The 50 best restaurants in Singapore you must try

What is it Contemporary food presented in whimical fashion heavily inspired by lush surroundings of the iconic Gardens by the Bay. The seven course tasting menu is a masterful display of textures, flavours and temperatures.

Why we love it Instead of strolling in, arrive in style with the limousine buggy service from Gardens by the Bay’s arrival plaza to Marguerite. Moreover, Chef Michael Wilson's focus on craftmanship is apparent not only in the restaurant setting but also with every dish.

Time Out tip Dress for spring climates and definitely pick the non-alcoholic beverage program to pair with the meal.

What is it An intimate Japanese kappo restaurant by Chef Kenjiro ‘Hatch’ Hashida serving up the finest sushi omakase experience money can buy.

Why we love it Hashida teases the senses here with the main 12-seater space: sleek Hiba wood countertop, undulating ceilings and walls resembling the moon's surfaces, exquisite handcrafted tableware, and a warm and hospitable crew. And of course, the inventive food that places fine seafood on the pedestal and a unexpected surprise of creative desserts.

Time Out tip Don't sleep on the condiments. Treated with the same reverance for fresh seafood, the oft-forgotten wasabi and pickled ginger are extremely extremely addictive – yes, we doubled down.

What is it This time-tested one-Michelin star restaurant flexes a modern take on fine Italian gastronomy weaving in flavours that are complex yet essential, familiar yet exciting.

Why we love it Everything is top notch, from the whisper-level, formal service – the dining room is handily managed by expert sommelier Gabriele Rizzardi, who also provides recommendations from his wine cellar brimming with exclusive Italian labels – to the plates of beautifully-constructed food.

Time Out tip Treat yourself to the five-course experience menu (from $178) and savour on his respectful manipulation of the freshest and most exotic ingredients.

What is it A restaurant dedicated to Gastro-Botanica, a term coined by chef Jason Tan to describe his reverence for botanical ingredients; one where vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, and even flowers take centrestage.

Why we love it You’ll find unexpected dishes prepped with a botanical focus, served in a thoughtfully designed space with foliage-filled feature walls, onion motifs (an homage to Jason’s favourite vegetable), and plenty of natural light.

Time Out tip Look out for onions, peeping through in ways both literal and edible. Scales are hinted in wall motifs, and coasters are fashioned to resemble the bulb-like vegetable.

What is it A modern Korean restaurant that acts as an ode to remembrance; one where the personal journey of chef Louis Han is worked into the menu and space.

Why we love it Everything feels homely and well-constructed. The episodic menu switches up every few months. Following a debut of the chef’s favourite ingredients, the new selection will feature dishes that draw on the mountains in Korean – warm, invigorating, and hearty.

Time Out tip Additional orders of the uni somyeon, slippery and savoury; as well as the charcoal jujube dessert are highly recommended.

What is it A cinematic restaurant described as a “love letter” to India.

Why we love it This gorgeously dressed restaurant promises to be a feast for the senses. First, indulge in the dreamy interiors. The food, too, is a dazzling reinterpretation of traditional Indian cuisine, where recipes are tweaked and tinkered so everything tastes new again.

Time Out tip With four thematic spaces dressed like movie sets, make sure to leave your table and explore the entire interior.

What is it Japanese-inspired patisserie that operates on a reservations-only basis. 

Why we love it There are no cake stands or fancy display cases, and images of its desserts are also deliberately left out on its menu. Diners have to rely solely on the description – and their imagination – to choose their desserts. And each is daintily constructed to resemble mini works of art. 

Time Out tip Get three to four desserts as a way to sample the variety that the patisserie has to offer. J is an edible planter and an absolute must-try. 

What is it The first full-service Sri Lankan restaurant in Singapore.

Why we love it Brought to you by Rishi Naleendra from Cloudstreet, the chef leans into his heritage to cook up a flavourful, spice-scented meal inspired by the bustling street food culture in Sri Lanka. Meaning 'fort' in Sinhalese, the restaurant will also pay homage to the Portuguese, Dutch and British influences on the country.

Time Out tip Our carb of choice at Kotuwa to replace the usual grains: hoppers, bowl-shaped pancakes that will pair well with all the gravy and curries. 

