The 50 best restaurants in Singapore you must try

What it is Casual restaurant along Ann Siang Road with seasonal Mediterranean-inspired small plates.

Why we love it Asia’s Best Female Chef 2023 Johanne Siy plates up punchy, progressive dishes with Filipino accents inspired by her hometown of Pangasinan, which means “the place of salt”. Expect bright and bold flavours, with the star of the show being the charred carabinero prawn oozing with shrimpy head butter. Make sure to sop up every drop of that prawn jus with the dense potato bread that comes along with it. 

Time Out tip Tasting menus are only served for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations are a must at this joint.

What it is Modern Southeast Asian cuisine integrating Malaysian culinary traditions, by award-winning chef Kevin Wong. 

Why we love it Chef-owner Kevin Wong bagged the Michelin Guide Young Chef Award in 2023 and his win was well-warranted. Familiar flavours, herbs, and spices native to Malaysia are gracefully weaved into the multi-course Nusantara Menu ($268 per person). Signatures include the Trader’s rice, which showcases rice cultivated by the Lun Bawang tribe in Borneo. The use of seasonal ingredients and sustainably sourced seafood also earned the restaurant a Michelin Green Star – Singapore’s first.

Time Out tip Opt for a drink pairing (from $88 for the lunch non-alcoholic pairing). The drinks feature interesting local ingredients and are meticulously curated to pair seamlessly with each course.

What it is One-Michelin modern Korean excellence by Chef Louis Han, with episodic menus based on his journey from South Korea to Abu Dhabi and Singapore. 

Why we love it The wood-washed 28-seater emits the warmth of home and comes with an open kitchen to satisfy curious eyes. Korean flavours might take centre stage, but the food is not beholden to tradition. The classic ($218) and signature ($268) menus are currently on their seventh iteration, featuring seasonal blossoms and produce from Jeju Island. Yellow Canola blossoms steal the scene in a golden threadfin stew, and sweet tangerines, carrots and basil round off the meal.

Time Out tip Grab a seat at the counter for front row seats to the food prep – the vibrant colours will be a feast for your eyes.

What it is Award-winning Australian barbecue where everything is grilled – or rather coaxed – over open flames.

Why we love it Most items on the menu are cooked in special ovens – four-tonne brick kilns that heat up to 700 degrees celsius – designed by chef-owner Dave Pynt. There’s just something incredibly honest about a solid slab of meat coaxed over open flames. The flat iron steak topped with bone marrow and burnt onions, and the smoked quail eggs with caviar are items you’ll find on every table. But to leave without chowing down Burnt Ends’ legendary signature burger ($11.99) would be a travesty. 

Time Out tip Reservations are notoriously hard to snag, but Burnt Ends is well worth the hype and the month-long waiting list, so plan ahead.

What it is Contemporary Malay fine-dining set in a luxe yet peaceful and intimate space.

Why we love it Chef Hafizzul Hashim is a shiny beacon that puts modern Malay cuisine on the map with his episodic menus, drawing inspiration from pasar malams (night markets), his late grandmother’s recipes, and hidang (a traditional Malay food spread). His dishes are refined and thoughtful, accentuating forgotten indigenous ingredients and ancient cooking techniques from the Malay peninsula’s coastal regions. Set menus range from a simple three-course lunch ($78) to a grand eight-course dinner ($288).

Time Out tip Skip lunch if you’re heading down for dinner. This is one fine dining meal you won't leave hungry.

What it is Comforting yet refined expressions of East Asian flavours with French culinary savoir-faire.

Why we love it Dining at Path is a rather transformative experience. Creativity, flavour mastery, and decadence anchor Chef Marvas Ng’s latest eight-course expedition menu ($228). Most of the seafood are sourced from Indonesia and Malaysia, and braised dishes and sauces are nailed down to a tee. You’ll be in for a surprise with the Japanese Tai – a unique recreation of chicken rice flavours – but without the chicken and the rice.

Time Out tip Come hungry. Portions here are generous and menus are inspired by the order of traditional Chinese banquets, which means you’ll definitely be fed well.

What it is Three-Michelin-starred French fine-dining establishment by Chef Julien Royer. 

Why we love it Odette needs no further introduction, and no list of the best restaurants in Singapore would be complete without it. Described as honest food with steep respect for ingredients cultivated from Royer’s farming family in France, the food here prides itself on keeping up with the provenance of its produce. Starting at $348, the meal takes you through magnificent plates like the Pigeon Beak to Tail, Kegani crab, Jade tiger abalone and the yuzu sake shiso tart. 

