15 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.

All Things Delicious

$$ | Kampong Glam Fodor's choice

You can count on this halal bakery and café (founded by food personality Dewi Imelda Wadhwa) to turn out some of the island’s best pastries and desserts. The ATD To Go Dessert Box, an 8-piece taster of their most popular items, includes the bakery's signature gula Melaka scone and Paris brest. Save space for other delectables like the aromatic Earl Grey cake in a light vanilla buttercream, or the moreish sticky toffee pudding drenched in a homemade caramel sauce. For those more inclined to savory pursuits, dishes like a punchy coriander pesto prawn pasta and a hearty steak & hash potatoes made with grass-fed steak cubes.  

Coffee Break at Amoy Street

$ | Chinatown Fodor's choice

Head to level 2 of the Amoy Street food center for a cup of traditionally-brewed local kopi with a twist; the menu includes a dizzying array of latte flavors, including black sesame, hazelnut, and butter pecan. For a quick bite, pair it with their equally-eclectic toast flavors, like earl grey creme or matcha coconut.

7 Maxwell Rd., Singapore, 069111, Singapore
Known For
  • Unique kopi and toast breakfast
  • Traditional sock-brewed coffee
  • Popular with the Telok Ayer work crowd
Restaurant Details
Closed Sat. and Sun.

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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
Closed Sun.

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Recommended Fodor's Video

Malaysian Food Street

$ | Sentosa Island Fodor's choice
Who wins the great debate over which country has the best hawker food, Singapore or Malaysia? Judge for yourself without crossing the causeway at this cluster of hawker stalls (thankfully air-conditioned), which has all the signature Malaysian hawker noshes in one spot. The variety (and aromas) can prove overwhelming, so your best (and safest) bet is opting for the places with the longest lines. Prices are higher than at a standard hawker center, but a little extra can be justified at standouts like the KL Jalan Alor Hokkien mee heun (stir fried noodles), famous for its secret dark sauce and 30-year-old recipe, the wok hei-filled kee claypot chicken rice cooked over charcoal, and the famous Penang Lim Brothers' char koay teow (stir-fried rice cake strips).

Chye Seng Huat Hardware

$ | Little India

Singapore’s vibrant third-wave coffee scene owes a lot to to Chye Seng Huat Hardware, one of the first specialty coffee spots in the area. The former hardware store turned hip coffee space is rarely empty, and regulars swear by both the brews and the robust brunch menu. Inside, the two-story complex includes a coffee school, retail space stocked with coffee gadgets and gear, and a roastery.

150 Tyrwhitt Rd., Singapore, 207563, Singapore
6299--4321
Known For
  • Flat white
  • Lively weekend brunch crowd
  • Ethically sourced coffee beans
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon.

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Firebake - Woodfired Bakehouse and Restaurant

$$
Alongside the local chicken rice and laksa hawker stalls lining East Coast Road is this gem of a European cafe, which is as faithful to its roots as its neighbors. What you get here are hearty meals and artisanal bread baked in a full-scale, 37-ton wood-fired oven, all made with ingredients that are as natural and sustainable as possible.
237 East Coast Rd., 428930, Singapore
6440–1228
Known For
  • Brunch
  • Prawn capellini aglio olio
  • "cheesymite" sourdough roll
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon.-Tues.

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Glyph Supply Co

$ | Orchard

For a serious cup of coffee near Somerset, drop by this pristine-white café that is usually full of coffee aficionados sipping on in-house roasted brews. You can also pick up fresh beans and coffee-making accoutrements to take home.

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.

Konditori

$ | Kampong Glam

This cute Swedish cafe's halal bakes are slightly pricey, but they're favored by local café aficionados. Stick to signature items like the strawberry cream cheese Danish and traditional semla bun, available year round. Other winning menu items include flaky croissants (in flavors like red-velvet cream cheese), kouign amann, and savory quiches for a heartier bite.

33 Bussorah St., Singapore, 199451, Singapore
6209–8580
Known For
  • Creative baked goods
  • Traditional semla bun
  • Halal-certified pastries and breads

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Maxi Coffee Bar

$ | Chinatown

This small, blue-decked café on the side of Ann Siang Hill serves some of the best coffee on the island. Grab an iced latte and perch on one of the outside tables for a quick break from the Chinatown sightseeing and shopping. The café often works with local bakers, so make sure to try their pastry and sandwich selections.

6 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore, 069787, Singapore
9776--7400
Known For
  • Seasonal coffee selections
  • Friendly staff
  • Outdoor seating
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon.

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Nanyang Old Coffee

$ | Chinatown

“Bringing back the good old taste of Singapore traditional coffee” is the motto here, and you definitely won't be disappointed in the way that's done. Try the strong, sweet kopi ubiquitous in Singapore’s history, in an old-fashioned, bright red coffee house. Brush up on your kopi terms before visiting.

268 South Bridge Rd., Singapore, 058817, Singapore
6221--6973
Known For
  • Supports historic Singaporean coffee culture
  • Strong coffee and milk tea
  • Kaya toast sets

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Nassim Hill Bakery Bistro Bar

$$ | Orchard

This lovely bistro transforms from bakery and brunch hotspot by day to chic restaurant and bar by night. It specializes in European-style baked bread, which forms the basis of many of the brunch dishes (served until 3 pm) and then again as a delicious accompaniment to a selection of zesty dips and pasta in the evening. Portion sizes are very generous, with a rustic look and feel to the presentation. The bistro is tucked away behind the post office on Nassim Hill about a 10-minute walk from the top of Orchard Road.

PS. Cafe East Coast Park

$$ | East Coast Park

Part of the popular PS. Cafe chain, this stylish, sun-lit cafe by the sea is one for the Instagram, and a perfect spot for weekend brunch (although you’ll likely have to wait in line). The breezy Anglo-Chinese fare includes exclusive-to-this-branch creations like a scrumptious chorizo and calamari stew, as well as long-time chain favorites like the Parmesan-dusted truffle fries and chunky desserts.

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.

6 Battery Rd., Singapore, 049909, Singapore
8036--7818
Known For
  • Thick, hearty sandwiches
  • Good Aussie coffee
  • Snack options for on-the-go
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun.

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Tiong Shian Porridge

$ | Chinatown
This humble store on the edge of Chinatown, with its metal chairs and bright strip lights, doesn't look very inviting—until you see the hoards of people waiting to get inside. Congee, or savory porridge, is a popular local dish, and nowhere does it better than Tiong Shian, where thick, hot white rice is served with everything from meatballs to frogs legs. Service is brisk and comfort is minimal but you can be guaranteed a good meal.
265 New Bridge Rd., Singapore, 088745, Singapore
6222–3911
Known For
  • Cheap prices
  • Delicious congee
  • Quick service

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