What is it The world’s first, and only, Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant. 

Why we love it To be the world's only Michelin-starred Peranakan chef is no easy feat, but through hard work, a passion for his heritage, and unyielding dedication, chef Malcolm Lee managed to earn this badge of honour. His food is warm and comforting and based on recipes he grew up eating. 

Time Out tip Opt for Lee’s Taste of Candlenut menu ($78/lunch, $98/dinner) if you're new to the cuisine and unsure of where to start. 

What is it The local outpost of Mott 32, a sexy chain of restaurant renowned for its progressive Chinese cuisine.

Why we love it Dining at Mott 32 is a luxurious, sensual affair. It starts when you step into the opulently decorated space – with peacock chairs, mod furniture, and apothecary drawers to give the dimly lit place a sexy allure. Food is equally dramatic, with Chinese staples excited with premium ingredients, including its iconic applewood roasted duck ($108) cured and marinated for over 48 hours. 

Time Out tip Pre-orders for the prized bird dish is highly recommended given the limited quantities available each day.

What is it A modern dining experience inspired by the collective past of a pair of childhood friends. 

Why we love it The roadmap of modern gastronomy is often marked with unfamiliar sights. But here, chefs Alex Phan and Glen Tay tap into their childhood and take a trip down memory lane to help drive the menu. Local flavours are reinterpreted to feature flavours of sambal octopus, jazzed-up fish soup, and more. 

Time Out tip Throw in an order of Ave87 tea, its own herbal brew with floral notes from chrysanthemum, rosebuds, dried longan, and candied winter melon. 

What is it Chef Rishi Naleendra's deeply personal exploration of self-identity told through food. 

Why we love it Cloudstreet is a pure expression of who chef Rishi is. His paintings of women in the nude line the walkway to the powder room, and the food served is a remix of his memories and heritage. It’s apparent from the first bite, where grilled oysters come swimming in a pool of coconut milk, right down to the underrated bread course mixed with local stout and liquorice. 

Time Out tip Don’t skip out on the wine-pairing option. The drink program features over 350 labels of mostly small, independent winemakers as well as classics. 

What is it A modern dining experience with a cuisine defined not by type, but by chapters. 

Why we love it In Preludio's first year, chef Fernando Arévalo challenged the team to dish out creations centred around the theme of Monochrome. Now, he's rounded up all his greatest hits in The Preludio Story. 

Time Out tip Haven't been to Preludio? This iteration of the menu lets you sample all the previous editions in a single sitting – from La Cortina to Pata Negra. 

What is it A quaint eco-conscious eatery hidden within the quiet Kensington Square that impresses with its straightforward approach. 

Why we love it This little diner is so low-key that you might just walk past to without taking a second glance. But that’ll mean missing out on the flavour-packed menu cooked up by the husband-wife duo who runs the place. Its menu, switched up according to the season, highlights the best the land, and sea, has to offer. 

Time Out tip Allium works on a reservation-only basis, so it's best to plan ahead to avoid disappointment. 

What is it Gluten-free casual diner in the buzzy Tiong Bahru neighbourhood.

Why we love it It’s a hard task to create a menu that completely omits gluten. It's an even harder task to create a menu where you don't notice that it's gone. But The Butcher's Wife has been doing just that, with a tasty menu where fermentation techniques feature extensively. Sip on homemade kombucha, and chow down on hearty grub of in-house goat cheese, gnocchi, and wagyu picanha. 

Time Out tip Order the crispy pig’s ear, inspired by the Brazilian national dish of feijoada, a stew that utilises every part of the pig. 

What is it Beloved establishment that has been serving up refined Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine since 1982.

Why we love it After being around for some 38 years, Min Jiang has reopened with a refreshed interior with contemporary touches and splashes of chinoiserie. The food, too, is updated to include steamed pumpkin ball, deep-fried stuffed dough sticks with shredded abalone and enoki mushroom, and lavish wonton noodles topped with sweet Argentinian red prawns.

Time Out tip In keeping with traditions, Min Jiang continues to offer the dim sum pushcart service during lunchtimes – a rare sight in Chinese eateries these days.

