30 Best Restaurants in Singapore A Local’s Guide to Dining in the Lion City

Singapore’s food scene is a delightful mosaic of flavors and experiences. Whether you’re craving traditional fare or modern fusion, this city has it all. Explore diverse culinary gems that promise to tantalize your taste buds. With options ranging from hawker stalls to fine dining, dining in Singapore is an adventure.

The island city is renowned for its rich tapestry of cuisines. This dining guide takes you through Singapore’s best culinary delights, showcasing a blend of cultural influences. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s a dining experience waiting just for you. From street food to elegant restaurants, discover where to eat in style. Get ready to indulge in an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

To dine at Na Oh, step through Hyundai’s innovation center. This restaurant offers a seasonal four-course set menu that highlights greens grown in the building’s hydroponics farms. Each course presents a choice of seafood, meat, or vegetarian dishes that incorporate rich, aged jang sauces. It’s an innovative and fresh culinary adventure.

Somma delivers Italian cuisine with a twist. The dining experience begins with a ceremonious welcome. Its menu offers seasonal tasting options that redefine Italian classics. The standout is the Somma Cheese Experience, which includes Italian cheeses infused with surprising flavors. It’s a gastronomic exploration that celebrates Puglian history.

With its bright red and white facade, 328 Katong Laksa is a local icon. It serves a famed laksa dish with perfectly balanced coconut and spice flavors. The casual setting makes it ideal for a quick and delightful meal. Don’t miss the chunky fish otah, wrapped in banana leaf, for an authentic taste of Peranakan heritage.

Keng Eng Kee, or KEK, is always buzzing with energy. Known for its Moonlight Hor Fun and Coffee Pork Ribs, this eatery is a favorite among locals. Its extensive menu offers a wide array, but the signature dishes are a must-try. Experience the vibrant flavors that define Singaporean dining.

Odette offers an elegant dining experience with a pastel-themed setting. Chef Julien Royer creatively blends tradition with innovation, using high-quality ingredients to craft exquisite dishes. The culinary team is visible through a glass-walled kitchen, adding a personal touch to the dining journey. It’s a blend of art and taste.

Located within Singapore’s vibrant dining district, GUUM presents a modern take on Korean classics. The menu features creative dishes like Yukhwae Jeon and various grilled meats. Each bite offers familiar yet exciting flavors, making it a memorable culinary experience. The restaurant’s atmosphere exudes a rock-and-roll vibe.

Summer Palace is a long-standing institution for fine Cantonese dining. Newly renovated, it boasts a combination of modern elegance and classic style. Chef Liu Ching Hai’s menu includes refined dishes like double-boiled soups and sweet-and-sour pork. It’s a great spot for an elegant meal filled with rich Cantonese tradition.

Burnt Ends is the go-to for exceptional barbecue. Its open kitchen and custom oven offer a unique dining atmosphere. The menu changes daily, but the pulled pork sanger in brioche buns remains a staple. Vegetables are also standout items, showcasing the restaurant’s emphasis on flavor and quality.

Restaurant Fiz sits in a historical area, offering dishes with a contemporary twist on traditional techniques. The Sajian Warisan Full Experience highlights its best offerings, including the Forged Parfait Toast and Urap salad. This restaurant embodies a fusion of heritage and innovation, delivering flavors that linger long after your meal.

Established in 1948, Warong Nasi Pariaman is Singapore’s longest-running nasi padang spot. The casual atmosphere complements its traditional dishes like ayam bakar and sambal goreng. Each plate is rich with Indonesian flavors. It’s perfect for a satisfying meal with friends, offering a taste of history with every bite.

An elusive destination, The Clubroom is a hidden speakeasy that serves American and European dishes. The lobster sliders and shrimp cocktail are favorites. The ambiance takes you back to the 1920s and is perfect for those seeking a classic yet innovative dining experience. It’s a slice of timeless elegance.

Located in a heritage building, New Ubin Seafood offers an eclectic menu that mirrors Singapore’s diverse palate. With dishes like chili crab and heart attack fried rice, it blends various culinary styles to create memorable flavors. Each visit is an exploration of tradition and modernity.

Imperial Treasure specializes in its renowned Peking duck, with its delicate, crispy skin and tender meat. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it perfect for gatherings. Guests can watch the duck being sliced tableside, adding to the charm. Book in advance for a taste of one of the finest ducks in town.

At Candlenut, modern Peranakan cuisine takes center stage. Chef Malcolm Lee offers fresh interpretations of family recipes. Signature dishes like bakwan kepiting and Aunt Caroline’s Babi Buah Keluak are rich in flavor and history. The dessert, kueh salat, is a must-try, offering a sweet end to a delightful culinary experience.

Les Amis offers a luxurious dining journey with its elegant decor and refined French cuisine. Chef Sebastien Lepinoy reinterprets classic dishes with contemporary twists, often including rare and seasonal ingredients. The ambiance is sophisticated, with private rooms for an exclusive feel. Each meal is an indulgence in taste and style.

Meta combines South Korean and European influences under the direction of Chef Sun Kim. The space is chic and elegant. Diners can enjoy artistic dishes like Korean beef tartare with pear and kimchi. The restaurant’s innovative approach to flavors makes it a must-visit for a unique dining adventure.

Kok Sen retains its appeal with a new location and enduring reputation. Signature dishes like Big Prawn Hor Fun are customer favorites, blending traditional and modern flavors. Each meal offers a taste of true local fare, with a warmth that makes you feel at home.

Hajah Maimunah is a bustling nasi padang restaurant serving over 30 different Malaysian and Indonesian dishes. With comforting options like beef rendang and sayur lodeh, it’s a place where locals and tourists come to enjoy hearty and delicious meals. Each dish is a homage to the rich culinary traditions of the region.

Empress combines modern style with traditional Cantonese recipes. Its location offers a scenic view, perfect for a sophisticated meal. Signature dishes like the Triple Roast Platter showcase the best of Cantonese dining. The restaurant offers an extensive drink menu, including classic Chinese liquors and sake.

Hua Yu Wee is a historic seafood restaurant in a colonial bungalow. Known for its chili crab and crispy fried duck, it continually updates its dishes to reflect Singapore’s evolving dining scene. Each visit is a step back in time and a taste of nostalgia.

Samy’s Curry is known for its vibrant Indian cuisine, served in a relaxed setting on Dempsey Hill. The family-run restaurant offers beloved dishes like chicken masala and mysore mutton, served traditionally on banana leaves. It’s a lively place where eating with your hands adds to the authenticity of the meal.

Beauty in the Pot specializes in hotpot with collagen-rich broths that are said to benefit the skin. Located in Orchard Road, it offers a central spot for a nourishing meal. With popular choices like Fried Beancurd rolls and Pork Collar, this restaurant delivers a heartwarming hotpot experience.

J.B. Ah Meng offers no-frills dining but delivers on taste. Located in Singapore’s red-light district, it’s a favorite among chefs and locals. The San Lou Mee Hoon and White Pepper Crabs are top picks. It’s all about bold flavors and late-night enjoyment.

Nouri presents ‘crossroads cooking’ by blending international flavors. Chef Ivan Brehms creates dishes like acarajé with Thai curry and wagyu tartare with kimchi. The ambiance is chic, with communal tables for an inclusive dining experience. It’s a journey through diverse culinary influences.


Dining in Singapore is an endless exploration of culture, flavor, and innovation. From local favorites to world-class cuisine, every meal tells a story. These top restaurants showcase the diversity and creativity of Singapore’s food scene. Whether you’re a foodie or a first-timer, there’s something special waiting for your taste buds.

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