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The Best Restaurants in Singapore
Written by Sarah Julian
From bustling hawker centres to upscale dining with jaw-dropping views, Singapore offers a trove of foodie treasures waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a fully-fledged foodie or satisfying a craving, Singapore is where you need to be.
It’s no secret that Singapore is a food-obsessed nation. A visit to this little city state invites you to feast like royalty, with restaurants sharing the best of Chinese, Indian, Malaysian and Peranakan flavours – a combination that makes Singapore’s dining scene unlike any other in the world. From extravagant dining experiences led by innovation and sustainability to humble, Michelin-rated stalls where you’ll get change from a tenner, the choices are endless.
Read on to discover our pick of Singapore’s best restaurants.
Best Singaporean restaurants in Singapore
Mustard Seed
This intimate, omakase-style dining experience serves up a new Singaporean and Japanese fusion menu every two months, reinventing national favourites like rojak and laksa with a distinctly Japanese twist.
#81 on Asia’s 100 Best Restaurants List 2023
Labyrinth
Savour a story of Singapore’s past, present and future through ingredients from the city’s farms, where Chef LG Han reinterprets ‘tradition’ into an original set menu.
One Michelin star: 2023
328 Katong Laksa
Though many can’t agree on the exact origins of laksa, the dish has certain earned its place in the heart of every Singaporean. And you can’t go wrong at one of Singapore’s best spots – who else can claim they beat Gordon Ramsay in a laksa showdown?
Warong Nasi Pariaman
Believed to be the longest running nasi padang spot in Singapore, this laidback spot hasn’t changed its recipes since 1948. Pop by to enjoy rice dishes like ayam bakar (barbecued chicken with spiced coconut gravy) and sambal goreng (spicy stir-fry with beans, tempeh and bean curd).
Kok Sen Restaurant
As a well-loved zi char restaurant in Singapore, expect to see a bowl of their signature big prawn hor fun (gravy-soaked flat noodles and thick prawns) on every table.
Best Hawker in Singapore
A Noodle Story at Amoy Street Food Centre
With only 200 bowls of ‘reimagined’ Japanese ramen prepared daily, it’s worth lining up to slurp up this Singaporean-style dry noodles with char siew and wontons, topped with homemade sambal and dried shrimp.
J2 Famous Crispy Curry Puff at Amoy Street Food Centre
When owner Lee Meng Li transitioned from bread to curry puffs, he brought his precious pastry secrets with him to create a golden crust that’s light, flaky and simply delicious.
Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre
When Google suggests ‘Hainanese Chicken Rice’ with ‘Maxwell Food Centre’ it must be a big deal – see why this particular plate of fragrant rice, succulent chicken and trinity of dipping sauces is a must try in Singapore.
Hawker Chan at Chinatown Complex
Lines nearly doubled in length at Hawker Chan (formerly known as Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle) when it became the one of the first food stalls to hold one Michelin star for its plates of soya sauce chicken rice or soya sauce chicken noodles.
Zhao Ji Claypot Rice at Chinatown Complex
In operation since 1979, this humble store knows a thing or two about sticky, nutty and perfectly crisp claypot rice. Get your fix with a serving of scrape-worthy rice, with sides of duck liver sausages, lup cheon, salted fish and more.
Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle
Is this really the best bak chor mee in Singapore? Find out for yourself for under $5.
One Michelin star: 2023
Best hotel restaurants in Singapore
Summer Pavilion
Settle in at this upscale dining space encircled by a tranquil garden and pick out your favourite dishes from the extensive Cantonese menu. Don’t miss the succulent seafood, known as some of the best contemporary Chinese in Singapore.
One Michelin star: 2023
Tiffin Room
Take a step back in time at the historic Tiffin Room at Raffles, which has existed in some shape or form since 1892. These days, it’s famous for its North Indian specialties served in exquisite tiffins.
Grand Lobby
Pop your pinkies up for a high tea in the Grand Lobby of Raffles – a harp performance sets the tone for an elegant and graceful afternoon of sandwiches and sweet treats.
Po Restaurant
This sleek establishment pioneers modern Singaporean cuisine from its home at the Warehouse Hotel. Don’t miss the signature popiah platter, where you’ll assemble wheat skins, stewed pork and vegetable and accompaniments to your taste.
Basilico
Be welcomed with a giant wheel of parmesan at this all-day dining destination at the Conrad Singapore Orchard, where you can live la dolce vita with antipasto, pizza, pasta, a carpaccio bar and Signature Cheese Room.
Jann
Savour mouthwatering views and fine dining at its best on the 70th floor of the Swissôtel The Stamford. Chef Kirk Westaway’s rural hometown of Devon inspires a delicious lineup of British produce, including scallops from Scotland and turbot from Cornwall.
Two Michelin stars: 2023
Best Michelin star restaurants in Singapore
Thevar
Chef Mano Thevar’s modern Indian menu celebrates seasonal ingredients and modern European techniques over multiple courses, with nostalgic flavours taking centre stage.
Two Michelin stars: 2023
Buona Terra
Headed by Lombardy-born chef Denis Lucchi, this restaurant makes good on its promise to showcase Northern Italy’s boldest (and best) flavours.
One Michelin Star: 2023
Cloudstreet
Chef Rishi Naleendra tells his life’s story at Cloudstreet, with influences shining through from his Sri Lankan heritage, Colombo upbringing and experience at renowned Australian eateries. Take a seat on the culinary rollercoaster, with a front row seat to his thrilling creativity and artistry.
Two Michelin stars: 2023
#26 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023
Odette
The National Gallery of Singapore is the perfect setting for the exquisite French cuisine of Odette, crafted with luxurious ingredients sourced from small producers.
Three Michelin stars: 2023
#1 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2020
Burnt Ends
Custom-made, four-tonne, two-oven brick kilns are the stars of this award-winning Australian barbecue establishment, where almost everything is grilled over sizzling open flames.
One Michelin star: 2023
Shoukouwa
With ingredients shipped from Japan’s Toyosu Market almost daily, only the best and freshest produce – think uni, abalone, seasonal fish and more – make it to your omakase menu at Shoukouwa.
Two Michelin stars: 2023
Candlenut
Inspired by chef-owner Malcom Lee’s Peranakan heritage, the vibrant and modern plates of Strats Chinese cuisine at Candlenut combine the flavours of his grandmother’s homestyle cooking with modern cooking techniques.
One Michelin star: 2023
Discover Singapore
Hungry for more inspiration? Check out Michelin Stars & World-Class Bars: Singapore
Feature image: Newton Food Centre, Singapore.
