Singapore has a rich culinary landscape with a mix of fine dining establishments, local hawker gems, and international cuisines. It is known for its vibrant food scene, blending European, Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan influences. Tourists can embark on a culinary journey by exploring the famous dining spots to local restaurants for a gastronomical delight. Here's a list of some of the best restaurants to explore in Singapore:
1.Odette
Odette is one of Singapore's most celebrated fine dining establishments. Located within the National Gallery Singapore, Odette is known for its refined French cuisine, beautifully merging tradition with contemporary flair. The restaurant is helmed by Chef Julien Royer, whose meticulous approach to ingredients and cooking has earned Odette numerous accolades, including multiple Michelin stars and a spot on prestigious global restaurant lists. Odette’s menu evolves with the seasons, but dishes like Kegani crab with Granny Smith apples and Normandy brown butter, and pigeon with kampot pepper, have gained significant praise. The interior design is minimalist yet elegant, with soft pastel colors and an open kitchen that enhances the dining experience .A Michelin star restaurant, Odette has ranked one of the 50 Best restaurants list in Asia. The experience at Odette is not just about food but about storytelling, where each dish represents Chef Royer's passion for French cuisine and his commitment to sustainability and quality ingredients.
2.Burnt Ends
Burnt Endsis a renowned modern Australian barbecue restaurant located in Singapore. Known for its open-concept kitchen and wood-fired cooking, Burnt Ends has gained a strong following for its innovative approach to grilling and smoking meats. Founded by Chef Dave Pynt, the restaurant uses custom-built ovens and grills to bring out bold flavors, focusing on high-quality ingredients. The restaurant features a long counter seating area facing the open kitchen, offering an interactive dining experience where diners can watch their food being prepared. Dishes like the Pulled pork sanger (sandwich), Australian Blackmore wagyu, and King Crab with garlic butter are crowd favorites. Burnt Ends has consistently ranked on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list and holds a Michelin star. Burnt Ends delivers a vibrant dining experience where traditional barbecue techniques meet modern culinary innovation, making it one of the most sought-after dining destinations in Singapore.
3.Les Amis
Les Amisis one of Singapore's most prestigious French fine-dining restaurants, known for its exceptional quality and sophisticated elegance. Established in 1994, Les Amis has been at the forefront of Singapore's culinary scene, offering a refined gastronomic experience with classical French techniques and an emphasis on premium ingredients. The restaurant is led by Executive Chef Sebastien Lepinoy, who upholds the legacy of haute cuisine. The restaurant exudes luxury with its understated yet opulent décor, offering an intimate and quiet setting for diners. The space is tastefully designed with attention to detail, perfect for a refined dining experience. Food lovers can experience Classic French fine dining with a focus on luxurious ingredients such as caviar, truffles, and foie gras. Dishes like the cold angel hair pasta with kombu, caviar, black truffle, and the roasted Bresse pigeon with natural jus are among the highlights. Les Amis holds three Michelin stars and is consistently featured on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. With impeccable service and an outstanding wine collection, Les Amis provides a timeless fine dining experience, making it a must-visit for lovers of French cuisine and luxury dining in Singapore.
4.Candlenut
Candlenut is the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, located in Singapore. Specializing in Peranakan (Straits Chinese) cuisine, Candlenut offers a contemporary take on traditional recipes, blending heritage with modern culinary techniques. Chef Malcolm Lee, the visionary behind the restaurant, is passionate about preserving the authenticity of Peranakan flavors while adding his own creative flair to each dish. The restaurant’s interior is chic and modern, with elements of Peranakan culture subtly reflected in the decor. It offers a welcoming yet sophisticated dining environment. The "Buah Keluak" (a dish featuring the rich, earthy fruit of the kepayang tree) is a standout, often paired with chicken or wagyu beef. Other favorites include the blue swimmer crab curry and kueh pie tee. Candlenut was awarded a Michelin star, recognizing its innovative approach to traditional Peranakan cuisine. Candlenut is celebrated for its delicate balance of preserving the essence of Peranakan food while making it accessible to modern palates, providing diners with an authentic yet elevated experience of Singapore's culinary heritage.