What is it A twelve-year-old Middle Eastern restaurant opened by chef Bjorn Shen.  

Why we love it Artichoke prides itself on serving the least authentic Middle Eastern food in town – a concept we can enthusiastically get behind because it’s still fricking delicious. Start yourself off with a series of meze, best scooped up with warm triangles of toasted Turkish bread. 

Time Out tip Have some pieces of leftover bread? Use them to mop up the smoky sauce from Artichoke’s green harissa prawns. 

What is it Since its opening in 2013, Cicheti has been serving solid Italian-inspired creations and good vibes in equal measure.

Why we love it In true Italian fashion – although we'd argue that Cicheti's food refuses to be pigeonholed and instead offers a mix of Mediterranean and Singaporean flavours as well – the menu is split into sections of antipasti, primi, second, pizza and dolci. Begin your meal with small plates like the Zuppa di Cozze e N’duja or grilled sea prawns sourced from Tekka Market.  

Time Out tip Try your luck with some off-menu specials: a Sicilian-inspired Napoletana with slivers of white anchovy and stracciatella and anything else the chefs might be experimenting with.

What is it Premium nasi lemak that’s well worth the hefty price. 

Why we love it When a restaurant still draws in daily queues despite charging $18.80 for a dish people typically pay $2 for, you know it's doing something right. The nasi lemak at The Coconut Club is a faultless example of the classic Malay dish. Rice comes flavoured with coconut milk from a single plantation in Sabak Bernam, Malaysia.

Time Out tip Don’t leave without trying its kueh platter, or the refreshing coconut jelly. 

What is it A partnership between a team of chefs and one of Thailand's largest property developers to showcases art, design, goods – and loads of scrumptious food. 

Why we love it Ever wondered what it'd be like to dine in a luxurious condo owned by Bangkok's super-rich? Siri House gives you a taste of that experience – all without leaving Singapore. The food here is playful, fun to eat and outrageously delicious, like the pappardelle, which utilises prawn and lobster heads to make an intoxicating bisque-like sauce.

Time Out tip Like what you see? Artworks, interior goods, and other furnishings are all available for purchase to spruce up your home. 

What is it Chef Björn Frantzén’s first international outpost. 

Why we love it Priced at $450 for dinner, Zén is one of the most expensive restaurants in Singapore. But a meal here is well worth the price tag. You’ll find plates cooked up using ingredients that you'd be hard-pressed to find in any other restaurant in the city – or the region.  

Time Out tip Get ready to climb; the restaurant occupies a beautiful three-storey shophouse along trendy Bukit Pasoh. 

What is it Forward-thinking local zi char chain’s latest open-air outlet. 

Why we love it New Ubin is returning to its humble roots as a casual eatery with this alfresco canteen outpost. The location might be odd and inaccessible, but luckily, it has an exciting menu to encourage you to make a visit. An in-house smoker provides modern plates like foie gras satay, while the open-air setting allows dishes like the charcoal fish head steamboat to be served. 

Time Out tip Check out the special Ubin Nasi Lemak from its test kitchen, a recipe that took over a year of tinkering to perfect, or try the smoky plates from Garang Grill, a local grill house. 

What is it A redefinition of Basque cooking with a colourful inspiration and cooking influences.

Why we love it Inspired by the cuisine of Basque Country, where meats are grilled over hot coals and stews are rustic and hearty – chef Aitor Jeronimo Orive elevates these homey dishes with techniques he’s learned cooking at some of the top restaurants in the world, including The Fat Duck in London and Spain’s Mugaritz. 

Time Out tip Take in the views; Basque Kitchen has now found a new riverside home at the scenic Fullerton Waterboat House.

What is it Modern Japanese kappo cuisine cooked to the finest degree. 

Why we love it Esora is a treat for the senses. Here, chef Takeshi Araki prepares kappo-style cuisine with utmost precision. He welds modern cooking techniques with an obsession over produce to create the perfect dining experience. 

Time Out tip The menu changes almost every week, following the micro-seasonality of ingredients, so you never really know what you’re going to get.

