Savour Singapore: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurants in Singapore, SG

Picture this: sizzling woks set ablaze in open kitchens where the air is thick with ginger, garlic and a hint of charred chilli. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafts through cobblestone alleyways, mingling with the chatter of locals enjoying late-night meals beneath softly glowing lanterns. In Singapore, every bite bursts with history and innovation, a city where hawker stalls nestle beside chic rooftop bars. The vibrant mix entices your senses to explore the best restaurants in Singapore, SG - promising an extraordinary culinary adventure every time you sit at the table.

Why Dine in Singapore, SG?

Singapore’s food scene is an extraordinary tapestry woven from its rich cultural fabric and global influences. You’ll find the humblest hawker stalls elbow-to-elbow with Michelin-starred restaurants, each bursting with flavour and story. This city celebrates its culinary diversity: from time-honoured recipes passed down generations to cutting-edge fusion that teases boundaries. The atmosphere ranges from bustling food courts where the queue alone promises a local favourite to intimate rooftop venues with panoramic views.

What truly defines dining in Singapore is its balance between tradition and innovation. You might sample the iconic chilli crab by the waterfront, then hop over to a sleek Japanese izakaya serving next-level sushi. As a visitor, you’re invited not only to taste but to partake in the city’s culinary rhythms - whether joining locals for late-night supper or savouring a brunch favourite in a leafy café. With impeccable service, a melting pot of cuisines, and year-round accessibility, Singapore’s dining experience ranks among the world’s most dynamic.

When I first climbed the cathedral tower near Clarke Quay, I couldn’t resist descending into a nearby hawker centre. The steam rising off a bowl of laksa was like a warm welcome, and the flavours sealed my affection for the city forever. This blend of energy, taste, and culture is why the best restaurants in Singapore, SG continue to attract food enthusiasts worldwide.

Top 10 Best Restaurants in Singapore, SG

1. Burnt Ends – This modern barbecue joint is a carnivore’s dream, offering wood-fired meats with smoky char and bold spices. The vibrant open kitchen and communal tables fuel a convivial dining vibe.
2. Jumbo Seafood – Famous for its chilli crab and black pepper crab, this iconic waterside eatery blends family-friendly warmth with authentic Singaporean recipes perfected over decades.
3. Odette – A refined spot for French haute cuisine fused with Asian touches; expect exquisite plating and an intimate atmosphere in the heart of the National Gallery.
4. PS.Cafe – Set in a chic colonial bungalow, PS.Cafe offers lush greenery surroundings paired with comforting brunch classics and decadent desserts – a true urban oasis.
5. Hjh Maimunah – Serving authentic Malay and Indonesian dishes in a traditional setting, it’s a fantastic stop to sample rendang, sambal, and rich curries beloved by locals.
6. The Coconut Club – Celebrated for arguably the best nasi lemak in the city, this stylish café delivers fragrant coconut rice paired with crispy chicken wings and sambal that tingles the palate.
7. Labyrinth – Constantly reinventing modern Singaporean cuisine, Labyrinth combines local ingredients with contemporary techniques to surprising and delicious effect.
8. Smith Marine Floating Seafood – For an authentic seafood feast in lively atmosphere, this floating restaurant offers fresh catches of the day grilled or steamed with condiments.
9. Atlas – More than a restaurant, Atlas dazzles with grandeur Art Deco interiors and a curated menu of European-inspired small plates and cocktails.
10. Tiong Bahru Bakery – Renowned for buttery croissants and artisanal coffee, it’s the perfect spot to start your day exploring the nearby hipster district.

Price & Style Grid: Dining at a Glance

Singapore’s dining canvas ranges from humble local cafés to elegant fine-dining temples. This lineup of the best restaurants in Singapore, SG captures that spectrum - whether you seek down-to-earth classics, creative twists on national treasures or sleek international fare. In terms of price, you’ll find excellent value whether whipping up a casual lunch or splurging on a multi-course dinner with panoramic views. Dress codes vary, but most spots lean relaxed with a touch of polish in finer venues. The variety speaks to the city’s inclusivity and culinary sophistication that invites every visitor to uncover their perfect meal.

Neighbourhood Flavours

Tiong Bahru

This charming district blends old-world charm with a fresh, hip dining scene. Wander past art deco flats to discover cosy cafés like the eponymous bakery famed for buttery pastries, alongside indie bistros specialising in both local and international dishes. It’s a perfect spot for brunch or an afternoon coffee while soaking the mellow, creative vibe.