5.Labyrinth
Labyrinth is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Singapore that reimagines traditional Singaporean cuisine with a modern, innovative twist. Founded by Chef LG Han, Labyrinth offers a unique dining experience that focuses on local ingredients and flavors, combined with cutting-edge culinary techniques. The restaurant is known for its "New Singaporean" cuisine, where classic local dishes are deconstructed and reinterpreted with creativity and precision. Labyrinth’s menu often features locally sourced ingredients to highlight the country’s rich culinary heritage. The restaurant features an intimate and sleek dining space, with a modern, minimalist design that allows the focus to remain on the food and dining experience. Labyrinth’s famous reinterpretations of dishes like "Chilli Crab" ice cream, and "Hainanese Chicken Rice" made with a deconstructed approach, are highly praised for their bold flavors and originality. It holds a Michelin star and is consistently recognized for pushing the boundaries of Singaporean cuisine. Labyrinth offers a gastronomic journey that celebrates Singapore’s culinary heritage while reinventing it with a forward-thinking, creative mindset. Diners are treated to a multi-sensory experience that’s both nostalgic and groundbreaking.
6.Thevar
Thevar is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Singapore offering a bold, modern interpretation of Indian cuisine. Located in the vibrant Keong Saik Road, Thevar presents a unique dining experience that blends traditional Indian flavors with contemporary techniques and influences from across Southeast Asia. Helmed by Chef Mano Thevar, the restaurant is known for its inventive take on classic Indian dishes, presented in a tasting menu format. The dishes are vibrant, aromatic, and feature creative twists on Indian flavors, utilizing both traditional and contemporary culinary techniques. Thevar boasts a chic and intimate setting with a modern design, making it a stylish yet relaxed place to enjoy a refined dining experience. The open kitchen adds a dynamic element, allowing diners to watch the chefs in action. The menu evolves, but highlights include the spiced lamb chop, the tandoori chicken with a twist, and various dishes featuring rich Indian spices paired with fresh seafood and local ingredients. Thevar stands out for its ability to reimagine Indian cuisine with a modern flair, offering a multi-sensory experience that combines bold flavors, creative presentations, and a distinct Southeast Asian influence.
7.JAAN by Kirk Westaway
JAAN by Kirk Westawayis a prestigious restaurant in Singapore, renowned for its modern British cuisine, which has earned it two Michelin stars. The restaurant, located on the 70th floor of Swissôtel The Stamford, offers breathtaking views of the Singapore skyline, enhancing the fine dining experience. JAAN offers a sleek, elegant dining space, with minimalist décor designed to let the food and the stunning panoramic views of the city take center stage. The intimate atmosphere adds to the sense of exclusivity and refinement. The cuisine is modern British, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients that highlight the essence of British cuisine, reimagined with contemporary techniques. Standout dishes include the "Egg and Soldiers," a playful take on a British breakfast classic, as well as expertly crafted plates featuring Devonshire lamb, Scottish seafood, and seasonal vegetables. Chef Kirk Westaway's approach focuses on reinventing classic British dishes using seasonal ingredients. A signature dish is his English Garden, which showcases the freshness of vegetables, carefully arranged to represent the essence of an English countryside garden. Desserts are another highlight of the restaurant with choices like the Strawberry Eton Mess, a playful twist on the British classic, and the indulgent Chocolate Delight, featuring rich dark chocolate and caramel. Dining at JAAN is not just about food, but about a meticulously curated experience of flavors, presentation, and ambiance.
8.Meta
Meta is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Singapore known for its innovative fusion of Korean, French, and Southeast Asian flavors. Founded by Chef Sun Kim, Meta (short for "Metamorphosis") offers a dynamic and evolving dining experience that combines the best of different culinary traditions with a focus on seasonal ingredients and sophisticated techniques. Meta's tasting menu format allows Chef Sun Kim to showcase his unique culinary vision, with dishes that are both modern and deeply rooted in tradition. The cuisine reflects a modern approach while staying true to its multicultural inspirations with a blend of Korean, French, and Southeast Asian influences. Meta offers a sleek, modern setting with a minimalist design that creates a sophisticated yet welcoming environment. The intimate atmosphere allows diners to fully engage in the experience of each course. Meta’s tasting menu evolves with the seasons, but highlights have included dishes like Jeju abalone with garlic butter, wagyu beef with kimchi, and foie gras with Korean pear. Meta stands out for its bold fusion of flavors, blending the essence of Korean cuisine with the refinement of French techniques, all while incorporating the vibrant tastes of Southeast Asia. The restaurant offers a culinary journey that’s as adventurous as it is refined, making it a must-visit for food lovers in Singapore.
These restaurants showcase the diversity and quality of Singapore’s dining scene, ranging from fine dining to Michelin-starred hawker fare. Whether you're looking for high-end French cuisine, innovative fusion dishes, or traditional local flavors, Singapore has something for every palate.