What is it Unique ‘crossroads cooking’ by Bacchanalia’s former chef.

Why we love it Chef-owner Ivan Brehm, an alumnus of The Fat Duck and former head chef of Bacchanalia, has us hooked on 'crossroads cooking' – a term he coined that celebrates the similarities between cuisines and cultures. Expect deftly prepared dishes that use uncommon ingredients to create flavour combinations that are all at once familiar and novel.

Time Out tip Located on the second floor, above Nouri, is Appetite, the restaurant’s experimental arm that houses a multi-concept space complete with a kitchen, art gallery, and more. 

What is it One-Michelin-starred local restaurants that offer a new expression of Singapore cuisine.

Why we love it This truly local restaurant has turned locavore: 80 percent of its menu is made from ingredients sourced from the city's farms presented in a 12- or 14-course dinner that echoes Singapore's past, present, and future.

Time Out tip Inspired by the flavours he grew up with – his grandmother's cooking – the Ang Moh Chicken Rice is a reinterpretation of a hawker dish we can all get behind.

What is it Award-winning grill house where everything is grilled and cooked by fire. 

Why we love it Most items on the menu are cooked in special ovens – four-tonne brick kiln – designed by chef-owner Dave Pynt. There’s just something incredibly honest about a solid slab of meat coaxed over open flames. The steak topped with bone marrow and burnt onion is something you'll find on every table, but to leave without chowing down on Burnt End's legendary sanger burger would be a travesty.

Time Out tip Reservations for this restaurant is notoriously hard to snag, but Burnt Ends is well worth the hype and the month-long (or sometimes longer) waiting list. So plan ahead. 

What is it Three-Michelin-starred French fine-dining establishment by chef Julien Royer. 

Why we love it No list of the best restaurants in Singapore would be complete without Odette. Described as honest food with steep respect for ingredients cultivated from his farming family in France, chef Julien Royer’s cuisine prides itself on keeping up with the provenance of its produce, which results in magnificent plates that will blow any diner away.

Time Out tip Swing by early to explore the grounds of the National Gallery, where the restaurant is located. 

What is it Western dishes get a Sichuan twist at Birds of a Feather.

Why we love it Inspired by the laid-back teahouses of Chengdu, the restaurant tastefully makes use of lush greenery and eclectic design pieces to create a space you won't mind unwinding at from morning 'til late. The food, too, is spiced up with Sichuan flavours served in a new light. 

Time Out tip The sharing menu for two offers a multi-course introduction to the best hits that the restaurant has to offer. 

What is it Peranakan restaurant by the doyenne of Nonya food in Singapore. 

Why we love it Whether you’re a tourist on the hunt for local cuisine or a Singaporean craving for Peranakan comfort food when you touch down, Violet Oon Singapore is sure to hit the spot. Gather around the communal tables at the brands biggest outlet to date and make your own Nyonya Poh Piah

Time Out tip Dry laksa is a dish that has to be ordered. 

What is it Casual restaurant along Ann Siang Road with seasonal Mediterranean cuisine in small plates for sharing.

Why we love it Watch the chefs prepare your food right in front of you at a dining bar, or opt for the communal table one floor below to pass the plates around. Dishes of hand-torn pasta and grilled octopus will keep everyone at the dinner table happy. 

Time Out tip The joint is famous for its sea urchin pudding, which you’ll end up licking clean – trust us, it’s that good.

What is it Progressive Italian fare reinvented with a modern twist. Expect beautiful produce smoke-kissed by the Josper and Japanese shichirin grill before it reaches you in style.

Why we love it This tiny shophouse along Boat Quay might only be able to squeeze 20 people into its space, but this exclusive casual-luxe restaurant and rooftop bar doesn't pull any punches. 

Time Out tip Tasting menus at this one-Michelin-starred joint start at a reasonable $118 during lunch. 

What is it Finer-than-casual small plates that highlight the best of Spanish and Catalan flavours.

Why we love it With experience in Michelin-decorated kitchens like El Celler de Can Roca and Zuberoa in Spain, chef Carlos Montobbio has brought Esquina to new heights, with dishes that cradle Mediterranean warmth. 

