I've just returned form three weeks in Asia and spent four nights in Singapore. Singapore has a fabulous range of restaurants and I only had time to sample a few.

My intent had been to have lunch at Les Amis au Jardin, perhaps my favorite "special occasion" restaurant in Singapore. Unfortunately, they have stopped serving lunch at their Botanical Gardens location. They do offer lunch at their newer location (near the intersection of Scotts Road and Orchard Road). We did not go there, as we really wanted to eat at the gardens.

Another favorite restaurant is Doc Cheng's in Raffles. We had a wonderful lunch there. They have a lunch menu that allows tou to choose from a half a dozen first courses, half a dozen second courses and half a dozen desserts for S$35+++ for three courses. It's a fabulous deal.

We also at at a new Italian restaurant, Capella, located in Chijmes. The food was excellent, and they also had a lunch menu for S$35+++ for a three course lunch with almost as many choices as Doc Cheng's.

The third place we ate was called Jaan, located on the 70th floor of the Swisshotel (used to be the Westin). They offered a three course set lunch, you choose between two entrees, the first course and dessert are fixed, for S$50+++ (although they gave us a 20% discount - I don't know why). While the view is unbeatable, the food was very good, but not exceptional, and the choices were limited. Wines by the glass were very expensive here.

Kathie -

Thanks for taking the time to give us your thoughts. Hubby and I will be in Singapore next May for a couple of nights so any info is always appreciated.

We plan to stay at the Scarlet Hotel in Chinatown. It just either opened or reopened this month. Did ya happen by it? The property seems nice on the website but of course, I just wanted a little more info.

Happy Holidays?

Sorry, I don't know anything about the Scarlet Hotel. Have a wonderful time in Singapore!

Kathie, some questions please: in next April will be for two days in Singapore, and I think that will be nice to visit in one afternoon Santosa island.
Did you visit there? In your opinion, is a good idea to go there, or not? What about orchid garden?
I heared that is the biggest in the world.

If you have a moment, please answer me.
Thank you,

Liliana

In all the many times I've been to Singapore, I've never been to Sentosa. It's really sort of a theme park, and it just doesn't interest me.

The orchid garden at the Botanical Gardens is the largest Orchid display garden in the world. It is really stunning and well worth the visit.

I also recommend a visit to the Museum of Asian Civilizations. There are two branches, the largest is at Empress Place (Raffles Place MRT stop).

Add to the list Indochine Restaurant on Club Street and Thanying Express Thai restaurant on the B2 level of Takashimaya Dept store on Orchard Road at the Orchard MRT stop.Happy Travels!

Thanks for the run-down of restaurants in Singapore. Where did you finally eat close to the botanical gardens? We have a long layover in Singapore on the way to the Maldives and hope to visit the gardens December 26.

We ended up not eating at the botanical gardens this trip. There is another restaurant in the gardens (other than Les Amis), but I've not been there. Sorry, I don't remember the name of it.

You may try Equinox on top of the Swissotel Stamford for their afternoon tea buffet. Great view and nice food!

Must try chili crab or pepper crab when in Singapore.

Hi--we were planning to have breakfast near the gardens. I should have been clearer. Any suggestions?