Time Out tip Swing by early to explore the grounds of the National Gallery, where the restaurant is located.

What it is One of the rare Chinese restaurants that offers both Teochew and Cantonese cuisine.

Why we love it San Shu Gong might seem like your ordinary heritage Chinese restaurant, but it's the small things that make the difference. The restaurant insists on making their own tofu, vinegar and chilli sauces, and only uses ocean-caught seafood. There’s an entire catalogue of star dishes, but must-orders are the marinated crabs with Shaoxing wine, wok-fried kway teow with XO sauce (from $14), pan-fried oyster omelette ($16), and deep-fried sea cucumber ($30).  

Time Out tip The braised whole chicken stuffed with pig stomach ($138) is another crowd favourite. Make sure to order it 24 hours in advance.

What it is A Nordic twist on classic brasserie fare, set in the historic Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall.

Why we love it Renowned Swedish chef Björn Frantzén reignites the spirit of Europe’s grand dining halls at Brasserie Astoria – think tableside service, flambé trolleys and dessert carts. And head chef Emil Cecil Ess executes Frantzén’s vision perfectly in dishes like the butter-fried Råraka ($36) and the Toast Astoria ($32). The former sees vendace roe and creme fraiche atop a bed of crispy Agria potatoes, while the latter is a nod to the traditional Swedish Toast Skagen, featuring prawns, king crab and trout roe. 

Time Out tip Order the whiskey-flambéed beef (from $72) which is prepared and fired up by your table. End your meal at the gorgeous bar with Nordic and Asian-inspired cocktails.

What it is Comfort French food within a preserved colonial chapel, inspired by traditional home cooking from chef Julien Royer’s hometown of Auvergne. 

Why we love it Beyond its elegant interiors and unique locale, Claudine exudes the warmth of homecoming in its food. The crowd-favourite vol-au-vent ($58) is a flaky puff pastry filled with creamy veal sweetbreads and woody morel mushrooms, while the signature Claudine Bouillabaisse ($198) is a dense and hearty Provençal fish stew with carabinero prawns that feeds up to four. 

Time Out tip Be expectant for the bread course. Rye sourdough is served with a luxurious Iberico butter – it’s simple but sublime. 

What it is A seaside restaurant at East Coast Park by ex-Braci chef Mirko Febbrile, serving uncomplicated Italian fare.

Why we love it Breezy holiday vibes are strong here, and the food is an assemblage of familiar Italian dishes. The baked focaccina (from $18) is a must-order alongside San Marzano tomatoes or fresh buffalo mozzarella. The small plates feature seasonal ingredients like Cardoncelli mushrooms ($21) or charred red peppers and Cantabrico anchovies ($18). For a dash of novelty: desserts are pushed out in adorable carts, and we recommend you go for the cannoli or burrata gelato.

Time Out tip Grab a seat by the live pasta bar to watch fresh pasta (from $23) prepared before your eyes. Lesser seen variations like mafaldine and orecchiette are also available.

What it is An intimate dining experience at Serangoon Gardens specialising in omakase-style Singaporean dishes. 

Why we love it Chef Gan Ming Kiat spent time at Candlenut and Goto before opening a pop-up out of his HDB flat in 2017. Now, Mustard Seed is #81 on Asia’s 100 best restaurants list. The menu is rooted in Singaporean flavours and inspired by Japanese culinary techniques. The eight course tasting menu ($268) is dynamic and changes every two months, featuring remakes of national dishes like laksa and rojak.

Time Out tip This small space has a giant waitlist. Check out their Instagram page to snag last minute reservations from cancellations.

What it is A charming, unpretentious Thai restaurant that offers a kaleidoscope of earnest Thai flavours.

Why we love it Hot, sour, salty, and sweet – expect a carefully curated eight-course tasting menu ($148) that is adventurous yet familiar. Journey your tastebuds from north to south with the likes of decadent curries and exquisite produce. Creative takes on traditional flavours include the miang kham – featuring wild betel leaf, Rayong shrimp and a lemongrass reduction, as well as the kaeng buad phueak chor pha-ga – a dessert made of yam paste with palm sugar dumplings and coconut ice cream.

Time Out tip Despite the $14 top-up required, you should not sleep on the signature khao pad kid terng (salted threadfin fried rice) and its evocative smoky briny profile.

