38 Unmissable Dining Destinations in Singapore

While nasi lemak (coconut milk rice with various accompaniments) is widely available throughout Singapore, this Adam Road Food Centre gem stands out by using long-grained basmati rice, reportedly favored by the Sultan of Brunei. Enjoy your fluffy rice with choices like otak-otak (spiced grilled fish cake), crispy chicken wings, fried kuning fish, or better yet, all of these delicious options. Be prepared for a wait, as the queue here can stretch to around an hour.

While Singapore boasts many excellent food centers, Newton Food Centre stands out as a true icon. Since its opening in 1971, it has faced criticism for its higher prices, but the incredible variety of street food it offers still makes it a must-visit for any food enthusiast. Don’t miss the highly recommended stalls like Hup Kee Fried Oyster Omelette and Soon Wah Fishball Kway Teow Mee.

San Shu Gong may be called a private diner by its team, but this exclusive and hard-to-book restaurant in Geylang is anything but secret. Famous for its exquisite Teochew dishes, it's not uncommon for diners to book their next visit before finishing their meal. If you manage to get a reservation, be sure to try the deep-fried sea cucumber, Teochew raw crabs with roe, pan-fried oyster omelet, and top-notch pig’s stomach soup. Good luck securing a table!

At Kakure, former Waku Ghin head bartender Kazuhiro Chii offers exquisite cocktails with a hint of omotenashi (Japanese hospitality). This intimate bar, located on the second floor of a colonial house on Scotts Road, distinguishes itself in the city’s lively bar scene with Chii-san’s nearly flawless cocktails made from fresh, seasonal Japanese fruits. A must-visit for cocktail aficionados.

At the corner of Joo Chiat and Dunman Road, Tin Yeang Restaurant comes alive early in the morning as the Mohgans begin crafting some of the city’s most renowned roti prata (South Indian flatbread). Whether you enjoy it with egg or cheese, the classic choice is to have it plain alongside fish curry and a dash of spicy sambal.

For an exceptional bowl of prawn noodle soup (prawn mee) in Singapore, head to Da Dong Prawn Noodle on Joo Chiat Road. Established around 1966 and operated by second-generation hawker Watson Lim, this spot offers a distinctive take on the dish. The pork rib prawn mee with thick rice vermicelli and a flavorful shrimp broth is a must-try to understand why it’s so renowned.

For over 50 years, Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant in Jalan Besar has been a haven for night owls craving authentic Hong Kong-style dim sum. Enjoy specialties like char siu buns and xiao long bao either inside the air-conditioned shop-house or outside in the alfresco back alley. Be prepared for a wait, which can last about an hour, though arriving around 11 a.m. for lunch will mean a shorter line.

Sushi Kimura presents a masterful celebration of Japanese seasons through expertly crafted sushi. Under the guidance of Chef-owner Tomoo Kimura, whose extensive experience is evident in every dish, this establishment offers a refined experience. From the meticulous sushi-pressing techniques to the use of premium ingredients like Kyoto's Fujisu vinegar and organic Hokkaido soy sauce, each plate is a testament to culinary excellence. Highlights include seasonal Japanese small plates and sushi such as boiled shirako with ponzu and wakame, and the exclusive Hokkaido shark skin halibut. Securing a reservation here has become highly competitive since the restaurant earned its Michelin star.

In an era where most laksa stalls have abandoned the traditional practice of using charcoal to infuse the broth with smoky depth, Sungei Road Laksa remains a standout. This bowl boasts a rich, smoky broth with thick rice noodles, fresh cockles, and fishcakes, offering a fragrant and satisfying experience. Leaving even a drop of this prawn and coconut-infused soup behind feels almost like a missed opportunity.