Chinatown

At the core of Singapore’s food culture, Chinatown pulsates with hawker centres, street stalls, and eateries where tradition reigns supreme. Here, the smells of herbal soups, barbecued satay, and sweet mung bean pancakes mingle freely. It’s a bustling hub to explore classic local favourites in a lively, often festive atmosphere.

Kampong Glam

This historic Malay-Muslim quarter tempts with vibrant eateries dishing up fragrant rendang, biryanis and freshly baked Middle Eastern treats. The streets bustle with a bohemian flair, great for adventurous palates seeking spicy, exotic flavours amid colourful shophouses.

Marina Bay Sands

For high-end dining, Marina Bay Sands dazzles with sleek restaurants led by celebrity chefs. Stylish interiors and breathtaking views complement menus that blend Asian and Western luxury gastronomy, ideal for a special night out.

Hidden Culinary Gems

• Homestead Bakery: A family-run bakery tucked in a quiet lane, famous for traditional kaya rolls and buttery pineapple tarts loved by locals.
• Lah! Kopitiam: Unassuming but authentic, this kopitiam serves excellent mee goreng and kopi-o with a loyal neighbourhood following.
• Ah Seng Laksa: A hawker stall with a cult following for its spicy Penang-style laksa, often overlooked by tourists but adored by Singaporeans.

How to Eat Around Singapore, SG

Singapore offers a diverse range of restaurant types, from hawker centres with affordable local delights to exclusive culinary experiences requiring advance booking.

Delivery apps such as GrabFood and Foodpanda make it easy to explore the city’s cuisines from your hotel or apartment, convenient for busy travellers or rainy days.

Local markets like Tekka and Lau Pa Sat provide not just meals but a cultural experience, with vendors serving up fresh, vibrant dishes in buzzing environments.

Reservations are recommended for top restaurants; many allow online booking well in advance, especially for dinner slots on weekends and holidays.

Money-Saving Tips

• Go for lunch specials at popular restaurants, which often offer the same quality dishes at reduced prices (March 2024).
• Look out for early-bird menus, especially in fine-dining restaurants, available before 7pm weekdays.
• Use local food vouchers available during festivals like the Singapore Food Festival to enjoy discounts and tasting sets.
• Explore hawker centres for authentic and filling meals at a fraction of restaurant costs.
• Book in advance to access exclusive promotions or combo deals at chef-run establishments.

Sample 3-Day Food Itinerary

Eight Dining Mistakes Visitors Make

1. Skipping reservations at popular spots and arriving to long waits or no availability.
2. Eating exclusively in tourist-heavy zones, missing authentic local eateries with better value and flavour.
3. Overlooking hawker centres, which offer some of the best meals Singapore has to offer.
4. Assuming tipping is mandatory - it’s appreciated but not expected, so know when to tip appropriately.
5. Ignoring cuisine diversity and only seeking familiar dishes - venture to sample Malay, Indian and Peranakan offerings.
6. Visiting during off-peak seasons without checking if some stalls or restaurants close temporarily.
7. Missing out on local festivals that enhance culinary experiences with special menus and street food.
8. Not planning enough time to savour meals - Singapore dining is as much about atmosphere as the food itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make reservations at the best restaurants in Singapore, SG?

Yes, especially at fine dining venues or popular casual restaurants during weekends and holidays. Booking online in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot.

Is tipping customary in Singapore?

Tipping is not mandatory as a 10% service charge is often included. However, a small tip for excellent service in upscale places is appreciated but not expected.

Are there good vegetarian options in Singapore?

Absolutely. Many restaurants cater to vegetarian diets with Asian-inspired dishes rich in vegetables, tofu, and herbs. Some hawker centres have dedicated meat-free stalls as well.

What is the best time to visit for food lovers?

The city’s food festivals like the Singapore Food Festival in July and cultural celebrations such as Chinese New Year offer special menus and vibrant market scenes ideal for food enthusiasts.

Begin Your Culinary Journey

Your adventure to taste the best restaurants in Singapore, SG is waiting to unfold - from iconic seafood feasts to tucked-away bakeries spilling buttery aromas. We invite you to try these eateries, share your discoveries, and subscribe for more insider guides revealing the culinary hearts of cities worldwide. Let the flavour of Singapore inspire you to explore, savour and tell your story.