What it is An outstanding dining experience by acclaimed chef Anne-Sophie Pic in Raffles Hotel, rooted in French techniques.

Why we love it Chef de cuisine Alexandre Alves Pereira strings together the locale’s finest Asian flavours and herbs with beautiful florals and French culinary flair. The Experience ($258) and Elegance ($358) menus come with stunning edible depictions of Pic’s hometown in Valence. And no meal at La Dame de Pic is complete without Pic’s signature Les Berlingots where each exquisite pyramid-shaped pasta parcel holds the season’s bounties.

Time Out tip Opt for the mixed beverage pairing where chef-sommelier Justin Wee tinkers with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic pairings. Think vibrant granny smith apple shiso-infused tipples and a custom-made roselle-flavoured lager from a local brewery.

What it is A vibey seafood restaurant and wine bar along Bukit Pasoh by the Jigger & Pony Group.

Why we love it Humpback has ditched its seaside shack high tables for a proper sit-down affair. The seafood-forward plates mirror the restaurant’s new refined and elevated look and feel. Think applewood-smoked hamachi pastrami tostada ($14) rounded with pickled mustard sour cream, and house-cured swordfish belly bacon ($32) tossed with ricotta cavatelli. Of course, no visit to the joint will be complete without oysters – take your pick between Summerstone, Blue Pool, Hammersley Inlet and Eld Inlet oysters ($8 per piece).

Time Out tip If $8 a pop is too much of a splurge, head down for the oyster happy hour (all day on Mondays and public holidays, and till 7pm from Wednesdays to Sundays) where one piece goes at $4.

What it is An intimate Japanese kappo restaurant by Chef Kenjiro ‘Hatch’ Hashida, serving up the finest sushi omakase experience money can buy.

Why we love it Hashida teases the senses in its main 12-seater space: sleek Hiba wood countertop, ceilings and walls resembling the moon's surfaces, exquisite handcrafted tableware, and a warm and hospitable crew. And of course, the inventive food – from monaka crackers with crab and caviar, an indulgent spin on chawanmushi with blue cheese and abalone, as well as slivers of fresh chutoro (fatty tuna), katsuo (bonito) and kue (grouper).

Time Out tip Don't skip out on the condiments. Treated with the same reverence as fresh seafood, the house-made wasabi paste is made with discarded wasabi peels simmered in soy sauce and then mixed in with fresh grated wasabi.

What it is A restaurant dedicated to Gastro-Botanica, a term coined by Chef Jason Tan to describe his reverence for botanical ingredients. 

Why we love it The $298 menu takes you on a journey where you’ll find creative, unexpected dishes with vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices and even flowers taking the centrestage. Look out for onions – Chef Jason’s favourite vegetable – on the menu, in dishes like the onion doux des Cévennes, onion jamboree, and onion soup.

Time Out tip Take your time to soak in the beautiful interiors with foliage-filled feature walls, onion motifs, and plenty of natural light.

What it is Chef Rishi Naleendra's deeply personal exploration of self-identity told through a three-hour dining experience.

Why we love it Cloudstreet is a pure expression of who Chef Rishi is, from his Sri-Lankan roots, childhood memories growing up in Colombo and watching his dad in the kitchen, and the time he spent at illustrious dining establishments in Australia. The tasting course starting from $248 takes you through grilled oysters swimming in a pool of coconut milk all the way to an underrated bread course that sees rye flour mixed with local stout – best paired with sips of 2008 Clause Preisinger Paradigma to accentuate the bread’s liquorice notes. 

Time Out tip Don’t skip the wine pairing option. The drink menu features over 350 labels of mostly small, independent winemakers as well as classics.

What it is Chef Björn Frantzén’s first international outpost, and one of the most expensive restaurants in Singapore. 

Why we love it Priced at $580 for a fixed dinner, dining at Zén is no casual affair. But a meal here at this three-Michelin-starred joint is well worth the price tag. The tasting menu takes you through endless courses and canapes featuring Frantzén’s creative approach to Nordic, French and Japanese cuisines. You’ll find plates with ingredients that you’d be hard-pressed to find in any other restaurant in the city or the region, such as pickled baby pine cones or périgord black truffles.

Time Out tip Get ready to climb or skip the inched heels; the restaurant occupies a beautiful three-storey shophouse along the trendy Bukit Pasoh area.

What it is One-Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a new expression of Singaporean cuisine.