Even with a wave of new dining establishments emerging, the time-honored French restaurant Les Amis remains a magnet for the city’s elite. What draws them in? It’s the luxurious spread of classic French cuisine topped with caviar and truffles, crafted by executive chef Sebastien Lepinoy. Among the highlights are the lavishly sliced whole-roasted Vendee foie gras, swimming in a sumptuous pool of truffle and celeriac consommé. Additionally, the same group runs Tarte by Cheryl Koh nearby, perfect for indulging in some of the finest French pastries for breakfast.

There is only one Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant in existence, and it graces the airy confines of Como Dempsey with its high ceilings and grand hanging chandeliers. Known as Candlenut, named after the cream-colored nut featured in many curries, this culinary gem shines best through chef-owner Malcolm Lee’s carte blanche menu, affectionately called the Amahkase menu (with “amah” meaning grandmother in Hokkien). If you prefer to choose from the menu, don’t miss the exceptional pork neck satay.

In land-scarce Singapore, the dream of farm-to-fork dining seems distant, but Open Farm Community in Dempsey Hill makes it a reality. Here, a sprawling 3,000-square-foot plot yields fresh herbs like basil and makrut lime for the restaurant. Head chef Oliver Truesdale-Jutras collaborates with local farmers to create dishes such as the Pulau Ubin-sourced barramundi, delivered within six hours of harvest. It’s prepared with steamed dashi butter, black rice, furikake, cassava, butterfly pea flower, as well as pea shoots and peas from nearby farms.

Located in Dempsey and owned by tycoon Christina Ong, this gourmet haven offers some of the finest artisanal food products available in Singapore. From French caviar and wild-caught sea bass to marbled Australian wagyu, it’s a treasure trove for food lovers. In addition to these premium offerings, you’ll find a Grandiflora boutique and a relaxed bistro serving standout dishes like spanner crab pasta. Whether you’re sourcing ingredients for your next meal or simply indulging in some window-shopping, this place is a must-visit.

For an unforgettable taste of Peru, head to this charming Mytoury housed in a former barrack in Dempsey. Run by the talented husband-and-wife duo, Daniel and Tamara Chavez, Canchita delivers a delectable array of Peruvian dishes. Enjoy classics like ceviche clásico, arroz chaufa (Peruvian Chinese fried rice), and a hearty Peruvian fisherman’s soup.

Popular with the younger crowd, Tanuki Raw offers a delightful array of budget-friendly chirashi, beef bowls, rice rolls, and oysters. Pair your meal with a choice of beer or cocktail. For the best happy-hour deals, swing by between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., but be prepared to wait in line after 6 p.m.

Step into this opulent 9,000-square-foot Art Deco bar, home to one of the largest gin collections worldwide, elegantly arranged in a towering display. Expertly curated by gin specialists and head bartender Lidiyanah “Yana” K, the bar also boasts a Champagne room with 250 varieties and a menu of inventive gin-based cocktails (don’t miss the Atlas G&T). It’s one of the city’s premier destinations for cocktail enthusiasts.

Nestled on the second floor of the Rendezvous Hotel Gallery, The Auld Alliance exudes the charm of a classic gentlemen's club. This whiskey haven boasts one of the world's most comprehensive collections of rare and aged bottles, with a notable selection of coveted Japanese whiskies. The prime spot is an armchair at the bar, offering a view of owner Emmanuel Dron's impressive collection of pre-World War II Scotch bottles.

Dining at Jaan offers not only a panoramic view of the city’s skyline but also a delectable British-inspired tasting menu crafted by Devon native, chef Kirk Westaway. Complement your experience with a glass of English sparkling wine from Wiston Estate. Even if the views don’t captivate you, Westaway’s array of appetizers and the hand-dived Scottish scallops with burnt butter mayonnaise are sure to leave a lasting impression.

While Singapore boasts countless Chinese dining options, Peach Blossoms stands out with its exceptional blend of elegance and culinary artistry. Located within the Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, this restaurant is where chef Edward Chong showcases his mastery of Cantonese cuisine with a modern twist. Notable dishes include his innovative cigar rolls — crispy spring rolls stuffed with shrimp paste, foie gras, and truffle, accompanied by crispy rice “ash.” The traditional roasted char siu (Cantonese barbecue pork) is also a must-try.

