Singapore’s culinary landscape is nothing short of extraordinary. This small island nation has rightfully earned its reputation as a global food capital, where every neighbourhood hides a culinary treasure. From elevated fine dining with panoramic city views to humbler heritage spots serving time-honoured recipes, Singapore offers an experience that will leave most mesmerised. If you’ve got this food paradise on your next travel list, here’s a carefully curated selection of exceptional restaurants and cafes which showcase some of the city’s best.
1. Burnt Ends – Modern Australian barbecue excellence
$$$$ | Reservation essential
Tucked away in Dempsey Hill’s lush surroundings, Burnt Ends has transformed the concept of Aussie barbecue into an art form worthy of its Michelin star. The restaurant’s central custom-built wood-fired oven and four-ton dual cavity ovens create experiential dining, where guests can witness the alchemy of fire and food.
Chef Dave Pynt has created a menu that celebrates the transformative power of flame and smoke, using premium ingredients from all over the globe. The open kitchen concept means diners are always part of the action, watching skilled chefs manipulate the temperature and cooking techniques to extract maximum flavour.
Must-try dishes: The legendary Nashville Spicy Chicken Sandwich – a life-changing pulled sandwich with breaded fried chicken, creamy coleslaw, pickles, and Pit Masters original Nashville sauce that has developed a cult following; Three Cowboy Street Tacos, a trio balancing sweetness and richness, it is a must order; and don’t overlook the deceptively simple Cornbread Wedge as an add-on.
Insider tip: Reservations open 90 days in advance and disappear within minutes. Set a calendar reminder at midnight when bookings open for your best chance at securing a spot.
Address: 7 Dempsey Rd, #01-02, Singapore 249671
2. Odette – French fare with an Asian sensibility
$$$$ | Expect to book 2-3 months ahead
Odette is the epitome of fine dining in Singapore and is nestled within the historic National Gallery. The restaurant’s soft, elegant interior with blush tones and artistic flourishes is the perfect backdrop for Chef Julien Royer’s culinary masterpieces. Named after his grandmother (who inspired his cooking journey), Odette maintains three Michelin stars while remaining refreshingly unpretentious.
What sets Odette apart is its dedication to sourcing quality ingredients directly from small producers worldwide, combined with Chef Royer’s ability to incorporate subtle Asian influences into classical French cooking. The result is food that feels both familiar and revelatory.
Must-try dishes: There are only tasting menus for lunch and dinner, each with two different price ranges and offerings.
Insider tip: Dress to impress.
Address: 1 St Andrew’s Rd, #01-04 National Gallery, Singapore 178957
3. Hjh Maimunah – Authentic Malay cuisine
$ | No reservations, cash preferred
For a genuine taste of home-style Malay cooking that has remained unchanged for generations, Hjh Maimunah is the place to go. What began as a modest food stall has evolved into one of Singapore’s most beloved culinary landmarks, attracting customers of all kinds––office workers and international celebrities alike.
The restaurant’s nasi padang concept allows diners to select preferred dishes from the display counter, where all the delicious choices beckon. It goes without saying that a plate of steamed rice should accompany all dishes. There are over 40 options here so that you will be spoiled for choice, but the selection rotates daily. The focus here is entirely on the food, and the space is more utilitarian than an Instagram vibe, but this is part of the restaurant’s charm.
Must-try dishes: The Beef Rendang is simmered for hours, so much so that the meat develops an intense fragrance, and its caramelised exterior complements the tenderness of the meat’s inside. The Sambal Goreng (spicy stir-fried mix of tofu and tempeh) offers complex flavour layers beneath its fiery exterior. The Tahu Telur Jakarta (tofu egg fritters with peanut sauce) provides a textural contrast to the richer dishes.
Insider tip: Get there before noon to beat the lunchtime rush. Popular dishes tend to run out too!
Address: Multiple locations
4. Candlenut – Peranakan heritage reimagined
$$$ | Reservation recommended, especially for dinner
Candlenut represents Chef Malcolm Lee’s deeply personal mission: preserving the intricate flavours of Peranakan cuisine while presenting them through a contemporary lens. As one of the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurants, it has shone the spotlight and deserved recognition for this unique culinary tradition.
The restaurant’s interior reflects this balanced approach – clean lines and modern design elements harmonise with traditional motifs and heritage colours. Drawing inspiration from passed-down family recipes, Chef Lee reimagines them with refined techniques without compromising the essence of the dish’s soul.
Must-try dishes: The Buah Keluak Fried Rice is a must-have––a dish that embodies Peranakan cuisine to the T. The Asam Sotong is a unique and delectable dish coated in tamarind and squid ink goodness. Save some room for Kueh Bingka Ubi Kayu—cassava and gula Melaka have never worked so well together.
Insider tip: Consider ordering the AH-MA-KASE tasting menu for a more elaborate introduction to Peranakan flavours.
Address: 17a Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249676
5. Artichoke – Middle Eastern-inspired culinary rebellion
$$ | Reservations recommended for dinner and weekend brunch
Chef Bjorn Shen’s Artichoke offers a refreshing irreverence to Singapore’s sometimes formal dining scene. This Middle Eastern-inspired eatery feels like attending a dinner party hosted by your most talented, slightly eccentric friend. The space is fun and eclectic, with outdoor seating in a verdant garden that feels miles away from the concrete jungle.
Artichoke’s menu defies easy categorisation, drawing inspiration from across the Levant, all while allowing global influences. Portions are generous, flavours are explosive, and an undertone of playfulness throughout the entire experience makes dining here enjoyable.
Must-try dishes: The Lamb Shoulder with Za’atar falls apart at the touch of a fork after being slow-roasted to perfection. The Black Sesame Hummus elevates a familiar dip with a drizzle of zhoug, leaving you wanting seconds. The Roasted Cauliflower is a vegetable dish packed with immense flavour.
Insider tip: The weekend brunch menu features some of the city’s most satisfying hangover cures, including the legendary Scramble Plate and Shakshuka.
Address: 46 Kim Yam Rd, #01-02 New Bahru, Singapore 239351
