Great Dining Places in Singapore: A Food Lover’s Complete Guide
Updated at October 22, 2025
Singapore’s food scene is as vibrant as its skyline. From fine dining restaurants and rooftop bars to local hawker stalls and cultural gems, this city offers endless opportunities for unforgettable meals. Whether you’re craving aromatic Indian curries, contemporary fusion plates, or classic hawker favorites, every corner promises a top dining experience.
In this guide, we’ll explore 10 great dining places in Singapore, starting with Akasa, one of the city’s most celebrated Indian fine dining restaurants. Along the way, we’ll help you discover must-visit food spots and the best restaurants by cuisine — perfect for both locals and tourists seeking memorable flavors.
1. Akasa – Authentic Indian Fine Dining in the Heart of Tanjong Pagar
If you’re looking for a dining experience that blends royal Indian heritage with modern elegance, Akasa should top your list. Known for its exquisite North Indian and vegetarian dishes, Akasa is where flavor meets finesse.
The restaurant’s ambience exudes sophistication — think warm lighting, contemporary Indian décor, and attentive service. Every dish is thoughtfully crafted using premium ingredients and authentic spices, ensuring a perfect balance of taste and aroma.
Signature dishes like Butter Chicken, Paneer Tikka, and Dal Makhani showcase traditional recipes presented with a fine-dining twist. Don’t miss their handcrafted Indian sweets, which pair beautifully with a cup of chai after your meal.
Akasa also offers catering services for private celebrations, including Diwali gatherings, weddings, and corporate dinners.
Explore their services:
For food enthusiasts, Akasa’s blog also shares delicious reads like Best Butter Chicken in Singapore and Indian Vegetarian Restaurant Singapore.
2. Odette – Modern French Elegance
Odette, located at the National Gallery, is a world-class restaurant that has consistently earned Michelin stars for its artistry. Chef Julien Royer brings a contemporary touch to French cuisine with seasonal ingredients and visually stunning presentation.
Each dish feels like a masterpiece — from the soft foie gras terrine to the delicate Hokkaido scallops. The experience is intimate, luxurious, and perfect for anniversaries or fine dining lovers seeking top dining experiences in Singapore.
3. Burnt Ends – A Meat Lover’s Dream
Nestled in Dempsey Hill, Burnt Ends is a Michelin-starred modern Australian barbecue restaurant. Known for its open-concept kitchen, this place is heaven for grill enthusiasts.
Signature dishes like smoked beef brisket, pulled pork sliders, and burnt onion dip are crowd favorites. Their wine and cocktail list perfectly complement the smoky, rich flavors.
This is a must-visit food spot for those who love hearty, flame-grilled perfection.
4. Hawker Classics at Lau Pa Sat
No guide to great dining places in Singapore is complete without mentioning Lau Pa Sat, one of the city’s most iconic hawker centers. With its historical architecture and buzzing atmosphere, it’s a celebration of local street food at its finest.
From satay skewers grilled over charcoal to Hainanese chicken rice and laksa, every stall tells a story. It’s a place where affordability meets flavor, ideal for anyone wanting to experience authentic Singaporean cuisine.
5. Ce La Vi – Sky-High Dining with a View
For those seeking affordable restaurants with a view in Singapore, Ce La Vi at Marina Bay Sands offers a breathtaking experience. The panoramic view of the city skyline, paired with modern Asian dishes and creative cocktails, makes this one of Singapore’s most photogenic dining destinations.
From brunch to late-night dinners, every visit feels special. Their outdoor terrace is perfect for sunset dining and romantic dates.
Discover more rooftop recommendations in Affordable Restaurants with a View Singapore.
6. Violet Oon Singapore – Peranakan Heritage on a Plate
Violet Oon is synonymous with authentic Peranakan cuisine. Every dish pays tribute to Singapore’s multicultural heritage, featuring family recipes passed down through generations.
The beef rendang, laksa, and ayam buah keluak are absolute must-tries. Combined with elegant interiors and heartfelt service, Violet Oon delivers one of the best restaurants by cuisine experiences for heritage food lovers.
7. Wild Honey – All-Day Breakfast Heaven
If you love brunch, Wild Honey is a must-visit food spot. Located at Mandarin Gallery and Scotts Square, this all-day breakfast café celebrates global flavors — from New York pancakes to Tunisian shakshuka.
It’s ideal for casual gatherings or a relaxed weekend brunch. And if you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, check out Cheap Brunch Singapore for other great finds.