Why we love it This truly local restaurant has turned locavore: 80 percent of its menu is made from ingredients sourced from the city's farms and presented in lunch and dinner menus ($208 and $298) that echo Singapore's past, present, and future. Chef-owner LG Han left his prestigious career in banking to bring ‘New Singaporean’ cuisine to the table, working with local partners like Ah Hua Kelong and Edible Garden. The constant seasonal changes in produce means that their menus are dynamic and ever-changing. 

Time Out tip Inspired by the flavours he grew up with like his grandmother's cooking, Han’s Ang Moh Chicken Rice is a reinterpretation of a hawker dish we can all get behind.

What it is Two-Michelin-starred restaurant by acclaimed chef Kirk Westaway with breathtaking views of the Singapore skyline.

Why we love it The menu is distinctively British and inspired by Westaway’s hometown in Devon. Even the paintings of fossil cliffs and textured azure carpets are a nod to the picturesque coast where he grew up. The lunch (from $198) and dinner ($388) menus both feature his signature charred leek and potato soup – a comforting bowl of earthy goodness. Other mainstays on the menu are the king crab, ocean trout, as well the iconic hen’s egg with barbecued celeriac and black truffle. 

Time Out tip Forgo your carb restrictions, because you won’t want to miss the freshly baked dark rye batard roll and crispy sourdough layered bun, served with a luscious quenelle of Devonshire butter with lemon thyme leaves.

What it is A multicultural dining experience by Masterchef Singapore judge Damian D’Silva.

Why we love it Though Peranakan dishes are the spotlight here, you’ll find comforting Malay, Eurasian and Chinese flavours interspersed through the menu. Rempapa offers all-day dining with brunch, dinner and bar nibbles featuring heritage recipes over a century old. Think babi pongteh ($30), Hakka fried pork ($20), Sri Lankan chicken curry with tomato chutney ($19), and babi tulang masak assam ($35). 

Time Out tip Be sure to leave some stomach space for their assortment of traditional kueh.

What it is Progressive Italian fare reinvented with a modern twist. Expect beautiful produce smoke-kissed by the Josper and Japanese shichirin grill before it reaches you in style.

Why we love it This tiny shophouse along Boat Quay might only be able to squeeze 20 people into the space, but this exclusive casual-luxe restaurant and rooftop bar doesn't pull any punches. The restaurant’s name literally means ‘embers’ in Italian and its menu (from $208) is ultimately inspired by woodfire cooking, stellarly executed in signature dishes like the Osso Buco – an edible hollow bone shank stuffed with beef tartare and smoked marrow; and the Iberico Presa – eight-hour sous vide Spanish pork finished off on the Josper grill.

Time Out tip A three-course menu at this one-Michelin-starred joint is priced at $88 during lunch.

What it is Contemporary Indian restaurant with creative yet satisfyingly delicious plates. It earned its second Michelin star in 2022. 

Why we love it It’s been a long time coming, but Singapore finally has a contemporary Indian restaurant to call its own. Chef Mano incorporates European techniques into unusual dishes that highlight traditional Indian flavours. The chef’s menu course ($328) spotlights a crispy pork sambal with betelnut leaf and chettinad chicken roti; as well as the classic Madras Kari Kuzhambu with the choice of Mysore spiced lamb, Tajima wagyu beef, or Iberico pork. 

Time Out tip The menu switches up with the season, so you’re always in for a pleasant surprise.

What it is The restaurant’s name is a Korean term that refers to dishes paired with alcohol. 

Why we love it This modern Korean dining concept serves refined small plates in an elegant and cosy space. From an experimental black bean mascarpone cheese spread on sourdough crackers ($16), to nourishing galbi jjim (slow-braised beef short ribs), the food here is a mix of traditional Korean dishes and contemporary interpretations. Other must-try items include the bossam ($50), gochujang cauliflower ($22) and abalone gim pasta ($34).

Time Out tip You’ll see most tables sipping on Champagne Makgeolli ($80), but you ought to try the Chungmyungju ($88) – a well-bodied yet balanced refined glutinous rice liquor.

What it is Locally and internationally lauded French fine dining establishment with three Michelin stars to boot.

Why we love it There's a reason why Les Amis – which celebrates its 30th year anniversary this year – is regarded as the fine dining stalwart in Singapore. Helmed by Chef Sébastien Lepinoy, the French chef sources almost everything from his country of origin. His pride and joy: the handcrafted Le Ponclet butter which is so rare that it's only served in less than 20 restaurants in the world. The lunch course starts from $425 and is known for serving generous dollops of caviar in the appetisers.

