10 Best Restaurants in The CBD, Singapore

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We've compiled the best of the best in The CBD - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Hellu Coffee

$ | CBD Fodor's choice

Grab a quick coffee at this hole-in-the-wall joint, one of the few independent coffee shops in the CBD. The space is definitely small—so you’ll want to take your perfectly-roasted flat white to go—but don’t forget to check out the pastry and waffle options.

137 Amoy St., Singapore, 049965, Singapore
Known For
  • Cute hole-in-the-wall spot
  • Iced lattes as well as hot coffee
  • Tasty pastries and waffles
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

Jade

$$$ | CBD Fodor's choice

Like jade itself, this upscale restaurant in a historic hotel has both exquisite and intriguing attributes. Inside you'll find a contemporary design that follows an eclectic Asian thread, with Vietnamese hanging lamps and Chinese calligraphy. Similarly, the food is fundamentally Chinese, but with creative modern accents, such as in the rich cocoa-flavored pork ribs with spinach in a raspberry vinaigrette. Jade's lavish weekend dim sum buffet is a Singaporean institution; reservations are a must.

Pagi Sore

$$ | CBD Fodor's choice

This restaurant has been serving Indonesian classics in the CBD for decades. Its focus on authentic recipes and Indonesian spice blends results in vibrant dishes loved by families and workers alike. Try such specialties as ikan ota kukus (fish in a rich sauce) and tahu telor (crispy tofu omelet) in the friendly, family-style restaurant.

88 Telok Ayer St., Singapore, 048470, Singapore
6225–6002
Known For
  • Ikan ota kukus (fish in a rich sauce) or tahu telor (crispy tofu omelet)
  • Well-established CBD restuarant
  • Family-style dining
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Mon.

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ALTRO Zafferano

$$$ | CBD

This corporate executive favorite encased by floor-to-ceiling windows serves up mod Italian food with a side of sweeping Marina Bay views. Wine aficionados can pair their meals with a selection from more than 200 premium Italian wines and collection of vintages.

Chilli Pan Mee (Batu Rd)

$ | CBD

The lines outside this small noodle shop on a weekday at lunchtime speak for themselves. Owned by a Malaysian restaurant group, Restoran Super Kitchen, with locations also found in Kuala Lumpur, the simply-fitted, compact restaurant is often crowded, but turnover is quick. Try the dry chilli pan mee (noodles with egg, minced pork, dried anchovies, and spring onion) and adjust the spice levels to your palate. There’s a range of add-on extras, including rice dishes, soft drinks, and tea and coffee to complete your meal.

Grain Traders

$$ | CBD

Reminiscent of the hip Melbourne café scene, this CBD lunch spot is a great place to grab a healthy snack. The veggies are always fresh, the meat high-quality, and there’s a great range of tasty bowls like chicken breast, quinoa, mushrooms, and cucumber pickle. Coffees and soft drinks are also available.

IndoChine Empress Place

$$$$ | CBD

Rare Shan and Thai Buddha statues and stunning views of the Singapore River complement amazing Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Laotian food at this classy riverside restaurant. There's a focus on nutritious dishes at IndoChine, and although the lemongrass, chili, mint, and curry flavors are generally on the subtle, non-spicy side, some plates do pack a punch. Arrive by 7 pm and try to score a table with sunset views over the river.

Surrey Hills Deli

$$ | CBD

Run by the team behind well-stocked Australian market Surrey Hills Grocer, this deli serves great coffee and hearty sandwiches in a light, rustic setting. For extra snacking on the go, don’t miss the gourmet yogurts and fresh fruit bowls at the mini grocer.

The Black Swan

$$$ | CBD
Join the bankers, brokers, and finance executives that swarm this opulent art deco—style bar and chophouse that stands out against its sleek concrete-and-metal neighbors. Indulge in a fine selection of beef cuts from America and Australia, and wash it all down with a tipple from the extensive list of wine, spirits, and cocktails.

Thunder Tea Rice

$ | CBD

Among the heaving mass of eateries in Lau Pa Sat food center, this locally-renowned stall serves an exemplary version of thunder tea rice, a rice dish topped with peanuts, chilli, and anchovies and served alongside herby, green tea soup. The dish is a specialty of the Hakka people—one of Singapore’s largest Chinese dialect groups—and is apparently named after the sound the ingredients make when being pounded to make the soup. Unlike many other specialties found in hawker centers, thunder tea rice is high in fiber, low in fat, and low in cholesterol, making it a popular choice for those looking for a healthier lunchtime option.

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