Diverse, delicious, and always exciting, Singapore’s food scene is unbeatable. Here are some places that prove why this city is a foodie’s dream. (Left: Image by @burntends.sg. Right: Image by @odetterestaurant.)
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. We highlight traditional Malay comfort food, a bakery that serves hearty lunches, Fuss-free French fare, and more. 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
6. Keong Saik Bakery – Nostalgic flavours meet the contemporary
$ | Arrive early for the best selection, as they often sell out
Keong Saik Bakery beautifully showcases the city’s talent for honouring tradition while embracing innovation. The minimalist space with dashes of vintage essence creates a welcoming atmosphere for this bakery, and here is where traditional recipes receive modern spins through reimagined techniques.
Founded by pastry chef Gwen Lim, who trained in France before returning to Singapore, the bakery specialises in creating hybrid creations that speak to local palates and global pastry trends. Each item tells a story of cultural exchange and culinary creativity.
Must-try items: The Chilli Crab Cheese Croissant Cube is creamy, flaky, and a must-try take on Singapore’s beloved chilli crab flavour. For something sweet, the Taro Toast combines the beloved kaya cream with a slab of buttery goodness––it is both delicious and pretty.
Insider tip: Keong Saik Bakery is a decent lunch spot if you want something sweet and savoury.
Address: 70 Bendemeer Rd, #01-03, Singapore 339940
7. ATLAS – Art Deco splendor with substance
$$$ | Reservations essential, smart casual dress code
Walking into ATLAS feels as though you’re being transported to another era entirely. Housed in the lobby of Parkview Square (also known by locals as the “Gotham Building”), this bar and restaurant undoubtedly has one of the world’s most spectacular interiors – high ceilings, intricate gilded details, and a towering gin tower housing over 1,300 gin varieties.
Besides the jaw-dropping interior, ATLAS offers an equally excellent dining experience. The European-inspired menu focuses on refined comfort food that complements their extraordinary beverage offerings. The service strikes that perfect balance between attentiveness and allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the vibes at ATLAS.
Must-try dishes: For a substantial meal, the Prawn Spaghetti with cherry tomato, lobster jus, zucchini, chilli, basil, and pangrattato delivers rich flavour and carb satisfaction. TheTruffled Polenta Croquettes served with porcini salt and parmigiano reggiano prove that even bar bites can be otherworldly.
Insider tip: Ask about their Champagne collection, which rivals their gin selection in both breadth and rarity.
Address: 600 North Bridge Road, Parkview Square, Singapore 188778
8. Merci Marcel – French sophistication in Tiong Bahru
$$ | Reservations recommended for weekend brunch and dinner
Merci Marcel captures the essence of Parisian cafe culture and transplants it seamlessly into Singapore’s historic Tiong Bahru neighbourhood. The space feels effortlessly stylish – rattan furniture, abundant natural light, strategically placed plants, and thoughtfully curated retail items create an ambience that invites lingering conversations.
Merci Marcel’s versatility makes it special – suitable for a quick morning coffee, leisurely weekend brunch, business lunch, or romantic dinner. The French-inspired menu uses quality ingredients in straightforward preparations that let their natural flavours shine.
Must-try dishes: The Beetroot Tartar with string potatoes, pink peppercorn, and sesame oil is a meatless dish that could almost turn a meat-eater vegetarian. The Miso Glaze Salmon, Potato Rosti, and grilled baby romaine dish offer the perfect balanced meal.
Insider tip: Their cheese selection is among the best in Singapore – ask for recommendations and enjoy a glass from their French wine list.
Address: 56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-68, Singapore 160056
9. Swee Choon – Late-night dim sum
$ | No reservations; expect to queue during peak hours
Since 1962, Swee Choon has fed hungry Singaporeans with quality dim sum at reasonable prices. Unlike most dim sum places that close after lunch, Swee Choon operates into the early hours, making it a beloved after-party destination and late-night culinary tradition.
The restaurant has expanded over the years to occupy several adjoining shophouses, creating a maze-like dining experience where each room has its own character. The atmosphere is lively and unpretentious, with a diverse crowd that includes everyone from elderly regulars to students and night owls seeking post-clubbing sustenance.
Must-try dishes: The HK-style Honey Butter French toast is simple but such a literal sweet delight to have. The Salted Egg Custard Buns feature a perfectly molten centre with that distinctive savoury-sweet salted egg flavour. The Black Pepper Pork Chop noodle is the perfect all-day savoury dish.
Insider tip: If you’re not up for a late night, visit during the afternoon lull between lunch and dinner for a more relaxed experience with shorter wait times.
Address: 183/185/187/189/191/193, Jalan Besar, Singapore 208882
10. The Coconut Club – Elevating traditional Malay comfort food
$$ | Reservations recommended, especially for dinner
The Coconut Club started with a simple mission: to create the perfect nasi lemak, Malaysia and Singapore’s beloved coconut rice dish. Years of research, ingredient-sourcing trips, and countless recipe iterations resulted in what many consider the definitive version of this national favourite.
The restaurant’s bright, modern space with heritage touches reflects its approach to the cuisine – respecting tradition while embracing contemporary dining expectations. Despite the premium price point (significantly higher than hawker centre versions), the restaurant attracts a devoted following who recognise the quality and craft behind each element on the plate.
Must-try dishes: The Coconut Club’s take on the classic laksa dish is a star—fragrant with their signature “White Sutera” coconut milk. This dish is so rich with flavours and heat. Their Signature Nasi Lemak, with perfectly crisp Quail Goreng Berempah accompanied by house-made sambal, peanuts, ikan bilis (anchovies), and a perfectly cooked sunny side up, is bold and unforgettable.
Insider tip: They use Mawa coconuts from a specific Malaysian plantation for their rice – these rare coconuts are prized for their pronounced aroma and natural sweetness, which explains the depth of flavour in their signature dish.
Address: 269 Beach Road, Singapore 199546
More than just the ten we’ve mentioned
For a top-notch hawker centre experience, visit Maxwell Food Centre, famous for its legendary Tian Tian Chicken Rice and Zhen Zhen Porridge. Coffee lovers should check out the third-wave coffee scene at Nylon Coffee Roasters in Everton Park. Additionally, fans of innovative modern Singaporean cuisine must not miss Michelin-starred Labyrinth Restaurant, where Chef Han Li Guang creatively reinterprets local favourites using extraordinary techniques.
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.It’s evident that what makes Singapore truly special is that culinary excellence isn’t reserved for luxury establishments – it permeates every type of dining, from hawker stalls to heritage restaurants to modern interpretations. This democratic approach to quality makes this country not just a food destination but a food obsession.
Now that you’ve got this list, you have a starting point for a delicious adventure. The only question now is: where will you eat first?