Time Out tip The oozy Basque cheesecake comes with a soft, melty centre – and is easily one of the best versions of the trendy dessert we've had in town.

What is it Contemporary Indian restaurant with creative yet satisfyingly delicious plates. 

Why we love it We're not sure why it took so long, but Singapore finally has a contemporary Indian restaurant to call its own. Inspired by his travels around South Asia, his Penang heritage and his time working in Singapore, chef Murugan Thevar has created a bold, colourful menu at Thevar. 

Time Out tip The menu switches up with the season, so you’re always in for a pleasant surprise. 

What is it Locally and internationally lauded French fine dining establishment with three Michelin stars to boot.

Why we love it Helmed by chef Sebastien Lepinoy, the French chef sources almost everything from his country of origin. His pride and joy: handcrafted Le Ponclet butter, which is so rare, it's only served in less than 20 restaurants in the world.

Time Out tip The kitchen team works on Sundays and has a lunch menu that makes dining at Les Amis a little more accessible for the wallet-conscious diner.

What is it The first Asian outpost of the celebrity chef-owned steakhouse.

Why we love it You go to CUT for one reason: the steaks. Grilled over hard wood and charcoal, the hunks of beef come from a menagerie of sources. You've got USDA Prime from Illinois, Angus and wagyu from Australia, and many more to live out your meat lover’s dreams. 

Time Out tip No meal here is complete without some sides. Go traditional with the creamed spinach with fried organic egg, or the crispy tempura onion rings. 

What is it Contemporary French restaurant that provides an intimate and personalised experience.

Why we love it Rhubard Le Restaurant proves that bigger doesn't necessarily mean better. With just seven tables, this charming shophouse space along Duxton Hill is earnest about the fine cuisine and not greedy about its prices. 

Time Out tip You’ll do no wrong ordering from the set menu, with good-sized appetisers, one main, and desserts. 

What is it A cosy, ingredient-driven fusion restaurant tucked away in the Dempsey enclave. 

Why we love it A meal at Morsels feels like coming home. The rustic barnyard-style restaurant takes after a cosy living room with a showcase kitchen at the back where you can watch chef Petrina Loh and her team whip up comforting dishes that speak to the heart.

Time Out tip In a hurry? Morsels also offer a quick and easy noodle set lunch that rotates every week where you get to try creations such as the pork jowl char siew wonton mee or the Duck-Kut-Teh. 

What is it JB Ah Meng is a Bib Gourmand awardee best known for its wok-kissed dishes. 

Why we love it The crowds keep coming back for its unbeatable zi char dishes like the san lou bee hoon. It appears simple enough, but the pancake-resembling seafood noodle dish is the joint’s star. Charred and crisp on the outside but soft on the inside, each strand of bee hoon is coated with a smoky wok hei.

Time Out tip JB Ah Meng also does a killer rendition of white pepper crab – the dish is only mildly spicy and lets the natural sweetness of the crustacean shine. 

What is it An exquisite sushi restaurant inspired by traditional hanare-ya or guest cottages. 

Why we love it There's a sense of hushed reverence that befalls anyone stepping into Shinji by Kanesake – you're about to worship at the altar of one of Singapore's best sushi bars, after all. Even if you're intimidated at first, give it a few minutes and you'll start to feel at home when the friendly itamae enquires about your preferences.

Time Out tip Stealing the spotlight when you step into the space is a 300-year-old hinoki sushi counter. 

What is it An intimate Japanese dining experience only for people in the know.

Why we love it Kappo Shunsui is of the few restaurants in Singapore that serve Kappo-style cuisine – an intricate balance of five primary food preparation techniques: grilling, steaming, frying, simmering, and serving food raw. Expect seasonally-driven menus. 

Time Out tip There are only 19 seats in this intimate restaurant, and each offer prime views to watch the chef cook up a feast.

What is it One-Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton. 

Why we love it After all these years, Summer Pavilion is still one of the best Chinese eateries in town. Chef Cheung Siu Kong has been honing his craft in the same kitchen since 2003 and earning the restaurant its first Michelin star in 2016.

Time Out tip Dim sum and champagne? You’ll find it as part of the restaurant’s special pairing menu. 

