I worked here in a previous life over 15 years ago. In my favourite area, Tanjong Pagar, this boutique hotel set in a row of 13, 1868 shophouses and vintage 1924 Art Deco building, it is a juxtaposition of Singapore’s old and new, with its well preserved pre-World War Two architecture, integrated to reflect 21st-century modern day comforts. Great on price and ***** on location if you want to soak up the local neighbourhood vibes).
• 21 Carpenter – website: 21 Carpenter
  • Description: A member of Design Hotels, 21 Carpenter is thoughtfully offers a unique balance of stimulation and pause. From the vibrancy of Michelin-starred chef Andrew Walsh’s neo-bistro and bar, Kee’s, to the serenity of the forty-eight rooms it is on the list to explore.
• Figment – Boutique hotel alternative in Singapore homes
  • Website: Figment
• The Fullerton Bay Hotel – on the Wishlist with gorgeous views of MBS
  • Website: The Fullerton Bay
  • Description: Elegantly appointed in a contemporary international style, the 100 room waterfront location is a spectacular addition to Singapore’s vibrant heritage precinct.

 

And, if you love wine, food and experiences, follow Angra Wine as we have joined them for some super tasty and fun events and they often have tastings and unique experiences that are rather special.

The list will continue to grow and evolve as I discover new gems and revisit old favorites. Keep an eye out for updates and fresh additions to this ever-expanding compilation.

If you need any assistance with your itinerary when visiting Singapore then don’t hesitate to reach out as I love tailoring an adventure to your loves and at your pace.

Enjoy your exploration!

Big love,

Aisha xox