Time Out tip While you’re there, make sure to pop by its award-winning cellar which houses an impressive 3000 labels of wine.

What it is The first Asian outpost of the celebrity chef-owned steakhouse.

Why we love it You go to Cut for one reason: the steaks. Grilled over hardwood and charcoal, the hunks of beef come from a menagerie of sources. You've got USDA Prime from Illinois, Angus and wagyu from Australia, snow-aged Wagyu and many more to live out your meat lover’s dreams. Each type is further broken down into different cuts, ranging from rib-eyes to New York strips to bone-in fillet mignons ($88 to $300).

Time Out tip No one is judging if you go traditional with the creamed spinach or the crispy tempura onion rings for sides, but it is the fried peewee potatoes that are to die for.

What it is Neon Pigeon is more than just a cocktail bar, it’s also a modern izakaya that likes to keep on its toes, so much so that ex-Nobu executive chef Sean Mell now helms the kitchen.

Why we love it From paying homage to traditional Japanese cuisine to weaving in cheeky personal childhood anecdotes, Mell's lip-smacking plates are plenty of fun to eat. OG favourites that remain untouchable in spite of menu changes include the raved Tokyo Hummus ($14), featuring blended edamame and curry chips.

Time Out tip The drinks programme is not to be missed. Bar manager Mario la Pietra hails from the award-winning Luggage Room Bar in Mayfair, London, and shakes up anything from straight-edged classics to creative bespoke concoctions.

What it is JB Ah Meng is a Bib Gourmand awardee best known for its wok-kissed dishes and frequented by a handful of celebrity chefs.

Why we love it The restaurant’s regulars include chefs Justin Quek (Justin Flavours of Asia), Andrew Walsh (Cure, Kee’s and Tilly’s), and Jason Tan (Corner House). Like them, the crowds keep coming back for its unbeatable zi char dishes like the san lou bee hoon (from $8). It appears simple enough, but the pancake-resembling seafood noodle dish is the joint’s star. Charred and crisp on the outside but soft on the inside, each strand of bee hoon is coated with a smoky wok hei.

Time Out tip JB Ah Meng also does a killer rendition of white pepper crab (market price) – the dish is only mildly spicy and lets the natural sweetness of the crustacean shine.

What it is The only Chinese restaurant in a hotel to receive a star in the Michelin Guide Singapore 2016. 

Why we love it After all these years, Summer Pavilion is still one of the best Chinese eateries in town, helmed by Chef Cheung Siu Kong who’s been honing his craft in the same kitchen since 2003. To taste the best of everything, go for the set lunch (from $128) and dinner (from $168) which feature Cheung’s signature dishes like the barbecued Iberico pork with honey sauce and the double-boiled sea whelk soup with fish maw and chicken, served in a whole coconut.

Time Out tip Make sure to check out the dim sum menu for specials like the baked abalone puff ($13) and steamed lobster dumpling ($4.50) – available from 11.30am to 2.30pm daily.

What it is Fat Prince by The Dandy Collection has been given a facelift and in its place is now The Prince – showcasing the finest of Arabian hospitality and food.

Why we love it At The Prince, you can expect Arabian cuisine with a contemporary twist, and a chock full of hospitality and warmth. The karam menu ($78) is inspired by the Arabian concept of generosity, and the portions show it. You’ll start with a sharing mezze platter with nine sides, including cashew hummus and pumpkin walnut baba ganoush. The lobster shorbat addas follows as a hearty intermission, before the mains are rolled out – think sumac-crusted Mediterranean seabass, or a grand serving of Black Hog Tomahawk steak.

Time Out tip Be sure to come hungry – we mean it when we say the portions are generous. The breads and dips are refillable, and while the Tomahawk and seabass are meant for two, they could easily feed three or more people.

What it is American celebrity chef Nancy Silverton's Cal-Italian dining concept serving wood-fire pizzas for lunch and specialising in handmade pastas for dinner.

Why we love it It almost feels like a casual day trip to Los Angeles. During lunch, Silverton’s famous wood-fired pizzas are served in lip-smacking fashion, including new drops like the goat cheese pizza with butter-braised leeks, and the Le Bianche, featuring gorgonzola dolce. Come nightfall, dishes are nods to classics that first rocketed Osteria Mozza into the dining sphere. Don't sleep on the deconstructed Nancy’s Caesar ($30) and the inimitable sausage orecchiette ($33).