What is it An iconic local seafood joint well-loved for its crab dishes.  

Why we love it Jumbo’s been serving chilli crabs at its birthplace, East Coast Park, since 1987 and has long been a favourite of many. The reason for its popularity has to be its choice of crabs – they’re all extremely meaty, with extra-large pincers. Its sauce is pretty unique, too, deploying ground peanuts for an added crunch.

Time Out tip It might have multiple outlets around town, but the breezy East Coast Park outlet ranks high on our list for its waterfront views and tranquil setting. 

What is it Middle Eastern food made hipster and cool. 

Why we love it Let Fat Prince show you a whole new world of Middle Eastern flavours, shining, shimmering and splendid. Designed to reflect Istanbul’s opulent café culture – think velvet navy chairs, wooden rafters lined with gold and Arabic mosaic embedded in the walls – it’s grand without being gaudy.

Time Out tip The Fat Prince hummus is a smooth blend of chickpeas, duck fat, garlic and lemon, and sprinkled with a mix of fragrant spices. Spread it over crispy bread chips and it’s filling enough to be a meal on its own. 

What is it This Travis Masiero-owned joint is your traditional American chophouse.

Why we love it Luke’s specialises in lots of meat and some stellar seafood. If you’re in the mood for the former, try the bone-in tenderloin au poivre, served with peppercorn crust and mustard cognac jus or the blue label burger.

Time Out tip Make sure you start with a tray of Luke’s oysters, sourced from chef Masiero’s hometown of Boston.

What is it A Greek restaurant along Amoy Street that specialises in sustainable seafood caught off the Mediterranean coast.

Why we love it The flavours are kept clean, showcasing the freshness of dishes like the grilled Greek octopus that's served with vinegared onions and confit tomatoes, and shrimp saganaki. Not to be missed is the wide selection of whole fish – from European seabass to Gilt-Head seabream – that's served either grilled on in a salt-baked crust. 

Time Out tip Aside from seafood, you'll also find Greek classics such as taramosalata, Greek salad, and fyllo-wrapped feta on the menu. We recommend ordering a bunch to share for a true Grecian feast.

What is it For the past few decades, Sawadee Thai has been serving authentic Thai food in Singapore.

Why we love it Save yourself from the two-hour flight to Bangkok when cravings strike – they're just as easily satisfied at Sawadee Thai. It gets a shipment of fresh Thai produce daily and offers an array of dishes in a relaxed setting. 

Time Out tip Meat lovers will like the pan-seared black Angus beef ribeye that's served with a homemade green curry sauce and the mao shan wang durian sticky rice dessert is a must.

What is it For a taste of Tokyo-Italian cuisine in Singapore, turn to Terra by chef-owner Seita Nakahara.

Why we love it Not to be confused with fusion food – what's on the menu here is an appreciation of Japanese food culture (shokubunka) in Italian cuisine and culinary traditions. Chef Seita regularly travels to Japan to source for new ingredients, establishing close relationships with his suppliers to get the best quality of ingredients which he uses in omakase sets that change seasonally. 

Time Out tip No two meals at Terra are exactly the same – even though you can request for your favourite dishes in advance.

What is it MasterChef Asia's first winner Woo Wai Leong's first restaurant.

Why we love it Restaurant Ibid’s story first starts with its name. It’s meant to highlight Leong’s roots as a Singaporean Chinese man and his Nanyang identity – a phrase borrowed from the realm of art where Singaporean painters like Liu Kang and Georgette Chen blended Western and Eastern painting traditions.

Time Out tip Dinner highlights playful twists on chef Wai Leong’s childhood favourites with touches influenced by traditional Chinese medicine.

What is it A contemporary grill house perched on the 70th floor of the Swissotel the Stamford.

Why we love it Skai overlooks the civic district down from the Padang to Marina Bay. Executive chef Paul Hallett is also an expert butcher and self-professed lover of steak, so it’s no surprise to see 10 types of rare beef like the Saga Wagyu tenderloin ($155) on offer.

Time Out tip Looking for a more casual meal? The Skai High Tea comes with dainty bites, sweet treats, and of course, killer views.