Top 10 Nice Restaurants in Singapore You Must Try
Singapore is a food lover’s paradise, offering an incredible variety of culinary experiences. From luxurious fine dining establishments to charming hidden gems, the city is brimming with options to suit every taste and occasion. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner, a business lunch, or a unique culinary adventure, there are countless nice restaurants in Singapore to explore.
In this blog, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 nice restaurants in Singapore that promise not only great food but also memorable dining experiences. These selections combine innovation, tradition, and ambiance, ensuring that every meal is a celebration. From Michelin-starred fine dining to modern fusion, each restaurant offers something special for food enthusiasts. Keep reading to discover the finest spots in this vibrant city that will satisfy your taste buds and offer unforgettable moments.
1. Akasa
Location: 79 Robinson Road, #01-03 Capitasky, Tanjong Pagar, Singapore.
Cuisine: Royal Indian-inspired dishes.
Why It’s Special:
Akasa offers an extraordinary dining experience that transports you to the opulent world of Indian royalty. Under the expert guidance of Chef Akhilesh, the restaurant blends traditional Indian flavours with innovative techniques. The centerpiece of their kitchen is the Coal Fired Tandoor, where dishes are expertly marinated using authentic recipes and cooked to perfection, imparting deep, smoky flavours that elevate every bite.
The seasonal menu is crafted with the finest ingredients, showcasing the freshest produce and spices available, ensuring a unique culinary journey with each visit. The extensive beverage list includes an impressive selection of wines, spirits, and beers, complemented by a happy hour offering exceptional value.
Must-Try Dishes: Start your journey with Akasa’s 3-Course Set Lunch, which offers a well-rounded introduction to their bold flavours. For an even more immersive experience, our Veg/Non-Veg Tasting Menus allow you to explore a wide array of tantalizing dishes, each representing the best of Indian cuisine with a contemporary twist.
2. Burnt Ends
Location: Keong Saik Road.
Cuisine: Australian barbecue with wood-fired dishes.
Highlights:
Burnt Ends is a meat lover’s paradise, renowned for its wood-fired dishes. The restaurant’s four-tonne brick kilns impart a unique smoky flavour to its meats and vegetables, elevating the dining experience. The modern Australian barbecue menu includes a wide range of grilled specialties, with the signature Burnt Ends burger being a crowd favourite.Why It’s Special: The open-concept kitchen adds to the atmosphere, where diners can watch chefs work their magic. The combination of high-quality ingredients, expert grilling techniques, and the restaurant’s laid-back ambiance make Burnt Ends one of the nice restaurants in Singapore for a fun and flavorful experience.
Must-Try Dishes: The signature Burnt Ends Burger and the wood-fired meats, especially the tender pork belly and steak, are must-tries.
3. Odette
Location: National Gallery Singapore.
Cuisine: French fine dining.
Highlights:
Odette, with three Michelin stars, offers a sophisticated French dining experience that emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant follows a farm-to-table ethos, carefully sourcing produce from sustainable farms, both local and international. Every dish is crafted with precision, creating a beautiful marriage of flavours and textures that will leave a lasting impression.Why It’s Special: Odette’s ambiance, located in the stunning National Gallery Singapore, is both grand and intimate. This is the perfect spot for celebrating special moments or enjoying a luxurious evening with loved ones.
Must-Try Dishes: The tasting menu at Odette is an absolute highlight, with its seasonal offerings expertly crafted by Chef Julien Royer. Signature dishes include the foie gras and the delicate langoustine preparations.
4. Akira Back
Location: JW Marriott South Beach.
Cuisine: Modern Japanese-Korean fusion.
Highlights:
Akira Back is the epitome of modern fusion dining, combining the best of Japanese and Korean cuisines. This innovative restaurant has earned praise for its bold, unique flavours. Signature dishes like Tuna Pizza and inventive cocktails show how Chef Akira Back reinterprets traditional dishes with contemporary flair.Why It’s Special: The atmosphere is vibrant and fun, making it perfect for those seeking an exciting dining experience. The fusion of Japanese precision with Korean influence creates a menu that is both intriguing and delicious, making it one of the nice restaurants in Singapore for adventurous eaters.
Must-Try Dishes: Tuna Pizza, Wagyu beef, and the Spicy Tuna Tartare are fan favorites. Don’t miss out on the signature cocktails crafted with precision.
5. Labyrinth
Location: Esplanade Mall.
Cuisine: New Singaporean cuisine.
Highlights:
Labyrinth takes Singaporean flavours to a whole new level, blending tradition with innovation. Chef LG Han uses locally sourced ingredients to reinterpret iconic Singaporean dishes with a modern twist. The Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its creative presentations and elevated takes on classic street food, making it a standout among nice restaurants in Singapore.Why It’s Special: Labyrinth’s unique approach to local cuisine, paired with a commitment to sustainability, sets it apart. The tasting menu is designed to surprise and delight, offering diners a fresh perspective on familiar flavours.
Must-Try Dishes: The tasting menu is a great choice, featuring reimagined versions of local favourites like laksa and chili crab.
