We're going to Singapore and Thailand late March/early April. Our first night is in Singapore before we fly to Thailand (we come back to Singapore for four nights later on).

We are staying that first night at the Four Seasons, but do not want to eat there, as the restaurants there do not seem to have great reviews. We had just about decided on "Nude" in Indochine Wisma Atria but then found it is under renovation until further notice!

Where would you recommend to eat that is relatively casual but has good food, within a fifteen minute walk (we'll need to stretch our legs after flying from the UK)?

Thanks, all.

You can eat virtually anywhere in Singapore if you are willing to walk for 15 mintes... The MRT is fast and efficient and almost anywhere you would want to go is 15 minutes or less from an MRT station. One of my favorite places to eat is Doc Cheng's in the Raffles Hotel. There are a number of good restaurants in Cjimes, which is perhaps a block away from Raffles. WHile I often stay near Orchard Road, that's not where I'm likely to eat.

If you're going to hop the MRT and it's a nice night, you might want to head over to Clark Quay -- there are a ton of good restaurants along the river, there's an Indochine there, and it's very pretty having dinner watching the boats and lights.

We actually really enjoyed the Cantonese restaurant at the 4Seasons as we asked the waitress to help us do a tasting menu and we learned alot about Cantonese food from her -- but that might not be what you want your first night in Asia. I'd agree that the restaurants there aren't very inspired. Great breakfast buffet tho !! The fruit choices are boundless, as was just about everything else.

Thank you for this! I wondered why I was struggling to find somewhere along Orchard Road and now I know we need to look further afield!

We've actually reserved Doc Cheng's, funnily enough, for our first night back in Singapore after Thailand, so I think we might give somewhere in Chijmes or Clarke Quay a go for our first night. Thanks again!

We had one of the best meals of our lives in Singapore at one of the outdoor restaurants on the road to the airport. These are well-known restaurants even tho I have forgotten the name. There is a whole row of them along the beach. Eat the spicy crab or the curried crab...huge, huge crabs beyond delicious. We eat at the one the most far from the center of town but I have heard that they are all good. Cheap cab ride and no trouble getting a return cab.

You absolutely don't need to eat near Orchard Road. The whole country of Singapore is half the size of Los Angeles County and there are over 15,000 taxis that are quite reasonably priced. Plus, the inner city of Singapore is very small. As for Indochine, I've been eating there for years...but not at the one you mentioned...it's a newer one. I know the manager at that one, but just prefer to go to the Club Street one. I eat at the Club Street one for lunch. For dinner I'd suggest the one near/at Boat Quay. The restaurant is right next to the Asian Civilization Museum. Just taxi there. You'll love it. Happy Travels!

I often stay at the Four Seasons and have also been stymied on finding a bistro like restaurant within walking distance. La Strada was recommended to me but I haven't tried it yet.

If your dinner's on the early side I'd suggest Halia in the Botanical Gardens. It's a lovely walk at sunset and the food and environment is delightful.

Iggy's at the Regent is quite close. This is one of the best restaurants in Asia, but quite pricey and difficult to reserve. Still, it's not too formal -- just really good.

One of my current favorites -- not within walking distance though -- is Papillon. Very sophisticated food but stylish and relaxed atmosphere.

I'm not too fond of the main restaurant at the 4Seasons but the Chinese restaurant is very good and they'll give you a lot of advice on how to order.

Check out Lei Gardens.

http://ihs.microweb.com.hk/~design/l...hop_sg_en.html

Yes, Lei Gardens is very good. It's Chinese and in the Chijmes Complex right across from the Raffles Plaza Shopping Center and Raflles Hotel area. Happy Travels!

Thanks again! On a similar note, if we're looking at somewhere near Raffles the Plaza, is it worth going to the New Asia Bar at Swissotel the Stamford or is it overrated - the reviews for the restaurants there are a little cool but I don't know if the same applies to the bar?

Only three weeks to go....HOORAY!

Don't worry too much about missing Nude. It's run buy the Indochine people, but it's located in a shopping mall...nothing too special.

With just one night on this stop, I would assume you are looking for the most in both food AND atmosphere.

In that regard, Halia in the Botanical Gardens is an excellent suggestion. It's glass on 3 sides, so you feel as though you are wrapped in the rainforest. Nice mix of Western and local dishes from which to choose. They make a very decent laksa, if you are in the mood for something local and a little spicy.

Also in that same category is the Indochine on the Waterfront, attached to the back of the Asian Civilizations Museum. 10 min by taxi from the FS. Drop dead view of the quaint shophouses of Boat Quay, with the modern Singapore skyline behind. Tables are on an outdoor terrace right on the river, so dress for warm temps. Food is a mix of Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian styles....not THE best food in town, but very good. Before or after dinner you can enjoy a stroll along the river walk to stretch your legs. One of the most picturesque areas in Singapore.

A third suggestion for great atmosphere and great food is Flutes at the Fort. Housed in a historic old colonial "black and white" house, tucked up on the side of Ft. Canning Hill. Romantic tables on
the verandah, with views of the city lights. Outstanding food, the menu is modern Australian.

Oops, forgot to mention that for all these restaurants, you really do need a reservation, so have the concierge at the FS call as soon as you arrive, or email them ahead of time.
Flutes is also a 10 min taxi ride from the FS.