Time Out tip Don't come to dinner expecting pizzas, they are lunch exclusives.

What it is Singapore’s first South American fine dining restaurant using ingredients harvested from crops in South America.

Why we love it Renowned chefs Francisco Araya and Fernanda Guerrero have cut their teeth at restaurants like Mugaritz, ElBulli, Alegre, and the duo know exactly how to elevate ingredients like corn, Andean potatoes and Chilean berries. The degustation menu ($298) is focused on Chilean South Pacific cuisine with subtle Japanese influences. Standout dishes include the ceviche with shio koji-cured scallops and tiger’s milk, as well as the Brazilian moqueca – a traditional fish stew prepared with Japanese kinki. 

Time Out tip There’s also a vegetarian menu option ($298) which features Andean quinoa, beetroot sorbet, roasted cauliflower and other unique ingredients.

What it is Singapore’s first African café-restaurant spotlighting flavours from all around the African continent. 

Why we love it Owner Kurt Wagner lived in Africa during his childhood and his love for African hospitality and food shines through in every detail in the restaurant. The space is decked out in woody, eclectic decor, oozing a buzzy, communal vibe. Hearty, soulful mains are the norm here – the Ethiopian chicken curry ($35) and charred aubergine lamb stew ($39) are divine when lathered over Jasmine rice. As for drinks, the Bosi G&T ($28) is a wise choice, featuring the award-winning Kenyan Procera gin and pink peppercorn. 

Time Out tip Take your time to explore the space. Hang out with friends at the communal lounge area on the second floor that replicates a warm, inviting living room. Or take the conversation out to the roof terrace with a drink or two in hand.

What it is A less run-of-the-mill hotpot experience for special occasions and family gatherings.

Why we love it The ambience at this Boat Quay joint is equal parts cosy and classy. The restaurant’s most popular broth may be the golden chicken soup ($24), but they have amassed a surprising number of fans who come back for the spicy rabbit broth ($68). Beyond your regular meat cuts, they also offer beef tongue ($26) and the Hokkaido milk beef ($25) – where beef slices are soaked in milk to give it a richer flavour. 

Time Out tip For the daring, the menu also has adventurous options like pig’s brain ($10) and fried bullfrog legs ($10).

What it is Ex-Salted & Hung chef-owner, Drew Nocente taps into his Italian roots at Cenzo and adds his signature modern Australian flair to the mix.

Why we love it Across the main dining room is an action-packed open kitchen, and what comes out of it is food that is both thoughtful and fun. There’s plenty to sink your teeth into, from grilled tiger prawns with seaweed and garlic chilli ($35), to a range of handmade pastas like the orecchiette con salsiccia ($28) and the coveted truffle ravioli ($35) with limited portions daily. Find out more about the pasta specials of the day from any of the staff. 

Time Out tip The all-time favourite house-cured beef pastrami sandwich ($26) is also worth trying.

What it is One of the nation’s most beloved steakhouses, known for its sharing steaks and classic Italian fare.

Why we love it Many regulars can vouch for the T-bone Florentina ($198). It’s a hefty price to pay, but it’s always perfectly cooked to your preferred doneness, tender and juicy with a marbling score of six, and excellent when paired with their medley of four sauces, especially the mustard and radish dips. Other standout dishes include the Fremantle octopus ($33) with romesco sauce, as well as the homemade burrata ($40). Don’t overlook the desserts either – we hear they do a solid tiramisu ($16) and sticky date pudding ($17). 

Time Out tip Opt for the executive lunch (from $52) to get more bang for your buck. You’ll get to enjoy the signature F1 wagyu, complete with a potato and thyme terrine and steak sauce.

What it is Waterfront restaurant at the Fullerton Waterboat House serving innovative Italian-Asian fare.

Why we love it You’re promised a glimmering view of the Singapore River at Matera, thanks to its prime location at the Fullerton Waterboat House. The food is equally stunning – traditional Italian cuisine meets Asian flavours in Chef Bjoern Alexander’s stellar execution of modern Italian fare. Don’t be surprised to see ravioli made from dumpling skins or bucatini pasta combined with spicy Asian dried scallops. But the pièce de résistance goes to Chef Bjoern’s tribute to the carabinero prawn, served with prawn toast and XO sauce.