6. NAE:UM
Location: Telok Ayer.
Cuisine: Modern Korean.
Highlights:
NAE:UM takes diners on an unforgettable culinary journey with its episodic tasting menus, inspired by Chef Louis Han’s experiences. Each course tells a story, blending traditional Korean flavours with cutting-edge techniques. The dishes at NAE:UM are artfully presented, with delicate and bold flavours.Why It’s Special: NAE:UM is a great example of how modern Korean cuisine can be both avant-garde and deeply rooted in tradition. The restaurant’s seasonal ingredients and thoughtful curation make it one of the nice restaurants in Singapore for those seeking something truly unique.
Must-Try Dishes: The tasting menus, which offer a wide range of flavours, are the highlight here. Dishes like the Korean BBQ-style beef and delicate seafood preparations are perfect for an unforgettable meal.
7. Lolla
Location: Ann Siang Road.
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired small plates.
Highlights:
Lolla is known for its Mediterranean-inspired small plates, prepared with the finest seasonal ingredients. Under the direction of Chef Johanne Siy, who was named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2023, the restaurant delivers fresh, flavorful dishes that celebrate Mediterranean cuisine with an Asian twist.Why It’s Special: The relaxed and contemporary ambiance of Lolla makes it an ideal spot for a casual yet refined dining experience. Its seasonal menu ensures that diners always have something new to look forward to.
Must-Try Dishes: The octopus, scallops, and braised lamb are standout dishes, offering a mix of textures and flavours that will captivate your taste buds.
8. Thevar
Location: Keong Saik Road.
Cuisine: Contemporary Indian fusion.
Highlights:
Thevar offers a modern twist on traditional Indian flavours, with dishes that are both complex and bold. This two Michelin-starred restaurant brings spice-forward dishes that are inventive yet respectful of Indian culinary traditions. Thevar has become one of the nice restaurants in Singapore for those who enjoy rich, vibrant flavours in a sophisticated setting.Why It’s Special: Thevar’s dedication to innovative cooking and its commitment to high-quality ingredients make it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. Its fusion of spices and contemporary techniques creates a dining experience that’s both familiar and surprising.
Must-Try Dishes: Tandoori Wagyu and the Bombay Sandwich are highlights of their exciting menu.
9. Cloudstreet
Location: Amoy Street.
Cuisine: Modern Australian-Sri Lankan.
Highlights:
Cloudstreet offers a fusion of Australian and Sri Lankan flavours, combining bold spices with fresh, artisanal ingredients. The restaurant is known for its creative dishes and unique flavour combinations, making it one of the nice restaurants in Singapore for adventurous eaters.Why It’s Special: Cloudstreet’s culinary approach is experimental and daring, making it a favourite among those looking to try something different. The restaurant’s use of artisanal bread and locally sourced ingredients adds an extra layer of depth to its flavours.
Must-Try Dishes: The artisanal bread and Sri Lankan-inspired dishes, such as slow-cooked lamb, stand out for their bold, rich flavours.
10. JAAN by Kirk Westaway
Location: Swissôtel The Stamford.
Cuisine: British fine dining.
Highlights:
JAAN by Kirk Westaway is a two Michelin-starred restaurant that elevates British cuisine to new heights. The restaurant uses seasonal and locally sourced ingredients to create refined, modern British dishes. With its panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline, JAAN offers both a feast for the eyes and the palate.Why It’s Special: With its exceptional views, refined menu, and impeccable service, JAAN provides an unforgettable dining experience. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for fine dining in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting.
Must-Try Dishes: The tasting menu is a journey of flavours, with dishes like aged beef and foie gras prepared to perfection.
Conclusion
Singapore is home to an incredible culinary scene, where innovation and tradition collide to create truly memorable dining experiences. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or looking to explore bold new flavours, these nice restaurants in Singapore offer something for every palate. From world-class fine dining to cutting-edge fusion cuisine, these establishments are perfect for making any meal a special occasion. Make your reservations today and treat yourself to a gastronomic adventure in one of the most vibrant food capitals of the world!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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A "nice" restaurant in Singapore typically offers excellent food, a pleasant atmosphere, and a memorable dining experience. Many also emphasize unique or innovative cuisines.
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Yes, some of these restaurants are upscale and may be on the pricier side, particularly Michelin-starred ones. However, they provide excellent value for the quality of food and service.
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Many of the listed restaurants offer vegetarian options, including tasting menus that cater to plant-based diets.
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It’s highly recommended to make reservations, especially at popular spots like Odette, Burnt Ends, and JAAN by Kirk Westaway.
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For a business lunch, Akasa and Thevar offer an upscale atmosphere and refined dishes perfect for impressing clients.
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NAE:UM and Cloudstreet provide unique dining experiences, with their bold fusion dishes and ever-changing tasting menus.
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Many of the fine dining spots have a smart casual dress code, with some requiring more formal attire.
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While some of these restaurants may offer delivery or takeout options, it's best to check with each restaurant individually for availability.