8. NOX – Dine in the Dark
For a truly unique experience, NOX takes dining to a new level. Guests eat in complete darkness, guided by visually impaired servers, making taste and smell the stars of the meal.
This sensory journey includes a multi-course mystery menu — you won’t know what you’re eating until the end! It’s one of the top dining experiences for adventurous foodies looking to try something extraordinary in Singapore.
9. Tanjong Pagar’s Hidden Bars and Eateries
Tanjong Pagar is home to some of the best-hidden bars and fusion restaurants in Singapore. From Japanese izakayas to Indian tapas, the area offers a blend of cultures in one dining stretch.
If you’re exploring this district, don’t miss Akasa’s neighborhood — filled with rooftop spots and modern bars that pair great food with a lively vibe.
10. Tekka Centre – Flavors of Little India
To experience vibrant colors and bold spices, Tekka Centre in Little India is a must. From biryanis and masala dosas to sweets and chaats, this spot brings authentic Indian street food to life.
For a deeper dive into Indian street food flavors, explore Best Chaat in Singapore. It’s a delightful guide to snacks that combine crunch, spice, and tang — perfect for anyone craving bold, lively flavors.
Top Dining Experiences in Singapore: What to Expect
Dining in Singapore is more than just eating; it’s an experience of culture, creativity, and connection. From luxury fine dining to cheap food in Orchard and hawker gems, every meal tells a story.
Here’s what makes Singapore stand out:
- Diversity of cuisines: Indian, Malay, Chinese, Japanese, and Western options everywhere.
- Accessibility: Great dining for every budget.
- Scenic Ambience: Rooftop views, waterfront dining, and vibrant market scenes.
- Service excellence: Consistently top-tier across restaurants.
Tips for Exploring Singapore’s Food Scene
- Reserve in advance – Many popular restaurants fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
- Try local and global mix – Balance fine dining with hawker center meals for a full experience.
- Dress comfortably – Some rooftop or luxury spots have dress codes.
- Check for seasonal menus – Top restaurants often feature special dishes during festivals like Diwali or Christmas.
- Explore by area – Tanjong Pagar, Clarke Quay, Orchard, and Little India are must-visit districts for food lovers.
For dinner inspiration, check out Dinner Ideas Singapore to help you plan your next outing.
Singapore’s Best Restaurants by Cuisine
Singapore’s dining diversity is unmatched. Here’s a quick guide to some of the best restaurants by cuisine you shouldn’t miss:
- Indian: Akasa, Thevar, and Komala Vilas
- Chinese: Imperial Treasure and Din Tai Fung
- Japanese: Sushi Jiro, Rakuya
- Western: Burnt Ends, Wild Honey
- Local: Violet Oon, Lau Pa Sat, Tekka Centre
You can also explore North Indian dining options at North Indian Restaurants in Singapore for authentic flavors and traditional recipes.
Conclusion
Singapore is truly a paradise for food lovers. Whether you’re drawn to luxury rooftop dining, authentic Indian flavors at Akasa, or the comforting simplicity of hawker food, this city has it all. Each restaurant tells its own story, blending tradition and innovation in every bite.
So, the next time you’re looking for great dining places in Singapore, start with Akasa — and let your culinary adventure unfold through these other must-visit food spots across the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Akasa combines authentic Indian recipes with elegant presentation, offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes in a fine dining setting. Its warm ambience, premium service, and menu diversity make it a standout experience.
You can enjoy scenic yet budget-friendly meals at spots like Ce La Vi or restaurants mentioned in Affordable Restaurants with a View Singapore.
Tanjong Pagar is among the best, offering everything from local eateries to stylish bars and restaurants.
Lau Pa Sat, Tekka Centre, and Akasa are must-visits for authentic, flavorful meals that capture Singapore’s multicultural charm.
Akasa and several restaurants listed under North Indian Restaurants in Singapore serve rich curries, tandoori grills, and traditional breads.
While high-end venues like Odette and Ce La Vi can be pricey, many restaurants offer value-for-money tasting menus.
Yes! Akasa, along with restaurants listed under Indian Vegetarian Restaurant Singapore, offer creative vegetarian and vegan dishes full of flavor.
Evenings are ideal for fine dining and rooftop spots, while afternoons are perfect for hawker centers and brunch cafés.
Yes, you can enjoy them at Indian Sweets Singapore — perfect for festive celebrations and dessert lovers.
Many restaurants, including Akasa, offer private dining and catering packages.