Time Out tip After dinner, head towards the Merlion Park for a closer view of the bay, or cross the Anderson Bridge for a leisurely stroll along the Singapore River.

What it is Premium nasi lemak that’s well worth the hefty price tag.

Why we love it When a restaurant still draws in daily queues despite charging $21 for a dish people typically pay $3 for, you know it's doing something right. The signature ayam goreng berempah nasi lemak at The Coconut Club is a faultless example of the classic Malay dish. Rice comes flavoured with coconut milk from a single plantation in Sabak Bernam, Malaysia, and the giant leg of organic chicken that crowns the dish is perfectly spiced and fried. The best part is the crispy rempah crumbs that are tossed over the rice for an added crunch.

Time Out tip Don’t leave without trying the kueh sampler (from $16), featuring an assortment of Malay and Nonya kueh that are handmade fresh daily.

What it is Traditional Edomae sushi restaurant which makes use of fish-ageing techniques to enhance the texture of the fish.

Why we love it The itamae (head chef) at Sushi Kawasemi procures the freshest seasonal ingredients from Japan four times a week via close connections with auction bidders. The theme of the meal (from $98 for lunch and $188 for dinner) centres around umami, and is achieved through jukusei (wet-ageing) or ichiyaboshi (dry-ageing) techniques that have been perfected. You’ll get to taste cuts like the nodoguro (black throat sea perch), shiromi (white-fleshed fish), and even the prized otoro which is dry-aged for 18 days.

Time Out tip Apart from fish-ageing, look out for the wide range of cooking techniques in the starters, from sake-laced soup with plump clamps, to charcoal-grilled eel with leek sauce.

What it is Small, casual izakaya with all the trimmings – quality yakitori sticks, sakes, and reasonably priced highballs.

Why we love it Yakitori Yatagarasu has all the fixtures of an izakaya spot that warrants a repeat visit. They’ve stepped up the game by using all parts of the chicken, including gizzard, heart, liver, tail, skin, and soft bone skewers. Get as many sticks of the tail ($3.50) you can muster – they tend to sell out before the other skewers. And for something different, try the curry rice ($6), yakisoba ($6) and shiso leaf ($4.50) skewers.

Time Out tip When it comes to izakayas, skewers and sake go hand in hand. Here, you get to choose your own sake cup and try sake recommended by the friendly staff. Order the Kaku or Jim Beam Mega Highball ($17) to complete the experience. 

What it is A rustic pizzeria in the Joo Chiat neighbourhood by Chef Antonio Miscellaneo, said to serve the best pizzas in town now. 

Why we love it It’ll be a crime not to include the best pizzeria in the country in our top 50. La Bottega Enoteca ranked 19th on the 50 Top Pizza awards in Asia Pacific last June, and not without reason. Its ‘Newpolitan’ pizza is what regulars flock back time and again for. Flavours include the burrata (from $28); Sarde (from $34) featuring tomato, ricotta and Spanish sardines; and the beef carpaccio (from $34). Every bite of the 72-hour slow-fermented dough is light and crisp on the outside while soft and chewy on the inside.

Time Out tip Miscellaneo makes and ages his own salami out of a blend of pork and beef. You can try his homemade salami in the Gnocco Fritto ($38).

What it is The first international outpost of the world’s first and only Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse. 

Why we love it Cote Korean Steakhouse isn’t just a restaurant, it’s an all-night entertainment enclave fitted with a bar, a music room for performances, and a cigar lounge that projects noir films. Food-wise, it marries the elements of a typical all-American steakhouse with the experience of a traditional Korean barbecue. Partake in the Butcher’s Feast ($98) where you’ll get to indulge in thick cuts of hanger steak, 45 day dry-aged ribeye, flat iron steak and marinated galbi. 

Time Out tip Singapore specials are also available at this branch. Try a Korean version of oyster omelette ($28) or a cleaner, beefier rendition of bak kut teh ($58).

What it is Known as the OG of Singapore’s natural wine movement, RVLT is a grungy, fuss-free gastro-bar stocked with natural wine and solid grub to boot.

Why we love it Yes, it’s a wine bar. But with multiple menu overhauls every year that hit the spot each time, coupled with Chef Sunny’s Leong dedication to never keeping things the same, RVLT deserves a spot in the top 50. All-time favourites include the homemade sourdough ($12), chicken nuggets (from $24) and the lobster ‘XO’ pasta (from $48). And if it happens to be on the menu when you visit, you have to try the crystal bread ($18) – a translucent, dehydrated dashi snack that’s nothing short of a culinary marvel.

