7 Best Restaurants in Singapore

Background Illustration for Restaurants

Welcome to Singapore, one of the world’s great food destinations, where eating—and eating well—is a time-honored national pastime.

Here you can splurge on haute cuisine from Michelin-starred chefs in some of the best fine-dining restaurants in Asia, or dig into fragrant bowls oflaksa (a spicy noodle soup) and heaping plates of char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodle strips) at one of the island’s famous hawker centers. The wide range of food and restaurants is what brings many travelers to Singapore in the first place, and few leave disappointed. In most cities the plan of attack is to map out must-see sights to pack in as much as possible; in Singapore it's often more about maximizing your meals and eating until it hurts—and then trying to fit in some more.

You hardly ever have to go far to find one of Singapore’s casual eating houses and hawker centers, which are fun, budget-friendly places to taste as many local specialties as your stomach can handle. The city-state’s indomitable megamalls are loaded with mid-range restaurants, sprawling food courts, and snack stands. Many of the island’s more upscale restaurants are tucked away in posh hotels, and many of the newer and trendier places are inside restored Chinese shophouses and once-abandoned colonial buildings. Note that upscale restaurants often close in the afternoon between lunch and dinner—from 2:30 to 6:30, for instance.

Casa Nostra

$$$$ Fodor's choice
At this private dining experience, you get excellent pasta and pizza that’s as close to perfection as they come, hand-made by a passionate Italian. Antonio Miscellaneo has pizza dough down to an art, experimenting with different types of flour, water, and ratios in his quest to achieve the ideal formula. What’s also interesting is that he incorporates local influences and ingredients like Singapore-made mozzarella and spicy chilli in his recipes. The price is per head for an eight- to ten-course meal.

Cicheti

$$ | Kampong Glam Fodor's choice

Expect good vibes and authentic food at this hip Italian eatery, known for its pizzas baked in a signature wood-fired oven imported from Naples itself. The 10-inch Neopolitan pies are a favorite, but for a well-rounded meal, don't ignore the handmade pastas and small selection of desserts. If you're stuck on deciding what to order, consider the Mafalde, a braised lamb ragu pasta with porcini and Parmigiano, or nduja di spilinga, a traditional Napoletana pizza served with fior di latte, spicy 'nduja, and onion. Both come highly recommended. 

iO Italian Osteria

$$ | Bukit Panjang Fodor's choice

This busy neighborhood trattoria is off the beaten track in Hillview, a hidden gem were it not for the local residents packing the place each evening. The food is (unlike some other Italian spots on the island) genuinely authentic, with a decent selection of pizza, pasta, meats, and seafood, as well as regional chef’s specials each weekend. The wine list makes for an interesting tour around Italy, with a comprehensive list of Italian digestives to end the meal. A separate menu for vegetarians is available.

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8picure

$$$ | River Valley

An unpretentious Italian fusion restaurant, 8picure belies its understated look with excellent cooking and a warm, cozy atmosphere. Chef Gabriel explains each of the meticulously crafted dishes in person, with quality ingredients like Iberico pork and New Zealand lamb used throughout the set and à la carte menus. The compact wine and sake list is well-curated.

Dinner Italian Lunch Prix-Fixe $$$
428 River Valley Rd., Singapore, 248327, Singapore
6677–1075
www.8picure.com.sg
Known For
  • Intimate dining space
  • Explanations of the dishes by the head chef
  • Black garlic pesto sardines capellini and crab cake with chilli crab sauce
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch Tues., Wed., and Sat.

Art Restaurant

$$$$ | Civic District

Locally sourced ingredients, including produce from head chef and restaurateur Beppe de Vito’s family farm, take center stage at this ritzy Michelin-starred Italian fine-dining restaurant. With artfully prepared dishes made with exotic ingredients like fennel pollen, ancient wheat from Puglia, and water from the Dolomites, your meal will be one to remember. You can end it on the National Gallery's rooftop, where Dessert & Cocktail Bar by Art has another cozy venue with stunning views of Marina Bay. 

Dinner Italian Lunch $$$$
1 St. Andrew’s Rd., Singapore, 178957, Singapore
6866–1977
www.artrestaurant.sg
Known For
  • Refined Italian cooking
  • Interesting ingredients and flavor pairings
  • Tasting menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

Cibo Italiano

$$ | River Valley

This neighborhood Italian restaurant serves hearty soups, sandwiches, pizza, and pasta in a casual, welcoming setting. It's a great spot for lunch after spending time in the gyms and yoga studios around the area.

Trapizza

$$ | Sentosa Island

Channeling a Palm Springs vibe with cacti and palm-tree landscaping, this family-friendly Italian eatery on Siloso Beach has a dedicated children’s water play area and coloring corner. Order the thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas—including a shareable 16-inch pie—or a hearty burger. It's a good option for big groups or for a cocktail session in a space where little ones can roam freely.