Once you’ve booked your flights, don’t miss the chance to dine at Odette, where chef and co-owner Julien Royer crafts a culinary tribute to his grandmother. The tasting menu features artfully arranged dishes, with ingredients like beetroots presented as sorbets, meringues, and crumbles. Challans guinea fowl is elegantly paired with celeriac risotto and molten foie gras. The former chambers of the Old Supreme Court provide a refined setting, with installation art by Dawn Ng adding a touch of whimsical beauty to the dining experience.

If you can indulge in just one meal, make it a visit to Labyrinth at the Esplanade for a taste of contemporary Singaporean fine dining. The menu, crafted by chef-owner Han Li Guang, offers a playful and delicious twist on traditional local dishes. From reimagined chili crab and rojak to inventive char kway teow and ice kacang, each dish is a creative celebration of Singapore’s culinary heritage.

Visiting Singapore without savoring the national treasure of chili crabs might as well be a crime. These mud crabs are bathed in a vibrant, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce made from ketchup, candlenut, chiles, and a blend of spices. Jumbo Seafood, a renowned establishment listed on the Singapore stock exchange, has been serving these delectable crabs for decades. Each crab weighs at least 800 grams (nearly 2 pounds) and the Riverside Point branch offers the added pleasure of a magnificent river view. While you’re here, don’t miss the black pepper crabs, crafted from tender Dungeness crab.

In Singapore’s growing scene of minimal-intervention wines, RVLT—short for Revolution—stands out as a must-visit. The wine bar, managed by the passionate duo Al Gho and Ian Lim, features a rotating selection of white and red wines by the glass. With a collection of 150 biodynamic and organic wines and Champagnes, RVLT is the perfect spot for those seeking unique and exceptional pours.

Securing a spot at Asia’s top bar can be a challenge, so enjoy the night elsewhere until midnight, then venture into the concealed entrance of 28 Hong Kong Street for some late-night cocktails and bites. The world-class bartenders serve up bold, flavorful drinks, while the burger, grilled cheese, and arancini are perfect for giving you that extra energy to keep the night going in this cozy, transformed shop-house.

A tzechar (stir-fry) legend now managed by its third-generation owners, Keng Eng Kee offers a range of wok-fried specialties like coffee pork ribs, moonlight hor fun (stir-fried flat noodles with a raw egg), and Singapore’s finest claypot pork liver. The well-loved kopitiam on Bukit Merah Lane 1 is often bustling, so booking ahead is a must. Pro tip: The owners also have a smaller, air-conditioned dining room nearby; if you plan ahead, you might snag a seat in this cool, sought-after spot.

Opt for breakfast or brunch at this bustling spot to avoid the lunchtime rush and enjoy some of the city’s top hawker fare. Favorites include minced pork noodles from Tai Wah Pork Noodle, char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodles) from Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee, and peanut pancakes from Granny’s Pancake. Arrive before 8 a.m. to skip the long lines.

In Singapore, indulging in crab is a must, and Long Ji Zi Char on Tiong Bahru Road delivers with flair. This no-frills tze char spot excels in chili crabs, black pepper crabs, and a rich crab bee hoon, alongside a range of stir-fried specialties. The star attraction here is the colossal mud crab, served with a generous helping of rice vermicelli in a deeply flavorful broth.

Step into this unique craft beer haven within a traditional kopitiam, where Daniel Goh and Kuok Meng Chao offer an array of 10 adventurous taps featuring IPAs, sours, and imperial stouts from renowned brewers like Mikkeller (Denmark), Beavertown (UK), Omnipollo (Sweden), and Anderson Valley (US). Enjoy your chosen brew while perched on hard plastic stools in the vibrant food court atmosphere.