Time Out tip Head to the shelves to see what wines are in stock for the week, and keep your eyes peeled for the ‘Vigneron of the Week’ announcements on RVLT’s socials for the bar’s weekly curation.

What it is Tokyo-Neapolitan pizza joint by master pizzaiolo Eddie Murakami who trained in famous pizzerias in Japan.

Why we love it The restaurant exclusively uses flour, salt, and water filters that are imported from Japan, olive oil from Italy, and adheres to a strict 30-hour proofing time, resulting in a perfectly fluffy and chewy pizza crust. You can’t go wrong with classics like the margherita ($30), but we highly recommend ordering the Singapore Rampage ($39) and the 5 Formaggi ($39). The former boasts a spicy sauce base made with over 100 prawns cooked for a day, while the latter is a decadent mix of five cheeses topped with honey – an absolute dream for cheese lovers.

Time Out tip Make your reservations early. The 28-seater restaurant is fully booked months ahead despite having just opened.

What it is Fuss-free Korean barbecue joint in Jalan Besar with stellar meat cuts and sides, at a considerably more affordable price than other barbecue spots. 

Why we love it We visited this place four times in the past year and it never fails to amaze. This is one KBBQ joint that takes its meats seriously – think USDA prime beef, wagyu and Duroc pork, and a meticulous treatment by the grill. Binchotan charcoal is used, and waiters measure the temperature of the grill with a thermometer before cooking every cut to perfection. The non-marinated pork set for two ($64) is enough to satisfy. It comes with thick cuts of tender, juicy Duroc pork belly, jowl and neck, your choice of stew – we recommend the soybean stew – and an array of banchan.

Time Out tip No meal at Reply K1988 is complete without ordering the seafood pancake ($20). It’s satisfyingly crispy on the outside and filled with plump morsels of seafood inside, paired with an addictive dipping sauce.

What it is Old-school zi char restaurant along the Keong Saik dining enclave which has seen multiple appearances on the Michelin Bib Gourmand Singapore Guide.

Why we love it This zi char joint is loud, crowded and unrefined – just the way we like it. You’ll spot a glistening plate of prawn hor fun ($16 to 48) on almost every table. Unlike the typical hor fun, the sauce here is less starchy and has a soup-like consistency. Each spoonful delivers a rich prawn stock that’s umami-laden with a hint of heat from fresh red chillies. Make sure to order the bittergourd black bean sauce with fish ($20.30) – the black bean gravy drizzled over rice makes for a satisfying, savoury mouthful. 

Time Out tip Other specialities include the claypot yong tau foo ($15.30) and poached Chinese spinach ($14) with century eggs and salted eggs.

What it is Authentic Thai restaurant with an extensive menu ranging from affordable eats to lesser-seen dishes. 

Why we love it We used to brave the dingy basements of Golden Mile Complex to get to this joint, but that’s no longer needed thanks to its new location at Kitchener Road. The heavy-handed seasoning – done in true Thai fashion – is what we love about this restaurant. They aren’t afraid to bring on the fish sauce or dial up the heat. Get the clear tom yum seafood soup ($16.35) to pair with rice, though beware that the spice level stays true to the Thai palette. Other must-orders are the juicy, grilled pandan chicken ($19.62), beef noodle soup ($8.72) which has an addictive broth, and the steamed fish with spicy lime sauce (from $43.60).

Time Out tip Cult favourites on the dessert menu are the mango sticky rice ($13.08) and Thai red ruby ($7.63), but you might want to try the sweet tapioca with coconut milk ($7.63) for a change.

What it is Casual Indian restaurant by Chef Govinda Rajan specialising in Hyderabadi style biryani. 

Why we love it Once a hawker stall in the Commonwealth neighbourhood, Mr Biryani opened its first restaurant in 2017, and prides itself in using a regional cooking method of slow-cooking spiced meats together with par-boiled rice. Try the signature Hyderabad chicken dhum biryani ($14.90) where spice-marinated chicken is cooked together with fragrant basmati rice. You can also sample biryani variants that come with mutton, prawn, paneer, lamb shank and fish. Wash it all down with their homemade masala chai. 

Time Out tip For something different, opt for the jackfruit dum biryani ($13.90) which comes with tender, fleshy jackfruit slices marinated in ginger garlic spice.