In the expansive second-floor hawker center, while many stalls offer evening fare, Yang Ji 194 stands out with its standout dish: colossal Asian bighead carp heads smothered in a vibrant mix of steamed garlic, red chilies, and fresh coriander. The fish’s face bones are large and easy to navigate, so dig in with confidence.

Now under new management, Singapore’s beloved nasi lemak spot has relocated to a more spacious venue on Beach Road. You can opt for a solo nasi lemak set, but the real experience lies in gathering a group to enjoy the communal feast. Relish the coconut milk-infused rice paired with your choice of mains, such as the signature ayam goreng berempah (herbed fried chicken) and a Peranakan-style kerabu (spicy cucumber salad), rounded off with a kueh sampler for dessert. Don’t forget to accompany your meal with a refreshing coconut shake.

Situated in a charming shop-house on Ann Siang Road, Lolla stands out as one of the city’s premier small-plates restaurants. Under the guidance of Chef Johanne Siy, formerly of the now-closed Restaurant André, Lolla has gained acclaim for its exceptional produce and impressive wine selection. While the squid ink custard with sea urchin is a must-try a la carte, the tasting menu is a quintessential experience.

While Gordon Ramsay was bested by Tian Tian’s chefs in a cook-off, locals tend to roll their eyes at the selfie-stick tourists queuing for a taste at the Bourdain-approved stall. Instead, head to Ah Tai, just a few stalls away. The namesake owner, formerly of Tian Tian, serves succulent chicken with a fragrant chile sauce infused with lime juice, and you’ll receive your dish much faster than at Tian Tian.

Although the Michelin-starred Restaurant André has closed, its former executive chef, Zor Tan, has launched Restaurant Born. Situated in the historic Jinrikisha Station—formerly a rickshaw depot—Born offers a dramatic culinary experience where Tan’s profound life moments and relationships are transformed into an exquisite series of courses, all crafted with flawless French technique. Prepare to be awed by the restaurant’s expansive dining area, adorned with a strikingly large origami art piece suspended from the ceiling.

In the heart of the CBD, Park Bench Deli buzzes with an energetic vibe and a trendy crowd enjoying indulgent creations like gooey patty melts, kong bak (Chinese braised pork belly) banh mi, and hearty chicken katsu sandwiches. Pair your meal with a selection of American and Japanese craft beers, including Yona Yona, Deschutes, and Rogue.

Humpback offers a refreshing Pacific Northwest diner experience, featuring vibrant seafood dishes like fresh oysters sourced from Washington’s Hama Hama oyster farm. After dining, visit the adjacent Gibson, where inventive cocktails are crafted with ingredients like beetroot nectar blended with smoky tequila and mezcal.

Chef-owner Sun Kim’s innovative tasting menu at Meta presents a harmonious blend of Korean inspiration and French culinary techniques. Experience a range of standout dishes, from the delicate gyeran jjim (steamed egg custard) to the flavorful lobster haemultang (spicy seafood stew). Kim’s interpretation of Korean barbecue, featuring A4 Kagoshima wagyu with gobo (burdock) rice and white kimchi, is also a highlight.

Revolver, an Indian grill, offers an ever-evolving tasting menu brimming with smoky, robust flavors. The menu transforms every two months, yet staples like the tandoor-baked Kulchette—a unique take on roti paired with a rotating dip—and the courgette flower, often filled with inventive ingredients such as prawn balchao, remain highlights. Executive chef Saurabh Udinia, previously with Mumbai’s Masala Library, is poised for Michelin acclaim.

This café stands out from the rest. Nestled in the heart of Everton housing estate, it offers a minimalist menu focused solely on expertly roasted coffee beans and beverages. Each cup is brewed from beans roasted on-site, sourced directly from farms and cooperatives personally visited by the owners. Enjoy your coffee standing at a communal long table, as is the café's unique style.